Guangxia Gao

Biography

Education: 1988: Bachelor of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Beijing University 1995: Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Biochemistry, Columbia University, USA Professional experience: 1995-1999: Postdoctoral fellow, Biochemistry Department, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University 1999-2001: Associate Research Scientist, Biochemistry Department, Columbia University 2001-present: Professor, Chinese Academy of Sciences Education: 1988: Bachelor of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Beijing University 1995: Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Biochemistry, Columbia University, USA Professional experience: 1995-1999: Postdoctoral fellow, Biochemistry Department, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University 1999-2001: Associate Research Scientist, Biochemistry Department, Columbia University 2001-present: Professor, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Research Interest

Our research mainly focuses on the molecular mechanism underlying retrovirus-host interaction. Using a high-throughout genetic screening system, we cloned a host antiviral factor named Zinc-finger Antiviral Protein (ZAP). In-depth mechanistic studies on ZAP in our lab revealed that ZAP specifically binds to viral mRNA, represses its translation and recruits RNA degradation machinery to degrade the RNA. These results were published in high-profile journals such as Science, EMBO J, Nat Struct Mol Biol and PNAS. Our recent research focuses on the identification of novel host anti-HIV factors. Multiple such factors have been isolated and extensive mechanistic analyses are underway.