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Associate Professor Zhang Qiangfeng from the School of Life Sciences at Tsinghua University has been awarded the Agilent ACT-UR Research Fund support
Date: 2025-11-28Read: 0
On November 22, 2025, Beijing - Recently, another public donation ceremony for the Agilent Applications and Core Technology University Research (ACT-UR) project was held in Beijing.
The recipient of this donation is Dr. Zhang Qiangfeng, Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University.The ACT-UR project aims to support Dr. Zhang Qiangfeng and his research group in using artificial intelligence and big data analysis to screen novel RNA targeted anti-cancer drugs. At the molecular level, the research team uses RNA sequence and secondary structure information to predict small molecule lead compounds with high potential for drug development through deep learning algorithms; At the same time, the team incorporated the RNA-LIS mass spectrometry platform screening data into the model training process and continuously optimized the algorithm. As a result, it is expected to significantly improve the discovery rate of new targets for RNA targeted drugs and the efficiency of anti-cancer drug development.
Dr. Zhang Qiangfeng and members of his research group, as well as members of Agilent's business solutions team and business team, attended the ceremony and gave exciting technical presentations and in-depth discussions.
Dr. Zhang Qiangfeng (right) from the School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Zhu Yingxin (left), General Manager of Whole Machine Sales at Agilent Greater China North Campus, took a group photo at the award ceremony
In this research project funded by Agilent ACT-UR, Zhang Qiangfeng's research group proposed an innovative process that integrates deep learning algorithms with the RNA-ALIS (RNA Automated Ligand Identification System) high-throughput screening platform. The process first constructs a prediction model based on RNA sequence and secondary/tertiary structural information, aiming to identify potential small molecule binding sites of MYC RNA; Subsequently, a virtual screening of billions of compound libraries was conducted to select candidate molecules and rapidly evaluate their binding activity with RNA using the RNA-ALIS mass spectrometry platform and related detection techniques, thus forming a closed-loop process of "computational prediction → experimental verification". This method is expected to accelerate the discovery process of targeted RNA drugs and provide new ideas for the development of systematic treatment strategies for MYC gene driven tumors.
This cooperation reflects the continuous exploration of new technologies in the development of anti-cancer drugs by both parties, and also demonstrates the important role of interdisciplinary integration in innovative drug discovery. Agilent has mature platform technology and rich practical experience in the field of small molecule screening and molecular characterization, which can provide strong technical support for Zhang Qiangfeng's research group. Zhang Qiangfeng's research group has explored a new targeting strategy that extends the target from protein to its related RNA, addressing the challenge of MYC protein being difficult to directly develop into drugs in traditional drug development. This has opened up new research avenues for the treatment of MYC related tumors. The complementary advantages of both sides are expected to jointly promote the improvement of RNA targeted drugs and related technology systems, and provide new ideas and tools for future anti-cancer drug research and development.
Associate Professor Zhang Qiangfeng is a recipient of the National Outstanding Youth Science Fund and currently serves as the Deputy Director of the National Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Life Sciences Committee of the Chinese Society for Bioinformatics (preparatory), and Editorial Board Member of journals such as Molecular Cell, Cell Systems, Genomics Proteomics&Bioinformatics. Its research team mainly engages in interdisciplinary research driven by artificial intelligence (AI) in structural biology and genomics. Received the 2024 Science Exploration Award, the 2021 Promega Award from the Chinese Society of Biochemistry, and was selected as one of the top ten advances in Chinese bioinformatics in 2019, 2021, and 2024. Published multiple academic articles as corresponding author in journals such as Cell, Nature Biotechnology, and Nature Genetics. Hosted multiple research projects, including the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars, Key Projects of the National Natural Science Foundation, and Key Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The project donated this time is another key project supported by ACT-UR globally.Agilent hopes to establish professional connections with global researchers in cutting-edge technological fields through the ACT-UR project, jointly develop innovative scientific research methods, and promote solutions to major scientific problems.We look forward to Agilent continuing to build cutting-edge collaborations with scientists from more top universities and research institutions in China.