About

Zixin Chen, Ph.D., obtained a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Stanford University. She completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Florida under the supervision of Professor Lina Cui. Her research focuses on small molecule synthesis and molecular imaging.

Research topics

• Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics
• Materials science
• Organic chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Computer Science
• Chemical engineering
• Metallurgy
• Photochemistry
• Electronic engineering
• Combinatorial chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Composite material
• Biology
• Biomedical engineering

Selected publications

• Global Phosphorus Enrichment Reshapes Terrestrial Phosphorus Cycling

  Global Change Biology · 2026-04-01

  articleOpen access1st author

  Anthropogenic phosphorus (P) inputs are rapidly altering terrestrial P cycling through plant - soil - microbial interactions; however, global patterns and underlying mechanisms driving these changes remain poorly understood. By performing a global meta-analysis of 1315 observations from 176 studies across diverse natural terrestrial ecosystems, we found that P addition increased P concentrations in foliage, stems, roots, and litter by 62%, 114%, 100% and 63%, respectively. Soil total P, plant-available P, and microbial P concentrations rose by 43%, 221%, and 70%, while leaf P-resorption efficiency and soil phosphatase activity declined by 23% and 15%, respectively. Stem P and soil phosphatase activity exhibited consistent trends across tropical, temperate, and boreal zones, suggesting climate-specific P acquisition strategies. In addition, foliar P responses diverged among ecosystem and plant functional types. These responses were primarily regulated by background soil total P concentration, precipitation, soil pH, and P addition duration and rate. Our findings provide critical insights into the potential consequences of increasing anthropogenic P inputs in natural terrestrial ecosystems, improving our understanding of nutrient cycling and informing future ecosystem management under ongoing global change.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Electronic Metal–Support Interaction in Pt/Co ₃ O ₄ Enhanced Lattice Oxygen Activation and Replenishment for Photothermocatalytic VOC Oxidation

  Environmental Science & Technology · 2026-04-29

  article

  , without the requirement for an external heat source.

  PublisherDOI

• <i>CellScout</i>: Visual analytics for mining biomarkers in cell state discovery

  Singapore Management University Institutional Knowledge (InK) (Singapore Management University) · 2026-02-01

  articleOpen access

  Cell state discovery is crucial for understanding biological systems and enhancing medical outcomes. A key aspect of this process is identifying distinct biomarkers that define specific cell states. However, difficulties arise from the co-discovery process of cell states and biomarkers: biologists often use dimensionality reduction to visualize cells in a two-dimensional space. Then they usually interpret visually clustered cells as distinct states, from which they seek to identify unique biomarkers. However, this assumption is often this assumption often fails to hold due to internal inconsistencies in a cluster, making the process trial-and-error and highly uncertain. Therefore, biologists urgently need effective tools to help uncover the hidden association relationships between different cell populations and their potential biomarkers. To address this problem, we first designed a machine-learning algorithm based on the Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) technique to identify meaningful associations between cell populations and biomarkers. We further developed a visual analytics system-CellScout-in collaboration with biologists, to help them explore and refine these association relationships to advance cell state discovery. We validated our system through expert interviews, from which we further selected a representative case to demonstrate its effectiveness in discovering new cell states.

  PublisherOA PDF

• Abstract 4087: Senescent cancer cells facilitate metastasis by adhesion-mediated clustering and immune modulation

  Cancer Research · 2026-04-03

  article

  Abstract Therapy-induced senescence (TIS) occurs following cytotoxic stress and has previously shown to promote tumor metastasis through senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment, however, whether senescent cancer cells directly participate in metastatic dissemination remains unclear. Here, we report that therapy-induced senescent breast cancer cells actively promote metastatic seeding by physically adhering to parental breast cancer cells and forming circulating senescent-parental cell clusters. Senescence was induced in MDA-MB-231 cells with doxorubicin (39 nM, 7 days) or in 4T1 cells via irradiation (50 Gy, 7 days) and confirmed by X-gal staining, NIR-BG2 senescence probe activity, and increased p16 and SASP expression. RNA-seq revealed upregulation of migration, motility, and adhesion pathways of senescence cells with specific increases in ICAM1, JUP, CLDN1, and CLDN7. Functionally, senescent cells were able to migrate independently, but the presence of both senescent and parental cells in co-culture significantly enhanced migration of both cell types in trans-well and wound healing assays. Hanging-drop aggregation produced large mixed clusters in co-culture, whereas parental cells alone formed scattered microcolonies. Direct adhesion assays showed parental tumor cells preferentially attached to senescent cells versus the substrate, with individual senescent cells binding multiple parental cells. In vivo, orthotopic co-injection of senescent and parental MDA-MB-231 cells in NSG mice resulted in significantly increased lung metastasis. Early tail-vain tracking revealed greater initial lung seeding when co-injected parental cancer cells with senescent MDA-MB-231 in NSG mice and 4T1 cells in NSG and BALB/c mice models, respectively. Interestingly, in immune competent BALB/c mice, metastatic progression sustained over time. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism in which senescent cancer cells cooperate with parental cancer cells through cell-cell adhesion mediated clustering to facilitate early metastatic colonization. Ongoing studies examine the functional role of ICAM1 and JUP, and the involvement of the immune system as a second phase of metastasis following dissemination, where senescent cells may reshape the microenvironment to promote tumor cells survival. These results suggest that targeting senescent cell adhesion and immune programs may suppress early dissemination and metastatic relapse following cancer therapy. Citation Format: Seyedehalaleh Anvar, Chandra Maharjan, Zixin Chen, Johnathan D Somers, Zeng Jin, Heather R Kates, Servio H. Ramirez, Allison M. Andrews, Breanna M. Runyon, Madison Elizabeth Carelock, Yuzhao Zhang, Jun Liu, Weizhou Zhang, Lina Cui. Senescent cancer cells facilitate metastasis by adhesion-mediated clustering and immune modulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 4087.

  PublisherDOI

• Lighting up Macrophage Reprogramming Assists Immunosuppressive Niche Modulation in Primary Tumors and Tumor‐Draining Lymph Nodes of Breast Cancer

  Advanced Science · 2026-05-06

  articleOpen access

  The recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer are driven by immunosuppressive myeloid cells in tumors and lymph nodes. The inherent heterogeneity of myeloid cells poses a significant challenge for real-time imaging and precise treatment. In this study, we developed microenvironment-responsive second near-infrared (NIR-II) biomimetic nanoparticles (PA NPs) to spatiotemporally modulate macrophage-mediated immunotherapies. These NIR-II activatable "off-on" PA NPs accumulate in tumors and lymph nodes, enabling controlled immune activation. By incorporating colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitors, PA NPs repolarized M2-like macrophages toward the pro-inflammatory M1-like phenotype. The subsequent production of nitric oxide (NO) specifically illuminated the NIR-II fluorescence of PA NPs, thereby providing dynamic visualization of macrophage migration and polarization in vivo. Moreover, PA NPs functionalized with anti-CD47 antibodies selectively bound to tumor cells, blocked the CD47-SIRPα "don't eat me" signal, and actively reprogrammed macrophages to enhance phagocytic clearance of tumor cells. In multiple breast cancer models, these nanoparticles effectively remodeled immunosuppressive niches and induced durable anti-tumor immunity, which was further validated using patient-derived tumor and lymph node fragments. Collectively, this strategy integrates NIR‑II-guided diagnosis and macrophage reprogramming therapy to remodel the immunosuppressive microenvironment across primary and metastatic niches, offering a potent immunotherapeutic approach against breast cancer.

  PublisherDOI

• Electronic Metal–SupportInteraction in Pt/Co₃O₄ Enhanced Lattice OxygenActivation and Replenishmentfor Photothermocatalytic VOC Oxidation

  Figshare · 2026-04-29

  articleOpen access

  Noble-metal supported on transition-metal oxide (TMO) materials are promising catalysts for photothermocatalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but the catalytic roles of TMOs are usually overlooked. Herein, <i>x</i>Pt/Co₃O₄ catalysts were designed for photothermocatalytic VOC oxidation, with a strong electronic metal–support interaction (EMSI) engineered between Pt nanoparticles and Co₃O₄ nanosheets. The EMSI induces partial electron transfer from Pt to Co₃O₄ through a well-defined interface, generating electron-deficient Pt and weakening Co–O bonds. Consequently, the mobility and reactivity of lattice oxygen in Co₃O₄ were promoted. As for 1.0Pt/Co₃O₄, most bulk lattice oxygen in Co₃O₄ can efficiently migrate to the surface to participate in the photothermocatalytic oxidation of VOCs, and subsequently be replenished by activated gaseous oxygen. Meanwhile, positively charged Pt significantly promotes the activation of toluene by adsorbing toluene molecules and accepting electrons from the aromatic ring. As a result, 1.0Pt/Co₃O₄ achieves complete toluene conversion and an 84% CO₂ yield under continuous reaction conditions with a low illumination intensity of 200 mW/cm², without the requirement for an external heat source.

  PublisherDOI

• Design and Implementation of an IoT-Based Real-Time Wellbore Liquid Level Monitoring System Using Python

  International Journal of Science and Engineering Applications · 2026-04-09

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  To enhance the real-time monitoring capabilities of oilfield submergence, ensure operational safety, and optimize oil well production efficiency, this paper designs and implements a dynamic fluid level measurement and control software using the Python programming language and the acoustic wave method.The developed software enables real-time monitoring and processing of critical information from multiple oil wells, including dynamic fluid level depth, echo propagation time, and operating voltage.Furthermore, the system supports data access via mobile terminals, allowing for ubiquitous monitoring of well conditions and timely detection of operational anomalies.Experimental results demonstrate that the software accurately acquires downhole fluid level data, with the absolute error controlled within 1.0 meter and the average relative error as low as 0.1%.The Python-based measurement and control software significantly improves the real-time performance, accuracy, and convenience of monitoring, providing robust technical support for the safe and efficient development of oilfields.

  PublisherDOI

• Engineering a spatiotemporal macrophage circuit via STING phase separation to override immune suppression in pancreatic cancer

  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 2025-11-20 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies, largely due to its highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which fuels metastasis and resistance to immunotherapy. Through comprehensive analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, we identified multiple heterogeneous tumor-associated macrophage (TAMs) subpopulations as key regulators of PDAC progression, which coexpress MRC1 and exert their effects by actively suppressing antitumor immune responses. To overcome this barrier, we developed a spatiotemporal macrophage reprogramming platform that leverages STING phase separation to reprogram TAM plasticity and reshape the immune landscape. This system, MRC1-targeting peptide–M@BLZ945 (PMMB), integrates a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitor and a STING agonist within a macrophage-mimetic nanostructure, enabling sequential, controlled reprogramming of TAMs. By leveraging STING phase separation, PMMB stabilizes TAMs in an antitumor CD80 + phenotype while preventing excessive inflammation, achieving durable immune activation. In preclinical models, PMMB not only suppresses both primary and metastatic PDAC but also enhances CD8 + T cell infiltration, reinvigorates anti-PD-1 therapy responses, and mitigates immune exhaustion. These findings establish spatiotemporal macrophage circuit engineering via STING phase separation as a cross-scale strategy to override PDAC’s immune barriers and drive next-generation macrophage-targeted immunotherapy. This study paves the way for rationally designed, precision macrophage modulation strategies in solid tumors.

  PublisherDOI

• The Impact of Task-Based Language Teaching on the English Vocabulary Memorization Effect of Middle School Students

  Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media · 2025-10-28

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Vocabulary is the core element in language learning. However, traditional English teaching in middle schools generally relies on mechanical memorization and isolated explanations, resulting in superficial vocabulary memorization and insufficient application ability. Based on this, this study takes Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT) as the core and systematically explores its mechanism of action and practical value in middle school students' English vocabulary acquisition. The study finds that through the creation of real contexts, task-driven interactions, and group cooperation, TBLT can significantly increase the recurrence frequency and in-depth processing of vocabulary, promoting memory retention and flexible application. At the same time, this model effectively stimulates students' learning motivation and communication needs, making up for the limitation of traditional teaching where students "memorize quickly but forget quickly." Although this study mainly focuses on literature review and lacks empirical verification, its advantage lies in the organic combination of second language acquisition theory and vocabulary memory mechanism. This not only broadens the theoretical perspective of vocabulary teaching research but also provides teachers with operable teaching design and evaluation paths. Generally speaking, TBLT provides a practical direction for optimizing middle school English vocabulary teaching and enhancing the effectiveness and durability of learning.

  PublisherDOI

• Augmentation of [18F]-C-SNAT4 PET imaging of apoptosis after radiotherapy using a cold mixing strategy

  EJNMMI Research · 2025-06-03

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging can monitor cancer treatment response by non-invasively detecting apoptosis in vivo. Signal-to-noise (SNR) remains one of the critical barriers to approval for clinical use. We have previously developed a PET tracer [18 F]-C-SNAT4 for imaging capase-3 activity in apoptotic tumors induced by chemo- and immunotherapy. [18 F]-C-SNAT4 is designed to undergo caspase-3 activated intramolecular cyclization. The product then self-assembles in situ into nanoparticles to generate preferential retention of F18 radioactivity in apoptotic cells. This unique mechanism prompted us to investigate if a cold mixture could enhance the probe retention and further augment the sensitivity for imaging radiotherapy. RESULTS: [18 F]-C-SNAT4 and hot/cold mixture [18 F]/[19 F]-C-SNAT4 were used to detect human NSCLC (NCI-H460) apoptosis induced by radiation. Both hot [18 F]-C-SNAT4 and hot/cold mixture [18 F]/[19 F]-C-SNAT4 had significantly increased uptake in radiation treated vs. untreated NCI-H460 cells in vitro. A 1: 80 hot/cold mixture increased signal by 1.6x compared to [18 F]-C-SNAT4 alone. In vivo studies were performed in murine xenograft models in high-dose radiation and low-dose radiation treatment groups. The hot/cold mixture showed an increase in the signal by 2.5x in high-dose radiation treated murine NCI-H460 xenograft models. Low-dose radiation induced apoptosis was only detected with the hot/cold mixture with 2.4x signal compared to hot [18 F]-C-SNAT4. Toxicity and dosimetry safety were evaluated at 250x and 10x respective dosages, then normalized to human dose equivalent. CONCLUSION: A hot/cold mixture of [18 F]/[19 F]-C-SNAT4 generates significantly more signal compared to hot [18 F]-C-SNAT4, leading to higher sensitivity in detecting treatment response. This may present a solution to low sensitivity in the translation of apoptosis-specific radionuclides to clinical application.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Ding Pan

  Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

  56 shared

• Dimitri A. Sverjensky

  Johns Hopkins University

  40 shared

• Jianghong Rao

  Stanford Medicine

  36 shared

• Nore Stolte

  Ruhr University Bochum

  33 shared

• Junting Yu

  32 shared

• Lina Cui

  University of Florida

  30 shared

• Frederick T. Chin

  Stanford University

  25 shared

• Jun Liu

  University of Florida Health Science Center

  25 shared

Labs

• Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3)PI

  Director Associate Director for Drug Design Associate Director for Synthetic Biology Assistant Director Core Directors/Core Leaders Microbial Genomics and Synthetic Biology: Yousong Ding, Ph.D. (Core Director), Manyun Chen, Ph.D., M.S. (Core Leader) Molecular Diversity and Screening: Ranjala Ratnayake, Ph.D. (Core Leader) AI-Based and Structure-Base Structure Based Drug Design & Optimization: Gustavo Seabra, Ph.D. (Core Leader)...