On the afternoon of March 13, 2025, upon the invitation of Professor Zhang Yuhui from the Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (WNLO), Chair Professor Yang Dan from the School of Life Sciences at Westlake University visited WNLO. She was a guest speaker for the 227st session of the Wuhan Optoelectronics Forum and delivered a report titled Exploring the Mysteries of Life with Fluorescent Probes.
Professor Zeng Shaoqun made a formal introduction to Professor Yang, highlighting her research directions and academic contributions. He also presented her with an honor plaque before the official commencement of the report.
Professor Yang's report delved into the latest advancements in the use of fluorescent probes for detecting cell metabolites, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. She introduced the application of novel fluorescent probes in cells, tissues, and animal models, as well as their role in real-time monitoring and assessment of redox states. These probes are significant not only for biological imaging but also as powerful tools for disease treatment strategies. Professor Yang discussed the application of chemical biology probes and imaging technologies in the biomedical field from three aspects: detection of reactive oxygen species in biological systems, protein fluorescence labeling and intracellular fluorescence imaging, and the design of artificial ion transporters targeting cancer stem cells.
The event was characterized by a vibrant atmosphere, marked by spirited academic discussions. Participants actively participated in interactions, while Professor Yang offered clear and detailed explanations with patience, fully embodying the passion for academic exchange.
Professor Yang obtained her B.Sc. degree in chemistry from Fudan University in 1985. She obtained an M.A. from Columbia in 1988 under the direction of Professor Ronald Breslow. She then joined Professor Daniel Kahne’s group at Princeton and got her Ph.D. in 1991. In the same year, she won a postdoctoral fellowship award from the Cancer Research Institute in New York to support her two-year research in Professor Stuart Schreiber’s group at Harvard. She started her independent career on organic chemistry and chemical biology at the University of Hong Kong in 1993 and was later promoted to a chair professor of chemistry and the Morningside Professor in Chemical Biology. In August 2021, Prof. Yang joined Westlake University as a chair professor in both School of Life Sciences and School of Science.
