Yuan Wang

At the core of cellular adaptation lies the dynamic life cycle of RNA—a key tunable layer that allows organisms to decode genetic information and mount resilient responses to environmental change. Yuan is interested in seeking to dissect the intricate regulation of RNA transcription, mapping how spatiotemporal control of RNA biogenesis and turnover (especially RNA capping and termination) underpins biological fitness.

Beyond its role as a messenger, RNA itself is increasingly recognized as a critical target, signal, and therapeutic agent in organismal immunity, most notably in RNA interference (RNAi). We are expanding our investigations to explore the broad landscape of RNA-mediated immunity within and beyond the RNAi pathway, focusing on plant-microbe interactions in model plants and legumes.

Using Arabidopsis and soybean as complementary systems, the Wang Lab at CEPAMS pursues three interconnected directions:

1. Discovering novel mechanisms and components of RNA Processing in plants .
2. Developing advanced imaging and genomic tools to track RNA localization, function, and intercellular communication in living cells.
3. Uncovering RNA-mediated regulatory networks that shape symbiotic and immune responses.

By integrating molecular genetics, genomics, and cell biology, we aim to illuminate how RNA dynamics empower plants to thrive in a changing environment.