Dr. Joseph Zaia

Biography

Joseph Zaia is a Professor at Boston University, specifically in the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, where he focuses on Biochemistry and Cell Biology. He received his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BS degree from Bates College. His research explores how glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) interact with growth factors and their receptors, emphasizing the role of the extracellular matrix in tissue patterning and cellular growth. Through the development of mass spectral methods, Zaia aims to compare GAG structures and functions in biological contexts. His long-term goals include understanding GAG expression in relation to cellular growth environments and identifying specific structures as therapeutic targets. He is also involved in the Bioinformatics Graduate Program at Boston University and serves as a mentor to graduate students. His work contributes significantly to the fields of glycomics and proteomics, particularly concerning human disease and therapy.

Research Interests