Education
1985-1989 Peking University, China B.S.
1989-1995 Peking University, China M.S. & Ph.D.
Professional Experience
2008 - now Changjiang Scholar, Peking University
2001 - now, Professor, School of Life Sciences, Peking University
1999 - 2000 Senior Visiting Scholar , MCDB Department, Yale University, USA
1997 - 2001 Associate Professor, College of Life Sciences, Peking University
1995 - 1997 Lecturer, College of Life Sciences, Peking University
1995 - 1996 Visiting Scholar, John Innes Center, UK
Editorial Activities
2017－now Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, Editor
2004－now Science China Life Sciences, Editor
2009－now PLOS Genetics, Associate Editor
2021－now PLOS Genetics, Section Editor: Plant Genetics
2023－now Plant Cell, Editor
2023－now National Science Review, Editor
Sexual reproduction in higher plants is composed of multiple biological processes including gametogenesis, male-female interactions, fertilization and embryogenesis, which are under tight genetic regulation. Taking dicotyledous model plant Arabidopsis thaliana as research materials, we aim to dissect the molecular regulation mechanisms involved in plant reproduction by using combinations of genetic, biochemical and molecular biology approaches. We are mainly interested in three categories of the regulatory factors involved in plant reproduction: 1) receptor-like protein kinases/peptide signals-mediated signaling pathways; 2) factors regulating protein degradation and/or endomembrane trafficking; 3) transcription factors. We are also interested in developing new tools for genetic editing in plants.
1. Liu et al., Qu L.-J.* (2025) A two-step self-pollination mechanism maximizes fertility in the Brassicaceae. Cell 188: 2845-2855.
2. Zhong S., Lan Z., Qu L.-J.* (2025) Ingenious male-female communication ensures successful double fertilization in angiosperms. Annual Review of Plant Biology 76: 401-431.
3. Lan et al., Qu L.-J.* (2023) Antagonistic RALF peptides control an intergeneric hybridization barrier on Brassicaceae stigmas. Cell 186: 4773-4787.
4. Zhong S. et al., Qu L.-J.* (2022) RALF peptide signaling controls the polytubey block in Arabidopsis. Science 375: 290-296.
5. Zhong S. et al., Qu L.-J.* (2019) Cysteine-rich peptides promote interspecific genetic isolation in Arabidopsis. Science 364: eaau9564.
6. Ge Z. et al., Qu L.-J.* (2017) Arabidopsis pollen tube integrity and sperm release are regulated by RALF-mediated signaling. Science 358: 1596-1600.
