Professor Li Chun engaged in in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, biocatalysis, and enzyme engineering. His research focuses on enzymatic transformation and microbial synthesis of terpenoid and flavonoid natural products, as well as intelligent molecular design and engineering applications of industrial strains for stress resistance. He employs enzyme molecular design and engineering, artificial intelligence digitization, and intelligent stress resistance of chassis cells as tools to design industrial enzyme catalytic systems and microbial cell factories for synthetic biological manufacturing. This approach disrupts traditional acquisition methods such as plant cultivation, land occupation, and chemical extraction, aiming to achieve clean, efficient, and sustainable chemical-biological coupled manufacturing processes for high-efficiency and green development.

He received the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars in 2014 and served as the Chief Scientist of the National Key R&D Program's "Synthetic Biology" special project in 2019. He has completed pilot-scale trials for the biomanufacturing of glycyrrhetinic acid, multi-heat-resistant yeast fermentation for ethanol production, and enzymatic degumming of vegetable oils. The multi-heat-resistant yeast and plant salt-dissolving growth-promoting bacterial agents he developed have been industrialized and applied commercially.

He has published over 500 papers in journals such as Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, ACS Catalysis, ACS Energy Letters, Metabolic Engineering, ACS Synthetic Biology, AIChE Journal, Chemical Engineering Science, Chemistry Engineering Journal and Journal of Biological Chemistry. He holds 56 authorized invention patents and has received 4 provincial/ministerial-level science and technology achievement awards. He has authored or contributed to 11 textbooks and monographs, including serving as chief editor for Synthetic Biology, Principles of Cell Factory Design, Synthetic Biology Engineering Technology Series, and Introduction to Bioengineering and Technology, and as associate editor for Biochemistry, all of which have become widely used textbooks in universities.

He was awarded the State Council Government Special Allowance in 2006, received the "Hou Debang Chemical Science and Technology Innovation Award" in 2017, and was selected as the Chief Science Communication Expert in "Bioengineering" nationwide in 2017. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Synthetic Biology Committee and Chairman of the Science Popularization Committee of the Chinese Society of Biotechnology; Executive Editor-in-Chief of Synthetic Biology; Associate Editor of Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology; and Editorial Board Member of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology, Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress, Chinese Journal of Catalysis, Journal of Process Engineering, Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering, and Bioprocess.

Jan. 2025 – Present: Academic Leader, State Key Laboratory of Green Bio-manufacturing

Apr. 2020 – Present: Tenured Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University

Sep. 2017 – Apr. 2020: Distinguished Professor and Vice Dean, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology; Discipline Responsible Professor of Chemical Engineering and Technology

Feb. 2011 – Jan. 2012: Visiting Researcher, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), conducting research in synthetic biology

May 2006 – Sep. 2017: "Hundred Talents Program" Professor and Director of Department of Bioengineering, Beijing Institute of Technology; Discipline Responsible Professor

Oct. 2003 – May 2006: Professor and Assistant to the President, Shihezi University; established the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and served as its Founding Dean

Aug. 2001 – Oct. 2003: Postdoctoral Fellow in Biochemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University

Feb. 1998 – Aug. 2001: Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University

Aug. 1997 – Feb. 1998: Advanced Studies in Fermentation Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology

Jul. 1997 – Aug. 1997: Training in Food Biotechnology, China Agricultural University

Jul. 1995 – Jun. 1997: Lecturer and Director of Experimental Center, School of Food Engineering, Shihezi University

Aug. 1992 – Jun. 1995: M.S. in Microbiology, Shihezi University

Sep. 1988 – Jul. 1992: B.S. in Plant Protection, Shihezi University

1. Microbial synthesis and biotransformation of natural products;

2. Stress-resistant molecular design and engineering applications of industrial microorganisms;

3. Biocatalysis and enzyme engineering;

4. Digital design and intelligent biomanufacturing of yeast cell factories.

Over the past 20 years, he has taught five courses: "Introduction to Bioengineering and Technology," "Principles of Biochemistry," "Biochemistry II," and "Molecular Biology" for undergraduates; "Synthetic Biology" and "Modern Biotechnology" for master's students; and "Biomolecular Engineering" for doctoral students. He has authored or contributed to 9 Chinese and English textbooks, among which Synthetic Biology, Introduction to Bioengineering and Technology (as chief editor), and Biochemistry (as associate editor) have won the First Prize for Excellent Textbooks from the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation.

1. Chief Editor, Synthetic Biology Engineering Technology Series, 2025, Chemical Industry Press (A set of synthetic biology toolbooks available to engineers) (National Publication Fund Project)

2. Chief Editor, Principles of Cell Factory Design, 2024, Shandong Science and Technology Press/Science Press (National Publication Fund Project)

3. Chief Editor, Synthetic Biology, 2019, Chemical Industry Press

4. Chief Editor, Introduction to Bioengineering and Technology, 2015, Chemical Industry Press

5. Sole Adapter, Introduction to Biochemical Engineering, 2011 (English), Chemical Industry Press

6. Associate Editor, Biochemistry (National High-Quality Textbook), 2010, Higher Education Press

7. Associate Editor, Biochemistry, 2017, Chemical Industry Press

8. Associate Editor, Cell Culture Engineering (National Planned Textbook), 2012, Higher Education Press

9. Contributing Editor, Principles of Bioreaction Engineering (National Planned Textbook), 2013, Tsinghua University Press

2021–Present: Chair, Science Popularization Committee, Chinese Society of Biotechnology

2018–2023: Vice Chair, Biochemical Engineering Committee, Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China

2016–Present: Vice Chair, Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology Committee, Chinese Society of Biotechnology

2026–Present: Editor in chief, Chinese Journal of Bioengineering

2019–Present: Vice Chair, Synthetic Biology Branch, Chinese Society of Biotechnology

2020–Present: Executive Editor-in-Chief, Synthetic Biology

2016–Present: Associate Editor, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

2019–Present: Chinese Executive Committee Member, Biocatalysis Division, Asian Federation of Biotechnology

2019–Present: Executive Committee Member, Asian Synthetic Biology Association

1. Qin Lei#, Yang Bo#, Huang Rui#, Zhang Haocheng, Li Qiuyang, Li Xinyi, Tan Yingqi, Sun Wentao, Jia Haiyang, Hu Bing, Lv Bo*, Li Chun*. Design of the biosensor-dependent coupling system stabilizes the high-synthesis phenotype of cell factory. Nature Communications 2026, DOI:10.1038/s41467-026-71801-5.

2. Zhang Zhen, Li Wenqiang, Meng Fanze, Jin Yanming, Sun Wentao, Kuang Qina, Ren Shichao, Liu Wei, Zhang Liang, Qin Lei*, Lv Bo*, Jia Haiyang*, Li Chun*. Discover the Maze-like Pathway for Glabridin Biosynthesis. Nature Communications 2026, 17:2215.

3. Li Yongxing, Du Bingjie, Li Chun*, Feng Xudong*. Engineering yeast peroxisome assembly enables the increased production of acetyl-CoA and its derived 5-deoxyflavonoids. Nature Communications 2025, 16(1):10468.

4. Liu Xinhe, Li Jialin, Zhao Wenrui, Gong Xuesong, Sun Qiuyan, Feng Xudong*, Li Chun*. Computation-aided redesign of C-glycosyltransferases facilitates sustainable biosynthesis of C-glycosides. Green Chemistry 2026, DOI: 10.1039/D6GC00247A.

5. Zhang Liang#, Liu Xinhe#, Li Yongxing, Feng Xudong*, Li Chun*. Uncovering the Functional Role of UGT73F/P Subfamilies toward Triterpenoids Glycosylation in Legume Medicinal Plants. ACS Synthetic Biology 2026, doi.org/10.1021/acssynbio.5c00740.

6. Zhang Haocheng, Jia Haiyang*, Li Chun*. Compatibility engineering of synthetic metabolic pathways in microbial cell factories. Chemical Engineering Science 2026, 320:122623.

7. Sun Jiachen, Gao Ruikui, Yang Zhongxuan, Deng Zefeng, Qin Lei*, Jia Haiyang*, Li Chun*. Construction and application of artificial organelles via protein self-assembly. Chemical Science 2025, 16(47):22231-22249.

8. Ban Yali, Jiang Jixuan, Yang Hongwang, Jia Haiyang, Pang Yaru, Cheng Xu, Yan Jianbin, Liao Qinggang, Li Chun*, Lv Bo*, Feng Yongjun*. The complete synthetic pathway of echinacoside from Cistanche deserticola and its de novo biosynthesis in yeast. Plant Communication 2025, 101430.

9. Zhang Yapeng, Liu Chenwen, Li Wenqiang, Ma Zhidong, Lv Bo*, Qin Lei*, Li Chun*. Systematic engineering of the sterol synthesis pathway for Saccharomyces cerevisiae promotes the efficient production of β-caryophyllene. Metabolic Engineering 2025, 91: 347-355.

10. Xiang Lin, Sun Wentao, Zhang Siqin, Zhang Haocheng, Lv Bo*, Qin Lei*, Li Chun*. Discovery, Biomanufacture and Derivatization of Licorice Triterpenoids. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 2025, 73(1):4-29.

11. Jian Xing, Sun Qiuyan, Xu Wentao, Qu Haobo, Feng Xudong*, Li Chun*. Engineering the Substrate Specificity of UDP-Glycosyltransferases for Synthesizing Triterpenoid Glycosides with a Linear Trisaccharide as Aided by Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2024, 63(48): e202409867.

12. Chen Linhao, Lai Junjie, Luo Yan, Shu Tao, Lv Bo*, Li Chun*. Efficient glycyrrhetinic acid biomanufacturing through protein engineering and dual-GUS combination strategy with novel β-glucuronidase from Aspergillus calidoustus CLH-22. Bioresource Technology 2024, 413:131436.

13. Zhang Jinwei, Zhao Guomiao, Bai Wenxin, Chen Ying, Zhang Yuan, Li Fan, Wang Manyi, Shen Yue, Wang Yun*, Wang Xiaoyan*, Li Chun*. A Genomewide Evolution-Based CRISPR/Cas9 with Donor-Free (GEbCD) for Developing Robust and Productive Industrial Yeast. ACS Synthetic Biology 2024, 13(8):2335-2346.

14. Sun Wentao, Wan Shengtong, Liu Chuyan, Wang Ruwen, Zhang Haocheng, Qin Lei, Wang Runming, Lv Bo*, Li Chun*. Establishing cell suitability for high-level production of licorice triterpenoids in yeast. Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024, 14(9):4134-4148.

15. Zhang Na, Li Xiaohan, Zhou Qiang, Zhang Ying, Lv Bo, Hu Bing*, Li Chun*. Self-controlled in silico gene knockdown strategies to enhance the sustainable production of heterologous terpenoid by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Metabolic Engineering 2024, 83:172-182.

16. Yang Bo, Sun Wentao, Liu Xinhe, Ding Ming-zhu, Feng Xudong*, Li Chun*. Specific Glycosylation System Enables the High-Level and Sustainable Production of Glycyrrhetinic Acid 3-O-monoglucuronide and Glycyrrhizin in Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ACS Sustainable Chemistry Engineering 2024, 12(4):1514–1525.

17. Qin Lei, Ma Dongshi, Lin Guangyuan, Sun Wentao, Li Chun*. Low temperature promotes the production and efflux of terpenoids in yeast. Bioresource Technology 2024, 24:130376.

18. Cheng Xu, Pang Yaru, Ban Yali, Cui Shuai, Shu Tao, Lv Bo*, Li Chun*. Application of multiple strategies to enhance oleanolic acid biosynthesis by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Bioresource Technology 2024, 17:130716.

19. Ting An, Guangyuan Lin, Yang Liu, Lei Qin, Yuquan Xu, Xudong Feng*, Chun Li*. De novo biosynthesis of icariin in engineered yeast. Metabolic Engineering 2023, 80:207-215.

20. Zhu Ying, Zhou Chen, Liu Xia, Li Xinying, Shi Caifang, Zhang Yapeng, Wang Ying*, Li Chun*. Aided-efflux and high production of β-amyrin realized by β-cyclodextrin in situ synthesized on surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biotechnology and Bioengineering 2023, 120(4):1147-1158.

21. Liu Xia#, Qin Lei#, Yu Jie, Sun Wentao, Xu Jianhong, Li Chun*. Real-time monitoring of subcellular states with genetically encoded redox biosensor system (RBS) in yeast cell factories. Biosensors and Bioelectronics 2023, 222:114988

22. Gao Bo†, Yang Bo†, Feng Xudong*, Li Chun*. Recent advances in the biosynthesis strategies of nitrogen heterocyclic natural products. Natural Product Reports 2022, 39(1):139-162.

23. Sun Jiachen, Sun Wentao, Zhang Genlin*, Lv Bo*, Li Chun*. High efficient production of plant flavonoids by microbial cell factories: Challenges and opportunities. Metabolic Engineering 2022, 70:143-154.

24. Shichao Ren, Qiuyan Sun, Liang Zhang, Wentao Sun, Yongxing Li, Xudong Feng*, Li Chun*. Sustainable production of rare oleanane-type ginsenoside Ro with an artificial glycosylation pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Green Chemistry 2022, 24:8302-8313.

25. Qin Lei, Dong Shuxin, Yu Jie, Ning Xiaoyu, Xu Ke, Zhang Sen-Jia, Xu Li, Li Bing-Zhi, Li Jun, Yuan Ying-Jin, Li Chun*. Stress-driven dynamic regulation of multiple tolerance genes improves robustness and productive capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in industrial lignocellulose fermentation. Metabolic Engineering 2020, 61:160-170.

26. Yu Yuan, Aairm Rasool, Haoran Liu, Lv Bo, Chang Pengcheng, Song Hao, Wang Ying, Li Chun*. Engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae for high yield production of α-amyrin via synergistic remodeling of α-amyrin synthase and expanding the storage pool. Metabolic Engineering 2020, 62:72-83.

27. Sun Wentao, Xue Haijie, Liu Hu, Lv Bo, Yu Yang*, Wang Ying*, Huang Meilan, Li Chun*. Controlling chemo- and regioselectivity of a plant P450 in yeast cell toward rare licorice triterpenoid biosynthesis. ACS Catalysis 2020, 10:4253-4260.

28. Xu Ke, Qin Lei, Bai Wenxin, Wang Xiaoyan, Li Fan, Ren Shichao, Gao Xiaopeng, Chen Bo, Tong Yi, Li Jun, Li Bing-Zhi, Yuan Ying-Jin, Li Chun*. Multilevel Defense System (MDS) Relieves Multiple Stresses for Economically Boosting Ethanol Production of Industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ACS Energy Letters 2020, 5:572-582.

29. Zhu Ming, Wang Caixia, Sun Wentao, Zhou Anqi, Wang Ying, Zhang Genlin, Zhou Xiaohong, Huo Yixin, Li Chun*. Boosting 11-oxo-β-amyrin and glycyrrhetinic acid synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via pairing novel oxidation and reduction system from legume plants. Metabolic Engineering 2018, 45:43-50.

30. Lv Bo, Sun Hanli, Huang Shen, Feng Xudong, Jiang Tao, Li Chun*. Structure-guided engineering of the substrate specificity of a fungal β-glucuronidase toward triterpenoid saponins. Journal of Biological Chemistry 2018, 293(2):433-443.

31. Meng Fanze, Cao Rui, Hu Bing, Qin Lei, Li Chun*. Digital Empowerment of Cell Factory Design for Green Bio-manufacturing. Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences 2025, 40(1):67-78.

2004: Ministry of Education "New Century Excellent Talents" Support Program

2005: Ministry of Education "Fok Ying Tung Education Fund" Young Faculty Award

2006: State Council Government Special Allowance; Second Prize of Tianjin Natural Science Award (5)

2007: Third Prize of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Science and Technology Progress Award (1)

2008: Third Prize of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Science and Technology Progress Award (1)

2014: Second Prize of Ministry of Education Technical Invention Award for Science and Technology (1)

2014: National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars

2017: Hou Debang Chemical Science and Technology Innovation Award

2019: Chief Science Communication Expert in "Bioengineering" by China Association for Science and Technology

2025: "Disruptive Innovation Achievement" Award, China Biomanufacturing Science and Technology Innovation Forum (1)