Shanshan Pei, Ph.D
Principal Investigator
Dr. Shanshan Pei is currently a principal investigator at Liangzhu Laboratory and The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University. He previously worked as a Research Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology at the University of Colorado. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Science and Technology of China and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine.
He has been focusing on the basic and clinical translational research of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) disease for more than 15 years. During his postdoc training with Professor Craig Jordan, a leading researcher in the field of leukemia stem cells (LSC), he revealed the critical mechanisms regulating mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy activity required for the self-renewal ability of human LSCs. During his research assistant professorship at the University of Colorado, he focused more on the mechanism of resistance in AML patients clinically treated with venetoclax-based therapies. His work discovered that monocytic subclones driven by oncogenic mutations such as RAS mutants switched their anti-apoptotic dependence from BCL2 to MCL1, became intrinsically resistant to venetoclax, therefore promoted relapse/refractory response in venetoclax plus azacitidine-treated AML patients. Most recently, during his new role as a PI at Liangzhu Laboratory, he further revealed the stem cell origin of venetoclax resistance, demonstrating that a novel type of monocytic LSCs, distinct from the more conventional CD34+ primitive LSCs, is the source of monocytic relapse upon venetoclax-based therapies. The work also revealed that the newly identified monocytic LSCs are exclusively sensitive to chemotherapy agent Cladribine, setting the foundation for combining Cladribine-containing chemotherapy regimens with Venetoclax for a better treatment of AML.
Focusing on AML biology and therapeutic discovery, Dr. Pei has published more than 25 papers in Cancer Discovery, Cell Stem Cell, and other leading journals, and received more than 4100 citations. The latest work from Dr. Pei’s group discovered the stem cell origin of venetoclax resistance, and also revealed the critical mechanisms underlying venetoclax/cladribine combination therapies for treating human AML (Cancer Discovery 2020; 2023). His work has won the AACR Best Article Series Award, the ASH Abstract Achievement Award, and the National Excellent Youth Award (abroad series) from China.
Lina Liu, Ph.D
Research Professor
Dr. Lina Liu is a Research Professor. She earned a PhD degree in Biochemistry from Mcmaster University, she then went on to a postdoctoral fellowship in the Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network. Her research explores post-transcriptional regulation in AML and treatment resistance and aims to translate these molecular insights into novel therapeutic strategies for treating AML. Beyond her scientific pursuits, she enjoys hiking and yoga.
Hezhou Guo, Ph.D
Research Professor
Dr. Hezhou Guo is a Research Professor with a PhD degree, focusing on immune evasion mechanisms in myeloid leukemia. His research explores how leukemia cells escape immune surveillance, leading to disease persistence and relapse. With a deep passion for translational research, Dr. Guo is committed to bridging the gap between basic science and clinical applications. Beyond his scientific endeavors, he also finds time to enjoy hobbies that bring balance to his professional life.
Jun Liu, Ph.D
Postdoc fellow
Dr. Jun Liu is a Postdoctoral Fellow who obtained his Ph.D. from Seoul National University. His research explores metabolic regulation in AML and leukemia stem cells (LSCs). In his free time, he enjoys camping and traveling. His adventurous spirit aligns with his curiosity in scientific discovery.
Wenyu Zhang, Ph.D
Postdoc Fellow
Dr. Wenyu Zhang is a Postdoctoral Fellow who obtained her Ph.D. from The University of Tokyo. Her research explores potential therapeutic targets of refractory leukemia. In her free time, she enjoys playing electronic games, which provide relaxation and a way to stay engaged outside of her rigorous research activities.
Yuting Zhang, MS
Research Assistant
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Shang Lou, BS
PhD. Student
Shang Lou is a PhD student who earned his Bachelor's degree from Zhejiang University. His research focuses on developing novel therapies for AML, aiming to discover innovative treatment strategies to improve patient prognosis. Outside of research, he enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and attending concerts, indulging in cultural experiences that complement his scientific curiosity.
Xiaoqing Zou, MS
PhD. Student
Xiaoqing Zou is a PhD student with a Master’s degree from Xiamen University. Her research focuses on the biological characteristics of myeloid leukemia, exploring the fundamental mechanisms that drive disease development and progression. Beyond the lab, she enjoys playing ping-pong and photography, capturing moments that reflect her appreciation for both dynamic movement and artistic expression.
Yue Liang, MM
PhD. Student
Yue Liang is a PhD student who earned her Master’s degree from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her research explores cancer evolution and tumor heterogeneity, focusing on how leukemia adapts and evolves in response to therapy. Outside of her scientific pursuits, she enjoys hiking, often taking time to connect with nature as a way to balance her research-intensive schedule.
Shijun Xiong, MS
PhD. Student
ShiJun Xiong is a PhD student with a Master’s degree from Central South University. His research focuses on targeted therapy for AML, exploring potential drug candidates and molecular targets that could improve leukemia treatment. Beyond research, he enjoys playing football and photography, balancing his academic pursuits with an active and creative lifestyle.
Shixuan Zhang, BS
PhD. Student
Shixuan Zhang is a PhD student who obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Zhejiang University. His research focuses on epigenetics in AML, studying how epigenetic modifications influence leukemia development and response to treatment. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, which serves as a source of inspiration and relaxation amidst his rigorous research activities.
Bingqian Jiang, MM
PhD. Student
Bingqian Jiang is a PhD student with an MM degree from Zhejiang University. Her research focuses on the metabolic characteristics of refractory leukemia, aiming to identify metabolic vulnerabilities that can be exploited for therapeutic intervention. In her leisure time, she enjoys photography and trail walking, capturing scenic landscapes and exploring nature as a way to relax.
Jia Hu, MM
PhD. Student
Jia Hu is a PhD student with a MM degree from Sun Yat-sen University. After graduation, she gained several years of experience in hematologic pathology. Currently, she is interested in research on exploring novel therapetutic regimens treating relapse/refractory AML. Her cheerful personality and wide range of interests keep her passionate in her research work.
Miao Wang, MM
PhD. Student
Miao wang is a PhD. student with a MS degree from NanJing medical university. She is currently focusing on clinical translational research, studying molecular mechanisms of targeted therapies. She enjoys listening to music and podcasts during her spare time.
Yin Zhao, MS
PhD. Student
Mr. Yin Zhao is a research assistant with a master’s degree from Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute. His research focuses on the application of humanized mice models in AML studies, helping to advance preclinical research and drug testing. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing badminton and photography, balancing his scientific pursuits with recreational activities.
Yu Shen, BS
PhD. Student
Yu Shen is a Ph.D. student who earned his Bachelor's degree from Zhejiang University. His research focuses on AI-driven exploration of AML heterogeneity and evolution, particularly on specific genetic mutations and transcriptional regulation. In his free time, he enjoys team sports, including basketball and ultimate frisbee.
Diange Jin, BM
MS. Student
Diange Jin is an MS student with a BM degree from Wenzhou Medical University. His research is centered on relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT), a major challenge in leukemia treatment. Though he is deeply engaged in scientific research, he also finds time to relax and recharge through various personal interests.
Zeyuan Cai, BM
MS. Student
Zeyuan Cai is an MS student with a BM degree from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. His research focuses on anti-apoptotic proteins and their role in leukemia survival and resistance to treatment. Outside the lab, he enjoys sports, staying active and engaged in physical activities that complement his research-driven lifestyle.
Undergraduate student
Yuebo Zhang
Undergraduate, Zhejiang University
Jinan Xie
Undergraduate, Zhejiang University
Jiarong Li
Undergraduate, Zhejiang University
Siyu Fang
Undergraduate, Zhejiang University
Alumni
Wei Bian, MS, 2023-2025 Research Assistant
Wei Bian was a research assistant at the PEI Lab from 2023 to 2025. She is now pursuing her Ph.D. at Zhejiang University, continuing her academic journey.
Shaoqi Zhang, Ph.D, 2022-2024 Ph.D student
Dr. Shaoqi Zhang received research training and pursued doctoral degree at the PEI LAB from 2022 to 2024. She is currently a hematologist at Hangzhou First People’s Hospital.
Rong Wang, Ph.D, 2022-2024 Ph.D student
Dr. Rong Wang received research training and pursued doctoral studies at the PEI LAB from 2022 to 2024. She is currently a hematologist at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital.
Yanan Wang, BS, 2022-2024 visit student
Yanan Wang received research training at the PEI LAB from 2022 to 2024 and is currently pursuing his PhD degree at the University of Toronto.
