K-State doctoral candidate Ziwei Zhao uncovers how cellular signaling and protein quality control protect muscle health
We already know a lot about the inner workings of the human body, but there is still so much to be discovered. Thankfully, there are many hands on deck.
K-State’s Ziwei Zhao, a doctoral candidate in biochemistry and molecular biophysics, discovered specific protein mutations that can lead to muscle weakness, irregular heart rate and sometimes even heart failure.
Her research focused on kinase NUAK and CryAB, a small heat shock protein that acts as a molecular chaperone to protect cells from stress. She found that kinase NUAK is essential for muscle health and improves CryAB’s stability and function by investigating how cellular signaling and protein quality control maintain muscle integrity.
Zhao also studied how human pathogenic CryAB mutation disrupts protein homeostasis and leads to clumps in muscle tissues. These problematic clumps can travel to other parts of the body, like the brain, and potentially cause brain disorders.
Her work has uncovered new ways that might contribute to stopping the progression of muscle and neurodegenerative disorders.
Zhao is one of five recipients of the University Distinguished Professors Excellence in Doctoral Studies Award this year.
The more we know about the human body, the more tools we have to repair it in times of need. Zhao’s work expanded our knowledge of what really happens beneath the surface of our skin.
By Kate Ellwood
Curated from Groundbreaking graduate work recognized by K-State’s highest-ranking professors