Shan He

Assistant Professor

shan.he@wisc.edu

Birge Hall

Lab Page

Research

Cell Biology, Genetics/Genomics, Molecular Biology, Physiology

Google Scholar

Our lab investigates how eukaryotic algae regulate their photosynthetic strategies in response to fluctuating environmental conditions. Approximately 30–40% of global CO₂ fixation is mediated by eukaryotic algal CO₂-concentrating mechanism (CCM). Engineering this mechanism into crops holds significant potential to substantially increase yields. Using interdisciplinary approaches including genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, and cell biology, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the tight regulation of the algal CCM, which ensures efficient energy use and adaptation to changing environments. Our work advances understanding of the global carbon cycle and provides insights for engineering algal CCM for agricultural and ecological applications.

A composite of two microscopic images put together side-by-side. On the left, various parts of a cell are in green, while on the right, other parts of the cell are shown in purple, blue and yellow. — We use the green alga *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii* as our model organism. Here, a living cell is visualized by bright-field microscopy (left), while another living cell is visualized by confocal microscopy (right), with three cellular regions critical for the algal CCM highlighted in distinct fluorescent colors. (Photo by Shan He)

A graphic illustration of a cell showing CO2 from the sun interacting with sensors in the cell and beginning a chain of signals to particular genes and proteins within it. — Our research currently focuses on the transcriptional and post-translational regulation of algal CCM signaling pathways. (Graphic courtesy of Shan He)

Education

Postdoc, Algal molecular biology, Princeton University, 2016-2024
PhD, Plant molecular and developmental biology, Peking University, 2013
BA, Bioscience and Biotechnology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 2007