ALLEN YEN.
Neuroscientist, engineer, and entrepreneur
I am on a mission to understand the brain's mysteries and translate that knowledge into life-changing treatments.
Since the summer of 2010, I've been on a multifaceted journey that blends neuroscience, engineering, and a desire for improving lives. My research spans the entire human lifespan, from investigating neurodevelopmental and intellectual disorders in youth to exploring neurodegeneration in the aging population. This led me to delve into diverse fields, including cancer, genetics, and nanotechnology.
Throughout my career, I've consistently pushed the boundaries of scientific inquiry. When existing tools prove inadequate, I develop new technologies that enable us to ask--and answer--tomorrow's most pressing questions. This innovative spirit now drives my current focus: developing gene therapies for Parkinson's disease, where cutting edge scientific discovery meets urgent clinical needs.
When I'm not in the lab, I'm all about embracing life's adventures. You might catch me whipping up some crazy culinary experiment (hey, cooking is just edible science, right?). Or maybe you'll spot me out in nature trying astrophotography, kicking up sand on the beach, or pitching a tent under the stars. These outdoor adventures aren't just fun, but who says you can't solve the mysteries of the brain while toasting marshmallows around a campfire?
Experience
2024 — PRESENT
Director | Mark Therapeutics
I wear multiple hats to drive our company's success. I've been responsible for establishing and managing all aspects of daily laboratory operations, leading the gene therapy research, and charting the company's long-term trajectory. I also handle some financial affairs and navigate legal matters crucial for a biotech startup. This position allows me to leverage my scientific expertise while developing leadership skills in a fast-paced startup environment.
2018 — 2024
PhD Candidate | Washington University
Mentor: Joseph Dougherty, PhD
I led projects in developing innovative technologies for in vivo applications. My research focused on applying this molecular recording technology to study neurodevelopment and cell fate determination in the context of autism and intellectual disability. I established single cell genomics techniques and analysis of large datasets in the lab. I authored 7 publications, provided mentorship to the lab, and developed tools to streamline lab operations, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
2016 — 2018
MS Candidate | Boston University
While conducting full-time research, I completed a part-time MS in Biomedical Research Technologies. This program enhanced my expertise in cutting-edge technologies and instruments. This provided insights into the operational aspects of managing core facilities, broadening my understanding of research infrastructure management.
2013 — 2018
Researcher | Boston University
Mentor: Victoria Bolotina, PhD
I developed expertise in induced pluripotent stem cell culture techniques and advanced live cell imaging methodologies. My research efforts led to discovery of a pathway potentially implicated in Parkinson's disease, opening a new avenue for therapeutic interventions in Parkinson's disease.
Projects
MYT1L deficiency impairs excitatory neuron trajectory during cortical development
Nature Communications
To date, this is the first and largest study of a bona-fide mouse model of autism and intellectual disability. This demonstrated how single cell transcriptomics can be beyond cataloging cell types and be used to define the fundamental phenotype of a disorder. This study not only enriches our understanding of transcription factor networks during neurodevelopment, but also sets a new standard in characterizing disease models.
Current Protocols
A comprehensive handbook that equips researchers at all levels to design, conduct, and analyze bulk Calling Cards experiments independently. This features enhanced reagents and protocols for improved assay sensitivity and flexibility and a guided tutorial of custom software.
Impairment of PARK14-dependent Ca2+ signaling is a novel determinant of Parkinson's disease
Nature Communications
This study demonstrated that impairment of neuronal calcium signaling may be causing dopaminergic neurons to be susceptible to degeneration. We created a mouse model that recapitulated calcium signaling deficits and displayed PD-like neurodegenerative and behavioral phenotypes with age. This model can be valuable to study PD pathogenesis and identify new targets for therapeutic development.
Reactive oxygen species responsive nanoprodrug to treat intracranial glioblastoma
ACS Nano
We showed brain tumor-targeted delivery and therapeutic efficacy of a nanometer-sized prodrug of camptothecin to treat glioblastoma multiforme. This nanoprodrug platform can be used as a nanocarrier for pharmaceuticals, imaging agents, and diagnostic agents.
In the Media
Using Single Cell Genomics to Investigate Epigenetic Gene Regulation and Cell Fate Determination
BiteSize Bio Webinar, 2024
