Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica

Research Spotlight

Explore our Research Spotlight articles for a closer look at just some of the influential research we’re working on.

Chen, Sheng-hong

The hand that carves life --- Ferroptosis Trigger Waves

Demonstrated that interamygdalar connection controlled by transcriptional factor TBR1 is critical for normal neural activity of amygdala to regulate autism-like behaviors in mice.

Identified a role of extrachromosomal telomere repeat DNA in ALT cancer development via activating the cGAS-STING DNA sensing pathway.

Decodes the neural circuit mechanisms of hunger and thirst in the Drosophila brain.

Chung, Bon-chu

Discovered that blocking SCC causes convergence extension defect.

Cheng, Soo-Chen

Investigates the molecular mechanism of the pre-mRNA splicing reaction, revealing flexibility of the reaction mediated by conformational change of the spliceosome at the catalytic center.

Revealed for the first time how plant sense the abundance of the nutrients in the soil.

Discovered speciation genes in budding yeasts.

Discovered the mechanism of protein quality control.

Chao, Yu-Chan

Generated fluorescence insects through genetic engineering.

Clarified how RNase E recognizes its cutting position and discovered that the RNA degradosome contains enolase and its biological mystery.

Shen, Che-Kun James

Identified function of a mammalian head-size-regulating gene ZFP568 in embryo development.

Identified the protein-transporting bridge TIC236 linking the chloroplast outer and inner envelope membranes.

Hung-Li

Generated the first mouse model (A, B, C) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Discovered a novel strategy for enhancing rice productivity in response to climate changes: Discovery and utilization of key technologies in maintaining sugar homeostasis.

Discovered that starvation stress can enhance ribosome biogenesis and increase protein synthetic capacity.

Hsiao, Chwan-Deng

Determined the structure and function of outer envelope membrane protein Toc34.

Uncovered that microRNA might cast new light on ALS treatment.

Chien, Cheng-Ting

Research focuses on the dendrite development and degeneration.

Discovered the general principles and working mechanisms for RNA trimming by RNase T.