Wei Zhou, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate

Wei has a strong background in host-microbe interaction and evolution of microbial pathogens. He is interested in developing computational tools to more efficiently characterize the microbiome using metagenomic data.

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About Wei Zhou, Ph.D.

Wei is broadly interested in evolution and ecology of microbes in complex communities using genomic methods. Before joining the Oh Lab, he worked with Dr. Dustin Brisson in the University of Pennsylvania to study host-microbe interaction and evolution of microbial pathogens. Presently he is developing computational tools that characterize microbes and microbial interactions more effectively and with less necessary domain expertise.

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Education and Experience

2011-2016 PhD candidate in biology, University of Pennsylvania

Advisor: Dr. Dustin Brisson

2009-2011 MS in Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Advisor: Dr. Jun Lin

2005-2009 BS in biology, Fudan University, China

Advisor: Dr. Weida Huang

Selected Publications

Highlighted Abstract

Lyme disease spirochetes possess complex genomes, consisting of a main chromosome and 20 or more smaller replicons. Among those small DNAs are the cp32 elements, a family of prophages that replicate as circular episomes. All complete cp32s contain an erp locus, which encodes surface-exposed proteins. Sequences were compared for all 193 erp alleles carried by 22 different strains of Lyme disease-causing spirochete to investigate their natural diversity and evolutionary histories. These included multiple isolates from a focus where Lyme disease is endemic in the northeastern United States and isolates from across North America and Europe. Bacteria were derived from diseased humans and from vector ticks and included members of 5 different Borrelia genospecies. All erp operon 5'-noncoding regions were found to be highly conserved, as were the initial 70 to 80 bp of all erp open reading frames, traits indicative of a common evolutionary origin. However, the majority of the protein-coding regions are highly diverse, due to numerous intra- and intergenic recombination events. Most erp alleles are chimeras derived from sequences of closely related and distantly related erp sequences and from unknown origins. Since known functions of Erp surface proteins involve interactions with various host tissue components, this diversity may reflect both their multiple functions and the abilities of Lyme disease-causing spirochetes to successfully infect a wide variety of vertebrate host species.

Research HighlightMarch 12, 2019
A closer look at structural variants in the genome
A recent Cell paper uses long-read DNA sequencing and other advanced genomics tools and methods to shed light on genomic structural variants.
Research HighlightMarch 08, 2019
Breaking up is hard to do
New research shows that proteins work together to enable DNA double-strand breaks during meiosis.
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics and Genomics
Research HighlightFebruary 28, 2019
Two proteins essential for layered sterocilia elongation in the inner-ear
A research team led by Basile Tarchini has found two new proteins that are essential to the correct elongation of stereocilia, tiny hair-like cellular protrusions in the inner ear.
Press ReleaseFebruary 18, 2019
A crystal ball for looking at the complexity of the 3D genome
A team led by Jackson Laboratory Professor Yijun Ruan, Ph.D., has developed a new method, called ChIA-Drop, that allows researchers to investigate 3D genomic structures with unprecedented precision and clarity.

Research HighlightMarch 08, 2019
Long-range connectivity and gene regulation networks
A complicated three-dimensional network involving proteins and specific DNA sequences helps regulate the expression of genes. New work led by JAX’s Chia-Lin Wei shows how one protein, SOX2, plays a significant role in neural stem cells, affecting many aspects of development and function.
Press ReleaseMarch 05, 2019
3D genomics one nucleus at a time
Supported by a recent four-year, $2.3M grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Wei is looking to develop a method for chromatin interaction analysis in single nuclei, with single-molecule resolution.
- Genetic Tools
- Genetics and Genomics
Blog PostFebruary 19, 2019
If you’re happy and you know it, thank your bugs
New research reveals there is active communication between your brain and your gut, suggesting an association between your mental health and your gut microbiome.
Search MagazineFebruary 11, 2019
The engines of genetic diversity
JAX Assistant Professor Beth Dumont, Ph.D., is working to better understand the processes that give rise to genetic diversity, and how specific variations can contribute to disease susceptibility.