Wen Zhu, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida State University, has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health. The Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) will support Zhu’s research on enzymes over the next five years.
“I am thrilled and deeply honored,” Zhu said. “My lab studies enzymes, or molecules in living organisms that facilitate complex chemical reactions. When a genetic mutation occurs, the resulting enzyme may not function properly, which can lead to many health problems including childhood developmental disorders. By uncovering how and why enzymes malfunction, we aim to open new paths for designing medicines and improving treatments.”
The MIRA award is notable for its focus on supporting broader research programs rather than individual projects with specific goals. This approach provides recipients with more flexibility and stability in their work.
“I am excited to see where the science will take us,” Zhu said. “With MIRA’s support, I can develop a more comprehensive understanding of enzyme dynamics and their roles in disease, building a coherent body of work that connects fundamental discoveries with translational potential in drug discovery. This is important because I want to ensure scientific discoveries are directly connected to public benefit, bridging the gap between foundational research and patients.”
One area of focus for Zhu’s lab is asparagine synthetase, an enzyme involved in producing asparagine—an amino acid necessary for protein production and nervous system function. Malfunctioning asparagine synthetase due to genetic mutations can cause asparagine synthetase deficiency, a rare disorder that affects brain development in infants.
“Enzymes affect nearly every process in our bodies, and when they malfunction, the consequences can be serious,” Zhu said. “Our work aims to explain how certain genetic mutations lead to enzyme impairment. I hope that one day our research will bring relief to families affected by rare genetic diseases caused by enzyme malfunctions and ultimately contribute to treatments that improve health outcomes for families and communities.”
Before joining FSU in 2023, Zhu worked at Astex Pharmaceuticals as a research scientist specializing in drug discovery. She has also received additional funding from sources such as Florida for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU College of Medicine ($25,000) and FSU’s Council on Research and Creativity ($20,000).
“Growing and strengthening FSU’s footprint in molecular bio-design and drug discovery remains a strategic priority,” said Wei Yang, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry chair. “Dr. Zhu represents a pioneering young generation of chemists in this area, and her R35 award is a great indication of the department’s progress.”
More information about ongoing research can be found at chem.fsu.edu or through the Wen Zhu Laboratory website.
