Yong CHENG
Position: Professor, Doctoral Supervisor
Director of the Center for Translational Neuroscience at Minzu University of China, Distinguished High-Level Talent at Minzu University of China, selected for the National Ethnic Affairs Commission Talent Program and the Beijing Talent Program.
Currently (or formerly), serves as a Member of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a Council Member of the Chinese Society for Physiology, and a Council Member of the Chinese Ethnic Medicine Association. Additionally, holds the position of Executive Committee Member of the Neurohomeostasis and Endocrinology Subdivision of the Chinese Neuroscience Society. Actively contributes to academic publishing as the Associate Editor of Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, Guest Editor of Frontiers in Pharmacology, Editorial Board Member of CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, and Young Editorial Board Member of Neuroscience Bulletin.
Based on years of research, proposed a novel hypothesis regarding exosome-mediated psychological and mental disorders, achieving multiple breakthroughs in the gene therapy of nervous system-related diseases. Published over 100 SCI papers with a cumulative impact factor exceeding 600. As an independent corresponding author, published seven papers in Nature and JAMA sub-journals, including two with an impact factor above 25. The total number of citations for SCI papers exceeds 4,000, with an H-index of 35. Three corresponding-author papers were selected as ESI Highly Cited Papers.
Successfully led multiple research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation, among others, while securing significant private donations to support translational research on rare diseases, with total research funding exceeding 20 million RMB. Achievements have been recognized with awards such as the Second Prize of the Tibet Autonomous Region Science and Technology Award, the China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation Award, and the Second Prize of the Science and Technology Award of the China Medical Education Association. Additionally, obtained five authorized national invention patents and one international PCT patent.
Educational Background:
2001.9~2005.6 Bachelor’s Degree in Science, majoring in Biology, Lanzhou University. Graduated in June 2005
2005.9~2010.6 Master-PhD combined program in Physiology, Peking University. Awarded a Doctorate in Science in June 2010
Working Experience
2011.1 - 2016.12 Postdoctoral Fellow, National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA
2016.12 - Present Professor, Minzu University of China
Main Research Focus
Research on the Pathogenesis and Novel Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Neurological Disorders:
Focuses on the roles of exosomes and epigenetics in neurological diseases, aiming to uncover the functions of exosomes in these conditions and the potential of epigenetic biomarkers for the early diagnosis and treatment of disorders, such as depression. Through these innovative approaches, the goal is to develop more effective diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies to improve the recovery rates and quality of life for patients with mental and neurological disorders.
Basic and Translational Research on Rare Diseases:
Primarily investigates the pathogenesis of rare neurological disorders and develops gene therapy strategies. By delving into the genetic underpinnings of these diseases, the research aims to identify key pathological processes and design innovative gene therapy approaches. This work seeks not only to provide effective treatments for currently untreatable rare brain diseases but also to enhance the precision and success rates of therapies through advanced gene regulation techniques, significantly improving patients' quality of life and prognosis.
Applications and Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders:
Collaborates with ethnic regions to explore the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicines for neurological and psychiatric conditions. Using cellular and animal models of these diseases, the research investigates the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine formulas and monomers, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets or drugs. This work aspires to provide novel insights and strategies for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Projects
General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China: Study on the Role and Mechanism of Exosome-Carried miR-139-5p in Regulating Postpartum Depression-Like Behaviors in Animals (January 2021 – December 2024, ¥520,000, ongoing, Principal Investigator).
Youth Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China: Antidepressant Effects of the Novel Neurotrophic Factor NF-a1 Derived Peptide (January 2018 – December 2020, ¥201,000, completed, Principal Investigator).
General Program of the Beijing Natural Science Foundation: The Molecular Mechanism of the Novel Neurotrophic Factor NF-alpha1 in Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy (January 2018 – December 2020, ¥200,000, completed, Principal Investigator).
National Ethnic Affairs Commission Talent Program: (October 2019 – October 2022, ¥150,000, completed, Principal Investigator).
Beijing Talent Program: (December 2018 – December 2020, ¥350,000, completed, Principal Investigator).
Confidential Project under the Science and Technology Commission of the Central Military Commission: (October 2019 – October 2023, ¥2,000,000, completed, Sub-Project Leader).
Collaborative Research Project: Foshan Third People's Hospital and Center for Translational Neuroscience Research Cooperation Project (December 2019 – December 2022, ¥7,000,000, completed, Principal Investigator).
Papers
1. Zhong Xiao Lin, Huang Yan, Du Yang, He Li Zheng, Chen Yue Wen, Cheng Yong*, Liu Hua*. Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Exosomes Derived from Nasal Olfactory Mucosal Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Restoring Synaptic Plasticity, Neurogenesis, and Neuroinflammation in Schizophrenia[J]. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2024, 50(3): 600-614. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbad172.
2. Chen Lei, Du Yang, Hu Yang, Xue-Song Li, Yuewen Chen*, Cheng Yong *. Whole-exome sequencing of individuals from an isolated population under extreme conditions implicates rare risk variants of schizophrenia. Translational Psychiatry, In Press.
3. Liu Shaobo, Chen Lei, Guo Mei, Li Yongbiao, Liu Qingshan*, Cheng Yong*. Targeted Delivery of Engineered RVG-BDNF-Exosomes: A Novel Neurobiological Approach for Ameliorating Depression and Regulating Neurogenesis[J]. Research, 2024: research.0402. doi: 10.34133/research.0402.
4. Liang Jiaquan, Chen Lei, Li Yongbiao, Chen Yuewen, Yuan Lin, Qiu Yue, Ma Shuangshuang, Fan Fangcheng*, Cheng Yong*. Unraveling the Prefrontal Cortex-Basolateral Amygdala Pathway’s Role on Schizophrenia’s Cognitive Impairments: A Multimodal Study in Patients and Mouse Models[J]. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2024: sbae063. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbae063.
5. Zhang Heng Chang, Du Yang, Chen Lei, Yuan Zeng Qiang, Cheng Yong*. MicroRNA schizophrenia: Etiology, biomarkers and therapeutic targets[J]. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 2023, 146: 105064. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105064.
6. Fan Fang Cheng, Du Yang, Zheng Wen Hui, Loh Y Peng, Cheng Yong*. Carboxypeptidase E conditional knockout mice exhibit learning and memory deficits and neurodegeneration[J]. Translational Psychiatry, 2023, 13(1): 135. doi: 10.1038/s41398-023-02429-y.
7. Du Yang, Chen Lei, Yan Mei Chen, Wang Yan Li, Zhong Xiao Lin, Xv Chen Xi, Li Yao Bo, Cheng Yong*. Neurometabolite levels in the brains of patients with autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies (N = 1501)[J]. Molecular Psychiatry, 2023, 28(7): 3092-3103. doi: 10.1038/s41380-023-02079-y.
8. Chen Lei, Xiong Xi Yue, Yao Tong Tong, Gui Lue Ning, Luo Fan, Du Yang, Cheng Yong*. Blood exosome sensing via neuronal insulin-like growth factor-1 regulates autism-related phenotypes[J]. Pharmacological Research, 2023, 197: 106965. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106965.
9. Du Yang, Tan Wen Long, Chen Lei, Yang Zi Meng, Li Xue Song, Xue Xiong, Cai Yan Shan, Cheng Yong*. Exosome Transplantation from Patients with Schizophrenia Causes Schizophrenia-Relevant Behaviors in Mice: An Integrative Multi-omics Data Analysis[J]. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2021, 47(5): 1288-1299. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbab039.
10. Du Yang, Chen Lei, Li Xue Song, Li Xiao Lin, Xu Xiang Dong, Tai Shao Bin, Yang Geng Lin, Tang Quan, Liu Hua, Liu Shu Han, Zhang Shu Yao, Cheng Yong*. Metabolomic Identification of Exosome-Derived Biomarkers for Schizophrenia: A Large Multicenter Study[J]. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2021, 47(3): 615-623. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbaa166.
11. Chen Lei, Shi Xiao Jie, Liu Hua, Mao Xiao, Gui Lue Ning, Wang Hua, Cheng Yong*. Oxidative stress marker aberrations in children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 87 studies (N = 9109)[J]. Translational Psychiatry, 2021, 11(1): 15. doi: 10.1038/s41398-020-01135-3. ESI高被引论文
12. Wei Ze‐Xu, Chen Lei, Zhang Jian‐Jun, Cheng Yong*. Aberrations in peripheral inflammatory cytokine levels in substance use disorders: a meta‐analysis of 74 studies[J]. Addiction, 2020, 115(12): 2257-2267. doi: 10.1111/add.15160.
13. Wei Ze Xu, Xie Guo Jun, Mao Xiao, Zou Xin Peng, Liao Ya Jin, Liu Qing Shan, Wang Hua, Cheng Yong*. Exosomes from patients with major depression cause depressive-like behaviors in mice with involvement of miR-139-5p-regulated neurogenesis[J]. Neuropsychopharmacology: Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 2020, 45(6): 1050-1058. doi: 10.1038/s41386-020-0622-2. ESI高被引论文
14. Du Yang, Li Xue Song, Chen Lei, Chen Guang Yang, Cheng Yong*. A Network Analysis of Epigenetic and Transcriptional Regulation in a Neurodevelopmental Rat Model of Schizophrenia With Implications for Translational Research[J]. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2020, 46(3): 612-622. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbz114.
15. Du Yang, Yu Yun, Hu Yang, Li Xiao Wan, Wei Ze Xu, Pan Rui Yuan, Li Xue Song, Zheng Guang En, Qin Xiao Yan, Liu Qing Shan, Cheng Yong*. Genome-Wide, Integrative Analysis Implicates Exosome-Derived MicroRNA Dysregulation in Schizophrenia[J]. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2019, 45(6): 1257-1266. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sby191.
16. Qin X Y, Wu H T, Cao C, Loh Y P, Cheng Y*. A meta-analysis of peripheral blood nerve growth factor levels in patients with schizophrenia[J]. Molecular Psychiatry, 2017, 22(9): 1306-1312. doi: 10.1038/mp.2016.235.
17. Qin X Y, Cao C, Cawley N X, Liu T T, Yuan J, Loh Y P, Cheng Y*. Decreased peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in Alzheimer’s disease: a meta-analysis study (N=7277)[J]. Molecular Psychiatry, 2017, 22(2): 312-320. doi: 10.1038/mp.2016.62.
18. Qin Xiao Yan, Zhang Shu Ping, Cao Chang, Loh Y Peng, Cheng Yong*. Aberrations in Peripheral Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis[J]. JAMA neurology, 2016, 73(11): 1316-1324. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2016.2742. ESI高被引论文
19. Qin Xiao Yan, Feng Jin Chao, Cao Chang, Wu Huan Tong, Loh Y Peng, Cheng Yong*. Association of Peripheral Blood Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis[J]. JAMA pediatrics, 2016, 170(11): 1079-1086. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.1626.
20. Cheng Y, Cawley N X, Yanik T, Murthy S R K, Liu C, Kasikci F, Abebe D, Loh Y P. A human carboxypeptidase E/NF-α1 gene mutation in an Alzheimer’s disease patient leads to dementia and depression in mice[J]. Translational Psychiatry, 2016, 6(12): e973. doi: 10.1038/tp.2016.237.
21. Cheng Y, Rodriguiz R M, Murthy S R K, Senatorov V, Thouennon E, Cawley N X, Aryal D K, Ahn S, Lecka-Czernik B, Wetsel W C, Loh Y P. Neurotrophic factor-α1 prevents stress-induced depression through enhancement of neurogenesis and is activated by rosiglitazone[J]. Molecular Psychiatry, 2015, 20(6): 744-754. doi: 10.1038/mp.2014.136.
Awards and Honors:
2024: 1st Prize, Beijing Division, 3rd "Jingcai Dacai" Peking University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, "Heshi Xingyuan – Pioneering Liquid Biopsy Technology, Opening a New Era in Precision Diagnosis of Mental and Psychiatric Disorders" (Advisor).
2023: 2nd Prize, Beijing Division, 9th China International "Internet+" College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, "Heshi Xingyuan, the Transformer in Mental and Psychiatric Disease Diagnosis" (Advisor).
2022: China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation and Promotion Award, China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Association.
2022: Excellent Innovation and Entrepreneurship Mentor, 8th China International "Internet+" College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.
2022: 1st Prize, Beijing Division, 8th China International "Internet+" College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, "Early Warning Technology Development for Neurodegenerative Diseases" (Advisor).
2021: National 1st Prize, National College Students Life Science Competition, "Multi-Omics Comprehensive Analysis of Exosome Transplantation Inducing Schizophrenia-Like Behavior in Mice" (Advisor).
2021: National 3rd Prize, 7th China International "Internet+" College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, "Liquid Biopsy, Opening a New Era of Precision Medicine for Schizophrenia" (Advisor).
2019: 2nd Prize, Tibet Autonomous Region Science and Technology Progress Award, "Research and Application of the Active Ingredient Basis and Common Key Technology of Traditional Tibetan Medicine Formulations".
2019: 2nd Prize, Chinese Medical Education Association Science and Technology Innovation Award, "Research and Application of Modern Techniques for the Ethnic Medicine Treatment of White Spot Disease".
2018: 1st Prize, Beijing College Students Biology Experimental Design Competition (Advisor).
Invention Patents:
Cheng Yong, Hu Yang, Cao Zongze, Yu Yun, Du Yang. FGF9 as a Serum Biomarker for Drug-Naive Schizophrenia Patients and Its Application. 2021, Chinese Invention Patent, Patent No. ZL 201810301520.4.
Cheng Yong, Yu Yang, Chen Lei, Liang Jiaquan, Xie Guojun, Li Xiaoling, Jing Huan, Du Yang. Application of DMWD as a Target for Constructing Social Behavior Disorder Models and Screening Drugs. 2023, Chinese Invention Patent, Patent No. ZL 202211497106.8.
Cheng Yong, Du Yang, Chen Lei. Combined Cytokine Analysis as a Biomarker for Schizophrenia and Its Application. 2022, Chinese Invention Patent, Patent No. ZL 202110409624.9.
Xie Guojun, Li Xiaoling, Jing Huan, Huang Wei, Li Yan, Liu Yiliang, Du Yang, Cheng Yong. FGFR3 as a Peripheral Blood RNA Biomarker for Schizophrenia and Its Application. 2022, Chinese Invention Patent, Patent No. ZL 202111646928.3.
Xie Guojun, Li Xiaoling, Huang Wei, Yu Yang, Xu Caixia, Zheng Guang’en, Du Yang, Cheng Yong. Application of Exosomal Metabolites as Biomarkers for Bipolar Disorder. 2022, Chinese Invention Patent, Patent No. ZL 202111646900.X.
