Genome Engineering Technologies
The discovery of programmable DNA-targeting proteins has enabled editing of user-specified segments and base pairs in the genome of living cells. The derived genome engineering technologies have profound impact on genomic medicine. We discover, characterize, and engineer CRISPR-derived gene-editing agents for medical adaptation. We also aim to advancing lineage tracing and directed evolution platforms by CRISPR-based in situ DNA diversification.
Detecting and Perturbing Nucleobase Modifications
The epigenome and epitranscriptome form one of the most intricate regulatory networks in human beings. These regulatory mechanisms function on top of the genetic codes and play central roles in cell fate specification. We dissect how epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications pivot cell fates at the molecular level. We actively work towards new biomarkers and drug targets based off in-house developed sequencing methods.
Highly Functionalized Peptide and Peptidomimetic Drugs
Peptides are potent protein-protein interaction modulators due to their extensive binding surface. Functionalized peptides (e.g., macrocyclization) are particularly promising because they can bind to target biomolecules with improved affinity and specificity and are less susceptible to protease degradation. Our lab constructs and screens genetically encoded, highly functionalized peptide libraries for high-throughput drug development.
Tsinghua University
B.S. - Chemistry and Biology
2009
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Ph.D. - Chemistry
2015
Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT
Postdoctoral Fellow
2019
University of Chicago
Assistant Professor
Present
Yan H, Tan X, Zou S, Sun Y, Ke A*; Tang W*. Assessing and engineering the IscB-ωRNA system for programmed genome editing. Nat. Chem. Biol. 2024, 20, 1617-1628
Yan H, Tang W*. Programmed RNA editing with an evolved bacterial adenosine deaminase. Nat. Chem. Biol. 2024, 20, 1361-1370.
Xiao YL, Wu Y, Tang W*. An adenine base editor variant expands context compatibility. Nat. Biotechnol. 2024, 42, 1442-1453.
Wu T#, Liu C#, Zou S#, Lyu R, Yang B, Yan H, Zhao M*, Tang W*. An engineered hypercompact CRISPR-Cas12f systems with boosted gene-editing activity. Nat. Chem. Biol. 2023, 19, 1384-1393.
Xiao YL#, Liu S#, Ge R#, Wu Y, He C*, Chen M*, Tang W*. Transcriptome-wide profiling and quantification of N6-methyladenosine by enzyme-assisted global A deamination. Nat. Biotechnol. 2023, 41, 993-1003.
Packard Foundation Fellowship for Science and Engineering
2022
American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award
2022
Cancer Research Foundation Young Investigator Award
2022
Searle Scholars Award
2021
NIBIB Trailblazer Award
2021
Neubauer Family Assistant Professorship
2019 - Present
Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research Fellowship
2016 - 2019
Five questions with Weixin Tang - (Nature Biotechnology)
Weixin Tang, UChicago researchers invent compact CRISPR systems to more easily edit genes
Weixin Tang named as Packard Fellow