Zhong Yi Yeow
During my postdoc in the Holland lab at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, I uncovered how the protein TRIM37 controls key structures involved in cell division by sensing when they form large assemblies and triggering their breakdown. How a single enzyme could selectively recognize and act on such large assemblies remained unclear. My work elucidated the molecular steps that activate TRIM37 — beginning with substrate recognition, followed by enzymatic activation and culminating in degradation. This mechanism ensures cells divide with high fidelity and helps explain how TRIM37 mutations lead to the Mulibrey nanism disorder, as well as why certain cancers are vulnerable to therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting these structures. More broadly, these findings reveal a general principle for how the TRIM protein family regulates large cellular assemblies, providing insight into their diverse roles in human health and disease.
Questions & Answers
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins for your work?
I had a great collaboration with the Holland Lab while at Oxford, which sparked my interest in their work. Joining them at Johns Hopkins felt like a natural step to deepen my expertise and learn from a group I deeply respected.
What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? Do you have any connection with the particular award you received?
It’s a meaningful recognition of this particular chapter in my journey. Reading about Dr. Blalock’s life and dedication to research has been inspiring, and I hope to be a kind mentor to others, just as he was.
What contributed to your project’s success?
The first AlphaFold release in July 2021 gave me the quiet confidence that my hypothesis might be correct. But to prove it, I needed the support of my
wonderful co-authors (including Johns Hopkins students Sonia Sarju, Fang-Chi Chang and Lance Xu) and Andrew’s guidance to deliver this project.
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’s a beautiful tradition that celebrates the role students and fellows play in driving discovery at Hopkins. And honestly, it’s just nice to still be called “young”!
What has been your best/most memorable experience while at Johns Hopkins?
Walking past the Christ statue each day — seeing people pause, rub the feet, pray or leave flowers — always moves me in a special way.
What are your plans for the next year or so? Graduating, looking for faculty positions, etc.?
I’ll be returning to Singapore to start my independent research group in the fall of 2025. If you’re interested in cell division and protein degradation in cancer, I’d love to connect!
Tell me something interesting about yourself that makes you unique. Do you have any special hobbies, interests or life experiences?
I’m partially color blind. False color imaging and color-blind-friendly figures are a lifesaver.