Assistant professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Xin Zhou, a native of China, began her academic journey at Nanjing University, where she chose an unexpected path by majoring in biochemistry—a serendipitous decision that laid the foundation for her unconventional career in scientific exploration.
Following her undergraduate studies, Zhou pursued a master's degree in biochemistry at the renowned Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry. This educational choice would prove to be a pivotal step in her scientific odyssey.
In 1990, she embarked on a remarkable journey with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, dedicating more than three decades to advancing our understanding of developmental bone biology. In 2008, Zhou achieved her Ph.D., solidifying her position as a respected expert in the field.
Zhou's most noteworthy accomplishments include the discovery of Osterix (Sp7) and the groundbreaking revelation that chondrocytes possess the ability to transform into osteoblasts. These findings revolutionized our comprehension of bone development and regeneration.
In late 2019, Zhou took on a new challenge by joining the Pediatric Research department. Her mission was to unravel the intricate etiology of osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. Armed with genetically modified mouse models, she is delving into the mysteries of this devastating disease, with the aim of providing new avenues for treatment and prevention.
Xin Zhou's steadfast commitment to scientific exploration and her groundbreaking contributions to bone biology research have left an indelible mark on the field, shaping the way we understand the complexities of bone development and offering new insights into osteosarcoma's enigmatic nature.
