Category: Graduation

Our lab is thrilled to announce that Cao Chenyu has successfully passed her PhD defense on June 18, 2024. Dr. Cao Chenyu’s dedication and hard work have led to significant advancements in our understanding of the multifunctional protein isthmin-1 (ISM1) and its various biological roles.

Chenyu’s research focused on ISM1, a protein known for its anti-angiogenic, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic properties. Her work has provided new insights into how ISM1 interacts with its receptor, cell surface GRP78 (csGRP78), and the subsequent cellular processes it influences. In addition to exploring ISM1’s role in apoptosis, Chenyu investigated its potential effects on cellular senescence, particularly in lung diseases. Her findings have opened new avenues for understanding the complex mechanisms by which ISM1 may contribute to cellular health and disease.

We are incredibly proud of Chenyu’s achievements and her contributions to the field. Her research not only enhances our knowledge of ISM1 but also lays the groundwork for potential future therapeutic applications targeting lung diseases.

As Chenyu continues her scientific journey, we look forward to her ongoing research and the impact she will undoubtedly make in the scientific community. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Cao on this significant milestone.

Our lab is delighted to announce the successful graduation of Dr. Xu Simin. We take immense pride in sharing her achievements and future endeavors with our community.

Simin’s research focused on understanding cellular senescence and its implications in pulmonary fibrosis. Cellular senescence is a state of permanent cell cycle arrest characterized by profound changes in cell behavior, chromatin structure, and the secretion of molecules that influence tumor suppression. In the lungs, senescent epithelial cells and fibroblasts significantly contribute to the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Simin’s study centered on isthmin1 (ISM1), a protein previously identified for its anti-inflammatory properties. Her research provided new insights into the role of ISM1 in cellular senescence of lung epithelial cells, suggesting a protective role of ISM1 against aging related lung diseases.

Simin successfully defended her dissertation on November 22, 2023, and officially graduated on April 30, 2024. Her pioneering work paves the way for potential therapeutic strategies targeting cellular senescence in pulmonary fibrosis and other age-related lung diseases.

Simin will continue her scientific journey as a Post-doctoral Research Fellow in the laboratory of Professor Ge at the National University of Singapore. Her future research will delve deeper into the mechanisms of senescence and innate immunology, promising further advancements in our understanding of lung health and disease. 

Stay tuned for more exciting updates on the remarkable achievements and future contributions of Dr. Xu Simin. We are immensely proud of her accomplishments and eagerly anticipate her continued impact on the scientific community.