Crystal Zhu
MD/PhD Student
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Graduate Medical Sciences
Biochemistry & Cell Biology




As a graduate student in the Varelas Lab, Zhu's research investigates the role of YAP/TAZ signaling in the early development of lung squamous cell carcinoma. Lung cancer has remained the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) being a significant contributor. LUSC is preceded by the formation of bronchial premalignant lesions, and emerging research indicates that YAP/TAZ, which function as transcriptional effectors of Hippo pathway signaling, contribute to malignant disease progression. Her work involves using both in vitro and in vivo models to deepen our understanding of premalignant lesion progression, with the goal of developing effective chemoprevention strategies for LUSC.

Publications listed below are automatically derived from MEDLINE/PubMed and other sources, which might result in incorrect or missing publications. Faculty can login to make corrections and additions.


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