Genome engineering technologies
The discovery of programmable DNA-targeting proteins has enabled editing of user-specified segments and base pairs in the genome of living cells. The derived genome engineering technologies have profound impact on genomic medicine. We discover, characterize, and engineer CRISPR-derived gene-editing agents for medical adaptation. We also aim to advancing lineage tracing and directed evolution platforms by CRISPR-based in situ DNA diversification.
Representative Publication:
1). Wu T,# Liu C,# Zou S,# Lyu R, Yang B, Yan H, Zhao M,* Tang W,* An Engineered Hypercompact CRISPR-Cas12f System with Boosted Gene-Editing Activity. Nat. Chem. Biol. 2023, accepted.
Detecting and perturbing nucleobase modifications
The epigenome and epitranscriptome form one of the most intricate regulatory networks in human beings. These regulatory mechanisms function on top of the genetic codes and play central roles in cell fate specification. We dissect how epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications pivot cell fates at the molecular level. We actively work towards new biomarkers and drug targets based off in-house developed sequencing methods.
Representative Publication:
1). Xiao YL,# Liu S,# Ge R,# Wu Y, He C,* Chen M,* Tang W,* Transcriptome-wide Profiling and Quantification of N6-methyladenosine by Enzyme-Assisted Adenosine Deamination, Nat. Biotechnol. 2023, online ahead of print.
Highly functionalized peptide and peptidomimetic drugs
Peptides are potent protein-protein interaction modulators due to their extensive binding surface. Functionalized peptides (e.g., macrocyclization) are particularly promising because they can bind to target biomolecules with improved affinity and specificity and are less susceptible to protease degradation. Our lab constructs and screens genetically encoded, highly functionalized peptide libraries for high-throughput drug development.