UCSC Scientist Andy Yeh Awarded $2.5M

At the University of California, Santa Cruz, a significant advancement in biomedical research is underway, led by scientist Andy Yeh. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has recognized Yeh's innovative work with a four-year grant approaching $2.5 million. This funding is earmarked for the development of artificial enzymes capable of producing bioluminescence within the body. The potential applications of this pioneering technology are vast, offering the possibility of imaging tumors in deep tissues at the initial stages of disease, a development that could revolutionize early diagnosis and treatment.

Yeh's project is the most recent in a series of groundbreaking research efforts at the UC Santa Cruz Baskin School of Engineering and Genomics Institute, institutions renowned for their trailblazing contributions to the field of biomedical engineering. Holding the position of Assistant Professor of Biomolecular Engineering at Baskin Engineering and serving as an affiliated researcher at the institute, Yeh draws inspiration from the natural world. Specifically, the bioluminescent algae found along California's coastline, capable of casting a magical glow, serves as the muse for his research. By developing artificial enzymes that mimic this natural phenomenon, Yeh aims to facilitate the imaging of tumors within deep tissue, enhancing early disease detection and treatment.

The study of bioluminescence and the biochemical mechanisms behind the phenomenon has captivated scientists since the 1960s. The quest has been to understand and replicate the natural glow of organisms like the bioluminescent algae and fireflies, which is achieved through an enzyme known as luciferase. This enzyme catalyzes a chemical reaction producing light. Despite numerous attempts, the challenge of transferring this natural bioluminescence into human cells has remained largely unmet, until now.

Yeh's expertise lies in the burgeoning field of de novo protein design, which involves the creation of entirely new proteins from scratch. His research focuses on the development of artificial luciferases that overcome the obstacles of introducing bioluminescence into human cells and animal models. Through a computational method pioneered by Yeh, an enzyme capable of producing light in human cells has been developed. The de novo artificial protein he developed is aptly named: LuxSit. Supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant, Yeh and his team are set to further refine this technology. They plan to develop a specialized imaging system for high-resolution detection of bioluminescent signals and investigate the application of bioluminescence in monitoring the efficacy of specialized cancer treatments.

The Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, the university's sole professional school, is distinguished by its focus on emerging fields and addressing modern challenges. Established at the dawn of the internet era, Baskin Engineering has made a significant societal impact through its research, emphasized collaborative approaches, and played a leading role in the open-source movement. Yeh's work exemplifies the school's commitment to innovation and its potential to significantly impact the field of biomedical research and patient care.

Footnote

Andy Yeh is also a co-founder of Monod Bio. More news about Monod in the near future.