🔬 Research Major and Interests
Min Xu is a dedicated researcher specializing in natural product chemistry, seamlessly integrating it with chemical biology to address significant scientific challenges. Her work focuses on discovering and identifying active natural molecules from Southwest ethnic medicine, an area rich in medicinal biodiversity. She is deeply involved in optimizing the structure-activity relationship of these compounds for novel probe development and assembly. A key aspect of her research is the discovery of innovative leading compounds and their mechanisms of action, particularly in addressing major diseases such as tumors, infectious diseases, and aging-related disorders. This interdisciplinary approach highlights her commitment to advancing health sciences through the potential of nature-derived compounds.
🏆 Academic Honors and Achievements
Min Xu’s groundbreaking contributions have been recognized with several prestigious honors. In 2016, she was named a Young Academic Leader of Yunnan Province, a testament to her leadership in the scientific community. She was also honored by the Talents of West Light Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2012. Earlier in her career, she received the West China Excellent Graduate Students Prize in 2001 from CAS and the Excellent Undergraduate Students Prize in 1999 from Yunnan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. These accolades underscore her pioneering work and academic excellence in natural product chemistry.
💼 Professional Experience
Min Xu has held various prominent roles throughout her career, contributing significantly to academia and research. Since 2016, she has been a Professor at the Kunming University of Technology and Science (KUTS), where she continues to drive innovative research. Previously, she served as an Associate Professor at the Kunming Institute of Botany (CAS) from 2011 to 2015 and as an Assistant Researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China from 2007 to 2010. Her international experience includes a position as a Research Fellow at the Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, Griffith University, Australia, from 2008 to 2009. These roles have enabled her to pioneer transformative research and mentor emerging leaders in the field.
💰 Grants and Funding Awards
Min Xu has successfully secured over 20 grants, showcasing her ability to attract significant funding for impactful research. Notable awards include a 16-million RMB grant for advancing the resources of Southwest ethnic medicine and developing treatments for hepatitis B (2023–2026). She also received a 600,000 RMB grant for her work in chemical biology under the Program for Innovative Research Team in University of Yunnan Province (2019–2022). Another remarkable project involved a 4.2-million RMB grant focused on the investigation and development of aromatic plants in Yunnan (2016–2019). These successes highlight her capacity for leading transformative research initiatives and her vision for pharmaceutical advancements.
🌱 Research Contributions and Experiences
Min Xu has consistently pushed the boundaries of natural product chemistry through her extensive research experiences. Her studies have yielded key discoveries, such as the antiviral terpenes from the Euphorbiaceae family, antifungal compounds from the genus Piper, and anti-hepatitis B virus sesquiterpenoids. Her interdisciplinary methods—ranging from compound assembly to mechanism analysis—have propelled advancements in pharmaceutical sciences. These contributions underscore her significant role in bridging natural product chemistry with therapeutic innovation.
🧪 Innovative Research Interests
Min Xu’s current research focuses on the efficient discovery and identification of bioactive natural products, with a special emphasis on Southwest ethnic medicine. Her work encompasses chemical probe development and the discovery of novel treatments for major diseases such as tumors and infectious ailments. Her approach not only enhances our understanding of medicinal chemistry but also paves the way for innovative solutions to global health challenges.
Publications Top Noted📚
Ramifloraolides A − D, four highly oxygenated picrotoxane-type sesquiterpenoids from the stems of Baccaurea ramiflora and their antithrombotic activity
Authors: Li-Hua Su, Wei Wang, Ya-Lin Yang, Min-Rong Chu, Yi-Can Wang, Hao-Hao Lv, Zi-Ang Zhou, Hao Chen, Shao-Xing Dai, Min Xu
Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry
Year: 2024
Lappanolides A−N, fourteen undescribed sesquiterpenoids from Saussurea costus (Syn. Saussurea lappa) and their anti-HBV activity
Authors: Hong-Bo Li, Shi-Qun Bai, Teng-Yun Shu, Qiong Wang, Hao Chen, Li-Hua Su, Min Xu
Journal: Phytochemistry
Year: 2024
Tsaokoflavanols A1–J1: Flavanol-fatty alcohol hybrids with HPL inhibitory activity from Amomum tsao-ko
Authors: Tian-Rong Yang, Shi-Chao Huang, Yun-Fen Wang, Zai-Xiang Lou, Shao-Xing Dai, Li-Hua Su, Min Xu
Journal: Phytochemistry
Year: 2024
Essential oil of lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) induces S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells
Authors: Yun-Fen Wang, Yang Zheng, Yin-Yue Cha, Yang Feng, Shao-Xing Dai, Sanjun Zhao, Hao Chen, Min Xu
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Year: 2023
Thiol–Chromene “Click” Reaction-Activated Chemiluminescent Probe for Thiol Detection In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Baoqu Wang, Xiaoxue Tian, Xing-Cong Li, Kui Cheng, Min Xu
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2023