Faculty

LI Zhifang
Research Associate
lizf3@sustech.edu.cn

Introduction

I received my PhD degree from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2019, mainly engaged in molecular and cellular neuroscience, involving biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and neuroscience. My mainly focus is  the molecular mechanisms of nervous system development and abnormality, including: (1) the effect of neuron-secreted proteins on glial cells; (2) the effect of neuroligin on autism; (3) The regulation of neuroligin and the effect of neuronal activity on synaptic development. During the university and postgraduate period, I have won many national scholarships, first-class scholarships and Hong Kong postgraduate scholarships. Now, I am a research associate in South University of Science and Technology.

 

Education

09/2016-09/2019: Doctor of Philosophy (full time)

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Division of Life

Science, Neuroscience, Clear Water Bay, HK

09/2014-08/2016: Master of Philosophy (full time)

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Division of Life

Science, Neuroscience, Clear Water Bay, HK

09/2010-06/2014: Bachelor’s Degree

SiChuan University, School of Life Science, Biology, ChenDu, China

 

Work Experience

2021.1-present: Research associate in South University of Science and Technology;

2019.11-2021.1: Postdoctor in HongKong University of Science and Technology

 

Honors and Awards

Postdoctoral fellowship at HKUST (2019-Present)

Postgraduate Scholarship at HKUST (2014-2019)

Outstanding Graduate Scholarship at Sichuan University (2014)

National Scholarship at Sichuan University (2011 & 2012)

The first Prized Scholarship at Sichuan University (2011-2013)


Research Interests

Molecular mechanism of neuron development


Representative publications

1, Li Z, Tian H, Xia J* Ubiquitination State of NL2 Regulates Inhibitory Synapse

Density. (In preparation for submit).

2, Li Z, Xia J*, Neuroligin2 undergoes activity-dependent cleavage. 2021 ( In

preparation for submit).

3, Li Z, Xia J*, PKA phosphorylation neuroligin2 regulates inhibitory synapses. 2021

( In preparation for submit).

4, He J, Xia M, Yeung PKK, Li J, Li Z, Chung KK, Chung SK, Xia J*(2018) PICK1

inhibits the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of Parkin and reduces its neuronal protective

effects. PNAS 115(30): E7193-E7201.