Fenju Lai

Academic Title: Associate Professor

Specialization: Pathogenic mechanism of bacteria & Microbiology

Education

1.Ph. D, 2005.09-2010.07, Sun Yat-sen University, School of Life Science.

2.M.SC, 2001.09-2004.07, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction

3.Bachelor, 1996.09-2000.07, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Animal Science.

Main research directions

Currently, our research is centered on utilizing Yersinia, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and mammalian cells as models to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of proliferative enteritis induced by Lawsonia intracellularis infection. Our focus is on uncovering the biochemical pathways through which the virulence factors, specifically the effector proteins secreted by L. intracellularis, modulate critical signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic cells. This investigation not only provides novel perspectives for the prevention and management of proliferative enteritis, but also offers potential insights for the development of vaccines and vaccine adjuvants.

Seleted publications

1. Qianru Liu, Yimin Dai, Xiaoyu Wu, Qinghua Zhang, Xuejiao An, Fenju Lai*. Lawsonia intracellularis flagellin protein LfliC stimulates NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways independently of TLR5 interaction. Veterinary Microbiology 289 (2024) 109960.

2. Beibei Huang, Zihe Zhu, Yimin Dai, Chengxian Yan, Jingyu Xu, Lingling Sun, Qinghua Zhang, Xuejiao An and Fenju Lai*. Characterization of translocon proteins in the type III secretion system of Lawsonia intracellularis. Veterinary Research (2023) 54:108.

3. Cang Chen, Yimin Dai, Yingying Yang, Zihe Zhu, Qinghua Zhang, Xuejiao An, Fenju Lai*. Lawsonia intracellularis LI0666 is a new EPIYA effector exported by the Yersinia enterocolitica type III secretion system, Veterinary Research (2022) 53(1), 39.

4. Lijuan Yang#, Fenju Lai#, Lei He, Yongjun Lu, Qiwang Zhong, Chongde Lai, Yimin Dai*. LI1035, a putative effector secreted by Lawsonia intracellularis, targets the MAPK pathway and regulates actin organization in yeast and mammalian cells, Veterinary Microbiology (2019) 235: 127-135.

Contact information

E-mail: laifenju@jxau.edu.cn