Yuan He aims to understand how cells read and repair their genomes. His research encompasses two primary areas: transcription, in which genetic information is copied from DNA into messenger RNA, and DNA repair, particularly how cells detect and fix DNA lesions. DNA repair is crucial for the body to maintain regular cell function and to preserve the integrity of the genome, preventing mutations that can lead to diseases such as cancer.
He, who was recently appointed as Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Structural Biophysics and Chromatin Biology at Johns Hopkins University, explores how flaws in the transcription and DNA repair pathways contribute to cancer predisposition and accelerated aging.
"DNA strands break more often than you'd think," He explains. "Every cell in the body experiences multiple double-strand breaks a day. Sometimes this happens as part of a regular, programmed process, and sometimes DNA is damaged by external factors, such as UV light. I want to understand how these breaks are recognized and repaired, and why deficiencies in these repair pathways can lead to cancer or accelerated aging."
About the BDP
- Name: Yuan He
- Title: Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Structural Biophysics and Chromatin Biology
- Appointments: Department of Biophysics and Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
- BDP cluster: Epigenome Sciences
- Previous role: Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University
- Education: B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University; Ph.D. in Interdepartmental Biological Sciences, Northwestern University; Postdoctoral research, Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
To do this, He integrates cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) with cell biology and emerging tools in artificial intelligence, alongside various biophysical and biochemical techniques. Cryo-EM is a powerful imaging technique used to visualize biological samples at near-atomic resolution by freezing samples to preserve their natural state before imaging with an electron microscope. While cellular processes have long been studied in vitro, cryo-EM allows researchers to observe them in a natural context. He says that major technological advances in this field have opened up entirely new avenues of research.
"In the field of gene regulation, we've seen several breakthroughs thanks to the 'resolution revolution,' which have allowed us to reinvent ourselves as structural biologists," He says. "The questions we're asking now are getting increasingly complicated, and addressing them requires us to really be innovative with our approaches. We're at the forefront of addressing important questions and coming up with new approaches to do so. I truly believe that this combination of technical innovation will lead to significant biological discoveries."
He, who comes to Johns Hopkins from Northwestern University, brings unique expertise in this rapidly advancing technology of cryo-EM to Johns Hopkins as part of the Epigenome Sciences BDP Cluster. He looks forward to the opportunities for collaboration within and beyond the cluster.
"The scientific vision behind the Epigenome Cluster makes Johns Hopkins a unique place for this area of research, and I believe it has the potential to transform the research landscape here," He says. "I'm excited to join such an intentional, tightly woven network of scholars. Embedding myself into different environments, talking to experts in a wide range of research areas, and forming collaborations with leaders in many fields will allow us to use an array of different techniques to address pressing problems. I hope to build on the incredible knowledge base at JHU and contribute to solving some of the most exciting questions my colleagues are addressing."
As a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, He joins an interdisciplinary cohort of scholars working to address major world problems and teach the next generation. The program is backed by support from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
"Yuan He brings extensive knowledge of immensely powerful cryo-electron microscopy and single-particle reconstruction technologies to Johns Hopkins," says Christopher Celenza, dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. "As the first senior faculty member in the entire institution with long-term expertise in cryo-EM, Dr. He makes an invaluable addition to our Department of Biophysics and Department of Biology."
Posted in Health
Tagged cancer, biology, bloomberg distinguished professorships
