Xiaowei Li

• Contributed to the CRISPR/Cas9 RNA platform development including mRNA discovery and process. • Executed routine mRNA synthesis via in vitro transcription (IVT), optimized purification strategies, performed analytical and bioanalytical assays such as fragment analysis, MSD/ELISA and cell transfection for protein validation. • Explored and evaluated novel RNA technologies and methodologies to improve RNA quality.

• Led the establishment of immunotyping panels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and immune suppressor cells, investigated variations in the number and repertoire for the study of proprietary RIG-I and MDA5 agonist dsRNA. • Identified and validated leading small activating RNAs (saRNA) for upregulating human and mouse target gene expression in hepatic disorder treatment. Evaluated GalNAc conjugation for mouse saRNA delivery and in vivo target activation. Collaborated with Harvard BIDMC. • Identified top human & NHP siRNAs with significant target gene knockdown for hereditary angioedema (HAE) treatment. • Managed lab relocation, reorganization and setup at Lexington. Trained and supervised research associates within the R&D team.

• Identified novel cell penetrating asymmetric siRNA (cp-asiRNA) drug candidates targeting immune checkpoint protein for cancer immunotherapy. • Developed aptamer-based GalNAc-Lysosomal Targeting Chimera (LYTAC) platform for degrading target soluble proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver fibrosis. • Collaborated with mCureX Therapeutics, Inc. to assess the efficacy and toxicity of home-brewed EGFP and Luciferase mRNAs in vitro and in vivo, aiding in the screening of optimal modified uridines for proprietary COVID-19 mRNA vaccine development. • Optimized bispecific aptamer for pancreatic cancer therapy dvelopment by targeting cancer marker and complement protein.

Responsible for leading chemical biology research team: organizing subgroup meetings, managing laboratory supplies, maintaining instruments, training junior students and visiting scholars, and supporting project troubleshooting.

• Cross-linked DNA-lipid micelles with excellent stability and specificity for cancer cell recognition. • Assisted in the identification of DNA aptamer probes targeting the neurodegeneration disease related Tau protein via SELEX; characterized functions of Tau aptamers for tauopathy theranostics. • Optimized Tau aptamer with improved blood-brain barrier permeability and plasma-stability by ligated with Transferrin-receptor aptamer; demonstrated the protective effects of circular bifunctional aptamer on mitigating tauopathy using mouse model.

Taught undergraduate students general chemistry principles, lab skills and safety issues, assisted in lecture discussions and problem-shooting.

• Detected estrogen-induced ROS and γ-H2AX and nitrotyrosine levels in cell-based studies. • Determined the effects of different tocopherols on oxidative/nitrosative stress and DNA damage.

• Assisted in the evaluation of the mutated polypeptide Cbf-K16 in cell and animal studies. • Obtained new anti-tumor candidates based on inhibitors for tumor angiogenesis and tubulin.

• Co-organized the 6th National Medicine Forum; co-held Science Festival and various knowledge contests; recruited and trained new association members. • Led a team of 15 people to get different sponsorships from companies successfully.

Advisor: Prof. Weihong Tan, University of Florida Thesis Title: Optimizing Aptamer-Based DNA Nanostructures for Enhanced Theranostics of Cancer and Neurodegenerative Disease

Advisor: Prof. Nanjoo Suh, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey Thesis Title: The Effects of Tocopherols on Estrogen-Induced Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress and DNA Damage in Breast Cancer Cells