Establishment and Development:

Auditory, Nasopharyngeal and Throat (ENT) are important senses of the human body. The mechanism of different sensation generation and the development of new drugs targeting sensory receptors have great significance. NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology was established in 1989, relying on the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Qilu Hospital, Shandong University. The Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Qilu Hospital is one of the birthplaces and foundations of otorhinolaryngology in China, and it has been the first in China to carry out total laryngectomy, endolaryngectomy, laryngeal grafting, laryngeal reconstruction, etc. In terms of basic research, we have revealed the coding mechanism of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) for olfactory and force sensation, and explained the basic process of these life activities at the molecular level. We have carried out in-depth studies centering on GPCR deorphanization in sensory system, GPCR ligand discovery and recognition mechanism; GPCR functional diversity and development of functional biased drugs, and achieved a series of original results. Moreover, we have explored in depth the biomarkers and pathogenic mechanisms of head and neck tumors, and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration to promote early intervention and treatment of head and neck tumors. In recent years, we have published more than 80 articles in Nature (7 articles), Science, Cell (2 articles), Cell Metab, Nat Chem Biol (3 articles), Nat Metab and other well-known journals as corresponding author.

Team Members:

Our team is composed of four doctoral supervisors including Prof. Jinpeng Sun, Prof. Dapeng Lei, Dr. Xin Feng and Dr. Yan Yuan. Prof. Sun is the Vice Dean of Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Dean of the School of Advanced Medical Research at Shandong University, Recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, New Cornerston Investigator, Recipient of 15th Tan Life Science Innovation Award in 2022. Prof. Sun has published more than 80 articles in Nature (7 articles), Science, Cell (2 articles), Cell Metab, Nat Chem Biol (3 articles), Nat Metab and other well-known journals as corresponding author, and has been invited to give presentations in international and domestic academic conferences. Our researches have imposed profound impact in GPCR area. Prof Sun has been awarded the New Cornerstone Investigator Program (2023), the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (2018), C.C.TAN (JIA-ZHEN TAN) Life Science Award (2022), The Second Prize of Chinese Medical Science Prize (2022), and the Third Session of National Award for Excellence in Innovation (2023). Currently, Prof Sun is presiding a number of funds such as National key research and development program, Key Program and General Program; of National Natural Science Foundation of China, Key Program of Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation.

Professor Lei, serving as the Chief Physician, Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor, currently holds the position of Director of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. Additionally, he serves as the Deputy Director of the Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of the National Health Commission, a member of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Head and Neck Surgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and the Deputy Leader of the Head and Neck Group of the China Medical Association. Professor Lei has led seven National Natural Science Foundation projects and received six provincial and ministerial-level awards. He has authored or co-authored over 40 papers in SCI and domestic core journals, including being the lead author of the first "Expert Consensus on Surgical and Comprehensive Treatment of Hypopharyngeal Cancer" and "Expert Consensus on Pharyngolaryngeal Endoscopic Examination" in China, and has participated in the formulation of multiple expert consensuses.

Dr. Xin Feng is a Professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Qilu hospital of Shandong University. He received his M.D degree from Shandong University and completed post-doctoral training at the Asthma and Allergic Diseases Center at the University of Virginia in the U.S. Currently, he serves as the principal investigator for the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Shandong Provincial Key Research and Development Program, and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province. His research interests include the pathogenesis of nasal polyps, chronic rhinosinusitis, and allergic rhinitis, as well as the relationship between the rhinologic diseases and asthma.

Dr. Yan Yuan had been a distinguished faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania and joined Shandong University last year. He has been engaged in research in the fields of virology and oncology with significant achievements and contributions to the fields of virology and oncology. He is widely recognized as a foremost expert in viral oncology.

Research Areas:

NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology has long been engaged in the study of microenvironment pharmacology, in which he systematically dissected the mechanism of membrane receptors sensing microenvironment and regulating physiological functions, and developed the modulating strategies targeting these receptors. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma pathogenesis and intervention strategy area, we explore the molecular biomarkers and pathogenesis of head and neck tumors, providing a theoretical basis for the diagnosis, intervention, and treatment of tumors. In particular, through the Kaposi's sarcoma and osteosarcoma platforms, our laboratory is dedicated to investigating the viral etiology of human sarcomas and the molecular mechanisms underlying virus-mediated transformation of mesenchymal stem cells leads to human sarcomas. In addition, our team has investigated the mechanisms of human airway inflammatory diseases, including chronic rhinitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), rhinoviruses, and asthma. The focus is on elucidating the intricate cellular interactions among diverse immune cell populations, as well as immune metabolism in maintaining nasal mucosal homeostasis.

Research Achievements:

We have made significant contributions in microenvironment pharmacology, membrane receptor GPCR for a long time. We have systematically studied the mechanism of GPCR sensing microenvironment and regulating physiological function, analyzed the molecular mechanism of GPCR sensing itch, smell and force, and realized the identification of many important GPCR endogenous ligands. We have explored receptors for auditory and vestibular sensations and identified a subfamily of membrane receptors that recognize steroids.

We are the first in China to apply radiomics, multidimensional deep learning, pathomics, and hyperspectral analysis for the classification, diagnosis, and prognosis assessment of malignant tumors of the pharynx and larynx. We have developed a multimodal non-invasive assessment model for early evaluation of pharyngeal and laryngeal tumors, significantly enhancing the accuracy of diagnosis and assessment. We have comprehensively elucidated the oncogenic mechanism of KSHV regulation through solubilization of DNA replication and assembly of viral DNA replication complexes.

We identified the importance of targeting eosinophil-derived LTB4 in asthma therapeutic strategies and the presence of compensatory mechanisms that aid in viral clearance in patients with allergic airway diseases. We identified novel biomarkers and pathways associated with unified airway disease, eosinophilic inflammation, and the comorbidity of CRS, nasal polyps, and asthma. In addition, our sinus segmentation and recurrence prediction in patients with CRS provides a noninvasive tool for personalized preoperative treatment recommendations based on recurrence risk, which is a significant advance.

We have published more than 80 articles in Nature (×7), Science (×1, cover article), Cell (×2, 1 cover articles), Nature Metabolism (×1), Cell Metabolism (×1), Nat Chem Biol (×3), Cell Research (×2), PNAS (×6), Nat Commun (×7) and so on. Recently, our research on the molecular mechanisms of olfactory perception was successfully selected as one of China's Top 10 Scientific Advances in 2023.

Main Publications:

Selected publications in last 5 years (*represents the corresponding authors).

1.Shang P, Rong NK, Jiang JJ, Cheng J, Zhang MH, Kang DW, Qi L, Guo LL, Yang GM, Liu Q, Zhou ZZ, Li XB, Zhu KK, Meng QB, Han X, Yan WQ, Kong YL, Yang LJ, Wang XH, Lei DP, Feng X, Liu XY, Yu X, Wang Y*, Li Q*, Shao ZH*, Yang F*, Sun JP*. Structural and signaling mechanism of TAAR1 enabled preferential agonist design. Cell. 2023

2.Xu Z, Guo L, Yu JJ, Shen SY, Wu C, Zhang WF, Zhao C, Deng Y, Tian XW, Feng YY, Hou HL, Su LT, Wang HS, Guo S, Wang HL, Wang KX, Chen PP, Zhao J, Zhang XY, Yong XH, Cheng L, Liu LX, Yang SY, Yang F, Wang XH, Yu X*, Xu YF*, Sun JP*, Yan W*, Shao ZH*. Ligand recognition and G-protein coupling of trace amine receptor TAAR1. Nature. 2023

3.Guo L, Cheng J, Lian S, Liu Q, Lu Y, Zheng Y, Zhu K, Zhang M, Kong Y, Zhang C, Rong N, Zhuang Y, Fang G, Jiang J, Zhang T, Han X, Liu Z, Xia M, Liu S, Zhang L, Liberles SD, Yu X, Xu Y*, Yang F*, Li Q*, Sun JP*. Structural basis of amine odorant perception by a mammal olfactory receptor. Nature. 2023 Jun;618(7963):193-200.

4.Mao C, Xiao P, Tao XN, Qin J, He QT, Zhang C, Guo SC, Du YQ, Chen LN, Shen DD, Yang ZS, Zhang HQ, Huang SM, He YH, Cheng J, Zhong YN, Shang P, Chen J, Zhang DL, Wang QL, Liu MX, Li GY, Guo Y, Xu HE, Wang C, Zhang C, Feng S*, Yu X*, Zhang Y*, Sun JP*. Unsaturated bond recognition leads to biased signal in a fatty acid receptor. Science. 2023 Apr 7;380(6640): eadd 6220.

5.Ping YQ, Xiao P, Yang F, Zhao RJ, Guo SC, Yan X, Wu X, Zhao FH, Zhou FL, Xi YT, Yin WH, He FD, Zhang DL, Zhu ZL, Jiang Y, Torsten Schöneberg, Ines Liebscher*, Xu H. Eric*, Sun JP*. Structural basis for the tethered peptide activation of adhesion GPCRs. Nature.. 2022. 2022 Apr;604(7907):763-770.

6.Yang F, Guo L, Li Y, Wang G, Wang J, Zhang C, Fang GX, Chen X, Liu L, Yan X, Liu Q, Qu C, Xu Y, Xiao P, Zhu Z, Li Z, Zhou J, Yu X, Gao N*, Sun JP*. Structure, function and pharmacology of human itch receptor complexes. Nature. 2021 Dec;600(7887):164-169.

7.Ping YQ, Mao C, Xiao P, Zhao RJ, Jiang Y, Yang Z, An WT, Shen DD, Yang F, Zhang H, Qu C, Shen Q, Tian C, Li ZJ, Li S, Wang GY, Tao X, Wen X, Zhong YN, Yang J, Yi F, Yu X, Xu HE*, Zhang Y*, Sun JP*. Structures of the glucocorticoid-bound adhesion receptor GPR97-Go complex. Nature. 2021 Jan;589(7843):620-626.

8.Xiao P, Guo S, Wen X, He QT, Lin H, Huang SM, Gou L, Zhang C, Yang Z, Zhong YN, Yang CC, Li Y, Gong Z, Tao XN, Yang ZS, Lu Y, Li SL, He JY, Wang C, Zhang L*, Kong L*, Sun JP*, Yu X*. Tethered peptide activation mechanism of the adhesion GPCRs ADGRG2 and ADGRG4. Nature. 2022 Apr;604(7907):771-778.

9.Yang F, Mao C, Guo L, Lin J, Ming Q, Xiao P, Wu X, Shen Q, Guo S, Shen DD, Lu R, Zhang L, Huang S, Ping Y, Zhang C, Ma C, Zhang K, Liang X, Shen Y, Nan F, Yi F, Luca VC, Zhou J, Jiang C, Sun JP*, Xie X*, Yu X*, Zhang Y*. Structural basis of GPBAR activation and bile acid recognition. Nature. 2020 Nov;587(7834):499-504.

10.Xiao P, Yan W, Gou L, Zhong YN, Kong L, Wu C, Wen X, Yuan Y, Cao S, Qu C, Yang X, Yang CC, Xia A, Hu Z, Zhang Q, He YH, Zhang DL, Zhang C, Hou GH, Liu H, Zhu L, Fu P, Yang S, Rosenbaum DM, Sun JP*, Du Y*, Zhang L*, Yu X*, Shao Z*. Ligand recognition and allosteric regulation of DRD1-Gs signaling complexes. Cell. 2021 Feb 18;184(4):943-956.e18.

11.Yan Z, Wang JY, Yang F, Zhu KK, Wang PG, Guan Y, Ning SL, Lu Y, Li Y, Zhang C, Zheng Y, Zhou SH, Wang XW, Wang MW, Xiao P, Yi F, Zhang C, Zhang PJ, Xu F, Liu BH, Zhang H, Yu X *, Gao N*, Sun JP*. Cryo-EM structure of the X-linked acrogigantism-related orphan GPR101-Gs complex enabled identification of ligands with rejuvenating potential. Nat Chem Biol. 2023 accept.

12.Lin H, Xiao P, Bu RQ, Guo S, Yang Z, Yuan D, Zhu ZL, Zhang CX, He QT, Zhang C, Ping YQ, Zhao RJ, Ma CS, Liu CH, Zhang XN, Jiang D, Huang S, Xi YT, Zhang DL, Xue CY, Yang BS, Li JY, Lin HC, Zeng XH, Zhao H, Xu WM, Yi F*, Liu Z*, Sun JP*, Yu X*. Structures of the ADGRG2-Gs complex in apo and ligand-bound forms. Nat Chem Biol. 2022 Nov;18(11):1196-1203.  

13.Cheng J, Yang Z, Ge XY, Gao MX, Meng R, Xu X, Zhang YQ, Li RZ, Lin JY, Tian ZM, Wang J, Ning SL, Xu YF, Yang F, Gu JK, Sun JP*, Yu X*. Autonomous sensing of the insulin peptide by an olfactory G protein-coupled receptor modulates glucose metabolism. Cell Metab. 2022 Feb 1;34(2):240-255.

14.Wang JL, Dou XD, Cheng j, Gao MX, Xu GF, Ding W, Ding JH, Li y, Wang SH, Ji ZW, Zhao XY, Huo TY, Zhang CF, Liu YM, Sha XY, Gao JR, Zhang WH, Hao Y, Zhang C, Sun JP*, Jiao N* and Yu X*. Functional screening and rational design of compounds targeting GPR132 to treat diabetes. Nat Metab. 2023 accept.

15.Chen Y, Mao C, Gu R, Zhao R, Li W, Ma Z, Jia Y, Yu F, Luo J, Fu Y, Sun J*, Kong W*. Nidogen-2 is a Novel Endogenous Ligand of LGR4 to Inhibit Vascular Calcification. Circ Res. 2022 Dec 2;131(12):1037-1054.

16.An W, Lin H, Ma L, Zhang C, Zheng Y, Cheng Q, Ma C, Wu X, Zhang Z, Zhong Y, Wang M, He D, Yang Z, Du L, Feng S, Wang C, Yang F, Xiao P*, Zhang P*, Yu X*, Sun JP*. Progesterone activates GPR126 to promote breast cancer development via the Gi pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2022 Apr 12;119(15):e2117004119.

17.Huang SM, Xiong MY, Liu L, Mu J, Wang MW, Jia YL, Cai K, Tie L, Zhang C, Cao S, Wen X, Wang JL, Guo SC, Li Y, Qu CX, He QT, Cai BY, Xue C, Gan S, Xie Y, Cong X, Yang Z, Kong W, Li S, Li Z, Xiao P, Yang F, Yu X, Guan YF, Zhang X*, Liu Z*, Yang BX*, Du Y*, Sun JP*. Single hormone or synthetic agonist induces Gs/Gi coupling selectivity of EP receptors via distinct binding modes and propagating paths. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2023 Jul 25;120(30):e2216329120.

18.Wang MW, Yang Z, Chen X, Zhou SH, Huang GL, Sun JN, Jiang H, Xu WM*, Lin HC*, Yu X*, Sun JP*. Activation of PTH1R alleviates epididymitis and orchitis through Gq and β-arrestin-1 pathways. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2021 Nov 9;118(45):e2107363118.

19.Qu CX, Park JY, Yun MW, He QT, Yang F, Kin K, Han D, Li R, T.M.Iverson, V V.Gurevich , Sun JP*, Chung KY*. Scaffolding mechanism of arrestin-2 in the cRaf/MEK1/ERK signaling cascade. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2021 Sep 14;118(37):e2026491118.

20.Ma L, Yang F, Wu X, Mao C, Guo L, Miao T, Zang SK, Jiang X, Shen DD, Wei T, Zhou H, Wei Q, Li S, Shu Q, Feng S, Jiang C, Chu B, Du L*, Sun JP*, Yu X*, Zhang Y*, Zhang P*. Structural basis and molecular mechanism of biased GPBAR signaling in regulating NSCLC cell growth via YAP activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2022 Jul 19;119(29): e2117054119.

21.Fu Y, Huang Y, Yang Z, Chen Y, Zheng J, Mao C, Li Z, Liu Z, Yu B, Li T, Wang M, Xu C, Zhou Y, Zhao G, Jia Y, Guo W, Jia X, Zhang T, Li L, Liu Z, Guo S, Ma M, Zhang H, Liu B, Du J, Wang W, Tang C, Gao P, Xu Q, Wang X, Liu J, Sun JP*, Kong W*. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein is an endogenous β-arrestin-2-selective allosteric modulator of AT1 receptor counteracting vascular injury. Cell Res. 2021 Jul;31(7):773-790.

22.Wang HM, Xu YF, Ning SL, Yang DX, Li Y, Du YJ, Yang F, Zhang Y, Liang N, Yao W, Zhang LL, Gu LC, Gao CJ, Pang Q, Chen YX, Xiao KH, Yu X*, Sun JP*. The catalytic region and PEST domain of PTPN18 distinctly regulate the HER2 phosphorylation and ubiquitination barcodes. Cell Research. 2014 Sep;24(9):1067-90.

23.Guo L, Zhang Y, Fang G, Tie L, Zhuang Y, Xue C, Liu Q, Zhang M, Zhu K, You C, Xu P, Yuan Q, Zhang C, Liu L, Rong N, Peng S, Liu Y, Wang C, Luo X, Lv Z, Kang D, Yu X, Zhang C, Jiang Y, Dong X, Zhou J*, Liu Z*, Yang F*, Eric Xu H*, Sun JP*. Ligand recognition and G protein coupling of the human itch receptor MRGPRX1. Nat Commun. 2023 Aug 17;14(1):5004.

24.He QT, Xiao P, Huang SM, Jia YL, Zhu ZL, Lin JY, Yang F, Tao XN, Zhao RJ, Gao FY, Niu XG, Xiao KH, Wang J*, Jin C*, Sun JP*, Yu X*. Structural studies of phosphorylation-dependent interactions between the V2R receptor and arrestin-2. Nat Commun. 2021 Apr 22;12(1):2396.

25.Liu Q, He QT, Lyu X, Yang F, Zhu ZL, Xiao P, Yang Z, Zhang F, Yang ZY, Wang XY, Sun P, Wang QW, Qu CX, Gong Z, Lin JY, Xu Z, Song SL, Huang SM, Guo SC, Han MJ, Zhu KK, Chen X, Kahsai AW, Xiao KH, Kong W, Li FH, Ruan K, Li ZJ, Yu X, Niu XG, Jin CW, Wang J*, Sun JP*. DeSiphering receptor core-induced and ligand-dependent conformational changes in arrestin via genetic encoded trimethylsilyl 1H-NMR probe. Nat Commun. 2020 Sep 25;11(1):4857.

26.Qu CX, Mao CY, Xiao P, Shen QY, Zhong YN, Yang F, Shen DD, Tao XN, Zhang HB, Yan X, Zhao RJ, He JY, Guan Y, Zhang C, Hou GH, Zhang PJ, Hou GG, Li ZJ, Yu X, Chai RJ*, Guan YF, Sun JP*, Zhang Y*. Ligand recognition, unconventional activation and G protein coupling of the prostaglandin E2 receptor 2 (EP2). Science Advances. 2021 Apr 2;7(14):eabf1268.

27.Guan Y, Du HB, Yang Z, Wang YZ, Ren R, Liu WW, Zhang C, Zhang JH, An WT, Li NN, Zeng XX, Li J, Sun YX, Wang YF, Yang F, Yang J, Xiong W, Yu X, Chai RJ, Tu XM*, Sun JP*, Xu ZG*. Deafness-Associated ADGRV1 Mutation Impairs USH2A Stability through Improper Phosphorylation of WHRN and WDSUB1 Recruitment. Adv Sci (Weinh). 2023 Jun;10(16):e2205993.

28.Lin JY, Cheng J, Du YQ, Pan W, Zhang Z, Wang J, An J, Yang F, Xu YF, Lin H, An WT, Wang J, Yang Z, Chai RJ, Sha XY, Hu H.L*, Sun JP*, Yu X*. In vitro expansion of pancreatic islet clusters facilitated by hormones and chemicals. Cell Discov. 2020 Apr 7;6:20.

29.Wang, W., H. Liang, Z. Zhang, C. Xu, D. Wei, W. Li, Y. Qian, L. Zhang, J*. Liu*, and D. Lei*, Comparing three-dimensional and two-dimensional deep-learning, radiomics, and fusion models for predicting occult lymph node metastasis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma based on CT imaging: a multicentre, retrospective, diagnostic study. E Clinical Medicine. 2024. 67: p. 102385.

30.Zhao, X., W. Li, J. Zhang, S. Tian, Y. Zhou, X. Xu, H. Hu, D. Lei*, and F. Wu*, Radiomics analysis of CT imaging improves preoperative prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Eur Radiol. 2023. 33(2): p. 1121-1131.

31.Wu, K, F. Chang, W. Li, D. Wei, S. Cao, Y. Xie, C. Li, and D. Lei*, Preliminary study based on methylation and transcriptome gene sequencing of lncRNAs and immune infiltration in hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Front Oncol. 2023. 13: p. 1117622.

32.Wang, W., Z. Zhang, W. Li, D. Wei, J. Xu, Y. Qian, S. Cao, and D. Lei*, Characterization of the immune cell function landscape in head and neck squamous carcinoma to assist in prognosis prediction and immunotherapy. Aging (Albany NY). 2023. 15(21): p. 12588-12617.

33.Wang, S., B. Luo, B. Bai, Q. Wang, H. Chen, X. Tan, Z. Tang, S. Shen, H. Zhou, Z. You, G. Zhou, and D. Lei*, 3D Printed Chondrogenic Functionalized PGS Bioactive Scaffold for Cartilage Regeneration. Adv Healthc Mater.2023. 12(27): p. e2301006.

34.Li, C., R. Guan, W. Li, D. Wei, S. Cao, C. Xu, F. Chang, P. Wang, L. Chen, and D. Lei*, Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals tumor immune microenvironment in human hypopharygeal squamous cell carcinoma and lymphatic metastasis. Front Immunol. 2023. 14: p. 1168191.

35.Jia, W., S. Chen, R. Wei, X. Yang, M. Zhang, Y. Qian, H. Liu*, and D. Lei*, CYP4F12 is a potential biomarker and inhibits cell migration of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via EMT pathway. Sci Rep. 2023. 13(1): p. 10956.

36.Li, C., S. Chen, W. Jia, W. Li, D. Wei, S. Cao, Y. Qian, R. Guan, H. Liu*, and D. Lei*, Identify metabolism-related genes IDO1, ALDH2, NCOA2, SLC7A5, SLC3A2, LDHB, and HPRT1 as potential prognostic markers and correlate with immune infiltrates in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol. 2022. 13: p. 955614.

37.Wang, J., X. Cai, L. Zhang, and D. Lei*, Linc01513 inhibits the malignant potential of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma by binding to PTBP1. J Cancer, 2021. 12(24): p. 7380-7389.

38.Li, W., D. Wei, Y. Qian, S. Cao, D. Liu, D. Lei*, and X. Pan*, A novel surgical approach for hypopharyngeal carcinoma resection via the paraglottic space. BMC Surg. 2021. 21(1): p. 230.

39.Li, W., D. Wei, A. Wushouer, S. Cao, T. Zhao, D. Yu, and D. Lei*, Discovery and Validation of a CT-Based Radiomic Signature for Preoperative Prediction of Early Recurrence in Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma. Biomed Res Int. 2020. 2020: p. 4340521.

40.Duan C, Yu X, Feng X*, Shi L, Wang D. Expression Profiles of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Nasal Polyps. J Inflamm Res. 2024 Jan 3;17:29-39.

41.He S, Chen W, Wang X, Xie X, Liu F, Ma X, Li X, Li A, Feng X*. Deep learning radiomics-based preoperative prediction of recurrence in chronic rhinosinusitis. iScience. 2023 Mar 30;26(4):106527.

42.Wang M, Gong L, Luo Y, He S, Zhang X, Xie X, Li X, Feng X*. Transcriptomic analysis of asthma and allergic rhinitis reveals CST1 as a biomarker of unified airways. Front Immunol. 2023 Jan 17;14:1048195.

43.Chen W, He S, Xie X, Yang X, Duan C, Ye P, Li X, Lawrence MG, Borish L, Feng X*. Over-expression of CRTH2 indicates eosinophilic inflammation and poor prognosis in recurrent nasal polyps. Front Immunol. 2022 Nov 18;13:1046426.

44.Wang M, Tang S, Yang X, Xie X, Luo Y, He S, Li X, Feng X*. Identification of key genes and pathways in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and asthma comorbidity using bioinformatics approaches. Front Immunol. 2022 Aug 17;13:941547.

45.Feng X#, Lawrence MG, Payne SC, Mattos J, Etter E, Negri JA, Murphy D, Kennedy JL, Steinke JW, Borish L. Lower viral loads in subjects with rhinovirus-challenged allergy despite reduced innate immunity. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2022 Apr;128(4):414-422.e2.

46.Pal K#, Feng X#, Steinke JW, Burdick MD, Shim YM, Sung SS, Teague WG, Borish L. Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase Activation and Leukotriene B4 Production by Eosinophils in Severe Asthma. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2019 Apr;60(4):413-419.

47.Xu X, Zhu N, Zheng J, Peng Y, Zeng M-S, Deng K, Duan C, Yuan Y*. EBV abortive lytic cycle promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression through recruiting monocytes and regulating their directed differentiation. PLoS Pathog. 2024 20(1): e1011934.  

48.Lu, Z., Zhang, X., Zhu, N. Wang, Y., Yuan, Y.* and Zeng, M.S.* Neuropilin 1 is a mesenchymal stem cell receptor for Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus through TGFBR1/2-mediated macropinocytosis. Science Adv. 2023.9, eadg1778.

49.Chen, W., Ding, Y., Liu, D., Lu, Z., Wang, Y., and Yuan, Y*. Kaposi Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus vFLIP Promotes MEndT to Generate Hybrid M/E State for Tumorigenesis. PLoS Pathog. 2021; 17:e1009600.

50.Ding, Y., Chen, W., Lu, Z., Wang, Y., and Yuan, Y. Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus Promotes Mesenchymal-to- Endothelial Transition by Resolving the Bivalent Chromatin of PROX1 Gene. PLoS Pathog. 2021; 17:e1009847.

51.Chen, Q, Chen, J., Li, Y., Liu, D., Zeng, Y., Yunus, A., Tian, Z., Yang, Y., Lu, J., Song, X., and Yuan. Y. Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus Is Associated with Osteosarcoma in Xinjiang Populations. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2021; USA 118(10): e2016653118.

Facilities & Resources:

Our state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies enable us to conduct rigorous and innovative research. The team operates within the National Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, which spans a total construction area of 1500 square meters. The laboratory is equipped with research platforms including flow analysis center, molecular imaging/behavioral center, multi-factor detection center, cryo-electron microscope structure characterization center, medical biology high performance computing center and other platforms. We have essential equipment such as Millipore water purification system, laser confocal microscopy system, Lionheart FX automated live cell imaging and analysis system, Licor dual-channel infrared laser imaging system, Roche 480II fluorescence quantitative PCR instrument, FACSCalibur flow cytometer, Beckman floor-standing refrigerated high-speed and ultra-high-speed centrifuges, Thermo Varioskan multi-functional microplate reader, and other instruments. Additionally, the laboratory is equipped with automated pathology and histology research equipment including Leica cryostat and paraffin microtome, fully automated immunostainer, dehydrator, and other automated pathology and histology research equipment. Our laboratory is proficient in plasmid construction, cell culture, virus packaging, protein expression and purification. GPCR downstream effector recruitment and detection or second messenger detection technology were established well. Single particle cryo-electron microscope structure analysis, cryo-electron microscope data calculation and model building, molecular dynamics simulation and other technologies are also available in our lab. Overall, these devices fully meet the equipment requirements of our project.

Recreational Activities:

Our laboratory is fortunate to have established long-term good cooperative relations with many top laboratories at home and abroad. Our cooperative partners include Professor Gao Ning's team from Peking University, Professor Zhang Yan's team from Zhejiang University, Professor Xu Huaqiang's team from Shanghai Institute of Pharmacology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Shao Zhenhua's team from Sichuan University, Germany Professor Ines Liebscher team of Schonheimer Institute, Professor Zhang Lei team of Xi 'an Jiaotong University, Professor Yi Fan team of Shandong University, Professor Kong Wei team of Peking University, Professor Liu Zhijie team of Shanghai University of Science and Technology, Professor Chai Renjie team of Southeast University. This also provides a stable scientific research background for the advancement of our subject research.

Other Features:

We have unique GPCR-ligand pairing technique, GPCR force-sensing screening platform, GPCR signal transduction technology which are the characteristics of our lab. Teamwork and kindness are part of our lab culture. At the same time, we also emphasize that only by loving life can we do scientific research well. There are many sports venues in our university, including professional football and basketball courts. Moreover, our campus is adjacent to Quancheng Park and Baotu Spring, where our lab mates often go to relax and unwind. Every week, our lab organizes a football match. Regular group meetings are organized in our laboratory, during which teachers summarize and analyze the recent achievements of students, provide them with professional and meticulous guidance, plan their future development directions, and offer insights into their employment and learning.

Contact:

For more information or inquiries, please contact us at sunjinpeng@sdu.edu.cn or visit our website at http://www.yuxiao-sunjinpeng-lab.org/Home/ .