Postdoc Fellow | Harvard medical school | United States
Dan Zhao, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology, currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University. With a strong background in protein quality control, ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and autophagy, Dr. Zhao has made significant contributions to understanding cellular homeostasis mechanisms. His research integrates cutting-edge techniques in cell biology, biochemistry, and structural analysis.
Profile👤
ORCID
Strengths for the Awards✨
✅ Outstanding Research Impact: Dan Zhao has made significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) and autophagy. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, Molecular Cell, and Autophagy.
✅ Strong Academic and Research Background: His journey from Peking University to Harvard University, along with his research at prestigious institutions such as the National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), showcases his academic excellence.
✅ Breakthrough Discoveries: His identification of Epr1 as the first soluble ER-phagy receptor and his work in ERAD have advanced fundamental knowledge in cell biology, making him a leader in his field.
✅ Recognized Achievements: Multiple awards and honors, including “Outstanding Researcher” at NIBS and a poster award at an International Symposium on Autophagy, highlight his scientific contributions.
✅ Consistent Conference Presentations: Presenting at prestigious international conferences (e.g., Gordon Research Conference, ASCB | EMBO Meeting) underscores his active engagement in the research community.
🎓 Education
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2011 – 2017)
Peking University & National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
- B.A. in Biological Sciences (2007 – 2011)
Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
🧪 Experience
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Postdoctoral Fellow (2021 – Present)
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University
- Investigated how the Mnl1/Htm1-Pdi1 complex recognizes misfolded proteins and initiates ERAD.
- Identified Pdi1 as the key reductase in ERAD.
- Developed a novel assay for detecting mannosidase activity.
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Research Associate (2017 – 2021)
National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
- Discovered Epr1, the first soluble ER-phagy receptor.
- Explored the molecular mechanisms of Epr1 in ER-phagy.
- Characterized a novel protein, SPBC1685.04, in macroautophagy.
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Ph.D. Candidate (2012 – 2017)
Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Program
- Studied PX-BAR family proteins and their role in organelle autophagy.
- Investigated XRCC4 homologs in fission yeast.
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Early Research Roles (2010 – 2012)
- Conducted metagenomic sequencing of Cordyceps Sinensis.
- Performed single-cell transcriptome sequencing.
- Researched amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing.
🔬 Research Interests On Biology
- Protein quality control and degradation
- ER-associated degradation (ERAD)
- Autophagy and ER-phagy mechanisms
- Structural and functional analysis of protein complexes
🏆 Awards & Honors
- 2017 – Excellent Graduate, Peking University
- 2015 – Outstanding Researcher, National Institute of Biological Sciences
- 2015 – Poster Award, International Symposium on Autophagy
- 2014 – Best Oral Talk, Chinese Fungi Symposium
- 2013 – Merit Student, Peking University
- 2011 – Excellent Graduate, Sichuan University
📄 Publications
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Initiation of ERAD by the bifunctional complex of Mnl1 mannosidase and protein disulfide isomerase
- Authors: Dan Zhao; Xudong Wu; Tom A. Rapoport
- Year: 2024
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Visual detection of binary, ternary, and quaternary protein interactions in fission yeast using a Pil1 co-tethering assay
- Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Dan-Dan Xu; Li-Lin Du
- Year: 2021
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Visual detection of binary, ternary, and quaternary protein-protein interactions in fission yeast by Pil1 co-tethering assay
- Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Dan-Dan Xu; Li-Lin Du
- Year: 2021
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Atg38-Atg8 interaction in fission yeast establishes a positive feedback loop to promote autophagy
- Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Ling-Ling Sun; Zhao-Di Jiang; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Hai-Tao Wang; Wan-Zhong He; Meng-Qiu Dong; Li-Lin Du
- Year: 2020
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Epr1, a UPR-upregulated soluble autophagy receptor for reticulophagy
- Authors: Dan Zhao; Li-Lin Du
- Year: 2020
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A UPR-Induced Soluble ER-Phagy Receptor Acts with VAPs to Confer ER Stress Resistance
- Authors: Dan Zhao
- Year: 2020
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Atg20 and Atg24 family proteins promote organelle autophagy in fission yeast
- Authors: Dan Zhao
- Year: 2016
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Genome-wide Screens for Sensitivity to Ionizing Radiation Identify the Fission Yeast Nonhomologous End Joining Factor Xrc4
- Authors: Dan Zhao
- Year: 2014
🔍 Conclusion
Dr. Dan Zhao’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of protein degradation and autophagy. His discoveries, including the role of ER-phagy receptors and ERAD pathways, contribute to fundamental biological processes with implications for diseases like neurodegeneration. As a leading scientist in the field, his work continues to shape our understanding of cellular homeostasis.
