Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Honors And Awards
Publications
Timeline
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Yue Zhang

Yue Zhang

Postdoc
China

Summary

Immunometabolism Research Scientist with expertise in type 2 diabetes (T2D) mechanisms, specializing in CRISPR-based gene editing (KO/KI, base editing, CRISPRi), genome-wide screening for novel therapeutic targets, and multi-omics validation. Skilled in live imaging of immune-islet interactions and developing translational models (zebrafish, mouse). Pioneered the discovery of NOX2-mediated β-cell death through drug screening and functional assays. Combines strong technical proficiency in immune cell modulation with a deep understanding of metabolic dysregulation in T2D.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

Postdoctoral Researcher

Vanderbilt University
06.2021 - Current

NIH-funded Projects in Islet Biology & Immunometabolism

Project 1: Mechanisms of α-Cell Proliferation in Hyperaminoacidemia (R01 DK117147-03)

  • Developed an in vitro high-amino-acid-induced α-cell proliferation model using primary islet cultures.
  • Conducted genome-wide CRISPR screening to identify essential genes for amino acid-driven proliferation.
  • Validated candidates through genetic knockout and phenotypic assays in zebrafish and mouse models.

Project 2: Neutrophil-Mediated β-Cell Death in T2D (R01 DK109407)

  • Pioneered real-time live imaging in zebrafish to visualize neutrophil infiltration during β-cell death.
  • Performed drug screening to identify regulators of neutrophil recruitment to inflamed islets.
  • Engineered transgenic zebrafish with NOX2 knockout or overexpression to validate its role.
  • Translated findings to mice and human T2D.
  • Key discovery: Identified NOX2-derived extracellular ROS as the cytotoxic mechanism.

Joint PhD

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
12.2019 - 06.2021
  • Lead Project: Identified and functionally characterized the adipostatic hormone in teleosts by analyzing zebrafish obesity model transcriptomes for secretory factors, then validating their metabolic roles through targeted CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts, quantitative lipid staining (Oil Red O), and adipocyte morphometry, revealing novel evolutionary parallels to mammalian lipid regulation pathways.


PhD

Ocean University of China
09.2016 - 12.2019

Investigated hormonal control of glucose metabolism via experimental design, feed development, and aquaculture studies for NSFC-funded research.

Skills

Molecular & Cellular Techniques:

Cell Biology Techniques:

  • CRISPR/Cas9 library screening technology

  • Cell culture (primary and immortalized cell lines)

  • Cell and zebrafish gene editing techniques

  • Stable cell line screening/selection

  • CRISPRi/dCas9 gene suppression technology

  • Zebrafish islet isolation and culture

  • Live real-time imaging

  • Mouse islet isolation and culture

  • Recombinant adenovirus packaging

Communication & Mentoring:

  • RNAscope (in situ RNA analysis)

  • Bilingual scientific writing (Chinese/English)

Analytical Skills:

  • Academic communication in English

  • Data analysis capabilities

  • Laboratory course instruction

  • Troubleshooting abilities

  • Guidance of undergraduate/graduate students in experimental techniques

Honors And Awards

Graduate & Postdoctoral:

  • National Scholarship for Study Abroad (2019, China Scholarship Council)
  • Outstanding Graduate Student (2016, 2017, Ocean University of China)
  • First-Class Academic Scholarship (2016, 2017, Ocean University of China)

Undergraduate (Henan University):

  • Shanlun Scholarship (2014, Top 5% university-wide)
  • Outstanding Student Leader (2013)
  • University Merit Student (2012, 2013)

Publications

  • Neutrophils promote overnutrition-induced beta cell death by respiratory burst. Submit to Science Immunology, first author
  • A genome-wide CRISPR screen for genes important for AA-stimulated proliferation in aTC1-6 cells. In preparation, first author
  • Synergistic effects of dietary carbohydrate and taurine on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities and glucose metabolism in juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus L., Aquaculture, 499, 2019, 32-41, first author
  • Dietary taurine modulates hepatic oxidative status, ER stress and inflammation in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) fed high carbohydrate diets., Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 109, 2021, 1-11, first author
  • Plasma amino acids regulate pancreatic acinar cell proliferation and size via mTORC1 and YAP/TAZ pathways., iScience, 27.12 (2024) co-first author
  • Hyperaminoacidemia induces pancreatic α cell proliferation via synergism between the mTORC1 and CaSR-Gq signaling pathways., Nature Communications, 14, 1, 2023, 235, co-author
  • Optimized protocol for live imaging of overnutrition-elicited interactions between immune cells and β cells in zebrafish., STAR protocols, 4, 1, 2023, 102039, co-author
  • Macrophages and neutrophils are necessary for ER stress-induced β cell loss., Cell reports, 40, 8, co-author
  • Genome-wide CRISPR screen identified a role for commander complex mediated ITGB1 recycling in basal insulin secretion., Molecular metabolism, 63, 2022, 101541, co-author
  • Interactive effects of dietary biotin and carbohydrate on growth performance and glucose metabolism in juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus L., Aquaculture, 540, 2021, 736752, co-author
  • Forkhead box O1 in turbot Scophthalmus maximus: Molecular characterization, gene structure, tissue distribution and the role in glucose metabolism., Gene, 708, 2019, 49-56, co-author
  • Dietary taurine improves muscle growth and texture characteristics in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)., Aquaculture reports, 17, 2020, 100305, co-author

Timeline

Postdoctoral Researcher

Vanderbilt University
06.2021 - Current

Joint PhD

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
12.2019 - 06.2021

PhD

Ocean University of China
09.2016 - 12.2019

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