Personal information
Biography
Dr. Wulan Deng: Exploring the Dynamics of Gene Regulation by Live-cell super-resolution and single-molecule imaging
Dr. Wulan Deng, a dedicated scientist and assistant professor at the Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC) at Peking University, has made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology throughout her career. Her journey, which began at Peking University and included studies at the University of Pennsylvania, along with research roles at Janelia Research Campus and the University of California at Berkeley, has allowed her to contribute to pioneering research endeavors.
Education and Early Career
Dr. Deng's educational journey commenced at Peking University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2006. Her early undergraduate research on the interaction of rice dwarf virus outer capsid protein P8 with rice glycolate oxidase laid the foundation for her subsequent accomplishments in molecular biology.
In 2012, she completed her Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on chromatin dynamics. Under the guidance of Dr. Gerd A. Blobel, her research included the exploration of long-range chromatin interactions and transcriptional activity at the native mammalian β-globin locus by targeted tethering of a looping factor. This work, acknowledged for its contribution to the understanding of chromatin looping and gene regulation, has been cited widely in the field.
Pioneering Research at Janelia Research Campus
Following her doctoral studies, Dr. Deng became a Research Specialist at the Transcription Imaging Consortium at Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), from 2013 to 2016. Her research, conducted in collaboration with a steering committee led by Dr. Robert Tjian and Dr. Robert H. Singer, aimed at repurposing CRISPR/Cas9 for imaging genomic DNA with fluorescence microscopy, further advancing molecular imaging techniques.
Innovations at Berkeley
Dr. Deng's next journey led her to the University of California at Berkeley, where she served as a postdoctoral researcher from 2016 to 2019. Under the mentorship of Dr. Robert Tjian and Dr. Xavier Darzacq, she conducted research on the single molecule dynamics of pioneering transcription factors in human embryonic stem cell differentiation. Her work shed light on the complex dynamics of transcription factors, significantly enhancing our comprehension of gene regulation.
Current Research Focus
Dr. Deng's research interest has evolved to encompass the use of super-resolution microscopy to study the fast dynamics of gene regulation in living cells. Her current work at BIOPIC revolves around unraveling the mysteries of how genes are regulated within living cells, employing cutting-edge super-resolution techniques to capture the rapid events that dictate gene expression.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout her career, Dr. Deng's dedicated work has earned her numerous awards and recognitions, including the Helen Hay Whitney Postdoctoral Fellowship, the President Gutmann Leadership Award, and acknowledgments from organizations such as the American Society of Hematology and the Kavli Foundation.
Dr. Wulan Deng's journey from a curious undergraduate student to a devoted assistant professor is marked by her unwavering commitment to scientific excellence. Her research, which bridges fundamental biological principles and innovative applications, holds the potential to shape the future of molecular biology. As she continues her pioneering work at BIOPIC, her dedication to understanding gene regulation dynamics remains an inspiration to aspiring scientists worldwide.
- with help from ChatGPT