Dr. Huiyan Li | Fudan University | China
Huiyan Li, Ph.D., is a dedicated researcher whose academic journey spans pharmacy, biomedical engineering, tumor biology, and nanomedicine. Her doctoral studies focused on unraveling tumor resistance mechanisms and advancing biomarker detection technologies, while her postdoctoral work has pioneered the use of nanomedicine for cancer therapy, particularly in glioma treatment. She has made significant strides in understanding neurovascular and neuroimmune interactions in brain tumors, contributing to the development of nanoparticle-based therapies. In addition, her leadership in biomedical imaging has enhanced preclinical cancer research and facilitated the application of advanced imaging technologies. Li’s interdisciplinary expertise positions her at the forefront of translational oncology research, bridging fundamental science with innovative therapeutic strategies.
Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
From the outset of her academic journey, Huiyan Li cultivated a deep interest in the intersection of pharmacy, biomedical engineering, and tumor biology. Her undergraduate studies in pharmacy provided a solid grounding in drug formulation and absorption mechanisms, which she later expanded through her master’s research in biomedical engineering. There, she explored innovative tissue engineering strategies, focusing on nano-polymer-based therapeutics for vascular repair in ischemic tissues. This multidisciplinary foundation prepared her to pursue advanced research in medical sciences, where her doctoral work centered on tumor biology, resistance mechanisms, and biomarker detection.
Doctoral Research in Tumor Biology
During her doctoral training at a leading medical institution, Li concentrated on unraveling the biological mechanisms underlying drug resistance in tumors. She explored the complex signaling pathways, with a particular emphasis on Hedgehog-mediated resistance in tumor models. Alongside these mechanistic studies, she pioneered the development of a novel aptasensor-based assay capable of highly sensitive detection of tumor biomarkers. This innovative work not only provided insights into therapeutic resistance but also advanced precision diagnostics in oncology.
Advancements in Nanomedicine
Following her doctoral studies, Li expanded her expertise into the field of nanomedicine, dedicating her postdoctoral research to the development of iron- and ferritin-based nanomedicines. Her investigations revealed how nanomedicines could exploit biological processes such as organelle cross-talk and oxidative stress to induce tumor cell apoptosis. She also explored strategies to disrupt compensatory mechanisms between selenoproteins, enhancing the therapeutic potential of nanomedicine platforms. These findings have contributed significantly to the broader field of nanobiomedicine, establishing new avenues for tumor-targeted therapy.
Research in Neuro-oncology
Building upon her prior expertise, Li directed her attention to the challenging domain of neuro-oncology. She investigated the mechanisms by which nanoparticles penetrate gliomas and other central nervous system tumors, with a focus on identifying endothelial cell subpopulations that regulate nanoparticle entry. Her work also examined the communication between tumor-associated endothelial cells and immune cells, shedding light on neurovascular and neuroimmune interactions in glioblastoma. This pioneering research represents an important step toward improving nanoparticle-based therapies for brain tumors, which remain among the most difficult cancers to treat.
Contributions to Imaging and Biomedical Technologies
Alongside her research in tumor biology and nanomedicine, Li made significant contributions to biomedical imaging. Serving as a technical director for a small animal live imaging core facility, she became proficient in advanced modalities such as live optical and MicroCT imaging. She applied these tools to monitor tumor development and therapeutic responses in vivo, thereby enhancing preclinical models of neuro-oncology. Her commitment to training and knowledge-sharing ensured that imaging technologies could be widely utilized to accelerate translational cancer research.
Recognition and Emerging Influence
Throughout her career, Li’s dedication to bridging basic science with clinical application has earned recognition within the scientific community. Her cross-disciplinary expertise—spanning pharmacy, biomedical engineering, tumor biology, nanomedicine, and neuro-oncology—has positioned her as an emerging leader in the development of precision therapies for cancer. By integrating advanced imaging, molecular biology, and nanotechnology, she has established a reputation for innovation in the fight against treatment resistance and tumor progression.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Li’s research promises to make a lasting impact on the fields of nanomedicine and neuro-oncology. Her work is poised to redefine how nanoparticle platforms can be tailored to overcome barriers in the central nervous system, offering new hope for patients with glioblastoma and other brain tumors. By combining mechanistic insights with translational strategies, she is advancing toward a future where cancer therapy becomes more effective, targeted, and personalized. Her legacy will be one of integrating science and technology to push the boundaries of cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes worldwide.
Publications
A forward vision for chemodynamic therapy: issues and opportunities
P Zhao, H Li, W Bu — 2023
Advances in detection of infectious agents by aptamer-based technologies
HY Li, WN Jia, XY Li, L Zhang, C Liu, J Wu — 2020
Immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, where are we?
L Zhang, J Ding, HY Li, ZH Wang, J Wu — 2020
Folate-conjugated and pH-responsive polymeric micelles for target-cell-specific anticancer drug delivery
J Guan, ZQ Zhou, MH Chen, HY Li, DN Tong, J Yang, J Yao, ZY Zhang — 2017
ZIF‐based nanoparticles combine X‐ray‐induced nitrosative stress with autophagy management for hypoxic prostate cancer therapy
Y Li, T Gong, H Gao, Y Chen, H Li, P Zhao, Y Jiang, K Wang, Y Wu, … — 2021
Thermo-responsive polymer encapsulated gold nanorods for single continuous wave laser-induced photodynamic/photothermal tumour therapy
B Gong, Y Shen, H Li, X Li, X Huan, J Zhou, Y Chen, J Wu, W Li — 2021
Heterostructures with built‐in electric fields for long‐lasting chemodynamic therapy
H Zhang, Y Chen, W Hua, W Gu, H Zhuang, H Li, X Jiang, Y Mao, Y Liu, … — 2023
Hedgehog signaling, a critical pathway governing the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
J Ding, HY Li, L Zhang, Y Zhou, J Wu — 2021
Polyamine-activated carbonyl stress strategy for oxidative damage therapy
K Wang, J Li, Y Yi, B Lv, Y Wu, C Wang, H Li, Y Li, Y Liu, X Cai, X Meng, … — 2022
Hedgehog signalling mediates drug resistance through targeting TAP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
XT Zhou, J Ding, HY Li, JL Zuo, SY Ge, HL Jia, J Wu — 2020
Blocking spatiotemporal crosstalk between subcellular organelles for enhancing anticancer therapy with nanointercepters
H Li, H Zhang, X He, P Zhao, T Wu, J Xiahou, Y Wu, Y Liu, Y Chen, … — 2023
Nutrient-delivery and metabolism reactivation therapy for melanoma
Y Chen, C Wang, Y Wu, Y Wang, Y Meng, F Wu, H Zhang, YY Cheng, … — 2024
Novel aptasensor-based assay of sonic hedgehog ligand for detection of portal vein invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma
HY Li, FF Yin, XY Li, WN Jia, J Ding, L Zhang, ZH Wang, QQ Hu, JL Zuo, … — 2021
Conclusion
Through her integration of nanomedicine, neuro-oncology, and advanced imaging, Huiyan Li has established herself as an emerging leader in cancer research. Her contributions address some of the most complex challenges in oncology, particularly treatment resistance and central nervous system tumor targeting. With her innovative approach and commitment to translational impact, she is poised to shape the future of precision medicine in neuro-oncology. Her work stands as a testament to the transformative potential of interdisciplinary research in advancing cancer therapy and improving patient outcomes.