Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.
Prof. Huasong Ai is an Associate Professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, chemical biology, and nucleosome modifications. With a strong background in organic chemistry and pharmacy, he has pioneered innovative methods in histone modification synthesis and chromatin ubiquitination studies. Prof. Ai has published 28 research papers, including 13 as the first or corresponding author in prestigious journals such as Nature Chemical Biology, Molecular Cell, and JACS. He is a recipient of multiple academic honors, including the Tsinghua University Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award and Innovation Award.
Profile
🎓 Education
Prof. Huasong Ai earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Tsinghua University (2017–2022) under the mentorship of Prof. Lei Liu. His doctoral research focused on epigenetic mechanisms and chemical synthesis of post-translationally modified nucleosomes, contributing to advancements in histone modification studies. Prior to his Ph.D., he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy at Tsinghua University, School of Pharmacy (2013–2017), where he built a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, and organic chemistry. His academic journey has equipped him with interdisciplinary expertise in chemical biology, molecular mechanisms, and structural biochemistry.
💼 Work Experience
Prof. Huasong Ai is currently an Associate Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he leads cutting-edge research in epigenetics, chemical biology, and nucleosome modifications. Prior to this, he served as an Assistant Researcher and Postdoctoral Fellow at Tsinghua University (2022–Present), working under Prof. Lei Liu to develop novel chemical synthesis methods for studying post-translational modifications of histones and chromatin dynamics.
His research experience also includes international collaborations. In 2023, he was a Visiting Scholar at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he expanded his work on biochemical and structural mechanisms of epigenetic effectors. Additionally, in 2019, he conducted research as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Chicago, working with Prof. Minglei Zhao on advanced molecular biology techniques to study histone ubiquitination and its role in gene regulation.
🔍 Research Interests
Prof. Ai’s research focuses on epigenetic effectors and post-translational modifications of nucleosomes, particularly in:
🔬 Chemical synthesis of modified histones/nucleosomes
🧬 Chromatin ubiquitination mechanisms
⚛️ Structural and biochemical analysis of epigenetic regulators
His innovative work has led to breakthroughs in histone modification studies and protein regulation mechanisms.
🏆 Awards & Honors
Tsinghua University High-Level Young Talent Program "Shuimu Scholar"
Tsinghua University Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award 🏅
Three-time recipient of Tsinghua University Postdoctoral Excellence Award 🎖️
China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Special & General Funding)
Journal Reviewer – Nature Chemical Biology, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology
📚 Selected Publications
1️⃣ The Emerging Role of the Histone H2AK13/15 Ubiquitination: Mechanisms of Writing, Reading, and Erasing in DNA Damage Repair and Disease
📌 Cells, 2025-02-18
2️⃣ Promotion of RNF168-Mediated Nucleosomal H2A Ubiquitylation by Structurally Defined K63-Polyubiquitylated Linker Histone H1
📌 Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2025-01-02
3️⃣ Promotion of RNF168-Mediated Nucleosomal H2A Ubiquitylation by Structurally Defined K63-Polyubiquitylated Linker Histone H1
📌 Angewandte Chemie, 2025-01-02
4️⃣ Structural and Mechanistic Basis for Nucleosomal H2AK119 Deubiquitination by Single-Subunit Deubiquitinase USP16
📌 Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, 2024-11
5️⃣ Mechanism of Nucleosomal H2A K13/15 Monoubiquitination and Adjacent Dual Monoubiquitination by RNF168
📌 Nature Chemical Biology, 2024-10-11