Marron Zihao YAO.

Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam

Laboratory address

Dr. Molewaterplein 40 3015 GD Rotterdam The Netherlands

MSc in Neuroscience (expected 2028)

Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam

Faculty / school / department

Department of Neuroscience

Address

Dr. Molewaterplein 40 3015 GD Rotterdam The Netherlands

Core coursework

Neuroanatomy; Computational Neuroscience

BSc in Biological Science

Peking University

Faculty / school / department

School of Life Sciences

Address

5 Yiheyuan Road Haidian District Beijing 100871 China

Core coursework

Biochemistry; Molecular Biology; Genetics; Cell Biology; Physiology; Organic Chemistry; Biostatistics

Ribavirin mitigates Alzheimer's disease model phenotypes by enhancing lysosomal function and suppressing ISR

Zhicheng Yi; Zihao Yao; Fuhao Wang; Meng Xu; Cui Deng; Wei Yao; Xinyi Chen; Jiaxin Shi; Fufeng Liu; Wei Dong; Xiangming Wang

Bioorganic Chemistry

Bachelor's thesis project: The research on the phase separation characteristics of rice orphan gene OsFON879 and RNA-binding proteins

Institute

• Peking University | School of Life Sciences

Supervisor

Donghui Wang

Main experiences

Investigated the rice orphan gene OsFON879 in the context of RNA-related biomolecular condensates. Performed protein structure and phase separation predictions using AlphaFold, FuzDrop, and catGRANULE. Constructed expression vectors and conducted transient expression in tobacco leaves. Analysed subcellular localisation and co-localisation with processing bodies using confocal microscopy, suggesting a potential role in RNA metabolism via liquid-liquid phase separation.

Summer intership on fluorescent probe techniques at CUHK

Institute

• The Chinese University of Hong Kong | School of Life Sciences

Supervisor

Sijie Chen

Main experiences

Participated in fluorescent probe design and imaging experiments, gaining hands-on experience in probe validation and cellular imaging techniques.

Ribavirin alleviates phenotypes of Alzheimer's disease models by improving lysosomal function and suppresing ISR

Institute

• Capital Medical University | School of Basic Medical Sciences
• Peking University | School of Life Sciences

Supervisor

Xiangming Wang; Wei Dong

Main experiences

Led an independent research project investigating the therapeutic potential of ribavirin in C. elegans models of Alzheimer's disease. Designed and conducted behavioural assays, fluorescence imaging, and molecular experiments to evaluate its effects on amyloid-beta toxicity, protein aggregation, and neurodegeneration. Integrated transcriptomic analysis and genetic validation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, identifying enhanced lysosomal function, suppression of the integrated stress response (ISR), and improved NAD+ metabolism as key contributors to ribavirin's neuroprotective effects.

Model organism techniques

Proficient in C. elegans culture and handling, and strain crossing, including routine maintenance and genetic crosses. Practical experience in microinjection, with developing proficiency. Familiar with C. elegans RNA interference (RNAi), with limited hands-on experience.

Cell biology techniques

Hands-on experience in HeLa cell culture and maintenance, including routine passaging and cell handling. Familiar with plant cell protoplast isolation and basic protoplast preparation procedures.

Molecular biology and genetic engineering

Hands-on experience in PCR and RT-qPCR, protein gel electrophoresis, plasmid construction and extraction, and bacterial transformation. Familiar with basic CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing techniques, with limited practical experience.

Microscopy and imaging

Experience with fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, Z-stack imaging, and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), including image acquisition and basic analysis.

Data analysis

Proficient in data analysis and visualisation using GraphPad Prism, Adobe Illustrator, Python, etc., with basic programming skills in Python, C++, and R. Experienced in AI-assisted programming with OpenAI Codex, including data analysis and visualisation, development of scientific tools and scripts, and website design.

Chinese

Native

English

TOEFL: 101/120 (R: 28, L: 28, S: 23, W: 22) GRE: 323/340 (V: 155, Q: 168) + AWA: 4.0/6 CET-6: 580/710 (L: 208, R: 236, W&T: 136)