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Yao Bing

What did you research during your PhD?

“My research demonstrates that prime editing (PE) is a promising and precise method to correct the PLN R14del mutation, a severe hereditary cause of cardiomyopathy. I systematically optimized pegRNA design, compared different methods for efficiency assessment, and tested several delivery strategies, including adenoviral vectors, cell-penetrating peptides (LAH5), and photoporation. The main conclusion is that PE can effectively repair the PLN R14del mutation in vitro, but its efficiency and safety strongly depend on the delivery system and pegRNA structure. This work provides a technological foundation for the future clinical application of PE in inherited cardiac diseases.”

How do you look back on your time in Utrecht?

“For me, living in Utrecht was a journey of deep self-exploration. I left my hometown, my family, and friends who had accompanied me for so long, and came to a city more than 7,000 kilometers away. Although I sometimes felt homesick, living alone allowed me to see my true self and better understand what I like and dislike. Beyond that, I met new friends here and started new studies, which have enriched my life.”

What are your plans after this?

“After this, I plan to remain in academia. I enjoy doing experiments, which are a way of approaching nature through constant repetition. Failures are inevitable, but that makes the moments of success especially rewarding. So I will continue to dedicate myself to this field and to exploring the real world.”