
Dr. Zhongjie Sun, a researcher at UT Health Science Center, has been named a 2024 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This recognition honors his significant contributions to cardiovascular and renal diseases. Dr. Sun, MD, PhD, and Thomas A. Gerwin Chair of Excellence in Physiology, joins a select group of scientists recognized by AAAS, which is known for publishing influential journals such as Science.
As per The University of Tennessee Health Science Center release, Dr. Sun is one of 471 individuals chosen for their outstanding contributions to science. His work has focused on epigenetic mechanisms affecting heart and kidney health and has received support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA). Jessica Snowden, MD, vice chancellor for Research, praised his impactful work and recognition by his peers.
Dr. Sun's key achievements include identifying the Klotho gene as a potential therapeutic target for heart failure and advancing methods to generate nephrons de novo. He currently leads a project with a $2.4 million NIH grant aimed at developing treatments for kidney dysfunction and hypertension related to aging.
His research uses cutting-edge techniques like stem cell exome engineering and CRISPR/Cas9-based gene modifications, focusing on renal stem cell-derived exosomes and their role in kidney function and blood pressure regulation. Dr. Sun expressed gratitude for being elected as an AAAS Fellow, acknowledging the recognition of his research.
In addition to his research, Dr. Sun holds editorial roles with Circulation Research and Hypertension journals and leadership positions in the Academy of Cardiovascular Research Excellence and the Physiological Genomics Group of the American Physiological Society.