Yunfeng Huang
Principal Scientist Biogen
Yunfeng Huang is currently a Principal Scientist in Human Genetics at Biogen. His research focuses on leveraging large-scale human genetic data for therapeutic target discovery and validation, with a particular emphasis on neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases. At Biogen, he leads internal research initiatives and external collaborations aimed at identifying novel genetic modifiers of disease progression in ALS. His work combines data from real-world patient cohorts, population genetic biobanks, and clinical trial studies. He earned a PhD in Genetic Epidemiology from Emory University, where he studied the interplay between genetic predisposition, epigenetics, and environmental factors in complex diseases.
Seminars
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Leveraging Modifier Genes & Molecular Signatures to Stratify Fast Vs Slow Progressors in ALS
11:00 am
- Characterizing variants such as those in UNC13A that shape both ALS susceptibility and disease trajectory, influencing rate of decline and survival
- Identifying emerging risk and modifier genes through integrated GWAS, WGS, splicing-QTL, and rare-variant analyses to illuminate new mechanisms driving heterogeneity
- Improving progression modeling by addressing limitations of ALSFRS-R, incorporating survival data, and integrating biomarkers like longitudinal neurofilament levels to better link genotype with phenotype
- Prioritizing genetically validated progression modifiers as compelling targets for disease-modifying therapies with broad patient impact
