Bacterial pneumonia is one of the challenging global infectious diseases with high morbidity and mortality. Considering the antibiotic abuse and resistance of bacterial biofilms, a variety of metal-based materials have been developed. However, due to the high oxygen environment of the lungs, some aerobic infection bacteria have high tolerance to oxygen and ROS, and most of the metal-based materials based on ROS may not achieve good therapeutic effects.Recently, Professor Min Zhou's team from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine/Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute published a research paper titled A mucous permeable local delivery strategy based on manganese-enhanced bacterial cuproptosis-like death for the bacterial pneumonia treatment in the ACS Nano, making new progress in the bacterial cuproptosis-like death for the bacterial pneumonia treatment.Copper, a long-established antimicrobial material, has recently been found to trigger copper-induced cell death after its accumulation within biofilms by interacting with components in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Cell death induced by copper is associated with cell respiration, in which cells dependent on aerobic respiration are more sensitive to copper-induced death, showing potential application in the treatment of pulmonary aerobic infections. However, the application of copper death to the treatment of bacterial infections has been limited, starting with the protective effect of glutathione, which can interact with copper and thus hinder the interaction of copper with proteins.Another key point is the concentration of copper ions, considering the toxicity of copper ions, direct intravenous injection of large doses of copper preparations can lead to serious toxic effects.Inspired by the sensitivity of cuproptosis to aerobic respiratory cells, we designed a copper composite antibacterial nanoparticle and found that it can effectively induce cuproptosis-like death in aerobic bacteria of the lung. To address the challenge of in vivo application of cuproptosis, manganese dioxide was first incorporated to deplete protective glutathione, and assists in antibacterial action through immune enhancement. Cuproptosis-like death also requires a large amount of copper ions. To meet this demand, we deliver positively hydrophilic modified composite nanoparticles that effectively penetrate the lung mucus layer directly to the lungs through local administration, and the copper ions were further released rapidly by the acidic environment at the infected site, which can further destroy bacterial biofilms in synergy with manganese. This drug delivery system can effectively treat pneumonia caused by aerobic bacteria and avoid the systemic toxicity that can be caused by large doses of copper.Dr. Shiyuan Hua from the Min Zhou team at the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute) is the first author of the paper. Dr. Huiqun Hu from the Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine is the co-first author of the paper. Professor Min Zhou from the ZJU-UoE Institute and Professor Feng Xu from the Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine are the co corresponding authors of the paper.

On November 7th, ZJE organized more than 30 graduate students to participate in the 14th  Poster Day of School of Basic Medical Sciences (BMS). At the event, ZJE students actively communicated and discussed with students from the School of Basic Medical Sciences and the School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, and detailed their research progress to the reviewing experts.Professor Ke Yuehai, Dean of ZJE and vice dean of the School of Medicine , Professor Xu Haoxin, Dean of School of Basic Medical Sciences and Mikael Bjorklund, Assistant Dean and Graduate Program Director of ZJE attended the opening ceremony. Professor Ke Yuehai  expressed his great honor to witness the 14 years history of the Poster Day in BMS, from the initial concept of "Happy Science and Happy Life " to "Better Science and Better Life". Currently, Professor Ke believed that "Better Self " should also be added because the ultimate demand of scientific research should be to find a better self. He hopes that researchers can find calmness, confidence, self-discipline, and happiness from scientific research.After a morning of exciting poster display, expert review, and on-site voting, the event finally selected the winners of awards such as the Original Academic Newcomer Award and Best Poster Award. Professor Mikael Bjorklund, Assistant Dean of ZJE and Vice Dean of BMS Hu Weiwei jointly presented awards to ZJE award-winning students.The list of ZJE graduate students who have won awards is as follows:ZJE Best Poster Award: Li Wenyue, Yang Yuzhi, Zhang Linkun, Zhao Xing, Zhang HaonanZJE Original Academic Newcomer Award: Chen Silin, Yuan Dailin, Li Shiqi, Yuan Pengkun, Huang HaoSecond prize in the competition for the most beautiful experimental image of protein detection technology: Li Wenjun

On 4-6 November, 2024 Cell Research Symposia: Stem Cells and Tissue Regeneration, was successfully held in the Multifunctional Hall, International Campus of Zhejiang University. The symposia attracted nearly 300 top scientists, researchers and scholars from all over the world. Academician Jinsong Li and Professor Lijian Hui from the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS, Dangsheng Li, Executive Editor of Cell Research, and Professor Yuehai Ke, Dean of the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute and Vice Dean of the School of Medicine of Zhejiang University, attended the meeting and delivered opening speeches respectively.The symposia was co-organised by the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE), the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS, the Shanghai Academy of Natural Sciences, the Chinese Society of Cell Biology, and the journal Cell Research. The International Campus of Zhejiang University and Haining International Cooperative Education Development Office provided full support for the symposia.Thirty-two experts and scholars from China, the UK, the US, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia and other parts of the globe gave wonderful presentations on the above topics, fully demonstrating the latest research progress and achievements in the field, as well as discussing in depth the future research focus and development direction.The symposia is not only an exchange event in the field of basic stem cell research and clinical translational application, but also an important catalyst to promote international cooperation in stem cell research and application. The success of the symposia has also become a stage for displaying ZJE's research and academic achievements and the effectiveness of school running. In the future, we will continue to promote the integration of international academic exchanges and provide a broader academic exchange platform for teachers and students of ZJE.

On October 16, 2024, a delegation of 53 students and faculty from the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) visited BGI Life Sciences Institute in Hangzhou. As part of the institute’s outreach to bridge academia with industry, this visit aimed to offer students insight into cutting-edge gene technology and its real-world applications. Under the guidance of Zhang He, Dean of the Hangzhou Institute, students toured the Life Omics Big Data Center and engaged in discussions on BGI’s educational innovations and talent development strategy.Pioneering Research at BGI Life Sciences InstituteFounded in 1999, BGI has become a leading figure in life sciences, driven by a mission to “use gene technology for the benefit of humanity.” Its global reach spans over 100 countries, with collaborations integrating genomics advances into healthcare, conservation, and forensic science. The Hangzhou branch, co-established by BGI, Hangzhou’s municipal government, and Xihu District, launched in 2022 and focuses on pioneering research in brain science, anti-aging, and cellular therapy.BGI Hangzhou features five specialized research centers and three high-throughput platforms, advancing critical fields like genomics and synthetic biology. Zhang He highlighted the institute’s ongoing innovations, presenting its high-impact publications and technological breakthroughs in fields that promise to redefine health and medical science.Life Omics Big Data Center“Decoding Life,” “Redefining Life,” “Storing Life”BGI Life Sciences Institute’s dean, Zhang He, welcomed ZJE students and faculty and guided them through the Life Omics Big Data Center. He introduced the institute’s founding story and recent achievements, including high-impact publications and patents.The institute’s research emphasizes health sciences, focusing on areas such as aging and regeneration, cell therapy, and brain disease research. Collaborating with local resources, the institute undertakes organized scientific initiatives and large-scale research alliances. Concurrently, the institute advances core technologies in genomics, continuously overcoming challenges in sequencing and omics technologies.Lectures and DiscussionsLeading Genomics Innovation Through the “Research-Industry-Education” ModelIn the academic session, Chen Guang, Deputy Director of BGI Genomics in East China, delivered a lecture titled “DCS Technology Development, Applications, and Platform,” covering DNA Omics, Cell Omics, and Spatial Omics technologies and their applications in cross-disciplinary and collaborative innovation.Associate Researcher Liu Chang from BGI’s Biotechnology Department presented “Innovations and Applications of Single-Cell Omics Sequencing Technology,” illustrating how foundational technologies drive breakthroughs in clinical applications and industry.Li Yifan, Head of BGI’s Eastern Education Center, and Shen Yunya, Head of Human Resources at BGI Hangzhou, gave talks on “BGI’s Innovative Education Model” and “BGI’s Talent Development Strategy,” respectively. They introduced BGI’s approach to talent acquisition, training, and development, highlighting a project-based talent cultivation philosophy that encourages students to enhance self-learning and grow through practice.Reflections on the Visit“Single-cell sequencing can precisely capture the dynamic gene expression changes during embryonic development. When combined with spatial transcriptomics, it offers accurate spatial localization, providing a new perspective for understanding cell fate decisions and differentiation pathways in embryonic development. This visit broadened my perspective on single-cell technology applications and inspired me to think about how these advanced technologies can be more effectively applied to current research, helping me to better analyze key processes in embryonic development and advance my research project.”—Zhu Hongchen, ZJE Master’s Student“During today’s visit to BGI Hangzhou, I was deeply impressed by BGI’s leadership in the sequencing industry. From traditional second-generation sequencing to the latest spatial transcriptomics, BGI remains at the forefront. This experience gave me a genuine sense of what it means for knowledge to translate into tangible products, and reinforced the importance of our lab work. I am now more determined to study and practice diligently to transform my knowledge into products and technologies that benefit humanity.”—Zhao Hang, ZJE PhD Student“This visit to BGI Hangzhou was incredibly valuable. Not only did I gain insights into the company’s development, but I also learned about key research projects, which deepened my understanding of the industry’s direction. The spatial transcriptomics project introduced by BGI researchers broadened my knowledge of its applications. Additionally, the human resources team’s presentation on talent selection reflected the company’s commitment to valuing talent. The collaboration projects between the company and universities highlighted the innovative ‘research-industry-education’ model. I am convinced that gene technology will play an increasingly vital role in fields like medical health. This visit not only gave me a clearer picture of a biotechnology company’s operations but also inspired my interest in the life sciences field.”—Qian Qiuting, ZJE PhD StudentThe goal of this industry visit was to help students understand the workings of a global leader in life sciences, encouraging them to integrate classroom knowledge with industry practices to enhance their professional competencies and support their career planning. ZJE Associate Professor Chi Ying, Assistant Professor Liu Hengjia, and student counsellors Wang Ruidong and Wei Xuantong also participated in this event. （Text and images: Wang Ruidong）

On October 27, the 2024 International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) was grandly concluded. iZJU-China, an undergraduate team from the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, participated in the competition for the first time and stood out from hundreds of teams from Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Edinburgh, Tsinghua University, and other major universities around the world, won the gold medal and was nominated for the Best Fashion & Cosmetics Project.Introduction to iGEMThe International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) is a top international academic competition in the field of biology initiated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2004, aiming to encourage college students and young scientists to solve real-world problems through innovative biological projects. It is widely recognized by academic journals such as Nature and Science, as well as the industrial sector. iGEM encompasses multiple disciplines, including biology, mathematics, computer science, art and design, economics, and management, and is an international science and technology competition centered around biology with interdisciplinary integration. In 2024, more than 400 teams from over 50 countries participated in iGEM.Team and Project IntroductionThis year's iZJU-China team consists of 26 undergraduate students, guided by Dr. Huang Wenwen, a researcher and assistant professor at the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Professor Chen Ming from the School of Life Sciences at Zhejiang University, and Dr. Lian Jiazhang, a researcher at the School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering at Zhejiang University.The team developed "Yeastea", a yeast skincare product combining bisabolol, ceramides, and yeast extract, designed for sensitive skin to enhance skin barrier repair. By utilizing a genetic oscillator, an autonomous negative feedback regulatory genetic circuit, the team controlled the production of ceramides and bisabolol in brewing yeast, reducing cellular toxicity and extending yeast lifespan, which increased the production of ceramides by 37%. The yeast extract containing the product has good biocompatibility. Additionally, in terms of human practice, the team designed the AREA framework suitable for the Fashion and Cosmetics track to collect feedback and specifically segmented stakeholders and non-stakeholders to optimize the project. This innovative yeast extract skincare product provides an affordable, efficient, and sustainable solution for skin repair, with expectations for a broader future in the skincare and cosmetics industry. Team Introduction: https://2024.igem.wiki/izju-china/Team Member ListWang Chen, Yu Haoyang, Wang Mingyuan, Wang Yaqi, Kong Kexuan, Lv Siyuan, Zhu Jiaying, Liu Zimo, Xu Ruiling, Li Yexuan, Yang Yijun, Yang Bo, Xiao Mingyang, Wu Di, Zhang Yiyang, Zhang Xiaohan, Chen Jinpeng, Zheng Ximeng, He Zihang, Yuan Shihong, Gao Yifan, Cao Yue, Cao Xiaoran, Gong Siyuan, Ji Shu Han, Xiong Shi Han

The Chinese-foreign Joint Education Committee held its 10th meeting and celebrated its 10th anniversary in Shanghai from October 10 to 12, 2024. Hosted by the University of Michigan - Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, the meeting welcomed over 400 representatives from 205 Sino-foreign cooperative institutions and programs. The meeting reviewed the significant progress of Sino-foreign cooperative education over the past decade under the guidance of national policies on educational openness, while also looking ahead to the prospects for cooperative education in the "next decade," in line with the spirit of the National Education Conference.As one of the chair institutions of the Committee, ZJE was invited to attend the meeting. Mr. Ye Zhiguo, Vice Dean of ZJE, received the "Pioneer of Dedication Award" in recognition of his contributions and efforts in the field of Sino-foreign cooperative education over the past ten years.

You might think that eating is just a daily routine, but it's actually a vital process that keeps our bodies running smoothly. Our small intestine is like a busy factory that absorbs nutrients from the food we eat, and it's also connected to other organs like the liver and fat cells that help with metabolism.But did you know that our small intestine has a special way of getting nutrients? It's like a two-way street, where nutrients come in from both the food we eat and the bloodstream. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to problems like obesity, heart disease, and even damage to our immune system.A collaborative group of scientists from Wang Di (Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Liu Wanlu (Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute), and Liu Jia (Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, CAS) has made a groundbreaking discovery about how our small intestine works. They found that the way we eat affects how our small intestine absorbs nutrients, and that different types of nutrients are absorbed in different ways. For example, fats are mainly absorbed in the top part of the small intestine, while a certain type of amino acid is absorbed in specific cells.They also found that when we don't eat regularly, our small intestine can become imbalanced, leading to problems like heart disease. If we don't eat breakfast, it can be especially harmful.So, what can we do? Eating a balanced diet and having regular meals is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut and preventing diseases. And who knows, maybe skipping breakfast isn't such a good idea after all!AcknowledgmentsProfessor Wang Di from Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Professor Liu Wanlu from the Zhejiang University-Edinburgh University Joint Institute are the corresponding authors of this paper. Dr. Zhang Jian, a postdoctoral fellow at Zhejiang University School of Medicine/Liangzhu Laboratory, PhD student Tian Ruonan from the Zhejiang University-Edinburgh University Joint Institute, and Dr. Liu Jia and Dr. Yuan Jie from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica are the co-first authors. The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation, and other major projects.

Meiosis is a special type of cell division used by sexually reproducing organisms to produce gametes. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and undergo mutual exchange through homologous recombination, which is crucial for the accurate separation of homologous chromosomes during the first meiotic division. Meiotic recombination is thus one of the driving forces behind genetic diversity and the adaptive evolution of sexually reproducing organisms. Meiotic recombination is initiated by DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) created by the Spo11 core complex, and the subsequent repair of these DSBs can lead to the formation of chromosomal crossover structures, ensuring stable chromosome pairing and exchange. Although Spo11 evolved from the cleavage subunit Top6A of the archaeal topoisomerase VI (Topo VI), and almost all reproductive organisms use Spo11 to generate meiotic DSBs, the composition of the Spo11 core complex, its correspondence with Topo VI, and the molecular mechanisms of its binding to and cleaving DNA substrates are still not well understood.Recently, a research paper titled "Cryo-EM structures of the Spo11 core complex bound to DNA" was published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology. The first author of the paper is researcher/assistant professor You Yu from ZJE (Zhejiang University- University of Edinburgh Institute), and the co-first authors are Dr. Juncheng Wang from the Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences at Shandong University, and postdoctoral researcher Kaixian Liu and PhD student Zhi Zheng from MSKCC (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center). The paper reported for the first time the Cryo-EM structures of the Spo11 core complex (Spo11-Rec102-Rec104-Ski8) bound to DNA (hairpin DNA/gapped DNA) at resolutions of 3.7Å and 3.3 Å. These structures revealed the detailed interactions between the subunits within the Spo11 core complex, as well as extensive interactions between the Spo11 core complex and the DNA backbone and with the recessed 3'-OH, and the first 5' overhanging nucleotide. The study determined the molecular mechanism by which the Spo11 core complex specifically binds to DNA ends and revealed the molecular mechanism by which the Spo11 core complex preferentially cleaves DNA in vivo. At the same time, yeast functional experiments also verified the interactions between subunits within the Spo11 core complex and between proteins and nucleic acids, and revealed the specificity of the Rec102 subunit structure, which is homologous to the archaeal Top6BL (Figure 1). Finally, the study provided an in-depth understanding of the dimerization of the Spo11 core complex and the role of divalent metal ions in catalyzing the enzymatic reaction of DNA double-strand breaks.图1. Gapped DNA结合Spo11核心复合物的冷冻电镜结构及蛋白-核酸相互作用This study was collaboratively completed by the teams of Scott Keeney and Dinshaw Patel from MSKCC. It also represents a new discovery by Dr. You Yu, who joined ZJE in 2024, in the field of chromosome structure maintenance and chromosome stability research.The You Yu Research Group at ZJE has long been engaged in structural and molecular biology research related to the maintenance of chromosome structure and chromosome stability. Innovative research achievements include studies on the molecular structure of the SMC5/6 complex and its molecular mechanisms of interaction with DNA, as well as research on the structure and molecular mechanisms of novel antiviral nucleic acid immune effectors, including the SMC5/6 complex (and the membrane protein Cam1). The laboratory is actively recruiting postdoctoral fellows in the fields of structural biology, molecular biology, genetics, and immunology, and encourages undergraduate students interested in these research directions to apply for M.S. or Ph.D. with our group.Link to the paper：https://www.nature.com/articles/s41594-024-01382-8 Introduction to Dr. You Yu's Research Group：https://person.zju.edu.cn/H124005

On September 11th, the Welcome Ceremony for the 2024 students of the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) was held at the Haining International Campus of Zhejiang University. A total of 148 undergraduate students, 50 master's students, and 30 doctoral students arrived from all corners of the country. They carried earnest expectations and sincere aspirations, embarked on a new journey at ZJE.Professor Mike Shipston, Dean of the College of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Professor Li Hanying, Dean of the International Campus, Professor Ke Yuehai, Dean of ZJE and Vice Dean of the School of Medicine, and Professor Sue Welburn, Executive Dean of ZJE, delivered welcome speeches. Also in attendance were Qu Lijuan, Executive Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party Committee and Vice Dean of International Campus, Wu Jian, Vice Dean of International Campus, Qu Haidong, Vice Dean of International Campus, as well as leaders from ZJE and various departments and colleges of the campus. Representatives from ZJE and the University of Edinburgh faculty also participated in the ceremony.The ceremony began with the standing and singing of the Zhejiang University anthem by all present.Professor Li Hanying extended a warm welcome to all the new students. He first introduced the construction history and mission of the International Campus, urging students to make full use of the resources and platforms available to make friends, enrich their university experiences, enhance their international perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills, grow amidst changes, and become global citizens of the new era. He also encouraged them to actively improve themselves and contribute positively to society with their knowledge and skills. Finally, he wished the students courage in their endeavors and the best of themselves.Professor Mike Shipston expressed that ZJE, a powerful collaboration between two world-class institutions, Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh, integrates the best of Eastern and Western education. With faculty from both universities teaching together, students will embark on an exciting journey exploring modern biomedical sciences, laying a solid foundation for their careers. He also urged students to be proactive, take responsibility for themselves, and enjoy their university journey.Professor Ke Yuehai emphasized the uniqueness and excellence of ZJE, serving as a bridge connecting biology and medicine, the UK and China, history and the future. He encouraged students to become part of ZJE's present and future as future scholars, authors, professors, or doctors. He also exhorted them to uphold dignity, integrity, and humanitarianism, adhering to the principles of "seeking truth and being innovative" and "compassionate medicine with a kind heart."Professor Sue Welburn noted that ZJE offers the best resources of two world-leading universities, providing a genuine international experience that blends the essence of both Chinese and British education systems. She hoped that students would seize the moment, move forward bravely, live with integrity, and become honest, kind, and compassionate individuals.Hu Haoyuan, a representative of undergraduate freshmen majoring in Biomedical Sciences, spoke of the excitement and growth that every step into university brings. He called on all freshmen to maintain their love for knowledge, pursue truth relentlessly, and write a splendid chapter as new-age ZJEers.Fu Rao, a doctoral student representative, shared her story of being drawn to biology and pursuing it as her profession. She wished all freshmen a fulfilling academic journey that lives up to their initial hopes and aspirations.With the joint efforts of all teachers and students, the crystal ball for the sailing ceremony was illuminated, symbolizing the beginning of a new learning journey for the students on the fertile soil of ZJE. We sincerely wish every student to find their passions in this new journey, becoming better versions of themselves.Student representatives Fang Haolie and Xu Yuqiao solemnly pledged to work towards improving human health and conducting research beneficial to society. Their resolute oaths echoed with passion, marking the official start of their fresh, energetic, and colorful journey.Amidst warm applause, the talented 2024 ZJEers presented a splendid performance. Enthusiastic dances, heart-stirring musical instrument performances, and lingering choral singing pushed the atmosphere of the welcome ceremony to a climax.Autumn marks a new beginning. May the 2024 freshmen bravely explore the unknown, embrace limitless possibilities, and paint a splendid chapter of their own at ZJE.

From August 27 to 28, 2024, Faculty and students from Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) embarked on a journey to Meicheng, the first stop of Zhejiang University's historic westward relocation.  Meicheng holds a special place in the hearts of the Zhejiang University community. It was here that the university, during a period of great national upheaval, demonstrated extraordinary resilience and commitment to academic excellence by relocating westward.Walking along the stone pavement, they revisited the former residences of Professor Su Buqing and President Chu Kochen, now memorial halls dedicated to preserving the legacy of the university's challenging but remarkable period of relocation. The memorial hall featured a collection of old items and photos that vividly depicted the arduous journey led by President Chu Kochen. The exhibits showcased the determination of the university's teachers and students to continue teaching and research despite the many challenges they faced during the relocation. The visit also highlighted the remarkable achievements of Zhejiang University during this period, offering a powerful reminder of the institution's resilience and commitment to education.In addition to exploring the historical site, representatives of faculty and students shared their experiences and insights through a thematic presentation on the spirit of Zhejiang University's westward relocation. They reviewed the university's educational history in Meicheng and recounted the touching stories of two prominent educators, Chu Kochen and Zheng Xiaocang. The presentation also delved into the anecdotes of masters like Tan Jiazhen and Bei Shizhang, who continued their biological research with unwavering dedication during the seven years of relocation.Dean of ZJE, Prof.Ke Yuehai further elaborated on the origin and development of biomedical science during the westward relocation, expressing his strong confidence in advancing biomedical science and contributing to social development. Faculty members engaged in discussions about ZJE's achievements in 2024 and the strategic direction for the next stage.  This visit was more than just a trip; it was an opportunity to revisit the university's rich history, reflect on the enduring spirit of perseverance, and immerse in the pursuit of truth that has defined Zhejiang University's legacy. Through this visit, the ZJE community not only gained a deeper understanding of Zhejiang University's westward relocation but also strengthened their sense of identity and ideological consensus. By reflecting on the stories of prominent figures in biomedical science, faculty and students were inspired to contribute to the cause of human health.

Recently, Dr. Jian Liu’s group from Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) and the collaborators, Pro. Shiqun Shao from College of Chemical and Biological Engineeringof Zhejiang University, published an article entitled “A plug-and-play monofunctional platform for targeted degradation of extracellular proteins and vesicles” in Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51720-z Existing strategies use bifunctional chimaeras to mediate extracellular protein degradation. However, these strategies rely on specific lysosome-trafficking receptors to facilitate lysosomal delivery, which may raise resistance concerns due to intrinsic cell-to-cell variation in receptor expression and mutations or downregulation of the receptors. Another challenge is establishing a universal platform applicable in multiple scenarios. Here, the research team develops MONOTAB (MOdified NanOparticle with TArgeting Binders), a plug-and-play monofunctional degradation platform that can drag extracellular targets into lysosomes for degradation. MONOTAB harnesses the inherent lysosome-targeting ability of certain nanoparticles to obviate specific receptor dependency and the hook effect. To achieve high modularity and programmable target specificity, the streptavidin-biotin interaction is utilized to immobilize antibodies or other targeting molecules on nanoparticles, through an antibody mounting approach or by direct binding. This study reveals that MONOTAB can induce efficient degradation of diverse therapeutic targets, including membrane proteins, secreted proteins, and even extracellular vesicles.  Targeted degradation of extracellular proteins or vesicles mediated by MONOTABsPro. Shiqun Shao and Pro. Jian Liu are the corresponding authors. In addition, the PhD student Qian Tang (ZJE, 2021 entry) participated in this research as the co-first author. About Jian Liu’s labJian Liu's group is now interested in investigating lung squamous cell carcinoma development and treatment using genetic mouse models and AI+ multi-omics, especially the research direction on cancer immunology and 3D genome. He has published over 50 papers, including publications in the past three years, as a co-corresponding author in Nature Communications (2), Advanced Science, Oncogene, Molecular Oncology journals. Moreover, his lab developed a multi-omics web database Omics3D (http://omics3d.net/) to investigate the de novo functional genome during cancer development.Email:JianL@intl.zju.edu.cnJian Liu’s lab (https://person.zju.edu.cn/liujian) is recruiting postdoc and Ph.D. students, including the single degree from University of Edinburgh.

Organelles engage in signal transduction and material exchange through membrane contact sites, which play significant roles in lipid synthesis, calcium ion transfer, and autophagy. Mitochondria have been widely reported to form contact sites with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), referred to as mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCs). Early studies suggested that mitochondrial fusion proteins Mitofusin 1 and 2 (MFN1/2) function as physical linkers at these contact sites by forming dimers with MFN2 on the ER. However, super-resolution imaging of MFN2 fails to detect MFN2 signal on ER membranes. Thus, the model that ER-MFN2 dimerizes with mitochondrial-MFN2 requires re-examination.Recent findings propose that MFN2 specifically transports phosphatidylserine (PS) from the ER to mitochondria for the synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), further indicating MFN2's potential involvement in multiple functions at MERCs. Whether all these functions are mediated by MFN2-MFN2 dimers and whether other unknown ER proteins participate with MFN2 remains unresolved. Therefore, identifying new ER protein partner for MFN2 and elucidating their biological functions will help in reevaluating the role of MFN2-MFN2 homodimers in mediating MERCs and functions related.On 12 August 2024, Dr. Zhi Hong's group at ZJE published an article titled "Dynamic interaction of REEP5-MFN1/2 enables mitochondrial hitchhiking on tubular ER" in the Journal of Cell Biology. This study is the first to reveal that the ER-shaping protein REEP5, as a novel interacting partner of MFN1/2, mediates the mitochondrial hitchhiking on the tubular ER, ultimately achieving uniform mitochondrial distribution throughout cytoplasm and regulating cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis.Previous results indicated that knockdown or knockout of REEP family members in the ER leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus the study initially performed a small-scale screening of the REEP protein family, discovering that REEP5 specifically binds MFN1/2. Live-cell imaging further confirmed the enrichment of REEP5 and MFN1/2 at MERCs. The Using GI-SIM super-resolution live imaging, ER and mitochondria displayed a dynamic “association-dissociation” pattern, with REEP5-MFN2 tethers driving mitochondrial hitchhiking on the tubular ER. The study found that weakening REEP5-MFNs interactions leads to mitochondrial collapse to the perinuclear region. Interestingly, when REEP5-MFNs interactions are locked, mitochondrial can no longer be randomly released from tubular ER, they remained attached to the ER instead and resulting in mitochondrial hyperfusion. The findings suggest that the dynamic binding between REEP5 and MFN1/2 underlies the molecular mechanism of dynamic ER-mitochondria contact.Previous studies have shown that the subcellular localization of mitochondria is closely related to mitochondrial ROS homeostasis. Using the mitochondrial-localized ROS sensors roGFP2 and HyPer7, the researchers found that mitochondrial ROS level is tightly regulated by REEP5-MFN1/2 tethering strengths, e.g. mitochondrial ROS is upregulated once REEP5-MFN1/2 tethering is disrupted.In summary, this study elucidates a novel mechanism by which the REEP5-MFN1/2 protein complex facilitates mitochondrial "hitchhiking" along the tubular ER, thereby promoting uniform mitochondrial distribution within the cell and regulating cellular ROS homeostasis. The findings offer theoretical evidence suggesting that organelle interactions are intrinsically dynamic processes featured by cycles of association and dissociation.Dr. Zhi Hong from ZJE serves as the corresponding author, with Dr. Shue Chen and Ph.D. candidate Yang Sun as co-first authors. Additionally, Ph.D. candidates Lan Yang and Yuling Qin from ZJE contributed significantly to this study. This research received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China.Link to the paper: https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202304031About Dr. Zhi Hong’ labDr. Zhi Hong’s research group focuses on organelle interactions and cellular homeostasis, as well as investigating the molecular mechanisms and biological functions related to lipid metabolism. Their findings have been published in esteemed journals such as the Journal of Cell Biology, Cell Research, Autophagy, and Antiviral Research.

On 25-30 July 2024, the "Lung Disease and Big Data Multi-omics" Special Session of the 2024 International Conference on Life Sciences was successfully held in Guiyang. Prof. Ke Yuehai, Dean of ZJE, organized this special session as the chairman, and 11 ZJE faculty members and students were invited to participate in the conference.During the conference, articipating experts shared and exchanged on the topics of Machine Learning, Informatisation Technology, and Research Progress of Multi-omics in Lung Cancer and Lung Fibrosis. ZJE teachers such as Ke Yuehai, Chi Ying, Liu Jian, Chen Di, and Jin Yinhua gave keynote speeches.  In addition, four ZJE students, Wang Teng, Xiang Xinyu, Ying Dingchao, and Feng Boshi, received funding from the Outstanding Young Scholars Travel Award and gave poster presentations at the conference. Students said that they deeply felt the vastness and depth of the field of life sciences. This conference broadened their horizons and inspired them to have the courage to reach the peak of scientific research.The International Conference on Life Sciences has now become the most comprehensive and influential international academic event in the field of life sciences in China. Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA) and Chinese Biological Investigators Society (CBIS) are Joint Hosts of this conference, and Guizhou University, Guizhou Medical University, the Chinese Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Chinese Society of Cell Biology are Co-Hosts. The scale of the conference exceeded 1,000 people. This conference invited a number of internationally renowned biologists to share their cutting-edge progress in life sciences research, focusing on the latest research progress in Basic Biology, Biomedicine, Viruses, Microbiology and other fields. It is worth noting that the holding of "Lung Disease and Big Data Multi-omics" special session is another important measure for ZJE to build an academic exchange platform and create an academic brand display. Through the combination of "Bringing in" and "Going out", we encourage young scholars to actively participate in academic activities, delve into scientific research, and jointly promote progress in the field of life sciences.

On July 16-17, 2024, the academic symposium "Biomedical Futures" jointly organized by Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh was successfully held in Edinburgh, UK. More than 100 students and faculty from the two top universities gathered together to share breakthroughs and new approaches to disease treatment in the field of biomedical science, and explore cutting-edge scientific issues such as biomaterials, bioinformatics, cell biology, immune signaling, infectious diseases, and cancer. Prof. Mike Shipston, Dean of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, Prof. Ke Yuehai, Vice Dean of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Dean of ZJE, Prof. Susan Welburn, Executive Dean of ZJE, attended the opening ceremony and delivered opening speeches. Prof. David Argyle, Dean of the School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Wu Jian, Vice Dean of the International Campus Zhejiang University, Prof. Xu Haoxin, Dean of the School of Basic Medical Sciences of Zhejiang University, Prof. Hu Hailan, Dean of the School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine of Zhejiang University, Prof. Ouyang Hongwei, Executive Deputy Director of Liangzhu Laboratory, Prof. Wang Di, Vice Dean of the School of Medicine of Zhejiang University, Prof. Zhang Dan, Vice Dean of the School of Medicine of Zhejiang University and Executive Vice Dean of the Women’s Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, and others were invited to attend the meeting.On July 16th, four sub-forums on Biomaterials and Bioinformatics, Cell Biology and Physiology, Immune Signalling, Infectious Diseases and Cancer, and the Role of Cell Signalling in Development and Repair were held at the Old Medical School and BioQuarter of the University of Edinburgh. The forums were chaired by Prof. David Hay, Dr. Matthew Brook, Dr. Nicola Roman ò, and Dr. Vasso Makrantoni, 34 scholars from both universities gave exciting academic presentations on Biomedical Futures, deeply exploring the future trends and cutting-edge breakthroughs in the field of biomedical science. Prof. Xu Haoxin from Zhejiang University delved into the proton release mechanism in lysosomes. Prof. Ouyang Hongwei focused on the cutting-edge field of musculoskeletal tissue regeneration and shared his latest research results in promoting tissue repair and functional recovery, while Prof. Dan Zhang elaborated on the important role of precision medicine in prenatal diagnosis and intervention with the theme of preventing birth defects.On July 17th, the symposium was held at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Prof. Hu Hailan, Ke Yuehai, Wang Di, Investigator Shi Peng, Qian Pengxu, and Liu Wanlu from Zhejiang University gave conference presentations on topics of the neural circuits for learning memory and behavior, biology of human disease and tissue repair, hormonal signaling in endocrine system health and disease, cell signaling in cancer and the immune system. Distinguished neuroscientists from the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Richard Morris, Prof. Hilary Critchley and Prof. Shareen Forbes, shared research advances on breakthrough discoveries in the mechanisms of memory in the human brain, endometrial biology and abnormal uterine bleeding, and pancreatic islet transplantation and diabetes treatment, respectively. The symposium was co-chaired by Prof. Ke Yuehai, Prof. Susan Welburn, and Prof. Mike Shipston.The Hangzhou-Edinburgh Joint Symposium on Biomedical Sciences is a platform jointly established by Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh to explore and exchange cutting-edge biomedical academic knowledge. In 2011, the first symposium was held at the University of Edinburgh, and has been held alternately at the two universities since then.Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, as the chairman unit of the China UK Cooperation Alliance, not only builds a solid bridge for the deep scientific and educational integration between the two top universities, but also serves as a key hub for the promotion of innovative exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. The resumption of offline Hangzhou-Edinburgh Joint Symposium after the epidemic will greatly accelerate the deep cooperation between Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh in the field of biomedical science, jointly committed to breakthrough discoveries and innovative applications in the field of biomedical science, injecting original impetus into the future development of global healthcare.Looking forward to 2025, this Joint Symposium, which gathers wisdom and innovation, will be opened in Zhejiang University, let us look forward to it together!