Inventor Profiles

Research area Understanding the posttranscriptional process and RNA metabolism in muscle structure and function. Specifically, the lab is focused on the role of RNA binding proteins in alternative splicing and protein trafficking in heart muscle diseases (Cardiomyopathies), as well as skeletal muscle hypertrophy and regeneration, using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. The lab’s long-term goal is to develop RNA-based therapeutic strategies to enhance human health and improve efficiency in animal production.

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What excites you about your work? 

“Heart failure is a major public health issue and is typically classified into two types: HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) and HFrEF (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction). In HFpEF, the heart becomes stiff and cannot relax properly, while in HFrEF, the heart is weakened and cannot pump blood effectively. Our research focuses on HFpEF, aiming to understand the underlying causes of heart muscle stiffness. If we can identify ways to reduce this stiffness, we may be able to develop effective treatments for the disease. Currently, there are no approved therapies specifically for HFpEF, which makes our work especially exciting. The potential to develop a drug or compound that alleviates HFpEF symptoms could significantly improve the lives of millions of patients.”

What do you hope to achieve? 

“Our goal is to use a molecular and cellular approach, combined with synthetic biology, to develop small molecules or compounds that can modify the size of specific proteins responsible for heart stiffness. By doing so, we aim to reduce cardiac stiffness and improve heart flexibility—ultimately offering a therapeutic strategy for treating HFpEF. That’s the outcome we’re striving for.”

Wei’s approach to studying and engineering titin, a huge protein that acts as the spring of heart tissue, has potential to lead to therapeutic approaches with fewer side effects. The tools he develops in his research are valuable to other researchers.

– Jennifer Gottwald, WARF, Director of Licensing