CD8+ T cells play central roles in adaptive immune responses, utilizing their T cell receptors (TCRs) to recognize antigens associated with infection, inflammation, and cancer, exhibiting cytotoxic functions [1-2]. However, CD8+ T cells display significant phenotypic heterogeneity across various psychological and pathological conditions [3]. The rapid advancement of single-cell immune profiling technologies has resulted in the availability of millions of single-cell T cell datasets, along with paired TCR information [4]. Integrating these datasets to create a comprehensive reference atlas of human CD8+ T cells is essential for advancing our understanding of their diverse roles in immunity.Liu Wanlu's lab from ZJE, in collaboration with Lu Linrong’s Lab from the School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, and Researcher from Tencent AI Lab, has published an article titled "Integrative mapping of human CD8+ T cells in inflammation and cancer" in Nature Methods. They developed scAtlasVAE, a single-cell integration method tailored for atlas-level scRNA-seq data. Using this method, the research team established a pan-disease human CD8+ T cell atlas encompassing 1,151,678 cells, deriving from 961 samples across 68 studies, and covering 42 distinct disease conditions. Most importantly, each CD8+ T cells were accompanied by TCR information. This atlas not only comprehensively uncovers the heterogeneity of CD8+ T cells but also provides robust support for a deeper understanding of their roles in various disease contexts.Utilizing this reference atlas, the research team conducted a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the phenotypic heterogeneity of human CD8+ T cells in cancer and inflammation. By integrating TCR clonal expansion and sharing information, they unveiled potential connections among different subtypes and discovered their potential phenotypic and functional transitions. For instance, their approach successfully characterized three distinct exhausted CD8+ T cell subtypes. These subtypes exhibited unique transcriptome features and clonal sharing patterns in cancer, autoimmune inflammation, and immune-related adverse events (irAEs).Their integrated pan-disease human CD8+ T cell atlas, coupled with the scAtlasVAE model, provides invaluable resources for scientists and clinical researchers. When combined with other reference atlases, scAtlasVAE emerges as a powerful tool for researchers to integrate atlas-scale scRNA-seq data and perform cross-atlas comparisons. As our atlas integrates CD8+ T cell data from a variety of disease conditions, it achieves a balance between functional relevance and generality.Unraveling the functional diversity of the TCRαβ repertoire will be crucial for further understanding the functional heterogeneity of CD8+ T cells and their associations with various diseases. Additionally, in-depth analysis of CD4+ T cells, cross-species comparisons of T cells at the single-cell level, and integration of spatial interactions between T cells and other cell types will all provide new perspectives and insights into our understanding of the functional heterogeneity of T cells under physiological and pathological conditions.Prof. Linrong Lu from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Dr. Wanlu Liu from the Zhejiang University-Edinburgh University Joint Institute, and Chief Scientist Jianhua Yao from Tencent AI Lab are the corresponding authors of this article. PhD student Ziwei Xue from the Zhejiang University-Edinburgh University Joint Institute and PhD student Li Ze Wu from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine are the co-first authors of this work. Researchers Bing He and Yu Zhao from Tencent AI Lab, along with undergraduate students Bingkang Zhao and Yicheng Li from the 2021 Bioinformatics program, also contributed to this project. The project received strong support from Professor Lie Wang of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine and was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Tencent AI Lab's Rhino-Bird Research Program.Biographical Information of Co-First Authors Ziwei Xue and Li Ze Wu:Ziwei Xue graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences from the ZJE in 2017 and was subsequently admitted to the dual doctoral program in Bioinformatics under Professor Wanlu Liu's lab at ZJE. His research focuses on single-cell and spatial multi-omics, investigating the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies of T cells in tumors and autoimmune diseases. He has participated in the development of multiple algorithms and databases, with results published as first author (including co-authorship) in journals such as Nature Methods, Nucleic Acids Research, and iScience.Li Ze Wu also graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences from ZJE in 2017. He continued directly to doctoral studies at the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, receiving interdisciplinary training in immunology and bioinformatics under Professors Linrong Lu and Wanlu Liu. His doctoral research focuses on the construction, analysis, and clinical application of a human antigen receptor database. His main research areas include the mapping and analysis of large-scale lymphocyte-antigen receptor data, as well as the exploration of T cell subtypes and functional mechanisms within clinical data. He has published research papers as first author (including co-authorship) in Nature Methods and Nucleic Acids Research.Biography of Prof. Linrong Lu:Prof. Linrong Lu's team primarily studies T cell biology and the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases. Previous research has revealed new mechanisms of TCR signaling enhancement in the positive selection of thymic T cells and identified new pathways for the regulation of Th cell differentiation. They were also among the first to apply CAR-T technology to the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Prof. Lu has published over 70 academic papers in prestigious journals such as Nature Immunology, Immunity, Nature Methods, JEM, PNAS, NAR, and BLOOD. He has received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars etc.. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh and serves as Vice President of the Immunology Cell Branch of the Chinese Society for Cell Biology and a Standing Committee Member of the Infection Immunology Branch of the Chinese Immunology Society. He is also on the editorial board of journals such as Cellular and Molecular Immunology and Oxford Open Immunology.Biography of Researcher Wanlu Liu:Wanlu Liu's team focuses on bioinformatics and computational immunology, employing single-cell spatial multi-omics and deep learning algorithms. As corresponding author, she has published 44 research papers in journals such as Cell, Nature Methods, Nature Communications, and Nucleic Acids Research. She has applied for three national invention patents (one granted) and leads projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation and Tencent AI Lab's Rhinoceros Bird Special Research Program. She has been recognized as a provincial and national young talent and holds various academic positions, including member of the Immunology Cell Biology Branch of the Chinese Society for Cell Biology, director of the Zhejiang Bioinformatics Society, member of the Youth Professional Committee of the Zhejiang Bioinformatics Society, and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh.Zhang, N. & Bevan, M. J. CD8+ T cells: foot soldiers of the immune system. Immunity35, 161–168 (2011).Collier, J. L., Weiss, S. A., Pauken, K. E., Sen, D. R. & Sharpe, A. H. Not-so-opposite ends of the spectrum: CD8+ T cell dysfunction across chronic infection, cancer and autoimmunity. Nat. Immunol. 22, 809–819 (2021).Koh, C.-H., Lee, S., Kwak, M., Kim, B.-S. & Chung, Y. CD8 T-cell subsets: heterogeneity, functions, and therapeutic potential. Exp. Mol. Med. 55, 2287–2299 (2023).Pai, J. A. & Satpathy, A. T. High-throughput and single-cell T cell receptor sequencing technologies. Nat. Methods 18, 881–892 (2021).

Soft robots offer numerous advantages, including integrated actuation, flexibility, compact size, lightweight structure, environmental adaptability, and low noise. These characteristics enable them to navigate unstructured environments and perform complex tasks, demonstrating immense potential in the field of medicine, human-machine interaction, and disaster rescue. However, the design, functionalization, and fabrication of soft materials remain complex. Integrating multiple responsive properties effectively to construct self-actuating, biocompatible soft robots for medical and pharmaceutical applications remains a significant challenge.Recently, Professor Wenwen Huang’s research team at Zhejiang University published a back cover article in Advanced Healthcare Materials. The study proposes a bioinspired strategy that integrates genetic engineering and chemical engineering to construct programmable, self-actuating protein hydrogel soft robots capable of complex spatial deformation. The paper has been featured on several science communication platforms, such as NetEase, MaterialsViews, and Hydrogel Science.Inspired by post-translational modifications in natural proteins, the research employs a multidisciplinary approach involving genetic engineering, materials chemistry, and multiscale simulations to design, fabricate, modify, and optimize recombinant protein hydrogels with specific stimulus-responsive properties from the molecular level in a bottom-up manner. As shown in the figure below, the authors used a genetic engineering strategy to design recombinant silk-elastin-like protein hydrogels with customizable stimulus responsiveness. Additionally, chemical engineering served as a secondary control point to specifically modulate the physicochemical properties of tyrosine side chains, enabling patterning and reprogramming of the stimulus-responsive hydrogel’s actuation behavior.The protein hydrogel soft robots developed in this study exhibit preprogrammed, controllable environmental-responsive actuation behaviors, such as bending/unfolding and coiling/uncoiling. These behaviors are driven by asymmetric swelling induced by temperature changes (via LCST properties) or by variations in ionic strength or pH (via zwitterionic properties).In summary, the authors proposed a strategy to modulate LCST-type and zwitterionic-type biomolecular stimulus responsiveness at the molecular level. Through the integration of genetic and chemical engineering, they controlled the topological structure of the active and passive layers within the soft robots. This approach effectively prevented layer separation and enabled the efficient fabrication of programmable, self-actuating soft robots. The strategy is highly customizable, adjustable, easy to process, and flexible, making it a promising solution to meet the demands of biomedical materials and medical robotics.This work was led by Ph.D. student Ting Ji from Wenwen Huang’s team at ZJE, who has since graduated and joined Northwest Normal University as faculty member. Professor Huang is the sole corresponding author of the paper. The research was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation.Article link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.202470175

This paper details an innovative study on the development of human primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors to the germline, specified early in embryonic life. Despite the significance of PGCs in reproductive biology, their developmental pathways have remained largely unexplored due to the ethical and technical challenges associated with human embryonic research.To address these gaps, we established a comprehensive human PGC database (hPGCdb), which consists of 581 RNA-seq, 54 ATAC-seq, 45 ChIP-seq, and 69 single-cell RNA-seq samples from various stages of PGC development. This database serves as a pivotal resource for understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing human PGC specification and differentiation.Through integrated multi-omics analysis, we identified several key transcription factors and regulatory networks that control germ cell fate, highlighting the differences between human and model organisms like mice. We further validated the functional importance of specific transcription factors using Gene KnockDown and KnockOut, confirming their roles in germ cell development.Additionally, our research explored the soma-germline interaction network, revealing roles for SDC2 and LAMA4 in PGC development and the influence of soma-derived NOTCH2 signaling in germ cell differentiation. These findings enhance our understanding of the extrinsic factors influencing germ cell fate and open new avenues for research into reproductive health and disease.In summary, this study not only provides a detailed map of the regulatory landscape governing human PGC development but also introduces a valuable genomic resource that enhances our understanding of human reproductive biology and developmental genetics.

On the afternoon of November 19, 2024, the Biomed-X Seminar No. 120 of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute was successfully held at A123, ZJE Building. Invited by researcher Zhi Hong, Professor Chonglin Yang, Dean of the School of Life Sciences of Yunnan University, gave an academic report on "Understanding metabolic damage of mitochondria", and Lan Yang, a doctoral student of ZJE, presided over the report meeting.Professor Yang's team has used the nematode C. elegans as a model, and through non-preferential mutant screening and gene cloning, discovered important genes regulating mitochondrial structure, function, fusion-division and other mitochondrial homeostasis maintenance, and carried out research from multiple perspectives, such as genetic interactions, gene expression, protein localisation and function, mitochondrial structure and function, mitochondrial metabolism, etc., to reveal the effects of mitochondrial homeostasis, metabolism, and interactions between mitochondria and other organelles on cell homeostasis and function, and reveal the role of mitochondria in inherited metabolic diseases.During the event, faculty and students actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating their open-minded approach to academic exploration and critical thinking about research questions. Professor Yang patiently and thoroughly answered every question, deepening the understanding and insights of participants in this field.As the 120th session of the Biomed-X Seminar series, this report underscores the institute's commitment to fostering high-level academic exchanges through its academic brand building efforts. The institute will continue to provide a platform for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge scientific discussions.

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.