PAN LI

·      September 1995 - April 1999, South China University of Technology, Ph.D. in Fermentation Engineering

September 1991 - April 1994, South China University of Technology, M.S. in Fermentation Engineering

September 1984 - July 1988, South China University of Technology, B.S. in Biochemical Engineering

Synthetic Biology, Genome Editing Technologies, Omics Technologies and Deep Learning, Fermentation Engineering, Protein (Enzyme) Engineering, Biocatalytic Synthesis Technologies

(1) Synthetic Biology, Genome Editing Technologies, Omics Technologies, and Deep Learning

Efficient genome editing and single-base editing technologies are developed and applied to key eukaryotic and prokaryotic model microorganisms—such as yeast, filamentous fungi, and Bacillus spp.—to enhance genetic manipulation efficiency. Critical functional genes, transcriptional regulators, and metabolic pathways are screened and identified, enabling these microorganisms to be reprogrammed as chassis cells for synthetic biology.

Using synthetic biology approaches, key functional modules for cellular material and energy metabolism are redesigned, and metabolic stress as well as toxic intermediates are eliminated. Essential enzymes in chassis cell factories are engineered through protein engineering, while metabolic pathways (networks) are optimized and reconstructed to improve the compatibility of newly introduced exogenous pathways. Consequently, novel synthetic biology-based cell factories are constructed for the production of pharmaceutical intermediates, functional food ingredients, cosmetic actives, and bulk industrial chemicals.

Genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics studies are systematically conducted on important eukaryotic and prokaryotic model microorganisms, including yeast, filamentous fungi, and Bacillus spp. By employing deep learning techniques, highly complex patterns within large datasets are identified. These techniques are applied in regulatory genomics, variant analysis, and protein function identification and engineering, thereby providing synthetic biology components for the molecular redesign of industrial strains to efficiently produce proteins and metabolites.

 (2) Fermentation Engineering, Protein (Enzyme) Engineering, and Biocatalytic Synthesis Technologies

High-efficiency protein expression systems are established for eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms. In response to industrial demand for enzyme preparations in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and feed, novel industrial enzymes are developed. Mechanisms underlying protein expression, regulation, and secretion, along with key scientific challenges in biocatalytic processes, are thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, large-scale fermentation production technologies for industrial and pharmaceutical enzymes, as well as industrial biocatalytic processes, are developed and optimized.