Chunxi Zeng

About Chunxi Zeng

mRNA focused molecular biologist with 12+ years in RNA research and 9+ years optimizing mRNA and long template RNA for gene editing, vaccines, and CAR T. At Tessera Therapeutics I lead cross functional mRNA optimization, designed proprietary 5\'/3\' UTRs, poly(A) tails, and CAR mRNAs used in multiple development candidates, invented multiple patents, and manage teams translating platform innovations into clinic ready candidates.

Experience

1. Associate Director

   Tessera Therapeutics

   Jul 2024 — Present · Somerville, MA, US

   Leader of the cross-functional collaboration at Tessera for mRNA optimization to accumulate platform knowledge through cross-functional meetings, coordination of screening efforts, and comparative data analysis. These activities support and accelerate the mRNA design and development for Tessera’s current and future programs.• Managed a small team for screening mRNAs in primary human T cells• Designed the 2nd generation of polyA tails and coordinate their screening in three primary cell types. The best tail outperformed the best in the 1st generation I developed in late 2022, with higher activity in animal models and better manufacturability.• Designed the 2nd generation of UTRs and coordinate their screening in three primary cell types. • Working closely with DNA/RNA manufacture teams and analytics team to ensure fast production of high-quality mRNAs to ensure efficient and reliable screening, by improving cloning methods, IVT PD, dsRNA control/QC, capping%, tailing%, etc.• Staying up-to-date in the mRNA field by keeping up with literatures and new technology advances. Examples of recently introduced external technologies to Tessera: a new in vivo pooled LNP screening method, a new dsRNA detection assay, etc.• Currently taking an Immunology course at Harvard Medical School Professional Education Department to support my RNA design and opotimization in the CAR-T cells field.

Education

• Ohio University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology, RNA, Drug Discovery

  2009 — 2015

• Sichuan University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Biotechnology

  2000 — 2004

Skills

• Microsoft Office
• Enzymatic Probing
• In-Line Probing
• Drug Discovery
• 32p Labeling of Rna
• Molecular Beacon
• Pcr
• Molecular Cloning
• Electroelution
• Ligand Screening
• Ethanol Precipitation
• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Dialysis
• Windows
• Teamwork
• Chemistry
• Rna
• T-Box Riboswitch
• Event Planning
• High Throughput Screening
• Autoradiography
• Microsoft Word
• Gel Electrophoresis
• Time Management
• Ligand Binding