Mengtong Cao

Accomplished research professional with significant experience at University of Georgia, focusing on enzyme interactions and small-molecule inhibitor discovery.Proven track record in protein purification and cross-institutional collaboration, contributing to a $100K grant acquisition. Adept at managing multiple projects while maintaining meticulous documentation and fostering effective communication.

• Cao, M., Zheng, Y. G. (2025) Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 mediates the enzymatic activity of the histone methyltransferase SETDB. (In preparation)
• Cao, M., Trieshman C., Li, H., Wu, Y., Maher, S., Bae, A., Xie, Z., Hogan, R., Zheng, Y. G. (2025) Assay Development, Screening, and Characterization of Inhibitors Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 2'-O-Methyltransferase NSP16/NSP10. Pharmaceutical Sciences Advances. 2025: 100076.
• Cao, M., Nguyen, T., Song, J., & Zheng, Y. G. (2025) Biomedical Effects of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases in Histones. The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 301(3): 108201.
• Dang, T.; EswarKumar, N.; Tripathi, S. K.; Yan, C.; Wang, C. H.; Cao, M.; Paul, T. K.; Agboluaje, E. O.; Xiong, M. P.; Ivanov, I.; Ho, M. C.; Zheng, Y. G. (2024) Oligomerization of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 and its functional impact on substrate arginine methylation. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 300 (12), 107947.
• Cao, M. T., Feng, Y., & Zheng, Y. G. (2023). Protein arginine methyltransferase 6 is a novel substrate of protein arginine methyltransferase 1. World Journal of Biological Chemistry, 14(5), 84.
• Brown, T., Cao, M., & Zheng, Y. G. (2022). Synthesis and activity of triazole-adenosine analogs as protein arginine methyltransferase 5 inhibitors. Molecules, 27(12), 3779.
• Fulton, M. D., Cao, M., Ho, M. C., Zhao, X., & Zheng, Y. G. (2021). The macromolecular complexes of histones affect protein arginine methyltransferase activities. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 297(4).

University of Georgia, Department of Cell biology

Teaching Assistant (TA) Sept. 2020-Sept. 2023

• Courses taught: Anatomy and physiology (student evaluation: 4.40/5.00)
• Led discussion sections and tutorials of more than 40 students, planned lessons and activities, graded papers and provided comments

PhD Researcher Sept. 2019-Present

• Mentored three undergraduate students, two of whom successfully matriculated into the PhD program at the University of Georgia
• Assisted in coordinating the annual SCBDDS academic conference, contributing to event planning and logistics.

China Pharmaceutical University, Department of Life Science

Vice President of New Media Center of China Pharmaceutical University Sept. 2014-Aug. 2018

• Oversaw content strategy and managed a team of student to maintain the university’s official social media presence.
• Led promotional campaigns and coordinated coverage of major campus events, increasing student engagement across digital platforms.