Liao Pengfei

 Associate Professor

Research Interests: My research focuses on elucidating gene functions in rice (Oryza sativa), with the goal of linking fundamental genetic mechanisms to key agronomic traits. I am particularly interested in employing molecular biology and functional genomics approaches to investigate genes that control grain quality (including nutritional composition, and appearance), yield potential (influencing factors such as panicle architecture, grain size, and number), and resistance to abiotic stresses (such as heat, drought, and salinity). The ultimate objective of my work is to contribute to the development of improved rice varieties through the identification and characterization of valuable genetic resources, thereby supporting efforts to enhance sustainable rice production and global food security.

Email: liaoncu@ncu.edu.cn; liaoncu@163.com

Education:

Ph.D., College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Nanchang University, 09/2009 – 06/2017

M.S., School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, 09/2003 – 06/2006

B.S., School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, 09/1999 – 06/2003

Work Experience:

Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, 01/2015 – Present

Lecturer, College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Nanchang University, 12/2008 – 12/2014

Teaching Assistant, College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Nanchang University, 07/2006 – 11/2008

Courses Taught:

Undergraduate Courses: Fundamentals of Biological Experiments; Introduction to Modern Biology; Comprehensive Biological Experiments; Fermentation Engineering and Equipment, etc.

Research Projects:

National Natural Science Foundation of China: "Molecular Mechanism of OsMYB58/63 Transcription Factors Regulating Rice Response to High-Temperature Stress" (32360452)

National Natural Science Foundation of China: "Molecular Mechanism of Rice Nuclear Factor OsNF-YC5 Regulating Grain Size" (32160449)

Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province: "Differences in PCD, ncRNA, and Proteomics in Suspension Cells of Rice 95122A and 95122B under Stress" (Project No.: 20132BAB204012)

Jiangxi Provincial Department of Education Foundation: "Effect of Homologous Sequence Length in Targeting Vectors on the Targeting Efficiency of the Rice Bel Gene" (Project No.: GJJ12013)

Applied Research Projects from China Nerin Engineering Co., Ltd.: "Improving the Resistance-Reducing Performance of Bentonite Resistance Reducers Using Biotechnology"

Jiangxi Provincial Higher Education Teaching Reform Research Project: "Construction and Practice of the 'Fundamentals of Biological Experiments' Course Based on Cultivating Scientific Research Literacy and Practical Ability" (Project No.: JXJG-16-1-23)

Publications and articles:

[1] Meng-tian Han, Yan Huang, Xin Yan, Xin Wang, Shao-bo Li, Peng-fei Liao^*. Nuclear factor OsNF-YC5 regulates grain size and quality in rice. Plant Molecular Biology 2026, 116: 14.

[2]Ziqiang Tan, Qing Dai, Qiaoqin Zhang, Yan Huang, Xin Yan, Xin Wang, Pengfei Liao, Jiexiu Ouyang, Shaobo Li, Disruption of OsGPRP3 impairs salt tolerance and growth vigor in rice. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2025, 229: 110658.

[3] Zongfei Zhang, Xin Wang, Yi Bao, Huihui Wang, Xin Yan, Pengfei Liao, Shaobo Li, Jiexiu Ouyang. A TPR domain protein, OsTPR028, regulates grain size and weight in rice. Plant Science, 2025, 353:112405

[4] Xin Yan, Mengtian Han, Shuai Li, Zhiyan Liang, Jiexiu Ouyang, Xin Wang, Pengfei Liao^*. A member of NF-Y family, OsNF-YC5 negatively regulates salt tolerance in rice. Gene, 2024, 892: 147869.

[5] Peng‑Fei Liao, Jie‑Xiu Ouyang, Jian‑Jun Zhang, Lan Yang, Xin Wang, Xiao‑Jue Peng, Dong Wang, You‑Lin Zhu^*, Shao‑Bo Li^*. OsDCL3b affects grain yield and quality in rice. Plant Molecular Biology, 2019, 99: 193-204.

[6] Pengfei Liao, Jinqiu Huang, Puguo Tong, Wang Nie, Xin Yan, Yingmei Feng, Hui Peng, Xiaojue Peng, Shaobo Li^*. Characterization and expression analysis of inositolphosphorylceramide synthase family genes in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Genes & Genomics, 2017, 39: 485-492.

[7] Liao Pengfei, Zhao Junxing, Li Shaobo. Effects of natamycin on the elimination of fungal contamination in rice and Arabidopsis thaliana tissue cultures for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Research Journal of BioTechnology, 2013, 8(8): 3-9.

[8] LIAO Peng-fei*, ZHANG Wu-chang, MU Wei-wei, LV Huan-huan, HUANG Yu-qin, XIA Jin-lan, GE Gang. Preparation and Cr(VI) biosorption properties of magnetic biosorbents of Spirulina platensis. Journal of Central South University (Science and Technology), 2011, 42(9): 2551-2557.

[9] LIAO Peng-fei, XIA Jin-lan, ZHANG Cheng-gui, NIE Zhen-yuan. Extraction of genomic DNA by carboxymethylated chitosan-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites. Journal of Central South University (Science and Technology), 2009, 40(1): 7-11.

[10] Liao Pengfei, Cai Qiying, Yu Chao, Xue Xiwen, Ge Gang. Construction and Practice of the 'Fundamentals of Biological Experiments' Course. Experimental Technology and Management, 2019, 36(3): 203-205. (in Chinese)

[11] Peng Wei, Liao Pengfei, Yan Xin, Ouyang Jiexiu, Li Shaobo, Wang Xin. Creation of OsIPCS Family Gene Mutants Using CRISPR/Cas9 Technology. Molecular Plant Breeding, 2018, 16(11): 3556-3562. (in Chinese)

[12] Nie Wang, Peng Wei, Yu Yaxin, Zhang Huan, Chen Qiusheng, Liu Chang'ai, Liao Pengfei*. Construction of CRISPR-Cas9 Multi-Target Vector and Highly Efficient Targeted Editing of Rice Bentazon-Resistant Gene CYP81A6. Genomics and Applied Biology, 2017, 36(8): 3065-3070. (in Chinese)

[13] Tong Puguo, Ouyang Jiexiu, Yan Xin, Li Shaobo, Liao Pengfei*. Discovery of an Indica Rice Variety with Excellent Tissue Culture Performance and Establishment of Its Agrobacterium Transformation System. Journal of Hunan Agricultural University (Natural Sciences), 2016, 42(3): 225-230. (in Chinese)

[14] Liao Pengfei, Nie Wang, Yu Yaxin, Tong Puguo, Li Shaobo, Zhu Youlin. Genome Targeting Editing Technologies ZFNs, TALENs and CRISPR-Cas and Their Applications in Plants. Genomics and Applied Biology, 2016, 35(2): 442-451. (in Chinese)

Patents:

[1] Method for Increasing Protein and Amino Acid Content in Rice Grains Using OsDCL3b, 2020-8-11, China, ZL201710718035.2

[2] Method for Improving Salt Tolerance in Rice, 2022-01-12, China, ZL202010913903.4

[3] Application of Rice osa-miR5504 Gene in Rice Dwarf Breeding, 2022-06-14, China, ZL202011009409.1

[4] Method for Increasing Rice Yield Using Rice osa-miR5511 Gene, 2022-07-12, China, ZL202011012122.4

• 2009/09-2017/06 Nanchang University Ph.D
• 2003/09-2006/06 Central South University M.S.
• 1999/09-2003/06 Central South University B.S.