Yuan Chang

Yuan Chang 2017-01

Yuan Chang is a prominent figure in the field of medicine and biomedical research, best known for her co-discovery of the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8) in 1994, alongside her husband and research partner, Patrick S. Moore. This discovery was pivotal in understanding the etiology of Kaposi's sarcoma, particularly in patients with AIDS, and has had a significant impact on the field of virology and cancer research.

Early Life and Education

Yuan Chang was born in Taiwan and moved to the United States where she pursued her higher education. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Stanford University, majoring in biology. Following her undergraduate studies, Chang attended the University of Utah, where she received her M.D. degree. Her early interest in oncology and infectious diseases shaped her subsequent research career.

Career and Research

After completing her medical degree, Yuan Chang conducted her residency in pathology, which further solidified her interest in viral oncology. Her career took a significant turn when she joined the faculty at Columbia University, where she met Patrick S. Moore. Together, they embarked on research that would lead to the identification of a new herpesvirus linked to Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer that was increasingly prevalent among AIDS patients at the time.

The discovery of KSHV/HHV-8 was groundbreaking, as it was the first time a virus had been linked to this form of cancer. This work not only contributed to a better understanding of Kaposi's sarcoma but also opened new avenues for research into virus-associated cancers. Chang's work has been instrumental in identifying the mechanisms through which viruses can cause cancer, leading to potential therapeutic targets and strategies for prevention.

Throughout her career, Yuan Chang has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to medical science, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her work continues to influence the fields of virology, oncology, and infectious diseases.

Impact and Legacy

Yuan Chang's discovery of KSHV/HHV-8 has had a profound impact on the understanding of virus-induced cancers. Her research has paved the way for the development of diagnostic tests and treatments for Kaposi's sarcoma and has contributed to the broader field of cancer virology. Chang's work exemplifies the importance of basic scientific research in addressing complex health issues and has provided a foundation for ongoing studies into the relationship between infectious agents and cancer.

Selected Publications

Yuan Chang has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers that have been published in prestigious journals. Some of her most cited works include the original papers on the discovery of KSHV/HHV-8 and subsequent studies on the virus's role in cancer development.

See Also

• Kaposi's sarcoma
• Virology
• Oncology
• Infectious disease