Yingzhi Ye
My research identified Decapping Scavenger (DcpS) enzyme as a genetic modifier of toxicity caused by loss of function (LOF) of TDP-43 using a CRISPRi screening approach in human neurons. TDP-43 is an RNA-binding protein that normally functions in the cell nucleus to regulate RNA processing. In several neurodegenerative diseases, especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), TDP-43 is lost from the nucleus and forms aggregates in the cytoplasm. This disruption of TDP-43 function is thought to contribute to neuronal toxicity, yet effective treatments are still lacking.
My work helps uncover a previously unrecognized pathway related to TDP-43 LOF. Importantly, we found that reducing DcpS can rescue the toxicity caused by TDP-43 dysfunction. These findings provide new insight into the biological mechanisms underlying TDP-43-related neurodegeneration and suggest a potential therapeutic target for diseases such as ALS and FTD.I did my research in Dr. Shuying Sun’s lab.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
Johns Hopkins is a top-tier institution with extensive research and clinical resources, and it has a long-standing history of advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS/FTD. I was honored to join this community as a graduate student, where I had the opportunity to develop my research skills and grow as a scientist.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
Receiving this award is very meaningful to me both personally and professionally. Personally, it is encouraging to have my work recognized, especially after the many challenges and long hours that go into scientific research. It reinforces my motivation to continue pursuing questions related to neurodegenerative diseases. Professionally, the award is an honor and recognition from the Johns Hopkins research community, and it highlights the impact of the work our lab has done on understanding TDP-43-related mechanisms. I am also grateful for the mentorship and collaborative environment that made this research possible.
I do not have a direct personal connection to the specific award, but I feel honored to receive an award named after a scientist who contributed greatly to research and mentorship. It is inspiring to be associated with that legacy.
What contributed to your project’s success? (Special skills, interests, opportunities, guidance, etc.)
Several factors contributed to the success of my project. First, my training in molecular biology allowed me to design and perform experiments in my project. I also had strong interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, which motivated me to explore this question in depth. In addition, I benefited from the collaborative and resource-rich research environment at Johns Hopkins, which provided access to advanced technologies and expertise. Most importantly, the guidance and mentorship from my adviser and lab members were invaluable in shaping the direction of the project and helping me overcome technical and conceptual challenges.
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 a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the important role that students and fellows play in advancing research at Johns Hopkins. Trainees contribute significantly to new discoveries, and this event highlights both the scientific achievements and the dedication behind that work. It also brings together researchers from different fields, creating a sense of community and an opportunity to learn from one another. I think it is inspiring to see the breadth of innovative research being done by trainees, and it reinforces how essential mentorship, collaboration and curiosity are to the scientific process.
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
One of my most memorable experiences at Johns Hopkins was the many late nights spent in the lab working on experiments. Even when experiments ran until midnight, my roommate and I could still walk home together safely. Those moments really capture the experience of graduate school for me — the dedication to research, the camaraderie with friends and labmates, and the supportive environment that made the long hours worthwhile.
What are your plans over the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?
I plan to graduate this summer and seek postdoctoral research positions.
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?
I enjoy swimming while listening to music — it’s a relaxing way for me to clear my mind. I also love spending time by the sea, simply watching the ocean and enjoying the quiet. Those moments help me recharge and give me space to reflect, which I find very valuable alongside the intensity of research.