Mengmeng Liu | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms Mengmeng Liu, Shandong University, China

Mengmeng Liu, Ph.D. 🎓, is a postdoctoral researcher at Shandong University’s State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, mentored by Prof. Qingsheng Qi. 🌱🧬 She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Kunming Institute of Botany, CAS, and a B.Sc. in Biotechnology from Jilin University. Her research focuses on metabolic engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica for sustainable β-carotene and terpene production 🌿🧪, employing NHEJ-mediated mutagenesis and high-throughput screening. Proficient in advanced genetic, molecular biology, and analytical techniques 🔬💻, she has published extensively in high-impact journals and holds patents in microbial biotechnology. 📜⚗️

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education and Experience

Ms. Mengmeng Liu is a dedicated researcher in microbiology and biochemistry. She has been a postdoctoral fellow at the State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, under Prof. Qingsheng Qi since September 2019 🧬📚. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, under Prof. Junchao Huang in 2019 🌱🔬. Ms. Liu completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology (Plant Sciences) from Jilin University in 2013 🎓🌿. Her academic journey highlights her commitment to advancing knowledge in microbial and plant biotechnology, contributing to impactful research in these fields. 🌟🧪

Research direction

Mengmeng Liu is a postdoctoral researcher focusing on designing and constructing Yarrowia lipolytica cell factories. Using traditional and cell morphology metabolic engineering, she optimizes yeast metabolism for the green bioproduction of terpenoids like β-carotene using inexpensive substrates. She explores the application of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) in metabolic engineering of Y. lipolytica, develops methods for mutant library construction, and establishes high-throughput screening for terpenoid compounds. During her Ph.D., Mengmeng worked on designing Shewanella oneidensis cell factories for producing terpenoid compounds (like lutein and astaxanthin) using cheap industrial byproducts. She also contributed to constructing and modifying metabolic pathways in marine microalgae.📦🔬🚀

Representative papers

Mengmeng Liu is an accomplished researcher focused on metabolic and morphological engineering of microbial strains. Her work includes optimizing β-carotene production in Yarrowia lipolytica and mapping nonhomologous end joining-mediated integration for genome-scale mutagenesis. Liu has also explored the high-throughput screening of gene targets for enhancing carotenoid production in oleaginous yeast. Additionally, her research extends to engineering Sphingobium sp. to accumulate various carotenoids using agro-industrial byproducts, and enhancing coproduction of cell-bound zeaxanthin and exopolysaccharides through metabolic engineering. 🌱🔬📊

Research Focus

Mengmeng Liu’s research focuses on genetic and metabolic engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica, an unconventional yeast, for biotechnological applications. Her work includes the development of genetic markers, genome-scale trackable mutagenesis, and efficient production of important compounds like 2′-fucosyllactose and β-carotene. She applies high-throughput screening techniques like flow cytometry to enhance yield and optimize metabolic pathways. Her studies aim to improve the strain’s productivity and sustainability for industrial applications using agro-industrial byproducts and by manipulating cellular processes. 🌱🔍🧬

Publication Top Notes

Development of genetic markers in Yarrowia lipolytica

Efficient production of 2′-fucosyllactose in unconventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica

Mapping of Nonhomologous End Joining-Mediated Integration Facilitates Genome-Scale Trackable Mutagenesis in Yarrowia lipolytica

Rapid Gene Target Tracking for Enhancing b-Carotene Production Using Flow Cytometry-Based High-Throughput Screening in Yarrowia lipolytica

Engineering Sphingobium sp. to Accumulate Various Carotenoids Using Agro-Industrial Byproducts

Morphological and Metabolic Engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica to Increase β-Carotene Production

Enhanced Coproduction of Cell-Bound Zeaxanthin and Secreted Exopolysaccharides by Sphingobium sp. via Metabolic Engineering and Optimized Fermentation

Illustrating and enhancing the biosynthesis of astaxanthin and docosahexaenoic acid in Aurantiochytrium sp. SK4

Conclusion

Mengmeng Liu’s research is characterized by innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable biotechnological solutions. Her outstanding achievements in metabolic engineering, impactful publications, and practical innovations position her as an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🌱📚 Her work embodies the spirit of pushing boundaries and advancing knowledge in the field, making significant contributions to sustainable biotechnology. 🚀🌍

Solid Background in Immunology and Vaccinology

Mohamed has a robust foundation in immunology and vaccine research, which is evident from his current role as a Scientific Affairs Manager at Klybeck Life Sciences and his prior experience at MEVAC for Vaccines. His focus on inactivated and live poultry vaccines, conducting preclinical and clinical trials, and ensuring regulatory compliance underscores his deep expertise.

Significant Research Contributions

His publication record highlights his research impact. For example, his work on the Emergence, Evolution, and Spread of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Genotype GI-23 published in Archives of Virology and Phylodynamic and Recombination Analyses published in Animals demonstrate his ability to conduct significant and relevant research. These studies have contributed to a better understanding of avian diseases, which is critical for advancing vaccine development.

Leadership in R&D

As a Scientific Affairs Manager, Mohamed has demonstrated leadership in research and development, particularly in vaccine design and production, including the implementation of complex R&D projects and ensuring compliance with European and Saudi regulations. His involvement in reviewing and approving the development and validation of analytical methods and in vivo vaccine testing protocols indicates a strong leadership role in research.

Conclusion

Given Mohamed Houta’s extensive research contributions, leadership in R&D, and ongoing academic pursuits, he is a suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances public health through vaccine development but also contributes significantly to the global understanding of avian diseases.