Professor

College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University

No.3 Taicheng Road,

Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China

Phone: +86-29-87092267

Fax: +86-29-87082613

E-Mail: yan.xu@nwsuaf.edu.cn

Education

（1）1991.09-1995.06: B.S. Horticulture, Department of Horticulture, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, China

（2）1997.09-2000.12: Master Pomology, Department of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China

（3） 2001.09-2006.06: Ph.D. Pomology, Department of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China

Professional Experience

（1） 2001.02-2005.12: Lecturer of Department of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China

（2） 2006.04-2007.04: Postdoctoral Research with Dr. Xing-wang Deng, Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, USA

（3） 2007.05-2008.09: Postdoctoral Research Associate with Dr. Xing-wang Deng, National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China

（4） 2008.12-2013.12: Associate Professor of Pomology, Department of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China

（5） 2011.03-2011.08: Postdoctoral Research Associate with Dr.Astrid Forneck, Boku University Vienna, Austria

（6） 2014.01-present:  Professor of Pomology, Department of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China

Research Interests

Our lab is interested in studying how Chinese wild grapes sense and respond to  Plasmopara viticola  stress. Particularly, we are interested in understanding regulation of disease resistant signaling mechanisms and disease resistance genes under  P. viticola  stress in Chinese wild  Vitis  species. Our research involves analysis of function of target genes with bio-chemical method in vitro, and genetic and molecular characterization of grapevine that are altered in response to the pathogen stimuli. The goals are to elucidate the Chinese wild grape signaling pathways in response to the pathogen stress and to identify key components that can potentially be engineered for improvement of crop plants to encounter pathogen stress. His research program focuses on developing new variety with resistance to fungi diseases, such as Downy mildew. His lab studies the genetics of resistance to this fungal disease, their genetic diversity and aggressivity, and host/pathogen interactions of this fungal with Chinese wild grape species. Dr. Xu's lab is also actively involved in breeding table, raisin grapes for resistance to Downy mildew. Particularly, we are interested in breeding of seedless grape variety for resistance to Downy mildew with cross combinations between Chinese wild grapes species and commercial seedless grape varieties using embryo rescue method.

Appointments/Memberships in Professional Societies

Prof. Dr. Xu serves as members of State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, Yangling Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China, and Deputy Director of the Office of Teaching Affairs, Northwest A & F University. As well as a member of committee of the Teaching steering Committee of Plant production of the Ministry of Education ,People’s Republic of China, a member of the expert Committee on Teaching Materials Construction of the State Forestry and Grass Bureau (Plant production), and a member of the Shaanxi Provincial higher Education Teaching steering Committee, Shaanxi Province Youth Entrepreneurship tutor Association director, Served as Horticulturae editorial committee, Fruit Research associate editor.

Undergraduate & graduate teaching

He teaches Pomology breeding for undergraduate course, Advanced in Pomology and Modern Bio-technology for graduate courses, which instructs students in variety selection and identification, propagation practices, molecular breeding and vineyard development.

Academic achievements

He won one the 1st Prize of the province Sci-Tech Progress Award in Shaanxi, Professor Xu has undertaken 14 national, ministerial and provincial projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, Basic Research Development Program, National Key Science and Technology Project and Excellent talent Fund of Ministry of Education of China etc. He also participated in more than 10 other national, ministerial or provincial research projects.

Publications:

（55）Xin-Yi Hao, Bo-Lei Jiao, Min-Rui Wang, Yun-Lei Wang, Bo-Xing Shang, Jing-Yi Wang, Qiao-Chun Wang^＃, Yan Xu^＃.  In vitro  biological indexing of grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 in red-and white-berried grapevines ( Vitis vinifera ).  Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research , 2021,（Accepted）

（54）Zhiqian Li , Yuntong Jiao, Chen Zhang, Mengru Dou, Kai Weng,Yuejin Wang^＃, Yan Xu^＃. VvHDZ28 positively regulate SA biosynthesis during seed abortion in Thompson Seedless.  Plant Biotechnology Journa  l ，2021，https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.13596

（53）Ruiqi Liu, Tingting Chen, Xiao Yin, Gaoqing Xiang, Jing Peng, Qingqing Fu, Mengyuan Li, Boxing Shang, Hui Ma, Guotian Liu,Yuejin Wang, Yan Xu^＃. A  Plasmopara viticola  RxLR effector targets a chloroplast protein PsbP to inhibit host immune system in grapevine.  The Plant Journal ，2021，https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.15252

（52）Xinyi Hao, Bolei Jiao, Zhiming Liu, Xiaowei Wang, Jingyi Wang , Junxiang Zhang, Qiaochun Wang^＃, Yan Xu^＃. Crosstalk between grapevine leafroll-associate virus‑3 (GLRaV‑3) and NaCl‑induced salt stress in in vitro cultures of the red grape‘Cabernet Sauvignon’.  Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) , 2021, 144:649-660.

（51）Guo-Tian Liu, Bian-Bian Wang, David Lecourieux, Mei-Jie Li, Ming-Bo Liu, RuiQi Liu, Bo-xing Shang, Xiao Yin, Li-Jun Wang, and Fatma Lecourieux^＃, Yan Xu^＃. Proteomic analysis of early-stage，incompatible and compatible interactions between grapevine and  P. viticola .  Horticulture Research , 2021, DOI : 10.1038/s41438-021-00533-y.

（50）Gaoqing Xiang, Xiao Yin, Weili Niu, Tingting Chen, Ruiqi Liu, Boxing Shang, Qingqing Fu, Guotian Liu, Hui, Yan Xu^＃. Characterization of CRN-like genes from  Plasmopara viticola:  searching for the most virulent ones.  Frontiers in Microbiology , 2021, doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.632047

（49）Chen Tingting, Peng jing, Xiao Yin, Mei-Jie Li, Gao-qing Xiang, Yuejin Wang, and Lei Yan, Yan Xu^＃. Importin-ás are required for nuclear localization and function of the  Plasmopara viticola  effector PvAVH53".  Horticulture Research , 2021, 8:46

（48）Meng-YuanLi, Yun-TongJiao, Yu-TingWang, Na Zhang, Bian-BianWang, Rui-QiLiu, Xiao Yin, Yan Xu^＃, Guo-TianLiu^＃. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated VvPR4 Editing Decreases Downy Mildew Resistance in Grapevine ( Vitis Vinifera. L). Horticulture Research , 2020, 7:149

（47）Tingting Chen, Ruiqi Liu, Mengru Dou,  Mengyuan Li, Li Meijie, Xiao Yin, Guo-Tian Liu, Yuejin Wang and Yan Xu^＃.Insight into function and subcellular localization of  Plasmopara viticola  putative RxLR effectors. Frontiers in Microbiology , 2020, 11:692

（46）Xiao Yin, Boxing Shang, Mengru Dou, Ruiqi Liu, Tingting Chen, Gaoqing Xiang,Yanzhuo Li, Guotian Liu, Yan Xu^＃.The nuclear-localized RxLR effector PvAvh74 from  Plasmopara viticola  induces cell death and immunity responses in  Nicotiana benthamiana .  Frontiers in Microbiology ,2019, ID: 463779.

（45）Weirong Xu; Fuli Ma; Ruimin Li; Qi Zhou; Wenkong Yao; Yuntong Jiao; Chaohong Zhang; Jianxia Zhang; Xiping Wang; Yan Xu^＃;Yue-Jin Wang^＃.VpSTS29/STS2 enhances fungal tolerance in grapevine through a positive feedback loop.  Plant, Cell & Environment , 2019,DOI: 10.1111/pce.13600.

（44）Tiemei Li, Xin Cheng, Yuting Wang, Xiao Yin, Zhiqian Li, Ruiqi Liu, Guotian Liu, Yuejin Wang, Yan Xu^＃.Genome-wide analysis of glyoxalase-like gene families in grape ( Vitis vinifera  L.) and their expression profiling in response to downy mildew infection.  BMC Genomics  ,  2019, 20：362. DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5733-y.

（43）Rui-qi Liu, Kai Weng, Meng-ru Dou, Ting-ting Chen, Xiao Yin, Zhi-qian Li, Tie-mei Li, Chen Zhang, Gao-qing Xiang, Guo-tian Liu, Yan Xu^＃.Transcriptomic Analysis of Chinese wild Vitis pseudoreticulata in Response to  Plasmopara viticola .  Protoplasma , 2019, DOI: 10.1007/s00709-019-01387-x.

（42）Hang Su, YunTong Jiao, FangFang Wang, YueE Liu, WeiLi Niu, GuoTian Liu, Yan Xu^＃. Overexpression of VpPR10.1 by an efficient transformation method enhances downy mildew resistance in  V. vinifera  .   Plant Cell Reports , 2018, 37（5）:819-832.

（41）Tiemei Li, Zhiqian Li, Xiao Yin, Yuejin Wang, Yan Xu^＃. Improved in vitro embryo development of F1 progeny of Delight×Ruby seedless using putrescine and marker-assisted selection.  In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology  -  Plant , 2018, 54:291-301.

（40）Hui Ma; Gaoqing Xiang; Zhiqian Li; Yuting Wang; Mengru Dou; Li Su; Xiao Yin; Ruiqi Liu; Yuejin Wang; Yan Xu^＃. Grapevine VpPR10.1 functions in resistance to  Plasmopara viticola  through triggering a cell death-like defense response by interacting with VpVDAC3.  Plant Biotechnology Journal , 2018, 16:1488-1501.

（39）Zhiqian Li, Chen Zhang, Yurui Guo, Weili Niu, Yuejin Wang, Yan Xu^＃. Evolution and expression analysis reveal the potential role of the HD-Zip gene family in regulation of embryo abortion in grapes ( Vitis vinifera  L.) embryo abortion regulation.  BMC Genomics , 2017, 18:744.

（38）Jie Wang, Wenkong Yao, Lei Wang, Fuli Ma, Weihuo Tong Chen Wang, Rui Bao, Changyue Jiang, Yazhou Yang, Jianxia Zhang, Yan Xu, Xiping Wang, Chaohong Zhanga, Yuejin Wang. Overexpression of  VpEIFP1 , a novel F-box/Kelch-repeat protein from wild Chinese  Vitis pseudoreticulata , confers higher tolerance to powdery mildew by inducing thioredoxinz proteolysis.  Plant Science , 2017 263:142-155.

（37）Ruimin Li, Xiaoqing Xie, Fuli Ma, Dan Wang, Lan Wang, Jianxia Zhang,Yan Xu, Xiping Wang, Chaohong Zhang, Yuejin Wang.Resveratrol accumulation and its involvement in stilbene synthetic pathway of Chinese wild grapes during berry development using quantitative proteome analysis.  Scientific Reports , 2017, 7: 9295, DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-10171-x 11

（36）Zhen-Hua Cui, WenLu Bi, XinYi Hao, PengMin Li, Ying Duan, M. Andrew Walker, Yan Xu^＃ and QiaoChun Wang. Drought Stress Enhances Up-Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3-Infected  in vitro  Grapevine ( Vitis vinifera ) Leaves.  Plant Disease , 2017, 101(9):1606-1615.

（35）Xiao Yin, Rui-Qi Liu, Hang Su, Li Su, Yurui Guo, Zi-Jia Wang, Wei Du, Mei-Jie Li, Xi Zhang, Yue-Jin Wang, Guo-Tian Liu, Yan Xu^＃.Pathogen development and host responses to  Plasmopara viticola  in resistant and susceptible grapevines: an ultrastructural study.  Horticulture Research , 2017 (4):17033.

（34）Yuntong Jiao, Zhiqian Li, Keyao Xu, Yurui Guo, Chen Zhang, Tiemei Li, Yaxing Jiang , Guotian Liu, Yan Xu^＃. Study on improving plantlet development and embryo germination rates in vitro embryo rescue of seedless grapevine.  New Zealand Journal of Crop & Horticultural Science , 2017, 1-15.

（33）XinYi Hao, WenLu Bi, ZhenHua Cui, C.Pan, Yan Xu^＃ & QiaoChun Wang. Development, histological observations and Grapevine leaf roll-associated virus-3 localization of in  invitro  grapevine micrografts.  Annals of Applied Biology , 2017, 170 (3): 379-390.

（32）Wenkong Yao, Lei Wang, Jie Wang, Fuli Ma, Yazhou Yang, Chen Wang, Weihuo Tong, Jianxia Zhang, Yan Xu, Xiping Wang, Chaohong Zhang and Yuejin Wang.  VpPUB 24, a novel gene from Chinese grapevine,  Vitis   pseudoreticulata , targets VpICE1 to enhance cold tolerance.  Journal of Experimental Botany , 2017, 68 (11):2933–2949.

（31）Lei Wang, Xiaoqing Xie, Wenkong Yao, Jie Wang, Fuli Ma, Chen Wang, Yazhou Yang,Weihuo Tong, Jianxia Zhang, Yan Xu, Xiping Wang, Chaohong Zhang and Yuejin Wang. RING-H2-type E3 gene VpRH2 from  Vitis pseudoreticulata improves resistance to powdery mildew by interacting with VpGRP2A.  Journal of Experimental Botany , 2017, 68 (7): 1669–1687.

（30）Siyan Cheng, Xiaoqing Xie, Yan Xu, Chaohong Zhang, Xiping Wang, Jianxia Zhang, Yuejin Wang. Genetic transformation of a fruit-specific, highly expressed stilbene synthase gene from Chinese wild  Vitis quinquangularis .  Planta , 2016, 243:1041-1053.

（29）Lijuan Han, Kai Weng, Hui Ma, Gaoqing Xiang, Zhiqian Li, Yuejin Wang, Guotian Liu and Yan Xu^＃. Identification and Characterization of  Erysiphe necator -Responsive MicroRNAs in Chinese Wild  Vitis   pseudoreticulata  by High-Throughput Sequencing.  Frontiers in Plant Science , 2016, 7:621.

（28）Zhenhua Cui, Wenlu Bi, Xinyi Hao, Yan Xu^＃, Pengmin Li, Andrew Walker, Qiaochun Wang. Responses of in vitro-grown plantlets ( Vitis vinifera ) to Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-3 and PEG-induced drought stress.  Frontiers in Physiology , 2016, 7:203.

（27）Lingmin Dai, Dan Wang, Xiaoqing Xie, Chaohong Zhang, Xiping Wang, Yan Xu, Yuejin Wang, Jianxia Zhang. The Novel Gene VpPR4-1 from  Vitis pseudoreticulata  Increases Powdery Mildew Resistance in Transgenic  Vitis vinifera  L.  Frontiers in Plant Science , 2016, 7:695.

（26）Bihai Shi, Cui Zhang, Caihuan Tian, Jin Wang, Quan Wang, Tengfei Xu, Yan Xu, Carolyn Ohno, Robert Sablowski, Marcus G. Heisler, Klaus Theres, Ying Wang, and Yuling Jiao. Two-step Regulation of a Meristematic Cell Population Acting in Shoot Branching in  Arabidopsis .  PLoS Genetics , 2016, Jul 11;12(7):e1006168.

（25）Zhiqian Li, Tiemei Li, Yuejin Wang, Yan Xu^＃. Breeding new seedless grapes using in ovulo embryo rescue and marker-assisted selection.  In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology , 2015, 51:241-248.

（24）Ruiqi Liu, Lan Wang, Jiali Zhu, Tingting Liu, Yuejin Wang, Yan Xu^＃. Histological responses to downy mildew in resistant and susceptible grapevines.  Protoplasma . 2015, 252(1): 259-270.

（23）Z.-H. Cui, W.-L. Bi, C. Pan, Y. Xu and Q.-C. Wang. Abiotic stress improves in vitro biological indexing of Grapevine leaf roll-associated virus-3 in red grapevine cultivars.  Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research , 2015, 21:490-495.

（22）Yan Xu^＃, Yuejin Wang. Introduction of Application of Chinese Wild Grapes Species.  10th International Conference on Grapevine Breeding and Genetics , 2010/8/1-2010/8/5, pp 49-56, Geneva, NY, 2014.

（21）Lan Wang, Jinyu Wei, Ying Zou, Keyao Xu, Yuejin Wang, Lu Cui,Yan Xu^＃. Molecular Characteristics and Biochemical Functions of VpPR10s from  Vitis pseudoreticulata  Associated with Biotic and Abiotic Stresses.  I  nternational Journal of Molecular Sciences , 2014, 15, 19162-19182.

（20）Kai Weng, ZhiQian Li, RuiQi Liu, Lan Wang, Yuejin Wang，Yan Xu^＃. RNA-Seq Analysis of the Transcriptome of  Vitis Pseudoreticulata  in Response to Powdery Mildew Infection.  Horticulture Research ，2014（1）, 14049.

（19）TengFei Xu, XiaoChen Zhao, YunTong Jiao, JinYu Wei, Lan Wang, Yan Xu^＃. A pathogenesis related protein, VpPR-10.1, from  Vitis pseudoreticulata : An insight of its mode of antifungal activity.  PLoS ONE . 2014, 9(4):e95102.

（18）Yihe Yu,Weirong Xu, JieWang, Lei Wang, Wenkong Yao, Yazhou Yang, Yan Xu, Fuli Ma, Yangjian Du and Yuejin Wang. The Chinese wild grapevine ( Vitis pseudoreticulata ) E3 ubiquitin ligase  Erysiphe necator -induced RING finger protein 1 (EIRP1) activates plant defense responses by inducing proteolysis of the VpWRKY11 transcription factor.  New Phytologist . 2013, 200(3):834-846.

（17）XIN GUAN, HEQING ZHAO, YAN XU, YUEJIN WANG. Studies on gene transfer of shoot apical meristems by  Agrobacterium -mediated genetic transformation in a progeny of Chinese wild  Vitis pseudoreticulata .  Vitis  2013, 52 (4)：185-192.

（16）TengFei Xu, Jiang Xiang, FengJu Li, TieMei Li, YiHe Yu, YueJin Wang, Yan Xu^＃. Screening proteins interacting with VpPR10.1 of Chinese wild grapevine using the yeast-two hybrid system.  Acta Physiologiae Plantarum . 2013, 35(8): 2355-2364.

（15）J. Xiang, R. Q. Liu, T. M. Li, L. J. Han, Y. Zou, T. F. Xu, J. Y. Wei, Y. J. Wang, Y. Xu^＃. Isolation and Characterization of Two  VpYABBY Genes from Chinese Wild  Vitis pseudoreticulata  .  Protoplasma . 2013, 250:1315–1325.

（14）Mingyang He, Yan Xu^＃, Jiangling Cao, Ziguo Zhu, Yuntong Jiao, Yuejin Wang, Xin Guan, Yazhou Yang, Weirong Xu, Zhenfang Fu. Subcellular localization and functional analyses of a PR10 protein gene from  Vitis pseudoreticulata  in response to  Plasmopara viticola  infection.  Protoplasma . 2013, 250:129-140.

（13）Ziguo Zhu, Jiangli Shi, Weirong Xu, Huie Li, Mingyang He, Yan Xu, Tengfei Xu, Yazhou Yang, Jiangling Cao, Yuejin Wang. Three ERF transcription factors from Chinese wild grapevine  Vitis pseudoreticulata  participate in different biotic and abiotic stress-responsive pathways.  Journal of Plant Physiology . 2013, 170：923-933.

（12）Yihe Yu, Weirong Xu, Jie Wang, Lei Wang, Wenkong Yao, Yan Xu, Jiahua Ding, Yuejin Wang. A core functional region of the RFP1 promoter from Chinese wild grapevine is activated by powdery mildew pathogen and heat stress.  Planta . 2013, 237:293–303.

（11）Heqing Zhao, Xin Guan, Yan Xu^＃, Yuejin Wang. Characterization of novel gene expression related to  Glyoxal oxidase  by agro-infiltration of the leaves of accession Baihe-35-1 of  Vitis pseudoreticulat  a.  Protoplasma .2013, 250:765–777.

（10）Yazhou Yang, Mingyang He, Ziguo Zhu, Shuxiu Li, Yan Xu, Chaohong Zhang, Stacy D Singer, Yuejin Wang. Identification of the dehydrin gene family from grapevine species and analysis of their responsiveness to various forms of abiotic and biotic stress.  BMC Plant Biology  2012, 12:140 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2229-12-140.

（9）Q. Zhou, H. Gao, M.Wang, Y. Xu, Y. Z. Guo, Y. Z. Wan, Z. Y. Zhao. Characterization of defense-related genes in the‘Qinguan’apple in response to  Marssonina coronaria .  South African Journal of Botany  .  2012, DOI:10.1016/j.sajb.2012.01.005.

（8）Yan Xu^＃, Tengfei Xu, Xiaochen Zhao, Ying Zou, Zhiqian Li, Fengju Li, Jiang Xiang, Yuejin Wang. Co-expression of  VpROMT  gene from Chinese wild  Vitis pseudoreticulata  with  VpSTS  in tobacco plants and its effects on the accumulation of pterostilbene.  Protoplasma . 2012, 249: 819-833.

（7）Yihe Yu, Weirong Xu, Shengyi Wang, Yan Xu, Hui'e Li, Yuejin Wang, Shuxiu Li.  VpRFP1 , a novel C4C4-type RING finger protein gene from Chinese wild  Vitis pseudoreticulata , functions as a transcriptional activator in defence response of grapevine.  Journal of Experimental Botany . 2011, 62(15): 5671–5682.

（6）Xin Guan, Heqing Zhao, Yan Xu, Yuejin Wang. Transient expression of glyoxal oxidase from the Chinese wild grape  Vitis pseudoreticulata  can suppress powdery mildew in a susceptible genotype.  Protoplasma . 2011, 248: 415-423.

（5）Weirong Xu, Yihe Yu, Qi Zhou, Jiahua Ding, Lingmin Dai, Xiaoqing Xie, Yan Xu, Chaohong Zhang, Yuejin Wang. Expression pattern, genomic structure and promoter analysis of the gene encoding stilbene synthase from Chinese wild  Vitis pseudoreticulata.  Journal of Experimental Botany . 2011, 62(8):2745-2761.

（4）Yan Xu^＃, Hao Yu, Mingyang He, Yazhou Yang, Yuejin Wang. Isolation and expression analysis of a novel pathogenesis-related protein 10 gene from Chinese wild  Vitis pseudoreticulata  induced by  Uncinula necator.  Biologia . 2010, 65 (4): 653-659.

（3）Hui’e Li，Yan Xu，Yu Xiao，Ziguo Zhu，Xiaoqing Xie，Heqing Zhao，Yuejin Wang. Expression and functional analysis of two genes encoding transcription factors,  VpWRKY1  and  VpWRKY2 , isolated from Chinese wild  Vitis pseudoreticulata .  Planta . 2010, 232: 1325-1337.

（2）Yan Xu^＃, Yue-jin Wang. Construction of a cDNA Library of  Vitis pseudoreticulata  native to China inoculated with  Uncinula necator  and the analysis of potential defence-related expressed sequence tags (ESTs).  South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture . 2009, 30（1）：65-71.

（1）Yan Xu^＃, Yue-jin Wang. Molecular cloning and characterization of novel heat shock protein 90 gene from a wild  Vitis pseduoreticulata  native to China. Biologia . 2009, 64 (1): 102-106.