Yongqing Liu
I joined Dr. Zhaozhu Qiu’s lab for postdoctoral training in September 2019. I’m interested in studying the role of epigenetic factors in neurological diseases. Intellectual disability (ID) affects approximately 2% of the population, and ID-associated genes are enriched for epigenetic factors, including those encoding the largest family of histone lysine acetyltransferases (KAT5-KAT8). Among them is KAT6A, whose mutations cause KAT6A syndrome, with ID as a common clinical feature. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. Our results demonstrate that KAT6A-RSPO2-Wnt axis plays a critical role in regulating hippocampal CA3 synaptic plasticity and cognitive function, providing potential therapeutic targets for KAT6A syndrome and related neurodevelopmental diseases.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
I chose Johns Hopkins because it has world-renowned scientists and an excellent academic atmosphere, especially in the field of bioscience and medicine, which is exactly what I am interested in.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
Receiving the Paul Ehrlich Award is a great honor, and it’s a strong motivation to continue my academic pursuits.
What contributed to your project’s success?
Without my mentor Dr. Qiu’s support and guidance, it would have been very challenging to finish my project successfully. In addition, hard work,
collaboration and support from my family and colleagues were also important.
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?
It is not only a recognition and encouragement for students and fellows, but it also provides a platform to gather these excellent young investigators to brainstorm and share their outstanding research results.
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
During my postdoctoral training, my wife came to Johns Hopkins for her postdoc study, and her arrival gave me more motivation to pursue scientific research. Also, it’s very memorable for me to participate in Qiu lab activities to celebrate the holidays and everyone’s achievements.
What are your plans for the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?
I plan to look for a faculty position and establish a lab to continue my academic research.
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?
I like traveling and visiting natural scenery. I saw the spectacular northern lights in Fairbanks, Alaska.