Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Overview
Dr. Liu specialises in extracellular vesicles, osteosarcoma, breast cancer, tissue engineering, immunomodulation and biomaterial functionalisation.
Dr. Liu is a clinician (surgeon)-scientist with clinical and preclinical expertise in tissue repair and immunomodulation. Dr. Liu obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Shanghai JiaoTong University (China); and a PhD degree from RWTH Aachen University (Germany).
Dr. Liu works with extracellular vesicles, including newly discovered matrix-bound nanovesicles. Dr. Liu’s current projects involve assessing the role of extracellular vesicle glycans on immunomodulation in metastatic breast cancer and metastatic pediatric cancers, such as osteosarcoma. Dr. Liu also has a background in biological scaffold functionalisation with the goal of developing innovative approaches that bring advanced benefits directly to clinical soft tissue repair.
Research Interests
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Biomaterials
Biomaterials for soft tissue repair -
Extracellular Vesicles
Applications of Extracellular Vesicles in Tissue Engineering and tumor treatment
Research Impacts
Advancing immunomodulation in metastatic cancers with Extracellular Vesicles
Dr. Liu's groundbreaking research focuses on extracellular vesicles (EVs), including the newly discovered matrix-bound nanovesicles, which are emerging as pivotal players in cellular communication. Their current projects delve into the crucial role of extracellular vesicle glycans in immunomodulation, particularly in metastatic breast cancer and metastatic pediatric cancers like osteosarcoma. The implications of her research are substantial and multidimensional, reflecting a significant impact on both scientific understanding and clinical applications.
Dr. Liu’s work contributes to a deeper understanding of the biochemical mechanisms that underpin cancer metastasis and immune evasion. By exploring how glycans on extracellular vesicles influence immune responses, their research uncovers novel pathways through which cancer cells manipulate the immune system to spread and thrive in other body parts. This knowledge broadens the scientific community's understanding of cancer biology and highlights the intricate networks of cell communication mediated by EVs. Understanding the role of EV glycans in immunomodulation opens up new avenues for therapeutic intervention in Targeted Therapies and Biomarkers for Cancer.
Advancing Abdominal Hernia Repair with Innovative Biomaterials
As a researcher specialising in biomaterials for abdominal hernia repair, Dr. Liu’s work focuses on developing and refining materials that enhance the effectiveness and safety of surgical interventions for hernia patients. Hernias, which involve the protrusion of internal organs through the abdominal wall, are a prevalent issue impacting millions worldwide, necessitating durable and reliable treatments.Dr. Liu is now focusing on the newly developed EVs, namely matrix-bonded nanovesicles, and their potential application for tissue engineering, especially for abdominal wall repair, including Improved Surgical Outcomes and Enhanced Patient Recover.
Dr. Liu maintains active collaborations with hospital networks and surgical teams to ensure that the benefits of our research are directly conveyed to clinical practice. Dr. Liu’s team also engages with patient advocacy groups to educate hernia sufferers about the latest treatment options, empowering them with knowledge to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Qualifications
- Doctoral (Research), Rheinisch Westfalische Technische Hochschule Aachen
- Masters (Research), Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Bachelor, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Publications
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Journal Article: Establishment and evaluation of rat models of parastomal hernia
Zhu, X., Liu, J., Liu, Z., Tang, R. and Fu, C. (2024). Establishment and evaluation of rat models of parastomal hernia. Hernia. doi: 10.1007/s10029-024-03010-2
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Journal Article: Ibuprofen-loaded bilayer electrospun mesh modulates host response toward promoting full-thickness abdominal wall defect repair
Liu, Jiajie, Tang, Rui, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Ma, Qiaolin, Mo, Xiumei, Wu, Jinglei and Liu, Zhengni (2024). Ibuprofen-loaded bilayer electrospun mesh modulates host response toward promoting full-thickness abdominal wall defect repair. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A, 112 (6), 941-955. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.37672
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Liu, Zhengni, Ruetten, Stephan, Buhl, Eva Miriam, Zhang, Minjun and Liu, Jiajie (2023). Development of a silk fibroin-small intestinal submucosa small-diameter vascular graft with sequential VEGF and TGF-β1 inhibitor delivery for in situ tissue engineering. Macromolecular Bioscience, 23 (9) 2300184. doi: 10.1002/mabi.202300184
Grants
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Treating breast cancer metastasis by targeting immunosuppressive extracellular vesicles
(2024–2027) National Breast Cancer Foundation
Available Projects
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Treating breast cancer metastasis by targeting immunosuppressive extracellular vesicles
This proposal aims to develop effective treatments for the deadliest subtype of breast cancer: triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To accomplish this, we will focus on targeting immunosuppressive extracellular vesicles (EVs) that promote TNBC cell survival and metastatic spread. Our approach involves identifying and implementing strategies to reactivate the immune system in patients with TNBC metastases. By enhancing the body’s ability to recognize and eliminate TNBC cells, the goal is to reduce the need for conventional therapeutics with harmful side effects.
Publications
Journal Article
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Establishment and evaluation of rat models of parastomal hernia
Zhu, X., Liu, J., Liu, Z., Tang, R. and Fu, C. (2024). Establishment and evaluation of rat models of parastomal hernia. Hernia. doi: 10.1007/s10029-024-03010-2
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Liu, Jiajie, Tang, Rui, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Ma, Qiaolin, Mo, Xiumei, Wu, Jinglei and Liu, Zhengni (2024). Ibuprofen-loaded bilayer electrospun mesh modulates host response toward promoting full-thickness abdominal wall defect repair. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A, 112 (6), 941-955. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.37672
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Liu, Zhengni, Ruetten, Stephan, Buhl, Eva Miriam, Zhang, Minjun and Liu, Jiajie (2023). Development of a silk fibroin-small intestinal submucosa small-diameter vascular graft with sequential VEGF and TGF-β1 inhibitor delivery for in situ tissue engineering. Macromolecular Bioscience, 23 (9) 2300184. doi: 10.1002/mabi.202300184
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Comparison of open and laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair in octogenarians
Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Liu, Zhengni, Shen, Jianfeng, Liu, Jiajie and Tang, Rui (2023). Comparison of open and laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair in octogenarians. Asian Journal of Surgery, 46 (2), 738-741. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2022.06.149
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Liu, Jiajie, Chen, Dian, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Liu, Nan, Zhang, Haibo, Tang, Rui and Liu, Zhengni (2022). Development of a decellularized human amniotic membrane-based electrospun vascular graft capable of rapid remodeling for small-diameter vascular applications. Acta Biomaterialia, 152, 144-156. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.009
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Liu, Mingyue, Wang, Ruilan, Liu, Jiajie, Zhang, Weixing, Liu, Zhengni, Lou, Xiangxin, Nie, Huali, Wang, Hongsheng, Mo, Xiumei, Abd-Elhamid, Ahmed I., Zheng, Rui and Wu, Jinglei (2022). Incorporation of magnesium oxide nanoparticles into electrospun membranes improves pro-angiogenic activity and promotes diabetic wound healing. Biomaterials Advances, 133 112609. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112609
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Li, Haiyan, Wang, Xiaoyu, Liu, Jiajie, Liu, Zhengni, Wang, Hongsheng, Mo, Xiumei and Wu, Jinglei (2021). Nanofiber configuration affects biological performance of decellularized meniscus extracellular matrix incorporated electrospun scaffolds. Biomedical Materials, 16 (6) 065013, 065013. doi: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac28a5
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Liu, Zhengni, Liu, Xuezhe, Bao, Luhan, Liu, Jiajie, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Mo, Xiumei and Tang, Rui (2021). The evaluation of functional small intestinal submucosa for abdominal wall defect repair in a rat model: Potent effect of sequential release of VEGF and TGF-β1 on host integration. Biomaterials, 276 120999, 120999. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120999
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Liu, Zhengni, Liu, Jiajie, Liu, Nan, Zhu, Xiaoqiang and Tang, Rui (2021). Tailoring electrospun mesh for a compliant remodeling in the repair of full-thickness abdominal wall defect-The role of decellularized human amniotic membrane and silk fibroin. Materials Science and Engineering C: Materials for Biological Applications, 127 112235. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112235
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Liu, Zhengni, Wei, Nina and Tang, Rui (2021). Functionalized strategies and mechanisms of the emerging mesh for abdominal wall repair and regeneration. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 7 (6), 2064-2082. doi: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00118
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Liu, Mingyue, Wang, Xiaoyu, Li, Haiyan, Xia, Changlei, Liu, Zhengni, Liu, Jiajie, Yin, Anlin, Lou, Xiangxin, Wang, Hongsheng, Mo, Xiumei and Wu, Jinglei (2021). Magnesium oxide-incorporated electrospun membranes inhibit bacterial infections and promote the healing process of infected wounds. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 9 (17), 3727-3744. doi: 10.1039/d1tb00217a
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A study of the "Swiss-roll" folding method for placement of self-gripping mesh in TAPP
Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Liu, Jiajie, Wei, Nina, Liu, Zhengni and Tang, Rui (2020). A study of the "Swiss-roll" folding method for placement of self-gripping mesh in TAPP. Minimally Invasive Therapy and Allied Technologies, 31 (2), 262-268. doi: 10.1080/13645706.2020.1780452
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Liu, Zhengni, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Zhu, Tonghe and Tang, Rui (2020). Evaluation of a biocomposite mesh modified with decellularized human amniotic membrane for intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair. ACS Omega, 5 (7), 3550-3562. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.9b03866
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Liu, Zhengni, Zhu, Xiaoqiang and Tang, Rui (2020). Electrospun scaffold with sustained antibacterial and tissue-matched mechanical properties for potential application as functional mesh. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 15, 4991-5004. doi: 10.2147/ijn.s248970
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Research progress on the anti-hepatic fibrosis action and mechanism of natural products
Shan, Liang, Liu, Zhenni, Ci, Leilei, Shuai, Chen, Lv, Xiongwen and Li, Jun (2019). Research progress on the anti-hepatic fibrosis action and mechanism of natural products. International Immunopharmacology, 75 105765. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105765
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Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Liu, Zhengni, Shen, Jianfeng and Tang, Rui (2019). Triangle trocar configuration in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study. Journal of Surgical Research, 239, 149-155. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.01.067
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Tang, Rui, Wang, Xin, Zhang, Hanying, Liang, Xi, Feng, Xueyi, Zhu, Xiaoqiang, Lu, Xinwu, Wu, Fei and Liu, Zhengni (2018). Promoting early neovascularization of SIS-repaired abdominal wall by controlled release of bioactive VEGF. RSC Advances, 8 (9), 4548-4560. doi: 10.1039/c7ra11954b
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Hepatectomy for patients with alveolar echinococcosis: Long-term follow-up observations of 144 cases
Du, Chengsong, Liu, Zhengni, Yang, Xianwei, Yan, Lunan, Li, Bo, Wen, Tianfu, Yang, Jiangyin, Xu, Mingqing, Chen, Zheyu and Wang, Wentao (2016). Hepatectomy for patients with alveolar echinococcosis: Long-term follow-up observations of 144 cases. International Journal of Surgery, 35, 147-152. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2016.09.094
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Lei, Jianyong, Zhong, Jinjing, Hao, Jingcheng, Liu, Zhengni, Zhang, Peng, Wu, Lixue, Yan, Lunan, Zhu, Jinqiang, Zeng, Yong, Li, Bo, Wen, Tianfu and Wang, Wentao (2016). Hepatocellular carcinoma cases with high levels of c-Raf-1 expression may benefit from postoperative adjuvant sorafenib after hepatic resection even with high risk of recurrence. OncoTarget, 7 (27), 42598-42607. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.3799
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Liu, Zhengni, Yang, Zhi, Zhou, Zhiyuan, Song, Zhicheng, Wang, Huichun, Yang, JianJun, Tang, Rui, Tan, Qiang and Gu, Yan (2014). Host tissue integration process in abdominal wall defect repair: a comparison of two porcine-derived grafts in a long-term study. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 14 (7), 883-892. doi: 10.1517/14712598.2014.907783
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Liu, Zhengni, Feng, Xueyi, Wang, Huichun, Ma, Jun, Liu, Wei, Cui, Daxiang, Gu, Yan and Tang, Rui (2014). Carbon nanotubes as VEGF carriers to improve the early vascularization of porcine small intestinal submucosa in abdominal wall defect repair. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 9, 1275-1286. doi: 10.2147/ijn.s58626
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Song, Zhicheng, Peng, Zhiyou, Liu, Zhengni, Yang, Jianjun, Tang, Rui and Gu, Yan (2013). Reconstruction of abdominal wall musculofascial defects with small intestinal submucosa scaffolds seeded with tenocytes in rats. Tissue Engineering. Part A, 19 (13-14), 1543-1553. doi: 10.1089/ten.tea.2011.0748
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Song, Zhicheng, Yang, Zhi, Yang, Jianjun, Liu, Zhengni, Peng, Zhiyou, Tang, Rui and Gu, Yan (2013). Repair of abdominal wall defects in vitro and in vivo using vegf sustained-release Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNT) composite scaffolds. PLoS One, 8 (5) e64358. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064358
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Feng, Xue-Yi, Liu, Zheng-Ni, Tang, Rui and Hu, Heng-Yao (2013). Constructing a vascular endothelial growth factor sustained-released multi-wall carbon nanotube composite scaffold. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 17 (3), 433-439. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2013.03.009
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Comparison of two porcine-derived materials for repairing abdominal wall defects in rats
Liu, Zhengni, Tang, Rui, Zhou, Zhiyuan, Song, Zhicheng, Wang, Huichun and Gu, Yan (2011). Comparison of two porcine-derived materials for repairing abdominal wall defects in rats. PLoS One, 6 (5) e20520. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020520
Grants (Administered at UQ)
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Treating breast cancer metastasis by targeting immunosuppressive extracellular vesicles
(2024–2027) National Breast Cancer Foundation
Possible Research Projects
Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.
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Treating breast cancer metastasis by targeting immunosuppressive extracellular vesicles
This proposal aims to develop effective treatments for the deadliest subtype of breast cancer: triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To accomplish this, we will focus on targeting immunosuppressive extracellular vesicles (EVs) that promote TNBC cell survival and metastatic spread. Our approach involves identifying and implementing strategies to reactivate the immune system in patients with TNBC metastases. By enhancing the body’s ability to recognize and eliminate TNBC cells, the goal is to reduce the need for conventional therapeutics with harmful side effects.
