About Kui Wang
Hi, I am Kui！I was born in Jingjiang and am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Neuroscience (ION), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), working under the guidance of Dr. Yu Mu. Previously, I obtained my Ph.D. in Genetics from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, CAS, where I was mentored by Dr. Falong Lu.
My recent research focuses on developing Chimeric Nano Sensors for in vivo imaging. During my doctoral studies, I introduced a novel tryptophan fluorescent protein sensor, enabling absolute quantification of tryptophan dynamics with single-cell resolution and whole-body precision (Cell Discovery, 2023). Leveraging this sensor, we achieved quantitative imaging of tryptophan across diverse samples, including E. coli, mammalian cells, zebrafish, and human samples, ultimately delineating the systemic redistribution patterns of tryptophan triggered by inflammation (BMC Biology, 2024).
In response to the rising demands for simultaneous imaging of multiple physiological indicators, I collaborated with Yulong Li’s group at Peking University to develop a chemogenetic infrared dopamine sensor HaloDA1.0. This innovation, when paired with a red calcium sensor and a green ATP sensor, enables the simultaneous imaging of distinct physiological indicators during epileptic states in zebrafish (Science, 2025). To further enhance the usability and brightness of chemogenetic imaging, I partnered with Zhixing Chen’s team at Peking University to develop BD dyes. These multi-colored chemical dyes, with improved brightness and cell permeability, are designed for seamless integration with genetically encoded indicators, enabling high-precision live imaging across various species, including zebrafish (Nature Methods, 2025).
We are currently integrating advanced technologies such as AI-assisted protein design, semi-automated high-throughput screening, rapid in vivo expression in zebrafish, and light-sheet microscopy imaging to develop more optical imaging tools. These efforts aim to explore key scientific questions in molecular and cellular neurobiology, neuromodulation of metabolism, and tumor research.
News
Aug 03, 2025: ✨✨ Attended the Modern Techniques in Neuroscience course in Suzhou.
Jun 5, 2025: ✨✨ New Chemigenetic Dopamine sensor paper published on Science !
- May 20, 2025: New Chemigenetic dyes paper published on Nature Methods.
Apr 07, 2025: Presented a poster on Tryptophan metabolism at Cell Symposia in Shenzhen.
Nov 14, 2024: New Tryptophan imaging paper published on BMC Biology.
Dec 31, 2024: Presented a poster about Bioluminescent Imaging at CNS-2024 in Suzhou.
Sep 18, 2023: Thrilled to pass my Ph.D. Defense in Beijing. 🎉🎉🎉
Oct 31, 2023: New Fluorescent Tryptophan sensor paper published on Cell Discovery.
- Sep 19, 2023: Patent for Tryptophan sensor GRIT announced in China.