Story perspectives

Dr. Zhao Zhang Honored for Breakthroughs in Cardiometabolic Genetics

10/25/2025

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Zhao Zhang received Jack Sarver Prize for HELZ2 research in APOB mRNA stability in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and atherosclerosis.
Using murine models, he identified a rare HELZ2 mutation with therapeutic potential.
The American Heart Association praised Zhao Zhang and Dr. Zainab Mahmoud for cardiovascular work.
Their work highlights genetics' role in understanding and treating cardiometabolic diseases.
Submissions for the next award cycle open in spring 2026.

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Story summary

Dr. Zhao Zhang received Jack Sarver Prize for HELZ2 research in APOB mRNA stability in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and atherosclerosis.
Using murine models, he identified a rare HELZ2 mutation with therapeutic potential.
The American Heart Association praised Zhao Zhang and Dr. Zainab Mahmoud for cardiovascular work.
Their work highlights genetics' role in understanding and treating cardiometabolic diseases.
Submissions for the next award cycle open in spring 2026.