Yihao Chen
Advisor's Name:
Gaurav Chopra
Email Address:
Training Group:
Immunology
Research Summary:
What mechanisms contribute to immune cell dysfunction in the context of neurodegeneration? Discover novel pathways and targets through unbiased metabolomic profiling of biological samples. Develop in vitro and ex vivo screening platforms for immunomodulatory molecules (e.g. proteolysis targeting chimera - PROTAC). Elucidate the regulatory pathways of proteins involved in lipid metabolism in immune cells (expression, degradation, post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications).
Why did you choose to attend PULSe:
I chose PULSe because of its flexible rotation system and broad interdisciplinary opportunities. With a background in plant genetics, I initially planned to continue in that direction. However, during my PULSe rotations, I discovered a strong interest in lipid droplets and their role in Alzheimer’s disease, which led me to join a completely different lab. PULSe gave me the freedom to explore beyond my original path and helped me find a research area I’m truly passionate about—something I never expected. It represents possibility, growth, and the excitement of uncovering new directions in science.