Huda Zoghbi

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Huda Zoghbi

Lebanese-American geneticist and professor

Huda Zoghbi

Born	June 20, 1954
Birth place	Beirut, Lebanon
Nationality	Lebanese, American
Known for	Discovery of the genetic basis of Rett syndrome
Awards	Shaw Prize, Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, Canada Gairdner International Award

Huda Y. Zoghbi (born June 20, 1954) is a Lebanese-American geneticist and neuroscientist known for her groundbreaking research on the genetic mechanisms of neurological disorders. She is a professor at the Baylor College of Medicine and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Early Life and Education

Huda Zoghbi was born in Beirut, Lebanon. She initially pursued a degree in biology at the American University of Beirut, but her education was interrupted by the Lebanese Civil War. She then moved to the United States and completed her medical degree at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Career

After completing her medical degree, Zoghbi trained in pediatrics and neurology at the Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. She later joined the faculty at Baylor, where she began her research career.

Research Contributions

Zoghbi is best known for her discovery of the genetic mutations responsible for Rett syndrome, a severe neurological disorder that primarily affects girls. Her research identified mutations in the MECP2 gene as the cause of the disorder. This discovery has had significant implications for understanding other neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder.

In addition to her work on Rett syndrome, Zoghbi has made important contributions to the understanding of other genetic disorders, such as spinocerebellar ataxia and Alzheimer's disease.

Awards and Honors

Huda Zoghbi has received numerous awards for her contributions to science, including the Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine, the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, and the Canada Gairdner International Award. She is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.

Personal Life

Zoghbi is married to William Zoghbi, a prominent cardiologist, and they have two children. She continues to be an active researcher and mentor, inspiring the next generation of scientists.

See Also

• Rett syndrome
• MECP2
• Baylor College of Medicine
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute