Dr. Ling-Yan Su, Yunnan Agricultural University, China.
Professor Ling-Yan Su is a leading figure in the field of food science and plant physiology, currently serving at the College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University. With a solid academic foundation from Yunnan University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, she has built a dynamic career that bridges molecular biology and applied agricultural research. Her pioneering work on melatonin-based pre-harvest treatments has significantly advanced our understanding of natural preservation techniques, especially in prolonging the post-harvest life and quality of fruits like Myrica rubra. Her research focuses on enhancing antioxidant systems, inhibiting spoilage, and activating plant defense pathways through sustainable, low-toxicity treatments.
Profile
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Ling-Yan Su’s journey in the biological sciences began with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Life Science at Yunnan University (2007–2011). Demonstrating academic curiosity and determination early on, she expanded her horizons through a year-long visiting student program (2010–2011) at the prestigious Kunming Institute of Zoology, affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This experience laid the foundation for her doctoral research, which she pursued at the same institute from 2011 to 2017, where she rigorously explored complex biological systems, further solidifying her passion for food science and plant physiology.
🧪 Professional Endeavors in Science
Professor Su’s professional career has been marked by consistent growth across esteemed academic institutions. Following her Ph.D., she joined the Kunming Institute of Zoology as a research assistant, rapidly advancing to the role of associate professor. In 2022, she transitioned to the College of Food Science and Technology at Yunnan Agricultural University, initially as an associate professor before her promotion to full professor within the same year. Her academic trajectory reflects a blend of deep research engagement and an evolving role in shaping food science education and innovation in China.
🌿 Contributions and Research Focus
Professor Su’s groundbreaking work lies at the intersection of plant physiology, post-harvest fruit biology, and food preservation technology. She has made significant contributions to understanding how melatonin, a naturally occurring compound, can be leveraged to extend the post-harvest shelf life of Myrica rubra (Chinese bayberry). Her studies demonstrate that melatonin pre-harvest treatments reduce oxidative stress markers, inhibit microbial decay, and activate the phenylpropanoid pathway, resulting in elevated antioxidant activity. This line of research not only reveals novel mechanisms of fruit preservation but also opens sustainable avenues in post-harvest biology and food safety.
🏅 Accolades and Recognition
While formal awards are not listed, Professor Su’s rapid academic promotions and appointments at prestigious research institutes such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Agricultural University underscore her recognition within the scientific community. Her work is contributing to a growing body of literature on sustainable food science innovations, earning her esteem among peers and collaborators in the agricultural biotechnology field.
🌱 Impact and Influence
Professor Su’s innovative application of melatonin in fruit preservation has substantial implications for food technology and agricultural practices. Her research directly addresses global concerns such as food spoilage, post-harvest losses, and chemical-free preservation methods. By enhancing natural antioxidant defenses and inhibiting spoilage at a molecular level, her work supports both farmers and consumers in accessing healthier and longer-lasting produce, especially within the context of environmentally conscious food systems.
🔬 Legacy in Food Science
The legacy Professor Su is building centers around translating scientific inquiry into practical solutions for real-world agricultural challenges. Her research is charting a course for future studies in the bio-preservation of fruits and vegetables using natural treatments. As she continues to mentor students and collaborate across disciplines, her influence is extending into the next generation of food scientists and researchers focused on plant biochemistry, post-harvest technology, and sustainable agricultural innovation.
🚀 Future Contributions and Vision
Looking ahead, Professor Ling-Yan Su is poised to further explore how endogenous compounds like melatonin can be applied across various fruits and food crops. Her vision includes broadening the scope of natural food preservation strategies and delving deeper into molecular pathways that regulate plant defense responses. As a respected academic and scientist, her future contributions are expected to shape healthier food systems and deepen scientific understanding of plant–microbe–compound interactions.
Publication
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Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)
Authors: DJ Klionsky, AK Abdel-Aziz, S Abdelfatah, M Abdellatif, A Abdoli, S Abel, …
Year: 2021
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Activation of PPARA-mediated autophagy reduces Alzheimer disease-like pathology and cognitive decline in a murine model
Authors: R Luo, LY Su, G Li, J Yang, Q Liu, LX Yang, DF Zhang, H Zhou, M Xu, …
Year: 2020
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Melatonin attenuates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity via preventing CDK5-mediated autophagy and SNCA/α-synuclein aggregation
Authors: LY Su, H Li, L Lv, YM Feng, GD Li, R Luo, HJ Zhou, XG Lei, L Ma, JL Li, …
Year: 2015
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Decreased mitochondrial DNA copy number in the hippocampus and peripheral blood during opiate addiction is mediated by autophagy and can be salvaged by melatonin
Authors: YM Feng, YF Jia, LY Su, D Wang, L Lv, L Xu, YG Yao
Year: 2013
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Association of the LRRK2 genetic polymorphisms with leprosy in Han Chinese from Southwest China
Authors: D Wang, L Xu, L Lv, LY Su, Y Fan, DF Zhang, R Bi, D Yu, W Zhang, XA Li, …
Year: 2015
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Atg5- and Atg7-dependent autophagy in dopaminergic neurons regulates cellular and behavioral responses to morphine
Authors: LY Su, R Luo, Q Liu, JR Su, LX Yang, YQ Ding, L Xu, YG Yao
Year: 2017
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Positive selection rather than relaxation of functional constraint drives the evolution of vision during chicken domestication
Authors: MS Wang, R Zhang, LY Su, Y Li, MS Peng, HQ Liu, L Zeng, DM Irwin, …
Year: 2016
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Melatonin alleviates morphine analgesic tolerance in mice by decreasing NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Q Liu, LY Su, C Sun, L Jiao, Y Miao, M Xu, R Luo, X Zuo, R Zhou, P Zheng, …
Year: 2020
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Out of Southern East Asia of the brown rat revealed by large-scale genome sequencing
Authors: L Zeng, C Ming, Y Li, LY Su, YH Su, NO Otecko, A Dalecky, S Donnellan, …
Year: 2018
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Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves as new raw food material: A review of its nutritional composition, functional properties, and comprehensive application
Authors: M Yang, L Tao, XR Kang, ZL Wang, LY Su, LF Li, F Gu, CC Zhao, J Sheng, …
Year: 2023
âś… Conclusion
Professor Su’s academic journey and research contributions exemplify scientific excellence rooted in sustainability and innovation. Her work not only provides practical solutions to post-harvest challenges but also contributes to broader efforts in reducing food waste and promoting natural preservation methods. As she continues to mentor young researchers and expand her studies, Professor Su is well-positioned to leave a lasting impact on food science and agricultural biotechnology. Her career reflects a thoughtful integration of research, application, and forward-looking vision in the quest for healthier and more resilient food systems.