PD Dr. Ying Yan

Office: TIG / 2.42

Tel.: +49 641/99-35904

Ying.Yan

 

Justus Liebig University Giessen

Institute for Insect Biotechnology

Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection

Winchester Str. 2

35394 Giessen

 

Curriculum Vitae

05/2024	Privatdozent/Assistant Professor with venia legendi for "Synthetic biology in insects"
02/2024 - 03/2029	Guest Professor, Southwest University (China)
02/2024	Habilitation in "Synthetic biology for functional genomics and pest control of insects"
5/2016 - present	Group leader and principal investigator at the JLU Gießen, Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Giessen, Germany
01/2016 - 04/2016	Research investigator in COPEG (The Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of screwworm, founded by Panama and the United States), Pacora, Panama
02/2013 - 12/2015	Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, North Carolina State University, USA
01/2011 - 01/2013	Joint Ph.D. student in the Department of Genetics, College of Agriculture and Life Science, North Carolina State University, USA
09/2008 - 12/2010	Ph.D. student at the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
09/2005 - 06/2008	Master student in Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
09/2001 - 06/2005	Bachelor student at Southwest University, Chongqing, China

 

Research Interests

My major research interests include applying synthetic biology for functional genomics in life science and employing biotechnologies for better control of invasive pests. Genetic control, also known as genetic pest management (GMP), is a biological control method for pest species that introduces desirable and heritable genetic modifications into a wild population via intraspecific mating. Therefore, genetic control strategies such as sterile insect technique (SIT), are species-specific and sustainable. On the other hand, the modern molecular biology and biotechnologies including genetic engineering, genome targeting, and gene editing, allow researchers to translate ideas into practice faster than ever before. In close cooperation with our colleagues and collaborators, we developed/are developing novel genetic control strains that could significantly facilitate the area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) for livestock and fruit pests which are highly invasive for Europe or other regions of the globe. Some of the control methods, such as RNAi-based or CRISPR-based appraoches, can be transferred to other pest species such as human disease vectors and invasive plants. These next-generation control strategies hold great promise to safegueard the global food security and public health.

 

Editorial service

• Editorial board member for BMC Biotechnology (Genetic Engineering), Frontiers in Insect Science (Insect Molecular Genetics), Journal of Integrative Agriculture, Scientia Agricultura Sinica, Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark.

• Zhang YB, Jiang HB, Yan Y (ed.). Environmentally-friendly pest control approaches for invasive insects. Special issue for Insects, 2022-2023.

• Yan Y, Scott MJ and Schetelig MF (ed.). Novel Pest Control Strategies Based on Metagenomic Analysis. Special section for Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2020-2022.

• Yan Y and Zhang GF (ed.). The Status and Prospects of Genetic Pest Management. Special issue for Biosafety Journal, 24(2): 81-176, 2015.

 

Reviewer service

• Scientific journals: PNAS, Nature Communication, eLife, Toxins, Insects, Insect Science, Insect Molecular Biology, Genes, Gen Biotechnology, Journal of Integrative Agriculture, Diversity, etc.

• Research proposals: Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC, USA), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC, UK).

 

Research support

• 2024-2029: Coordinated Research Project (D41030) "Improvement of Drosophila suzukii Mass-Rearing and Release Methods for SIT Programmes", the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
• 2021-2024: Host, “Development of conditional CRISPR systems for functional genomics and pest control of insects” (DFG, 470105316).
• 2020-2024: Major contact, SINO-German Mobility Program (M0050, JLU-CAAS) by DFG and NSFC.

 

Teaching and mentoring

 

 

Publications

2024

Yan Y, Ahmed HMM, Wimmer EA, and Schetelig MF (2024) Biotchnology-enhanced genetic controls of the global pest Drosophila suzukii. Trends in Biotechnology Sep 25:S0167-7799(24)00249-X

Yan Y and Schetelig MF (2024) Protocol for genetic engineering in Drosophila suzukii using microinjection. STAR Protoc 14;5(3):103248

2023

Häcker I, Rehling T, Schlosser H, Mayorga-Ch D, Heilig M, Yan Y, Armbruster PA, Schetelig MF (2023) Improved piggyBac transformation with capped transposase mRNA in pest insects. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(20):15155.

Yan Y, Hosseini B, Scheld A, Pasham S, Rehling T, and Schetelig MF (2023). Effects of antibiotics on the in vitroexpression of tetracycline-off constructs and the performance of Drosophila suzukii female-killing strains. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 11.

Yan Y, Aumann RA, Haecker I and Schetelig MF (2023) CRISPR-based genetic control strategies for insect pests. Journal of Integrative Agriculture. 22:651-668.

2022

2021 (co-first = *; corresponding author = #)

Yan Y#, Kobayashi Y, Huang C, Liu B, Qian W, Wan F, Schetelig MF (2021) Highly Efficient Temperature Inducible CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Targeting in Drosophila suzukii. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22(13):6724

Schetelig MF, Schwirz J and Yan Y# (2021) A transgenic female killing system for the genetic control of Drosophila suzukii. Scientific Report 11:12938

Yan Y#,  Schwirz J, Schetelig MF# (2021) Characterization of the Drosophila suzukii β2-tubulin gene and the utilization of its promoter to monitor sex separation and insemination. Gene 771:145366

2020

Yan Y,  Ziemek J, Schetelig MF (2020) CRISPR/Cas9 mediated disruption of the white gene leads to pigmentation deficiency and copulation failure in Drosophila suzukii. Journal of Insect Physiology 126:104091.

Yan Y#, Jaffri SA, Schwirz J, Stein C, Schetelig MF# (2020) Identification and characterization of four Drosophila suzukii cellularization genes and their promoters. BMC Genetics 21(Suppl 2):146.

Yan Y#, Williamson ME, Scott MJ# (2020) Using Moderate Transgene Expression to Improve the Genetic Sexing System of the Australian Sheep Blow Fly Lucilia cuprina. Insects 11(11):797.

Jaffri SA, Yan Y#, Schwirz J, Schetelig MF# (2020) Functional characterization of the Drosophila suzukii pro-apoptotic genes reaper, head involution defective and grim. Apoptosis 25:864–874.

Yan Y, Scott MJ (2020) Building a transgenic sexing strain for genetic control of the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina using two lethal effectors. BMC Genetics 21(Suppl 2):141.

Concha C*, Yan Y*, Arp A, Quilarque E, Sagel A, de León AP, McMillan O, Skoda S, Scott MJ (2020) An early female lethal system of the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, for biotechnology-enhanced sterile insect technique. BMC Genetics 21(Suppl 2):143.

Yan Y*, Williamson ME*, Davis RJ, Andere AA, Picard CJ, Scott MJ (2020) Improved transgenic sexing strains for genetic control of the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina using embryo-specific gene promoters. Molecular Genetics and Genomics 295:287–298.

Liu GQ, Lv, Z, Wu Q, Zhou ZS, Zhang, GF, Wan, FH, Yan Y (2020) The Bactrocera dorsalis caspase‐1 gene is expressed throughout development and required for female fertility. Pest Management Science 76:4104–4111.

Schwirz J*, Yan Y*, Franta Z, Schetelig MF (2020) Bicistronic expression and differential localization of proteins in insect cells and Drosophila suzukii using picornaviral 2A peptides. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 119:103324

2019

Schetelig MF, Yan Y, Zhao Y, Handler AM (2019) Genomic targeting by recombinase-mediated cassette exchange in the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii. Insect Molecular Biology 28(2):187-195.

2017

Yan Y, Linger RJ, Scott MJ (2017) Building early-larval sexing systems for genetic control of the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina using two constitutive promoters. Scientific Reports 7, 2538.

2016

Linger RJ, Belikoff EJ, Yan Y, Li F, Wantuch HA, Fitzsimons HL, Scott MJ (2016) Towards next generation maggot debridement therapy: transgenic Lucilia sericata larvae that produce and secrete a human growth factor. BMC Biotechnology 16(30): 1–12.

Yan Y, Zhang HJ, Yang YT, Zhang Y, Guo JY, Liu WX, Wan FH (2016) Plant defense responses induced by Bemisia tabaci Middle East—Asia Minor 1 salivary components Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 159(3): 287–297.

2015

Liu GQ, Yan Y, Wang YS, Zhang GF Wan FH (2015) Gene Promoters used in Insect Population Genetic Control. Journal of Biosafety 24(2): 115-125.

Lü ZC, Yan Y, Zhang GF, Wu Q, Liu WX, Wan FH (2015) Genome editing techniques and their application in insect genetic transformation. Journal of Biosafety 24(2): 126-135.

Shen JR, Yan Y, Li JW, Zhang GF, Wu Q, Wan FH (2015) Commonly used transformation markers for genetic modified insect. Journal of Biosafety 24(2): 94-107.

Wang YS, Cai YY, Wu Q, Yan Y, Zhang GF, Liu GQ, Wan FH (2015) The study and application of lethal genes in genetics-enhanced sterile insect technique. Biosafety Journal 24(2): 136-147.

Wang YS, Li JW, Zhang GF, Yan Y, Li XY, Wan FH (2015) Application of Genetic Pest Management in Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control. Journal of Biosafety 24(2): 148-160.

Wu Q, Lü ZC, Zhang GF, Yan Y, Liu GQ, Li JW, Wang YS, Cai YY, Wan FH (2015) Genetic Engineering Approaches for the Improvement of Sterile Insect Technique on Fruit Flies. Journal of Biosafety 24(2): 161-170.

Yan Y, Scott MJ (2015) A transgenic embryonic sexing system for the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina. Scientific Reports 5: 1–12. 

Yan Y, Wan FH (2015) History and Status of Genetic Control of Insect Pest. Journal of Biosafety 24(2): 81-93.

Yan Y, Zhang GF (2015) The Status and Prospects of Genetic Pest Management 24(2). In: Special section for Biosafety Journal, Yan Y, Zhang GF (Eds.): 81-176. Biosafety Journal

2013

Peng L, Yan Y, Yang CH, De Barro PJ, Wan FH (2013) Identification, comparison, and functional analysis of salivary phenol-oxidizing enzymes in Bemisia tabaci B and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 147(3): 282–292. 

Yang CH, Peng L, Guo JY, Yan Y, Wan FH, Wang JJ (2013) Molecular cloning, sequence analysis and expression of a laccase-1 gene from Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Acta Entomologica Sinica 56(2): 111-119.

2012

Zhang HJ, Yan Y, Peng L, Guo JY, Wan FH (2012) Plant defense responses induced by phloem-feeding insects. Acta Entomologica Sinica. 55(6): 736-748.

2011

Wan FH, Yan Y, Wang R, Yang GQ (2011) Invasion Biology：Development and Perspective in China. Journal of Biosafety 20(1): 1-19.

Yan Y, Peng L, Liu WX, Wan FH, Harris MK (2011) Host plant effects on alkaline phosphatase activity in the whiteflies, Bemisia tabaci Biotype B and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Journal of Insect Science 11: 6. 

2010

Peng L, Yan Y, Liu WX, Wan FH, Wang JJ (2010) Mechanism of phytophagous insect counter-defense on plants. Acta Entomologica Sinica 53(5): 572-580.

Peng L, Yan Y, Wan FH, Wang JJ (2010) A method to identify and analyze salivary enzymes of Bemisia tabaci adults. Chinese Bulletin of Entomology 47(5): 1017-1020.

Yan Y, Peng L, Wan FH (2010) Research progress on pleiotropic functions of insect vitellogenin. Acta Entomologica Sinica 53(3): 335-348.

2009

Yan Y, Peng L, Liu WX, Wan FH (2009) The study of status and advances on insect alkaline phosphatase. Acta Entomologica Sinica 52(1): 95-105.

Yan Y, Yang R, Lu ZC, Guo JY, Wan FH (2009) Research Status and Progress in the Prevention and Management of fruit flies. Chinese Journal of Biological Control (pl 2): 1-19.

2008

Yan Y, Liu WX, Wan FH (2008) Comparison on properties of alkaline phosphatase from Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaprorariorum in different instars. Acta Entomologica Sinica, 51 (1), 1-8.

Yan Y, Liu WX, Wan FH (2008) Roles of piercing-sucking insect salivary components in piercing-sucking insect-plant interactions. Acta Entomologica Sinica 51(1): 537-544.

2007

Guo JY, Wan FH, Hu YH, Yan Y (2007) Effects of crop arrangement patterns on arthropod community structure in transgenic boll-worm-resistant cotton fields. Journal of applied ecology 18(9): 2061-2068.

 

Book chapters

Yan Y, Xian XQ, Jiang MX, Wan FH (2017) Biological Invasion and Its Research in China: An Overview in Biological Invasions and Its Management in China. Invading Nature - Springer Series in Invasion Ecology, vol. 11, Wan FH, Jiang MX, Zhan AB (Eds.): 3-19. Springer: Dordrecht

Wan FH, Yan Y, Hou YM (2015) Chapter 1: Introduction of Invasion Biology, in Invasion Biology for Teaching, Wan FH, Hou YM, Jiang MX (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Wan FH, Yan Y, Yang GQ, Yang R (2011) Chapter 1: Formation and Development of Invasion Biology. In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Wang X, Gong WN, Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 15: Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability Hypothesis. In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Wang X, Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 18: Mutualist Facilitation Hypothesis. In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Wu G, Wang X, Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 19: Diversity Resistant Hypothesis. In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Wu Q, Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 14: Inherent Superiority Hypothesis. In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Jian RS, Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 21: Resource Opportunity Hypothesis. In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Jin YN, Yang GQ, Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 17: Novel Weapons Hypothesis. In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Peng L, Yan Y, Wan FH (2011). In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 12: Relation between Global Change and Biological Invasion, in Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 13: Propagule Pressure Hypothesis. In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 23: Analysis and Discussion of Hypotheses. In: Invasion Biology. , in Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 24: Terminologies and Concepts in Invasion Biology. In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Yang NW, Yan Y, Wan FH (2011) Chapter 16: Enemy Release Hypothesis. In: Invasion Biology, Wan FH, Xie BY, Yang GQ (Eds.) Science Press Beijing: Beijing

Wan FH, Guo JY, Qian WQ, Wang R, Yan Y, Feng J, Peng DL, Liu WX (2009) Chapter 5: Development of Invasion Biology Discipline in China. In: Research on Biological Invasion in China, Wan FH, Guo JY, Zhang F (Eds.) 132-160. Science Press Beijing: Beijing

 

Presentations

• Invited talk: Interdisciplinary Workshop on Synthetic Gene Drives (June 2021; organized by Florence Débarre and Nicolas Rode, funded by ANR TheoGeneDrive, ANR-19-CE45-0009). "Conditional molecular systems to facilitate and safeguard gene drive research"
• Keynote Speaker: 3^rd International Congress on Biological Invasions, 19-23th November 2017, Hangzhou, China. “Genetic Approaches for Area-wide Management of Invasive Flies”.
• Invited Talk: IPP of CAAS, 28th November 2017, Beijing, China. “Male only strains for Area-wide Management of livestock pests”.
• Poster: LOEWE ZIB Evaluation, August 2016, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen. „Umweltfreundliche Schädlingsbekämpfung der Kirschessigfliege Drosophila suzukii".
• Speaker: 3^rd National Congress on Biological Invasions, 27-29th November 2010, Haikou, China.  “Biological Invasion and Global Change”.
• Speaker: 5th International Bemisia Workshop, 9-12th November 2009, Guangzhou, China. “Spit as a Weapon? - The invasive Bemisia tabaciB uses components in saliva to help displace an herbivore competitor”.
• Speaker: 1^st International Congress on Biological Invasions, 2-6th November 2009, Fuzhou, China. “Phenol oxidizing enzymes in the whiteflies' saliva”.

 

Patent

Patent: Schetelig MF, Schwirz J, Yan Y (2019) Multiprotein expression systems for pest control. EP18208613