About us
Dr. Asif Ali
Young Talent Researcher Molecular biology

Jun-2022 to present

Postdoctoral Researcher Crop Breeding and Genetics

Sep-2019 to Jun-2022

Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu
Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Sep-2016 to Jun-2019

About Dr. Asif

I’m Dr. Asif Ali, an early-career researcher at Sichuan Agricultural University (SAU), China, specializing in plant biochemistry, molecular biology, and crop genetics. With a doctorate in plant biochemistry and molecular biology, I’m currently focused on my second postdoctoral research in crop genetics.

In addition to my research, I run the Dr. Asif's Molecular Biology YouTube channel, where I share bioinformatics tutorials, molecular biology experiments, and science writing tips to help students and early-career researchers succeed in their academic journeys.

I am also an Engagement Team Lead at the Plant Postdoc Organization, a Plantae Fellow, organizing webinars and promoting career development for plant scientists, and an associate editor for BMC Plant Biology.

My passion for science writing and mentoring helps me guide the next generation of plant biologists, fostering a global community of researchers committed to improving agricultural science.

My Journey to start a Youtube channel “Dr. Asif’s Molecular Biology”

During the final year of my PhD, I faced a challenge: I needed to investigate the interaction of my gene’s protein using the yeast two-hybrid assay. However, despite searching extensively for tutorials, I couldn't find a clear guide on how to prepare vectors and perform the necessary cloning steps. After struggling for a few days, I had an idea: why not be the first to learn and record this process for the plant science community?

So, I did just that. I learned the technique, recorded every step, and uploaded my video. That was the beginning of Dr. Asif’s Molecular Biology.

As more students reached out—both in person and through social media—asking for help with various experiments and scientific writing, I realized that I could save time and make a bigger impact by compiling all my videos into one place. Thus, the channel was born.

Today, I’m proud to offer a variety of playlists that cover everything from laboratory techniques to bioinformatics tools and science writing. My goal is simple: to make molecular biology accessible to students and researchers around the world, offering clear, easy-to-follow tutorials and advice based on real experiences in the lab.

My Career Trajectory

My journey in the field of molecular biology began at Sichuan Agricultural University, where I pursued my PhD under the mentorship of Dr. Xianjun Wu. During this time, I developed a strong foundation in experimental molecular biology for plants, mastering key laboratory techniques and methodologies. This training equipped me with the skills to tackle complex scientific challenges and laid the groundwork for my future research.

In my postdoctoral training with Prof. Wenming Wang, I further expanded my expertise in science writing and bioinformatics. Self-teaching during this phase allowed me to develop innovative approaches to data analysis and science communication, complementing my experimental skillset. My postdoctoral journey not only advanced my research but also enhanced my ability to simplify intricate scientific concepts for broader audiences.

A pivotal aspect of my career has been mentoring and training the next generation of scientists. I have guided numerous Master's and Ph.D. students, offering hands-on training in molecular biology, troubleshooting experimental hurdles, and providing guidance in manuscript writing. My ability to demystify complex techniques has benefited not only my lab colleagues but also a global audience through my tutorials and online presence.

Beyond the lab, I had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, a renowned cardiologist, to design a unique bioinformatics course with zero to minimal coding requirements. This course, developed in partnership with prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and the University of California, aims to make bioinformatics accessible to a broader range of students and professionals.

Through my multifaceted career, I have seamlessly combined research, mentorship, and education, contributing to both scientific discovery and the professional growth of young scientists. My commitment to advancing plant molecular biology and sharing knowledge continues to drive my passion for research and education.

Selected Recent Publications
Ali A., Asad Riaz, Xianjun Wu.

Unravelling the secrets of fertility in female gametophyte: A defective embryo sac leads to low seed setting. Journal of Experimental Botany.

https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erae220 (Listed in top 5 most read article)
Wu, T., Peizhou, Xu., Ali, A†., Wang, J., Song, J., Fang, Y., Zhou, T., Luo, Y., Zhang, H., Chen, X., Liao, Y. and Liu, Y., 2022

Early Morning Flowering 1 (EMF1) regulates the development of lodicule and opening time of glume in rice. (Plant Biotechnology Journal).

https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.13860
Ali, A., Wu, T., Zhang, H., Xu, P., Zafar, S.A., Liao, Y., Chen, X., Liu, Y., Wang, W. and Wu, X., 2022.

A putative SUBTILISIN-LIKE SERINE PROTEASE 1 (SUBSrP1) regulates anther cuticle biosynthesis and panicle development in rice. Journal of Advanced Research.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2022.01.003
Ali, A., Wu, T., Xu, P., Liao, Y., Chen, X., Liu, Y., Wang, W. and Wu, X., 2022.

Phytohormones and Transcriptome revealed the dynamics involved in spikelet abortion and inflorescence development in rice (International Journal of Molecular Sciences).

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23147887
Ali, A., Xu, P., Riaz, A. and Wu, X., 2019.

Current advances in molecular mechanisms and physiological basis of panicle degeneration in rice. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(7), p.1613. 10.3390/ijms20071613

Ali, A., Li, Y., Chen, H., Xu, P., Zhang, H., Chen, X., Yongxiang, L., Fu, S., Wu, T., Iqbal, M.Z. and Farooq, M.U., 2019.

Effect of male sterile and fertile cytoplasm on nuclear DNA methylation in hybrid rice. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 41(6), pp.1-7. 10.1007/s11738-019-2874-1

Funding as Principal investigator

Molecular mechanism of ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase 4 (OsUCH4) in spikelet fertility and panicle development in rice (2024.01-2024.12, 200,000 Yuan) National Natural Science Foundation of China