Xiaofei Cheng | Molecular Biology | Best Research Article Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Xiaofei Cheng | Molecular Biology | Best Research Article Award

Vice Dean | Northeast Agricultural University | China

Professor Xiaofei Cheng is a distinguished molecular plant pathologist and biochemist at the College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China. His research focuses primarily on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-virus interactions, with a particular emphasis on host immune modulation, viral pathogenicity, and RNA virus replication and movement. Through extensive collaborative research with national and international institutes, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the National Centre for Biotechnology (CSIC, Spain), Professor Cheng has made pioneering contributions to understanding how plant viruses exploit host cellular machinery to establish successful infections. A central theme of Cheng’s research involves elucidating how RNA viruses manipulate plant immunity. His team discovered that plant viruses can hijack host phosphatases to attenuate MAPK-mediated immunity, enabling robust infection. Moreover, his studies revealed the existence of pathogen protease-activated molecular decoys, offering potential for engineering customized resistance in plants. Cheng also uncovered viral strategies to target NPR1, a master regulator of salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defense, thereby suppressing antiviral immunity. His research extends to virus-encoded small proteins, viral replication vesicle formation, and intercellular virus movement. Earlier, Cheng’s work demonstrated that sumoylation of viral RNA polymerase promotes infection by subverting NPR1-mediated immunity, and that viral suppressor proteins such as VPg can degrade key host silencing factors via autophagy pathways. With over 96 publications, 1,635 citations, and an h-index of 23 (Scopus), Professor Cheng has established himself as a leading figure in molecular plant virology and biotechnology. His findings not only deepen our understanding of host-pathogen molecular interplay but also pave the way for developing virus-resistant crop varieties, contributing significantly to global agricultural sustainability.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Research Gate

Featured Publications

  • Luan, Y., Jiang, X., Wang, Y., Chai, M., Li, F., Wang, A., Wu, X., & Cheng, X. (2025). A plant RNA virus hijacks a membrane-anchored dual-specificity phosphatase to attenuate MAPK-mediated immunity for robust infection. The Plant Cell.

  • Fan, X., Zhao, Y., Ji, W., Rodamilans, B., Simón-Mateo, C., García, J. A., Wu, X., & Cheng, X.* (2025). A pathogen protease-activated molecular decoy for customized resistance in plant. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 23, 2403–2405.

  • Jiang, X., Yang, Y., Li, Y., Wang, Y., Rodamilans, B., Ji, W., Wu, X., García, J. A., Wu, X., & Cheng, X. (2025). Plant viruses convergently target NPR1 with various strategies to suppress salicylic acid-mediated antiviral immunity. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 67(5), 1395–1412.

  • Chai, M., Li, L., Li, Y., Yang, Y., Wang, Y., Jiang, X., Luan, Y., Li, F., Cui, H., Wang, A., Xiang, W., Wu, X., & Cheng, X.* (2024). The 6-kilodalton peptide 1 in plant viruses of the family Potyviridae is a viroporin. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 121(21), e2401748121.

  • Liu, J., Wu, X., Fang, Y., Liu, Y., Bello, E. O., Li, Y., Xiong, R., Li, Y., Fu, Z. Q., Wang, A., & Cheng, X.* (2023). A plant RNA virus inhibits NPR1 sumoylation and subverts NPR1-mediated plant immunity. Nature Communications, 14, 3580.

Shreya Chauhan | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Ms. Shreya Chauhan | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, India

Profiles

Academic and Research Profile: Ms. Shreya Chauhan

Ms. Shreya Chauhan is a passionate and dedicated forestry researcher affiliated with Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, India. With a Ph.D. specialization in Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, her expertise lies in genetic diversity analysis, population structure assessments, and the application of molecular markers to conservation strategies. Her work uniquely bridges forest genetics, microbial ecology, and sustainable forest resource management.

Educational Background

Ms. Chauhan’s academic journey began at MRA DAV Public School, Solan, where she completed her secondary education under the CBSE board. She pursued a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry at Dr. YSPUHF, graduating with a strong foundation in silviculture and environmental sciences. She further specialized in Forest Genetic Resources during her M.Sc., earning a high OGPA and undertaking research on Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. Her doctoral research continues at the same institution, with a focus on Acer oblongum (Himalayan maple), integrating both molecular genetics and ecological assessments.

Research Focus and Contributions

Her M.Sc. thesis explored the variation and ecological impact of Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) across Himachal Pradesh. She investigated phenotypic and genetic diversity across populations, studied the shrub’s influence on floristic diversity, and isolated non-Frankia actinomycetes from root nodules to examine their symbiotic and nitrogen-fixing potential.
Her Ph.D. research centers on the genetic diversity and population structure of Acer oblongum in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. By analyzing populations across different forest types and altitudinal zones, she aims to understand adaptive genetic variation in response to environmental heterogeneity. Her interdisciplinary approach combines molecular marker analysis with ecological data, offering crucial insights for conservation planning. This research contributes a blueprint for in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies, especially for temperate broadleaf forest restoration and sustainable management.

Skills and Competencies

Ms. Chauhan demonstrates a well-rounded skill set, including proficiency in MS Office, R and Python programming, project management, and team coordination. Her strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills have been vital to her research success and academic engagements.

Experiential Learning and Internships

She undertook a six-month internship with the Wildlife Division of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, gaining practical insights in zoo education and wildlife conservation strategies at Kufri, Shimla. Additionally, she has participated in specialized learning programs including a six-month training in the processing and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants, and a socioeconomic survey in Sirmour district under an Extension Learning Program.

Scientific Contributions and Achievements

Ms. Chauhan’s scientific contributions include the successful deposition of Nocardia vinacea strain EUNA at the National Centre for Microbial Resource, with accession number MCC 4701, making it publicly accessible for research. She has been recognized with Best Oral Presentation Awards at prestigious platforms, including the NAU-IES-IUFRO International Conference and the Indian Ecological Society International Conference, highlighting her strong communication and research dissemination skills.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong commitment to sustainable forestry and biodiversity conservation, Ms. Chauhan is poised to make impactful contributions to the field of forest genetics and ecological restoration. Her research combines modern molecular tools with ecological understanding, aimed at guiding conservation practices and promoting resilience in forest ecosystems amidst climate change and environmental transitions. As she continues her academic journey, her integrative and interdisciplinary approach serves as a model for future forest biologists and conservation scientists.

Notable Publications

Effect of N₂-fixing non-Frankia actinomycete inoculum on the growth and nodulation status of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.
Authors: Chauhan S., Kumari A., Devi S., Saini P.
Year: 2025
Journal: Ecological Frontiers

Ecotype Diversity Assessment of Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Chauhan S., Kumari A., Saini P., Jha S.K., Rawale G.B.
Year: 2023
Journal: Indian Journal of Ecology, 50(4)

Optimizing Tree Spacing and Nutrient Management for Marigold Cultivation under Mangifera indica-based Agroforestry System in Submontane Low Hill Zone of the Western Himalayas
Authors: Chauhan S., Guleria V., Jatav H.S., Prakash P., Chauhan S., et al.
Year: 2024
Journal: Agroforestry Systems

Population Characterization for Fruit Morphological Diversity in Myrica esculenta
Authors: Rawale G.B., Kumari A., Jha S.K., Thakur S., Chauhan S.
Year: 2023
Journal: Indian Journal of Agroforestry, 25(1)

Variation Studies in Fruit Characteristics, Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Diospyros montana (Roxb.) in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Saini P., Kumari A., Chauhan S., Jha S.K., Rawale G.B.
Year: 2023
Journal: Indian Journal of Ecology, 50(3)