yhinling

Hi. I’m Yick Hin Ling.
A cell biologist.

My research represents a pivotal shift in biological techniques, moving from traditional ensemble analysis to a deeper understanding of complexities at the single-molecule level.

Current areas of interest

• Transcription and RNA biology
• Single-molecule Imaging
• Genetic Engineering
• Chromosome and Cell Cycle

Biography

I completed my Bachelor of Science and Master of Philosophy degrees at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and went on to earn my PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Hong Kong. During my PhD, I worked with Karen Wing Yee Yuen to understand how centromeric transcription controls chromosome segregation. Supported by the Croucher Fellowship, I am currently a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biology at Johns Hopkins University with Carl Wu. My research focuses on employing live-cell super-resolution imaging techniques to study the regulation of transcription machinery across space and time.

Selected works

Single-molecule tracking of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII)

We found a role of the RNAPII disordered C-terminal domain (CTD) in driving the spatiotemporal confinement of the polymerase for efficient gene expression.

Non-coding RNA at the centromere (cenRNA)

We characterized the cell cycle regulation of cenRNA and demonstrated that its optimal level is required for centromere activity in yeast.

Psoriasis associated gene CCHCR1 (coiled-coil alpha-helical rod protein 1)

We identified CCHCR1 as a novel component of the RNA processing hub P-body, with its expression significantly elevated during the G1/S transition of the cell cycle.