Rewriting Genes,Rethinking Metabolism,Understanding the Metabolism-CNS connection
“A scientific notebook exploring how gene-based interventions can reshape disease biology and enable new therapeutic strategies.”
My research journey has taken me across drug delivery, molecular biology, and neurodegeneration, from RNA therapeutics and nanoparticle-based delivery systems to Parkinson’s disease and the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. I am now an early-stage PhD researcher at ShanghaiTech University, exploring gene therapy approaches for metabolic diseases and the molecular connections between metabolism and the central nervous system. Across these diverse research areas, I am guided by a central question: How can our understanding of molecular mechanisms be translated into meaningful therapeutic strategies?
Fig. 01 — A spring afternoon on Mount Rigi, Switzerland. A quiet moment away from the lab, shared with someone special.
Perspective & Philosophy
“The value of scientific discovery lies not only in understanding how things work, but in applying that knowledge to make a meaningful difference.”
Curiosity Beyond Boundaries
My research journey has taken me through drug delivery, molecular biology, and neurodegeneration, each offering a different perspective on disease. I have never felt that scientific questions should be confined to a single discipline. Instead, I value the freedom to explore unfamiliar fields, learn new approaches, and follow questions wherever they lead.
Bold Questions, Rigorous Science
I believe meaningful research begins with the courage to ask ambitious questions, but it is rigorous experimentation that gives those questions scientific value. A compelling hypothesis must be supported by logical, carefully designed, and innovative experiments. Equally important is the willingness to question assumptions, acknowledge limitations, and let evidence guide conclusions.
Discovery with a Purpose
The possibility of developing better treatments has always been a driving force behind my interest in biomedical research. My work on Parkinson’s disease and the gut–brain axis deepened my understanding of neurodegenerative pathology while reminding me that promising biological mechanisms do not necessarily translate into effective therapies. I hope to contribute to research that bridges this gap, bringing scientific discoveries closer to meaningful clinical applications.
Chronology of Inquiry (2022 — Present)
A progression shaped by the gradual evolution of scientific fascination
Undergraduate Foundations: Biomedical Science & Organic Chemistry
Developed an interdisciplinary foundation in molecular pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and organic chemistry. This training established my interest in how therapeutic molecules are designed, delivered, and translated into biological effects
FOUNDATIONAL DIRECTION
Understanding therapeutic action requires connecting molecular design with the biological systems in which drugs operate
Molecular Pharmacology
Neuropharmacology
Organic Chemistry
RESEARCH PROJECT: AEROSOLISED RNA DELIVERY
Evaluated peptide–RNA formulations for pulmonary delivery using nebulisation and Next Generation Impactor analysis. Fluorescent RNA quantification and aerodynamic particle-size measurements were used to assess delivered dose and inhalation suitability
RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
This project introduced me to the practical challenges of translating molecular therapeutics into effective delivery systems
RNA Formulation
Nebulisation
Next Generation Impactor
Fluorescence Quantification
RESEARCH ASSISTANT: DDX3X MUTATIONS & CELLULAR PATHOLOGY
Investigated how autism-associated DDX3X mutations affect protein expression, degradation, localisation, and intracellular condensate dynamics. Combined molecular assays, live-cell imaging, and mouse tissue analysis to characterise mutation-specific cellular phenotypes
TECHNICAL EXPANSION
This experience strengthened my ability to connect genetic variation with protein behaviour, cellular organisation, and nervous-system development
Western Blotting
Cell Culture
FRAPImmunofluorescence
MRES RESEARCH: DELAYED PROBIOTIC INTERVENTION IN AN EARLY-STAGE PARKINSON’S DISEASE MODEL
Investigated whether probiotic treatment initiated after neurotoxic injury could preserve dopaminergic neurones and modify behavioural, astrocytic, microglial, and α-synuclein-associated outcomes in a pre-motor Parkinson’s disease rat model
Read full experimental breakdown below arrow_downwardDoctoral Research: RNA Base Editing for Metabolic Liver Disease
Developing an early-stage research programme for programmable C-to-U RNA base editing in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Current work focuses on prioritising hepatocyte targets, including HSD17B13 and CIDEB, and evaluating preclinical models for target validation and therapeutic assessment.
C-to-U RNA Editing
Target Prioritisation
MASH Models
HSD17B13
Research Case Study: The MRes Project
Effect of Probiotics in an Early-Stage Parkinson’s Disease Rat Model
Investigating whether a multi-strain probiotic can preserve nigral dopaminergic neurones and modulate glial responses when treatment begins after neurotoxic pathology is already underway
Can Probiotics Protect the Parkinsonian Brain After Injury Has Begun?
Previous work showed that preventive probiotic administration can reduce neuroinflammation and preserve dopaminergic neurones. However, its effectiveness when introduced after the initial neurotoxic insult remained unknown.
This project asked whether delayed probiotic treatment could preserve substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurones, maintain behavioural function, and modify astrocytic, microglial, and α-synuclein-related pathology.
Experimental Design & Methods
A Delayed-Treatment Model of Early Parkinson’s Disease
Male Wistar rats were assigned to sham or DSP-4/6-OHDA model groups and received either placebo or a four-strain liquid probiotic. Treatment began two weeks after the bilateral striatal lesion and continued for 14 days.
Open-field behaviour was assessed before and after model induction. TH-positive neurones in the substantia nigra were estimated using unbiased stereology, while GFAP, CD68, and α-synuclein immunoreactivity were quantified across the cortex, striatum, and hippocampus.
What I Did
- • Processed rat brain tissue and performed immunoperoxidase staining for TH, GFAP, CD68, and α-synuclein.
- • Quantified regional immunoreactivity across the cortex, striatum, and four hippocampal subfields.
- • Estimated TH-positive neuronal populations in the substantia nigra using unbiased optical-fractionator stereology.
- • Reconstructed CA1 astrocytes in three dimensions and assessed their cell-body volume, branching, and process length.
Main Finding
We found that delayed probiotic treatment was associated with a 42.6% higher estimate of TH-positive cells than placebo treatment in the Parkinson’s disease model. The probiotic-treated model group did not differ significantly from the sham or untreated control groups.
Our findings provide proof of principle that a gut-directed intervention may influence early dopaminergic pathology even after neurotoxic damage has begun. However, our small sample sizes and the inability of TH staining alone to distinguish neuronal survival from preserved TH expression mean that the underlying mechanism remains unresolved.
Now — Laboratory State
My doctoral research is taking shape around programmable RNA editing and its potential applications in metabolic diseases, particularly metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). I am interested in exploring how gene function can be therapeutically modulated and how emerging RNA-editing technologies might offer new approaches to disease treatment.
My current reading focuses on RNA base-editing technologies and metabolic disease biology. I am particularly interested in how genetic variation influences disease mechanisms, how emerging molecular tools can be adapted for therapeutic use, and what makes a biological target worth pursuing.
How can we identify gene targets that are both biologically meaningful and therapeutically actionable? What determines whether an RNA-editing strategy can deliver a useful and measurable effect? And how might genes involved in metabolic disease also influence the central nervous system?
Curriculum Vitae & Experimental Repertoire
Formal Academic Background
PhD Candidate in Biology
ShanghaiTech University
Supervisors: Prof. Wei Shen & Prof. Zilong Qiu
MRes in Pharmaceutical Research
University College London
Graduated with Upper Second Class Honours • Dissertation on Neuropharmacology
Bsc in Natural Sciences
University College London
Upper Second Class Honours • Biomedical Science & Organic Chemistry
Laboratory Craft & Experimental Repertoire
MOLECULAR & CELL BIOLOGY
MOLECULAR & CELL BIOLOGY
- • Mammalian cell culture & transfection
- • Western blotting & SDS-PAGE
- • PCR, genotyping & qPCR
- • RNA extraction & reverse transcription
- • Immunoprecipitation (IP / Co-IP)
IMAGING & MICROSCOPY
- • Immunofluorescence & immunohistochemistry
- • Confocal fluorescence microscopy
- • Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP)
- • Brain cryosectioning & tissue imaging
- • Image-based cellular analysis
DRUG DELIVERY & FORMULATION
- • RNA formulation & nebulisation
- • Next Generation Impactor (NGI)
- • Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)
- • Fluorescent RNA quantification
- • Aerosol particle-size characterisation
ANIMAL MODELS & DATA ANALYSIS
- • Rodent perfusion & brain dissection
- • Brain tissue preparation & histology
- • Behavioural assessment (open-field test)
- • Histological quantification
- • GraphPad Prism & statistical analysis
Dialogue & Inquiry
Open Academic Discourse
I am always happy to connect with fellow researchers, students, and anyone interested in biomedical science. Whether you would like to discuss research ideas, exchange perspectives on gene therapy, metabolic disease, or neuroscience, or simply share your own academic experiences, feel free to reach out.
Shen Laboratory • Department of Life Science
Shanghaitech University, SHANGHAI, 201300
Send a Message
Have a question or an idea? I'd be glad to hear from you.