Special Interview with Dr. Chuxiao Liu
On 16 July, we were honored to interview Prof. Chuxiao Liu, he shares his inspiring journey into molecular and cellular biology, which began during his undergraduate studies at Xiamen University. Motivated by the unseen complexity of molecular interactions within cells and guided by his mentor, Prof. Ling-Ling Chen, he developed a lifelong passion for RNA research. His most exciting discoveries include revealing the role of circular RNAs as inhibitors of the innate immune sensor PKR, published in Cell (2019), and demonstrating their therapeutic potential in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in a recent Nature Biotechnology paper. Looking ahead, he emphasizes the importance of understanding circular RNA folding mechanisms to balance functional expression and immune control in RNA-based therapeutics. As a young editorial board member of JTGG, he views young scholars as innovators, connectors, and learners-committed to advancing scientific excellence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting the next generation of researchers.
Questions:
1. How did you first embark on the path of molecular and cellular science? Was there a particular experience or mentor who played a pivotal role in shaping your research direction?
2. Among your current research, is there a particular discovery or breakthrough that has excited you the most? could you share the story behind it?
3. In your research,it appears that the structure of circular RNAs plays a key role in determining their immunogenicity. in your view,how can future RNA drug development strike an ideal balance between functional expression and immunogenicity control?
4. As a Youth Editorial Board Member of JTGG,how do you view the responsibility and mission of young scholars? In future academic exchange and journal development, what role would you most like to play?
About Dr. Chuxiao Liu:
Dr. Chuxiao Liu is a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on the biogenesis and functional mechanisms of circular RNAs. In 2020, he was named to the Forbes China 30 Under 30 list, and in 2023, he contributed as a key member to a project titled Mechanisms of Circular RNA Biogenesis and Function, which received the Second Prize of the National Natural Science Award. His studies cover diverse aspects of circular RNA biology, including RNA degradation mechanisms and RNA modification interactions, with several publications in leading journals such as Molecular Cell. Since his promotion to Associate Research Fellow in 2024, his work on circular RNA aptamers has provided new insights into potential therapies for psoriasis.
Editor: Yana Wei
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully submitted by the Editorial Office of Journal of Translational Genetics and Genomics
