Prof. Dr. Liang Liu | Molecular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Xiamen University | China

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Biography of Dr. Liang Liu

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Liang Liu began his journey in the field of life sciences with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities (2006–2010). His academic curiosity led him to pursue a Ph.D. at the School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, where he delved into the intricate world of molecular biology (2010–2015).

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

After earning his Ph.D., Dr. Liu undertook postdoctoral research at the prestigious Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2015–2019). Since 2019, he has been a professor at the School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University. He also holds roles as a professor at the State Key Laboratory of Cell Stress Biology and Xiang’an Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University.

Dr. Liu's leadership and expertise are further amplified through his contributions as a doctoral supervisor, shaping the next generation of researchers in molecular biology and gene editing.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE

Dr. Liang Liu’s research portfolio spans cutting-edge domains:

1. Gene Editing and Diagnostic Tools: Developing and applying innovative tools for gene editing and molecular diagnostics.
2. Prokaryotic Defense and Viral Antagonism: Exploring molecular mechanisms of prokaryotic defense systems, including CRISPR-Cas systems, and viral strategies for evading host immunity.
3. Nucleic Acid Processing: Investigating RNA processing, regulation, and nucleic acid methylation modifications.
4. Structural Biology of RNA: Elucidating RNA-mediated gene expression and regulation through advanced structural biology techniques.

His groundbreaking research has unveiled mechanisms underlying prokaryotic resistance to viruses and contributed to the development of novel gene-editing tools and efficient molecular diagnostic systems.

HONORS AND AWARDS

Dr. Liu’s exemplary contributions have earned him multiple prestigious honors, including:

• Outstanding Youth Science Foundation Award (2020).
• Young Top Talents Program, Xiamen University (2019).
• Young Talents Support Project, China Association for Science and Technology (2018).
• Second Prize, Beijing Science and Technology Award (2018).

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Liu has significantly advanced the understanding of prokaryotic defense systems, especially the CRISPR-Cas system. His insights into Cas nuclease mechanisms have laid the foundation for transformative molecular diagnostic tools. He has also pioneered innovative gene-editing tools, expanding the potential for therapeutic applications.

Through his role as a researcher and educator, he has mentored numerous students, fostering talent in molecular biology and structural biology.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Dr. Liu’s research is widely recognized in the scientific community. He has published extensively as a corresponding, co-corresponding, or first author in leading journals such as:

• Cell
• Nature Biotechnology
• Molecular Cell
• Nature Communications
• eLife
• Structure

His contributions have attracted numerous citations, reflecting his research's profound influence and relevance.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Liu’s legacy in molecular biology lies in his impactful work on the mechanisms of prokaryotic defense, innovative diagnostic tools, and advancements in RNA-based research. Moving forward, he is poised to drive significant breakthroughs in epigenetic inheritance, nucleic acid manipulation, and biomedical applications of gene-editing technologies. His continued efforts will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the future of molecular diagnostics and therapeutics.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

"Structures of Neisseria meningitidis Cas9 Complexes in Catalytically Poised and Anti-CRISPR-Inhibited States" 

• Authors: Sun, W. , Yang, J. , Cheng, Z. , Sontheimer, E.J. , Wang, Y.
• Journal: Molecular Cell
• Year: 2019

"Phage AcrIIA2 DNA Mimicry: Structural Basis of the CRISPR and Anti-CRISPR Arms Race" 

• Authors: Liu, L. , Yin, M. , Wang, M. , Wang, Y.
• Journal: Molecular Cell
• Year: 2019

"Structure Studies of the CRISPR-Csm Complex Reveal Mechanism of Co-transcriptional Interference" 

• Authors: You, L. , Ma, J. , Wang, J. , Zhang, X. , Wang, Y.
• Journal: Cell
• Year: 2019

"A CRISPR-Cas13a system for efficient and specific therapeutic targeting of mutant KRAS for pancreatic cancer treatment" 

• Authors: Zhao, X. , Liu, L. , Lang, J. , Wang, Y. , Nie, G.
• Journal: Cancer Letters
• Year: 2018

"The Molecular Architecture for RNA-Guided RNA Cleavage by Cas13a" 

• Authors: Liu, L. , Li, X. , Ma, J. , Zhang, X. , Wang, Y.
• Journal: Cell
• Year: 2017