Dr Xiaofei Yang

Xiaofei is interested in RNA structure dynamics and functionality, especially the role of RNA switches in mediating plant–environment interactions.

Unlike animals, plants cannot move and therefore must sense internal and external signals rapidly. Receptors play a key role in linking signal perception to gene expression reprogramming, ultimately leading to altered phenotypes under different environmental conditions. RNA possesses key features that make it an ideal receptor, as its structure can respond rapidly to physical and chemical signals and regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level—a process that is energy-efficient. However, very few RNA sensors have been identified in plants.

The Xiaofei Yang Lab at CEMPS aims to achieve the following goals:

1) Systematically identify RNA switches that respond to environmental factors such as heat, cold, and metabolites.
2) Uncover the molecular mechanisms by which RNA switches regulate gene expression reprogramming during plant–environment interactions.
3) Generate environmentally resilient and high-quality crops through the rational design of RNA structures.