Gene Yeo, PhD, MBA is a distinguished figure in the field of molecular and computational biology, currently holding the position of Professor of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), a founding member of the Institute for Genomic Medicine and member of the UCSD Stem Cell Program and Moores Cancer Center. Dr. Yeo has a PhD in Computational Neuroscience from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from the UCSD Rady School of Management. His expertise spans genomics, RNA biology, and therapeutics.
Dr. Yeo’s pioneering work delves into RNA processing regulation and the pivotal role played by RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in developmental processes and diseases. His research prowess is exemplified by over 250 peer-reviewed publications (h-index of 100, top 1% most highly cited), including book chapters and review articles in areas such as neurodegeneration, computational biology, therapeutics, cancer and stem cell models. Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Dr. Yeo’s impact extends to the realm of therapeutics. Dr. Yeo’s commitment to understanding the molecular and cellular intricacies of diseases is evidenced by his development of stem cell-based models for disorders like myotonic dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and ALS/FTD.
Dr. Yeo has founded several biotech companies such as Proteona (acquired by Singleron), Locanabio, Trotana, EclipseBio, and Orbital Therapeutics. Dr. Yeo is among the top 50 life science academic entrepreneurs by BIOS’ Beaker List and received the inaugural Entrepreneurial Achievement Award from the Rady School of Management (2023).