Dr. Fei Liu | Biological Sciences | Pioneering Scientist Distinction Award

Fei Liu is an associate professor at the School of Life Sciences, Henan University. He holds a Ph.D. in crop genetics and breeding from Huazhong Agricultural University. His research focuses on plant disease resistance, genetic improvement, and molecular mechanisms in oil crops, particularly Brassica species. He has extensive experience in plant pathology and molecular biology, having worked at the Oil Crops Research Institute, the University of Manitoba, and multiple national research projects. Recognized as a Top Young Talent in Central Plains, he actively contributes as an editor and reviewer for leading scientific journals.

Dr. Fei Liu | School of life sciences, Henan University | China

🎓 Education

Fei Liu earned a Ph.D. in crop genetics and breeding from the National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and the National Center of Rapeseed Improvement at Huazhong Agricultural University, completing the program in June 2015. Prior to that, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy from the College of Plant Science and Technology at Huazhong Agricultural University in 2008.

💼 Experience

Fei Liu has accumulated extensive experience in both research and academia. From June to December 2015, he worked at the Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. He then pursued postdoctoral research at the Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba, from January 2016 to August 2020. Since March 2021, he has been serving as an associate professor at the School of Life Sciences, Henan University.

🔥 Awards and Achievements

Fei Liu has received significant research funding and recognition for his contributions to plant science. He is a recipient of the Top Young Talents in Central Plains and has secured multiple research grants, including the Key Scientific Research Projects in Colleges and Universities of Henan Province, the International Science and Technology Cooperation Program in Henan Province, the Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province, and the National Key Research and Development Program of China.

🛠️ Skills and Certifications

Fei Liu is skilled in molecular biology, plant pathology, and genetic engineering techniques related to crop improvement. He has actively contributed to the scientific community as an editor and reviewer for journals such as Frontiers in Plant Science, Sustainability, Horticulturae, Plants, and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. He has also organized a special issue focused on improving yield, quality, and resistance in oil crops. His work has been widely presented at international conferences through oral and poster presentations.

🔬 Research Focus

His research primarily revolves around plant disease resistance, genetic improvement, and molecular mechanisms in oil crops, particularly Brassica species. He has contributed to projects on the cloning of defense-related genes, functional analyses of WRKY transcription factors in disease resistance, and pathogen population dynamics for sustainable blackleg resistance in canola. His studies have led to the identification of resistance genes and the characterization of pathogenicity factors in fungal infections affecting rapeseed crops.

Conclusion

Dr. Fei Liu is a highly accomplished researcher whose pioneering work in plant genetics, transcription factors, and crop resilience makes him an outstanding candidate for the Research for Pioneering Scientist Distinction Award. His contributions to understanding stress responses in Brassica napus, particularly in disease resistance mechanisms against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, have significantly advanced agricultural biotechnology.

📄Publications

The central role of transcription factors in bridging biotic and abiotic stress responses for plants’ resilience
Authors: Fei Liu, Mengwei Xi, Tong Liu, Xinyu Wu, Lingyue Ju, Daojie Wang
Journal: New Crops (2024)
Transcription factor WRKY28 curbs WRKY33-mediated resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Brassica napus
Authors: Ka Zhang, Fei Liu, Zhixin Wang, Chenjian Zhuo, Kaining Hu, Xiaoxia Li, Jing Wen, Bin Yi, Jinxiong Shen, Chaozhi Ma et al.
Journal: Plant Physiology (2022)
BnaA03.MKK5-BnaA06.MPK3/BnaC03.MPK3 Module Positively Contributes to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Resistance in Brassica napus
Authors: Ka Zhang, Chenjian Zhuo, Zhixin Wang, Fei Liu, Jing Wen, Bin Yi, Jinxiong Shen, Chaozhi Ma, Tingdong Fu, Jinxing Tu
Journal: Plants (2022)
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the Valine-Glutamine Motif-Containing Gene Family in Brassica napus and Functional Characterization of BnMKS1 in Response to Leptosphaeria maculans
Authors: Zou Z, Liu F, Huang S, Fernando WGD
Journal: Phytopathology (2021)
BnaA03.WRKY28, interacting with BnaA09.VQ12, acts as a brake factor of activated BnWRKY33-mediated resistance outburst against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Brassica napus
Authors: Ka Zhang, Fei Liu, Zhixin Wang, Chenjian Zhuo, Kaining Hu, Xiaoxia Li, Jing Wen, Bin Yi, Jinxiong Shen, Chaozhi Ma et al.
Journal: Preprint (2021)

💼 Professional Endeavors

Since earning his doctorate, Prof. Zhu has dedicated his career to exploring innate immune signaling pathways and the infection and immunity mechanisms of porcine viruses, specifically ASFV and PRRSV. His research has received funding from prestigious organizations such as the International Foundation of Science (IFS), NIH R01, the National Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and the National Key Research and Development Project.

🔬CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Prof. Zhu has made significant contributions to understanding the innate immune signaling pathways in pigs and chickens, particularly focusing on the cGAS-STING signaling and the interrelationship between porcine RIG-I-like receptors (RLR). His research on the immune evasion mechanisms of ASFV and the immune defense against PRRSV has been groundbreaking. Additionally, he has investigated the signaling mechanisms of TLR8 in livestock and humans.

🌟Impact and Influence

With over 90 research papers published in high-profile journals such as Immunity, EMBO J, Cancer Res, J. Immunol, J. Biol Chem, and J. Virol, Prof. Zhu’s work has significantly impacted the field of veterinary immunology. His research findings have advanced the understanding of immune responses in livestock, contributing to the development of better disease control strategies.

📖 ACADEMIC CITES

Prof. Zhu’s work has garnered substantial recognition within the scientific community, evidenced by his Scopus citation index of 2600 and an H-index of 28. His contributions have not only advanced academic knowledge but also influenced practical applications in veterinary medicine.

🌍 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Prof. Zhu’s legacy is marked by his pioneering research and significant advancements in the understanding of innate immune signaling and porcine virus immunity. His ongoing projects continue to explore critical aspects of immune responses and pathogen interactions. The patent for the porcine RIG-I specific monoclonal antibody highlights his innovative approach to tackling veterinary health issues. His future contributions are anticipated to further revolutionize veterinary immunology and enhance disease management in livestock.

📰PUBLICATIONS

- Characterization of three African swine fever viruses from different clinical settings revealed a potential attenuation mechanism
  
  Authors: Zhang, J., Wang, Y., Zhang, K., Li, R., Zhu, J.
  
  Journal: Animal Diseases, 2024, 4(1), 24
  
  Porcine TLR8 signaling and its anti-infection function are disturbed by immune checkpoint receptor TIM-3 via inhibition of P13K-AKT pathway
  
  Authors: Zheng, W., Ao, D., Cao, Q., Chen, N., Zhu, J.
  
  Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024, 269, 132018
  
  Development of visual detection of African swine fever virus using CRISPR/LwCas13a lateral flow strip based on structural protein gene D117L
  
  Authors: Zhang, D., Jiang, S., Xia, N., Zheng, W., Zhu, J.
  
  Journal: Veterinary Microbiology, 2024, 293, 110073
  
  A chimeric porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1 strain containing synthetic ORF2-6 genes can trigger T follicular helper cell and heterologous neutralizing antibody responses and confer enhanced cross-protection
  
  Authors: Li, S., Qiu, M., Li, S., Lu, Y., Chen, N.
  
  Journal: Veterinary Research, 2024, 55(1), pp. 28
  
  Viral co-infections targeting the porcine respiratory system: Consequences and limits of the experimental systems | Les co-infections virales affectant le système respiratoire porcin: conséquences et limites des systèmes d’étude
  
  Authors: Meurens, F., Zhu, J., Renois, F.
  
  Journal: Virologie, 2024, 28(1), pp. 9–21