The Zheng Research Group at the Sun Yat-sen University

Yiwu grew up in the picturesque surroundings of the Liu’ao Peninsula. He received his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from Xiamen University under the supervision of Chuanliu Wu. There, he has studied the precise disulfide pair to design structurally complex peptides. In 2019, He joined the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a postdoctoral researcher in Satish K. Nair’s laboratory. His postdoctoral research focused on understanding the mechanism of natural product biosynthesis. In 2024, he was selected for the Ministry of Education's Overseas Talent Recruitment Program. Currently, he serves as an associate professor in the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen) at Sun Yat-sen University. His research group is dedicated to investigating the chemistry of enzyme-driven reactions to enhance understanding of their biological processes and explore their therapeutic potentials.

Email: Zhengyw53@mail.sysu.edu.cn

Yuqian Zhang obtained her bachelor’s degree from Central South University and is currently an graduate student at Sun Yat-sen University. Driven by her passion for synthetic biology, she has become a member of Zheng’s research group, where she focuses on two research directions. One involves constructing a non-natural peptide library through the combination of phage display and chemical synthesis. This library, with its abundant skeletal diversity and structural complexity, shows great potential for screening novel peptides targeting cancer therapeutic proteins such as KEAP1 and MDM2. The other focus is on researching the biosynthesis and enzymological mechanism of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides, including lasso peptides. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling to explore local cuisines.

zhangyq326@mail2.sysu.edu.cn

Xiankai Liu completed his undergraduate studies at China Pharmaceutical University from 2019 to 2023, during which he focused on unraveling the molecular mechanisms of Cyclin Dependent Kinase 9 inhibitors in prostate cancer. In September 2023, he joined the Zheng Research Group, where he focused on constructing thiopeptide libraries by the combination of phage display technique and natural product biosynthetic pathways to facilitate the discovery of new peptide drugs with improved cell membrane penetration capabilities. Additionally, he conducted research into the catalytic mechanisms of YcaO enzymes during thiopeptide biosynthesis, aiming to uncover novel enzymatic chemistry. During his leisure time, he prefers immersing himself in nature through activities like cycling and mountain climbing.

liuxk9@mail2.sysu.edu.cn

Guangzhao Xiao, a native of Cantonese, graduated from Guangdong Pharmaceutical University with a bachelor's degree in 2023. During his undergraduate years, he conducted his thesis under the guidance of Professor Haiyun Zhai, focusing primarily on the application of electrochemical aptamer detection in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. In 2023, he joined Zheng research group at Sun Yat-sen University, where he focused on the study of phage-assisted evolution systems and the development of enzymes as synthetic chemistry tools. Apart from his academic pursuits, he enjoys various hobbies including reading and sports such as surfing, basketball, badminton, fitness, table tennis, and snooker.

xiaogzh3@mail2.sysu.edu.cn

Upon the completion of his degree in Chemical Engineering and Processing, Xing Xiao commenced his graduate studies in Chemistry at Minnan Normal University, where he engaged in the field of electrochemiluminescence and the biosensing of electrocatalytic ORR materials. This demonstrated his keen interest in interdisciplinary exploration. His research activities were further advanced by his subsequent involvement with the Zheng Research Group, where his efforts are focused on the utilisation of genetically encoded lasso peptides, phage-assisted directed evolution biosynthetic enzymes, with the objective of contributing to the field of biomolecular design, synthesis and bioengineering. In his leisure time, he dedicates himself to expanding his knowledge of computers and indulges in listening to Darin's music.

Email: nizzx123@outlook.com

Yukun Zhou obtained her bachelor's degree from China Pharmaceutical University. As an undergraduate, she participated in the construction of PASMA3-AS1 overexpression plasmid and utilized dual luciferase reporting system to study the relationship between miRNA and long non-coding RNA at the transcriptional level. She is passionate about phage display technology and is eager to deepen her understanding of this field. Moving forward, she is dedicated to advancing the development of a phage-assisted biosynthetic directed evolution system, aiming to provide a valuable enzymatic tool for synthetic biology technology. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys hiking and actively participates in outdoor sports. Additionally, she has a passion for music and was a member of her university's choir, representing the school in choir competitions during her undergraduate years.

Email: zhouyk28@mail2.sysu.edu.cn

Mengzhu Qi graduated from the School of Pharmacy at Southwest University with a bachelor's degree. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she specialized in pharmacological experiments, culminating in a thesis titled "Effects of Siwu Tang on uterine vascular endothelial growth factor in a premature ovarian failure mouse model." With a strong interest in phage display technology, she aims to further her research in this field. Her interests extend to exploring the biosynthesis of peptide natural products and their enzymatic mechanisms, as well as developing and applying phage-assisted biosynthetic enzyme directed evolution systems. In her leisure time, she enjoys watching films, going for leisurely walks, and indulging in her passion for watching football matches and climbing mountains.

Email: qimzh@mail2.sysu.edu.cn

Yanmei Wang, a part-time graduate student in the Zheng Research Group at Sun Yat-sen University, earned her degree from Guangzhou Medical University in 2012. Her research interests lie in medicinal chemistry and hospital pharmacy, with a primary focus on analyzing biosynthetic pathways of natural peptide products and their enzymatic mechanism. Outside of lab, she works in Pharmacy intravenous admixture service in The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Known for her lively and cheerful personality, Yanmei approaches her work with meticulous attention. She possesses excellent problem-solving skills and strong execution. Apart from her work, she enjoys sports such as running, cycling, and yoga.

Email: wangym278@mail2.sysu.edu.cn

Qinghui Yang graduated from the College of Biological Science and Technology at Hunan Agricultural University with a bachelor's degree. During his undergraduate studies, under the guidance of Associate Professor Guangfu Feng, he gained valuable research experience in areas such as biosensing, the development of bionic high-affinity antimicrobial nanoenzymes, and the modulation of intestinal microbiota. In 2024, driven by a strong passion for phage display technology, he began his postgraduate studies under the joint supervision of Dr. Yiwu Zheng and Dr. Yang Liu. His current research focuses on combining phage display technology with gene mining techniques to establish a stable thiopeptide library and explore its enzymatic potential. Outside the lab, Qinghui enjoys mountain climbing and running to recharge, and he finds energy in sharing dynamic R&B music.

Email: yangqh37@mail2.sysu.edu.cn

Yapei Wu earned his Ph.D. from Xiamen University in 2022 and specializes in the design and development of cyclic peptides, phage display, and yeast surface display. His research explores novel strategies for peptide engineering, with a particular emphasis on expanding the chemical diversity of peptide libraries. In 2025, he joined the Zheng Research Group as a postdoctoral researcher, where he focuses on designing nucleic acid-encoded peptide and antibody libraries, as well as developing yeast display platforms incorporating unnatural amino acids to enhance functional diversity and therapeutic potential.In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing badminton, and engaging in activities that enrich his life. Additionally, he loves exploring new challenges, such as skiing and mind-bending games, which fuel his curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Xiaoman Liu completed her undergraduate studies at Sun Yat-Sen University from 2021 to 2025, where she built a strong foundation in biotechnology and research methodologies. Under the joint supervision of Dr. Yang Liu and Dr. Yiwu Zheng, she conducted her graduation project during her senior year, focusing on deep learning-assisted phage display for the creation of high-quality non-natural cyclic peptide libraries. This experience not only enhanced her research skills but also ignited a deep interest in the intersection of artificial intelligence and peptide engineering, a field she plans to further explore during her postgraduate studies. Outside the lab, Xiaoman enjoys watching movies and expressing her creativity through handicrafts, which she finds both relaxing and inspiring.

Email：liuxm96@mail2.sysu.edu.cn

Shujun Xu is a part-time graduate student at Sun Yat-sen University who earned her bachelor's degree from Guangdong Medical University. Driven by a deep passion for synthetic biology, she joined the Zheng Research Group, where she focuses on two key areas: the biosynthesis of peptide natural products and their enzymatic mechanisms, as well as research leveraging phage display technology. She is particularly interested in enhancing phage display techniques and strives to overcome the limitations of traditional directed evolution, aiming to improve its efficiency and applicability. Outside the lab, Shujun is highly organized, goal-oriented, and committed to continuous learning. She approaches challenges with persistence and a strong sense of responsibility. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing table tennis, and traveling to explore the natural beauty of her homeland.

Email: karli_xu@163.com

Yongqin Yang earned his bachelor's degree from Jiangnan University, where he systematically engaged in research on microbial fermentation technology, gaining a solid foundation in biotechnology and bioprocess engineering. In 2025, driven by his passion for exploring cutting-edge biotechnologies, he joined the Zheng Research Group. His research focuses on developing non-natural peptide libraries using phage display technology, as well as investigating the biosynthesis and enzymatic mechanisms of peptide natural products. Yongqin is meticulous and thorough in his work, with a strong analytical mindset that allows him to delve deeply into scientific problems. He is eager to push the boundaries of peptide engineering and contribute to advancements in the field. Outside the lab, he enjoys running, reading, and playing table tennis, which help him stay active and balanced. Additionally, he has a keen interest in scientific discussions and enjoys engaging with peers to exchange ideas and insights.

Kurban Yasen, a Uyghur from Xinjiang, earned his bachelor's degree from Sun Yat-sen University in 2025. During his senior year, under the dedicated mentorship of Dr. Yiwu Zheng, he conducted his graduation research on "Continuous Directed Evolution of Phage-Assisted Cyclase to Improve Catalytic Efficiency." This experience ignited his deep enthusiasm for the application of phage technology in biotechnology. Building on this foundation, Kurban intends to further explore the development and application of phage-assisted continuous screening systems for functional cyclic peptide molecules in his postgraduate studies. He is particularly excited about the potential of these systems in advancing drug discovery and therapeutic development. Beyond the laboratory, Kurban is an avid basketball and badminton player, finding both sports to be excellent outlets for relaxation and stress relief. He believes in maintaining a healthy balance between work and recreation, as it allows him to stay focused and motivated in his scientific endeavors.

yasen6@mail2.sysu.edu.cn