BIOE 500 Spring 2026 - Dr. Rui Gao

A biochemical approach to unlocking the molecular complexity of life

Abstract: Living organisms are composed of structures spanning orders of magnitude in size, and are assembled from tens of thousands of, if not more, distinct molecular entities. Understanding the function and dysfunction of such complex biological systems often requires investigation of their molecular organization and dynamics at high spatiotemporal resolution. Conventional analytical methods, however, suffer from the trade-off between spatial resolution, molecular specificity, and speed, aside from many other factors.

In this talk, I will highlight our lab’s current efforts in developing molecular tools to address existing limitations in spatial resolution, multiplexibility, and scalability for imaging-based spatial biology methods. Furthermore, I will discuss our ongoing investigations of the brain using these tools, focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms and perturbations underlying synaptic transmission, neuronal connectivity, neurodegeneration, and mental disorders.

Biography: Ruixuan (Rui) Gao is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). His research interest lies at the interface of chemistry and biology, with a focus on elucidating the molecular nature of biological structures and processes central to life and human health. His research group designs small-molecule probes, macromolecular matrices, and supramolecular assemblies to detect and quantify biomolecules in intact biological specimens, and develops microscopy and imaging methods to map and track various molecular entities at their natural spatiotemporal scale. His lab uses these tools to investigate the molecular bases of critical biological functions and dysfunctions, including synaptic transmission, neuronal connection, neurodegeneration, and mental disorders. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Harvard University and completed his postdoctoral training at MIT and HHMI Janelia Research Campus.