Yunhan Xie
Doctoral candidate
Research
My research focuses on how transcriptional enhancers control precise spatial and quantitative gene expression during development. Using the Drosophila wing spot enhancer spot196 as a model, I combined DNA affinity purification, mass spectrometry, and RNAi validation to identify transcription factors and chromatin regulators that shape enhancer activity. In addition to known spatial regulators such as Distal-less and Engrailed, I identified several novel candidates—including chromatin regulators such as Lpt, Br140, and Chameau—suggesting that enhancer function depends on the coordinated interplay between spatial transcription factors and local chromatin accessibility.