Legong Li | Ion Transportation | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Published on by China Scientist

Prof. Legong Li | Ion Transportation | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Li Legong is a professor and doctoral supervisor at Capital Normal University, where he directs the Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Resources and Low-carbon Environmental Biotechnology. A leading expert in plant molecular biology, his research focuses on ion transport, signal transduction, and stress responses in plants. He has discovered and characterized several key transporter and channel families, contributing to fundamental understanding in plant physiology. Professor Li has published over 70 high-impact papers and has been recognized as a globally highly cited scientist. He also holds prominent roles in national academic committees and editorial boards.

Profile

šŸŽ“Education

  • Li Legong received a comprehensive academic training in plant biology and related disciplines, laying a solid foundation for his future contributions to plant molecular biology and biotechnology. His education equipped him with deep theoretical knowledge and strong experimental skills in plant physiology, molecular mechanisms, and genetic research.

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ« Experience

  • Professor Li currently serves at Capital Normal University as a leading figure in plant science. He is the Director of the Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Resources and Low-carbon Environmental Biotechnology and leads the National Key Discipline of Botany. He also holds important academic and professional positions, including Director of the Modern Agriculture Committee of the Beijing Overseas High-level Talent Association, Member of the Membrane Biology Committee of the Chinese Biophysical Society, and Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Integrative Plant Biology. Throughout his career, he has led more than twenty major scientific projects funded by national foundations and research programs.

šŸ¤ Awards and Recognition

  • Professor Li has been recognized with several prestigious honors for his scientific excellence and educational contributions. He received the honorary title of “Excellent Teacher” in Beijing and earned the second prize in the Natural Science Award from the Ministry of Education’s Outstanding Scientific Research Achievement Award for Higher Education Institutions. He has also been listed among the globally highly cited scientists, reflecting his profound impact in the field of plant biology.

šŸ’”Skills and Certifications

  • Professor Li possesses exceptional expertise in plant molecular biology, signal transduction, ion transport mechanisms, and environmental stress responses. He is highly skilled in designing and executing cutting-edge experiments, leading interdisciplinary collaborations, and mentoring the next generation of plant scientists. His ability to translate basic research into broader biological insights demonstrates both academic depth and practical innovation.

šŸ”¬ Research Focus

  • Professor Li Legongā€™s research is centered on plant ion and small molecule transport, regulation, and signal transduction. His group discovered and named various critical plant transporters and channel proteins, including magnesium ion transporters (MGTs), alkaloid transporters, ABA efflux transporters, anion channels (DTXs), and the receptor-like CSCs/TEMEM63/DUF221 channel family. He also identified ion channel functions in key protein families such as MLOs and RBOHs/NOXs. His work uncovered core signaling pathways regulating transpiration, COā‚‚ uptake, low potassium stress, and potassium channel behavior. Moreover, he revealed calcium signaling mechanisms triggered by environmental and nutritional cues such as osmotic stress, heat, nitrate levels, and pathogenic attacks. His findings have addressed fundamental questions in botany, particularly regarding calcium dynamics in polar cell growth and stress-induced signal initiation.

šŸŒŽConclusion

  • Professor Li Legong exemplifies scientific excellence through his innovative and influential research in plant ion transport and signaling. His foundational discoveries have not only advanced basic science but also laid the groundwork for future breakthroughs in plant biology and environmental resilience. His strong leadership, prolific publication record, and recognized impact make him a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award.

šŸ“–Publications

Title: Activation of the CNGC2-CNGC4 channel complex by P2K1-mediated phosphorylation links extracellular ATP perception to calcium signaling in plant immunity
Authors: Yujia Sun, Lei Gao, Yiping Han, Congcong Hou

Title: The ROS-producing enzyme NADPH oxidase/RBOH is a Ca2+ channel regulated by protons in the eukaryotic kingdom
Authors: Liangyu Liu, Zijian Yang, Yangbo Chen, Legong Li

Title: Natural variation in SSW1 coordinates seed growth and nitrogen use efficiency in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shan Jiang, Ximing Jin, Zebin Liu, Yunhai Li

Title: Vacuolar MATE/DTX proteinā€mediated cucurbitacin C transport is coā€regulated with bitterness biosynthesis in cucumber
Authors: Yongshuo Ma, Dawei Li, Yang Zhong, Yi Shang

Title: ZmTIFY16, a novel maize TIFY transcription factor gene, promotes root growth and development and enhances drought and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis and Zea mays
Authors: Chun Zhang, Ruijia Yang, Tongtong Zhang, Zhongyi Y. Wu