Rate My Professor Rui Zhao

Zhao's research centers on the molecular mechanisms of pre-mRNA splicing, a critical eukaryotic gene expression step where errors contribute to at least 30% of human genetic disorders and many cancers. Her lab elucidates spliceosome dynamics, comprising five snRNAs and over 100 proteins that undergo conformational changes across splicing cycles. Additionally, she studies the Six1/Eya transcriptional complex, aberrantly upregulated in cancers like breast and brain tumors, where Eya's phosphatase activities promote oncogenesis. Collaborative efforts have identified small-molecule inhibitors targeting Six1/Eya and splicing modulators, with potential therapeutic applications. Notable publications include 'Cryo-EM structures reveal the PP2A-B55α and Eya3 interaction that can be disrupted by a peptide inhibitor' (J Biol Chem, 2025), 'EYA3 regulation of NF-κB and CCL2 suppresses cytotoxic NK cells in the premetastatic niche to promote TNBC metastasis' (Sci Adv, 2025), and 'Selected humanization of yeast U1 snRNP leads to global suppression of pre-mRNA splicing and mitochondrial dysfunction' (RNA, 2024). With over 6,600 citations and an h-index of 44 on Google Scholar, her work significantly influences splicing regulation and cancer therapy fields. Zhao mentors trainees who have secured major grants and advanced to independent research positions.