Haobo Wang
My research focuses on the delta-type ionotropic glutamate receptor 2 (GluD2), a neurotransmitter receptor found in cerebellum. It is critical for normal brain development and functions, and its mutations are directly implicated in developing diseases such as schizophrenia, intellectual disability and cerebellar ataxia. Nonetheless, the exact molecular function of GluD2 has been unclear for decades: It does not bind to glutamate and has no known ligands that produce canonical ligand-gated ion channel activity in cells. As a result, it has long been considered an orphan receptor and a non-target for structure-based drug designs. My recent work has characterized the structural and molecular activities of GluD2 through electrophysiology and cryo-electron microscopy, defining a new understanding of one of the most critical neurotransmitter receptors in the brain and providing molecular foundations for future therapeutic development. This work was primarily conducted in Dr. Eward Twomey’s lab in the Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, as well as in collaboration with Dr. Vasanthi Jayaraman’s lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
Johns Hopkins has long been a leading institute in the biomedical research. The people here are unparalleled for their rigorous and innovative pursue of scientific discoveries. In addition, the collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment also helped me to make the decision.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
I am deeply honored to receive the Daniel Nathans Research Award on both the professional and the personal level. This recognizes the scientific contribution of the past work I have done in Dr. Twomey’s lab, while it motivates me to continue pursuing impactful research to solve big problems regarding human health. This award is named after the Nobel Laurate Daniel Nathans, whose pioneering work fundamentally transformed modern biomedical research. He has been a role model to inspire many of us.
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)
The success definitely would not have been possible without the mentorship of my adviser, Dr. Edward Twomey, and the contributions made by my fellow lab peers and by our collaborators, Dr. Vasanthi Jayaraman and Dr. Elisa Carillo. In addition, the project would not have taken off so quickly without the help from the members of the JHU cryo-EM facility, Dr. Duncan Sousa and Dr. Cai Kai, as well as all the support I got from members of the biophysics department. Last but not the least, I would also like to personally thank my doctoral adviser, Dr. Scott Bailey at JHSPH, for preparing me well on protein biology during my years as a Ph.D. student there.
What thoughts do you have about Young Investigators’ Day itself, as a celebration of the roles students and fellows play in research at Johns Hopkins?
Young Investigators’ Day is an excellent opportunity and tradition at Johns Hopkins to recognize and celebrate the significance of work done by emerging young scientists. It also inspires students and postdoctoral fellows to get in touch with different types of research being done here at Hopkins.
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
I have many great memories at Hopkins. I truly appreciate all the comradery I have developed with many peers and faculty members here throughout the years.
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?
I will continue focusing on my ongoing project, which is heading into exciting new directions, while I will gradually transition into finding a research position in academia or industry in the near future.
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?
I like exploring new recipes and cooking at home while enjoying a slow day with my cats.