Zhaohui Wang

Wang Zhaohui, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator

Education
1992 - 98 Ph.D. in Developmental Biology, The University of Chicago
1990 - 92 M.S. in Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Medical Center
1986 - 90 completed 4 years of the 6-year program in medicine, School of Medicine, Beijing Medical University

Research Interest

We are interested in dissecting the genetic program that controls the germ cell differentiation and proliferation during the development from embryonic gonad formation to adult gametogenesis. Using Drosophila as the model system, we have been studying how the somatic and the germline components of the gonad communicate with each other to establish the correct cell fate and to reach the proper cell number.  To search for more genes required in germ cell development, we are conducting a clonal-analysis-based genetic screen which specifically targets the male germline. This screen ought to uncover the factors acting during the development from the late embryonic gonad to adult testis. To date, we have isolated 21 mutations (including 3 known) that disrupt early germline maintenance, stem cell renewal, or germline amplification. Further investigations are underway, and our long-term goal is to extend our findings in Drosophila to mammalian research

Publications