On May 11-12, 2024, the Shandong University Life Science Interdisciplinary Forum was successfully convened at Lecture Hall 303-2, Di Zhou Yuan Building A, Qingdao Campus. Initiated and organized by Professor Dalei Wu from the State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, the forum invited Professors Xiang Gao, Xiaoying Bian, and Qilai Huang as co-chairs. It aimed to provide a platform for young scholars to exchange ideas and discuss critical issues in life science development. Fifteen young professors from institutes including Microbial Technology, Basic Medical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Advanced Medical Research delivered academic presentations, attracting extensive participation from faculty and students.

Professor Zhigang Xu delivered a report titled “Regulation of Hair Cell Tip-Link Stability by Alternative Splicing,” exploring the relationship between the mechanisms of deafness and the stability of hair cell tip-links. Professor Bo Chu presented on “Gut Microbiota Metabolism Regulates Tumor Ferroptosis,” focusing on how human and gut microbiota metabolism regulates the mechanisms of various diseases through ferroptosis. Professor Xiaoying Bian discussed “Mining and Biosynthetic Engineering of Non-Ribosomal Peptide Metabolites in Microorganisms,”covering the synthesis, modification, and utilization of non-ribosomal peptides. Professor Jin Hou reported on “Developing Yeast Synthetic Biology Tools for Producing Important Bio-Based Chemicals,” discussing the use of yeast cell factories to synthesize important bio-based compounds. Professor Xiang Gao presented "Bacteroides Ubiquitin-Like Protein-Mediated Interbacterial Antagonism,” investigating the molecular mechanisms of interbacterial antagonism through ubiquitin-like proteins in Bacteroides. Professor Haiquan Lü discussed “The Regulatory Role of Polyamine Metabolism in Chemotherapy-Induced Enrichment of Breast Cancer Stem Cells,” examining the mechanisms by which polyamine metabolism regulates the enrichment of breast cancer stem cells induced by chemotherapy.

Researcher Yulin Wang gave a report entitled “Gut Microbial Interaction Networks and Strain Genomic Data Mining”, using bioinformatics technology to mine intestinal microbial interaction network and strain genomic data and develop the value of data. Professor Fan Yang gave a report entitled “GPCR Structural Studies in Perception Systems”, discussed the structural analysis and pharmacological application of GPCR in sensory system, introduced the importance of GPCR in the occurrence of human sensory function and the potential of patent medicine.

Professor Ming Shao presented on “Unique Innate Immunity in Early Embryos,” showcasing the unique innate immunity during early embryonic development in animals. Professor Wenfei Li discussed “Exploring the mRNA Translation System as a Drug Target,” using cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, cell biology, and proteomics to design novel therapies targeting the mRNA translation system to halt disease-related proteins at their source. Professor Yizhen Yin reported on “De Novo Discovery of Cyclic Peptide Drugs Based on mRNA Display Technology,” accelerating the discovery and optimization of cyclic peptide drugs using mRNA display technology. Professor Ye Hong presented on “Mechanisms of Meiotic Chromosome Cohesion Establishment by the Replisome in Multicellular Animals,” using Caenorhabditis elegans to study the mechanisms of chromosome cohesion establishment during DNA replication and meiotic homologous recombination. Professor Yuqi Ping discussed “Recognition and Activation Mechanisms of Endogenous Ligands in Adhesion GPCRs,” exploring these mechanisms using cryo-EM. Researcher Lei Du reported on “Biosynthesis of Microbial Bioactive Natural Products,” discussing the use of microorganisms to synthesize natural products.

After the report, many teachers and students had exchanges and discussions on the report, and carried out extensive and in-depth academic discussion. Participants expressed that the forum provided new insights into the progress of various research topics and a deeper understanding of the challenges in the development of life sciences.  They hope that more such cross-forums will be held in the future.

Photo/Text: Qi Liu

Editor: Na Li