Biology subjects

LIU, Q.

Publications and source records attributed to LIU, Q..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

An active-matrix digital microfluidic platform for simultaneous short- and long-read viral genomic surveillance

The outbreak frequency and geographic distribution of viral pathogens are continuously expanding, making enhanced genomic surveillance an urgent global public health need. Parallel library preparation combining next-generation sequencing (NGS) and third-generation sequencing (TGS) can substantially improve the coverage and resolution of genomic surveillance, representing a key strategy for strengthening surveillance. Here we developed a complete sample-to-result system integrating a programmable active-matrix digital microfluidic (AM-DMF) chip with a bioinformatics analysis pipeline. Compared with conventional manual protocols used in public health laboratories, our system reduces reagent consumption by 72%, shortens library preparation time by 45% and decreases the inter-batch coefficient of variation (CV) by 20%. In 20 RT-qPCR-confirmed clinical samples, the system achieved complete concordance for viral identification and assigned serotypes/genotypes consistent with sequencing-based phylogenetic analysis. This system is field-deployable and enables rapid virus serotyping as well as in-depth genomic surveillance. TeaserA digital microfluidic platform integrating short- and long-read sequencing enables rapid comprehensive viral genome analysis.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2025

Immunogenicity of Rabies Virus G-Protein mRNA Formulated with Muscle Targeting Lipid Nanoparticles in Mice

Rabies is a preventable zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV) with a high mortality rate. Most vaccines on the market or under development have issues such as a low single-dose neutralization titer, complex processes, and high costs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the successful development of mRNA vaccines has opened up a new avenue for preventive vaccines. As a new technology, mRNA has higher scalability. In this study, we designed an mRNA encoding the RV-G protein, encapsulated by our own muscle targeting lipid nanoparticles (LNP), and evaluated the expression of the RV-G protein in vitro, its immunogenicity, and its protection against virus infection in vivo. The results showed that RV-G mRNA was significantly expressed in vitro. High Virus-IgG binding titers and Virus-neutralizing antibody titers (VNT) were induced by immunization with RV-G mRNA-LNP. Additionally, our results show that the RV-G mRNA vaccine is better than commercially available vaccines in mice.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2024

Dimorphic Neural Network Architecture Prioritizes Sexual-related Behaviors in Male C.elegans

Neural network architecture determines its functional output. However, the detailed mechanisms are not well characterized. In this study, we focused on the neural network architectures of male and hermaphrodite C. elegans and the association with sexually dimorphic behaviors. We applied graph theory and computational neuroscience methods to systematically discern the features of these two neural networks. Our findings revealed that a small percentage of sexual-specific neurons exerted dominance throughout the entire male neural net-work, suggesting males prioritized sexual-related behavior outputs. Based on the structural and dynamical characteristics of two complete neural networks, sub-networks containing sex-specific neurons and their immediate neighbors, or sub-networks exclusively comprising sex-shared neurons, we predicted dimorphic behavioral outcomes for males and hermaphrodites. To verify the prediction, we performed behavioral and calcium imaging experiments and dissected a circuit that is specific for the increased spontaneous local search in males for mate-searching. Our research sheds light on the neural circuits that underlie sexually dimorphic behaviors in C. elegans, and provides significant insights into the inter-connected relationship between network architecture and functional outcomes at the whole-brain level.

neuroscience↗