Zhixin Xie

Zhixin Xie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University, where he contributes to the Cell & Molecular Biology, Genetics & Genomics, and Plant Biology research groups. His research centers on small RNA-mediated gene regulation in plants, focusing on molecular mechanisms involving DICER-LIKE, ARGONAUTE, and RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE proteins.

• Ph.D., Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of Idaho (2000)
• M.S., Plant Genetic Improvement, Zhejiang University
• B.S., Agronomy, Zhejiang University

Dr. Xie's research explores the genetic and biochemical basis of small RNA pathways in plants, including microRNA and siRNA functions in gene expression control, epigenetic regulation, and antiviral defense. His work leverages genetic, genomic, and biochemical tools to dissect conserved and diversified RNA silencing mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana and other seed plants.

His recent publications highlight evolutionary diversification of miRNA families, functional specialization of DCL and RDR proteins, and the interplay between posttranscriptional and transcriptional silencing. The body of his work reveals deep insights into how small RNAs regulate development, stress responses, and genome stability in plants.

Notable recognitions include being featured as a High Impact Paper in PLANT PHYSIOLOGY and a THOMSON-ISI Fast Breaking Paper in Biology & Biochemistry.

• High Impact Paper in PLANT PHYSIOLOGY (2008)
• THOMSON-ISI Fast Breaking Paper in Biology & Biochemistry

Dr. Xie teaches advanced courses such as BIOL6305 RNA SILENCING & REGULATORY SMALL RNAs and BIOL3320/5302 CELL BIOLOGY. He advises graduate students and maintains an active research program focused on RNA silencing mechanisms. While specific grant details are not listed, his sustained publication record in top-tier journals indicates active research funding and scholarly productivity.

He leads a research laboratory investigating small RNA pathways, contributing to foundational knowledge in plant molecular biology and epigenetics.