Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Li Cong
Associate Professor
College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University
ADDRESS
Room #522, Animal Science Building, No.22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100
Email: congl@nwafu.edu.cn
EDUCATION
02/2014—02/2015 Visiting Scholar in College of Animal Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Illinois, USA
09/2010—06/2016 Ph.D. in Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science & Technology, China Agricultural University (CAU)
09/2006—06/2010 B.S. in Animal Science, College of Animal Science & Technology, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
2021/11-2022/11 Deputy Director, Office of Double First Class Construction, Northwest A&F University (on-job training), China
2018/09- Present Secretary, Department of Livestock and Poultry Biology and Healthy Breeding, Northwest A&F University, China
2019/01- Present Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University
2016/07-2018/12 Lecturer, Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, China
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
《Biostatistics and Experimental Design》for undergraduate students
《New Technology in Animal Breeding》for undergraduate students
《Modern Animal Breeding Science》for graduate students
RESEARCH INTEREST
My research interests focus on Molecular Quantitative Genetics in ruminants, specially for molecular genetic mechanisms of milk components and breeding technique for dairy goats. I am also actively involved in dairy goat extension and industry development in China.
1. Analysis of genetic basis underlying economically important traits in dairy farming animals
Focus on the detection and functional validation of key genes/regulatory element for milk composition and milk quality traits in dairy faming animals; the molecular regulation mechanism of fatty acid anabolism and milk protein synthesis; and the effects of non-coding RNA, signaling proteins, and epitope-modified proteins on the metabolic regulation of milk composition; construction of molecular regulatory networks of genes and non-coding RNAs for milk component formation.
2. Breeding technology and population genetic improvement in dairy farming animals
Population genetics and exploring causative mutations underlying important economic traits of dairy farming animals; genetic evaluation, genomic selection and core group established; construction of population genetic improvement system; implementation of molecular breeding and breeding of new varieties.
PUBLICATIONS
[1] Cong Li, Yanan Geng, Ping Wang, Huaiping Shi, Jun Luo*. Comparison of microbial diversity in rumen and small intestine of Xinong Saanen dairy goats using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Animal Production Science, 2021,11:878.
[2] Cong Li#, Jiangjiang Zhu#, Hengbo Shi#, Jun Luo*, Wangsheng Zhao, Huaiping Shi, Huifen Xu, Hui Wang, Juan J.Loor*. Comprehensive transcriptome profiling of dairy goat mammary gland identifies genes and networks crucial for lactation and fatty acid metabolism. Frontiers in Genetics, 2020,11:878.
[3] Cong Li, Wentao Cai, Shuli Liu, Chenghao Zhou, Hongwei Yin, Dongxiao Sun, Shengli Zhang*. SERPINA1 gene identified in RNA-Seq showed strong association with milk protein concentration in Chinese Holstein cows. PeerJ, 2020,8:e8460.
[4] Cong Li, Wentao Cai, Shuli Liu, Chenghao Zhou, Mingyue Cao, Hongwei Yin, Dongxiao Sun, Shengli Zhang*, Juan J. Loor*. Association of UDP-galactose-4-epimerase (GALE) with milk protein concentration in the Chinese Holstein population. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2020.
[5] Shuang Sun#, Cong Li#, Dikun Yang, Qiuya He, Huimin Niu, Jianing Luo, Yang Yang, Huaiping Shi, Jun Luo*. Identification and characterization of putative ovarian lincRNAs in dairy goats treated for repeated estrous synchronization. Animal Reproduction Science, 2020,221:106537.
[6] Cong Li, Miao Wang, Tianying Zhang, Qiuya He, Huaiping Shi, Jun Luo*, Juan J. Loor*. Insulin-induced gene 1 and 2 isoforms synergistically regulate triacylglycerol accumulation, lipid droplet formation, and lipogenic gene expression in goat mammary epithelial cells. Journal of Dairy Science, 2019, 102(2): 1736-1746. (Editor’s Choice)
[7] Tianying Zhang#,Cong Li#,Lian Huang, Ning Song, Yanhong Cao, Juan J Loor, Jun Luo*, Huaiping Shi*. Regulation of Stearoyl-Coenzyme A Desaturase 1 by trans-10, cis-12 Conjugated Linoleic Acid via SREBP1 in primary goat mammary epithelial cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2019, 67(5):1463-1469.
[8] Cong Li, Miao Wang, Wentao Cai, Shuli Liu, Chenghao Zhou, Hongwei Yin, Dongxiao Sun, Shengli Zhang*. Genetic analyses confirm SNPs in HSPA8 and ERBB2 are associated with milk protein concentration in Chinese Holstein cattle. Genes, 2019, 10, 104.
[9] Wentao Cai#, Cong Li#, Shuli Liu, Chenghao Zhou, Hongwei Yin, Jiuzhou Song, Qin Zhang, Shengli Zhang*. Genome wide identification of novel Long Non-coding RNAs and their potential associations with milk proteins in Chinese Holstein cows. Frontiers in Genetics, 2018, 9:281.
[10] Cong Li#, Wentao Cai#, Chenghao Zhou, Hongwei Yin, Ziqi Zhang, Juan J.Loor, Dongxiao Sun, Qin Zhang, Jianfeng Liu, Shengli Zhang*. RNA-Seq reveals 10 novel promising candidate genes affecting milk protein concentration in the Chinese Holstein population. Scientific Reports, 2016,6:26813.
[11] Cong Li, Fernanda Batistel, Johan Samir Osorio, James K.Drackley, Daniel Luchini, Juan J.Loor*. Peripartal rumen-protected methionine supplementation to higher energy diets elicits positive effects on blood neutrophil gene networks, performance and liver lipid content in dairy cows. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 2016, 7:18.
[12] Cong Li, Dongxiao Sun*, Shengli Zhang*, Shaohua Yang, MA.Alim, Qin Zhang, Yanhua Li, Lin Liu. Genetic effects of FASN, PPARGC1A, ABCG2 and IGF1 revealing the association with milk fatty acids in a Chinese Holstein cattle population based on a post genome-wide association study. BMC Genetics, 2016, 17:110.
[13] Cong Li, Dongxiao Sun*, Shengli Zhang, Lin Liu, MA Alim, Qin Zhang. A post-GWAS confirming the SCD gene associated with milk medium- and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in Chinese Holstein population. Animal Genetics, 2016, 47(4): 483-490.
[14] Cong Li, Dongxiao Sun*, Shengli Zhang, Sheng Wang, Xiaoping Wu, Qin Zhang, Lin Liu, Yanhua Li, Lv Qiao. Genome wide association study identifies 20 novel promising genes associated with milk fatty acid traits in Chinese Holstein. Plos One, 2014, 9(5), e96186.
[15] Fuhong Zhang,Jun Luo, Chenbo Shi, Lu Zhu, Qiuya He, Huibin Tian, Jiao Wu, Jianqing Zhao, Cong Li*. Genome-wide analysis of Acyl-coenzyme A Synthetase(ACS) family and their association with the formation of goat milk flavour. Frontiers in Genetics, 2022,13:980463.
[16] MA Alim, Peng Wang, Xiaoping Wu, Cong Li, Xiaogang Cui, Shengli Zhang, Qin Zhang, Yuan Zhang, Dongxiao Sun*. Effect of FASN gene on milk yield and milk composition in the Chinese Holstein dairy population. Animal Genetics, 2014,45(1):111-113.
[17] Yipeng Fan, Peng Wang, Weixuan Fu, Tian Dong, Chao Qi, Lin Liu, Gang Guo, Cong Li, Xiaogang Cui, Shengli Zhang, Qin Zhang, Yi Zhang*, Dongxiao Sun*. Genome-wide association study for pigmentation traits in Chinese Holstein population. Animal Genetics, 2014, 45(5):740-744.
[18] Shaohua Yang, Cong Li, Yan Xie, Xiaogang Cui, Xiujin Li, Julong Wei, Yi Zhang, Ying Yu, Yachun Wang, Shengli Zhang, Qin Zhang, Dongxiao Sun*. Detection of functional polymorphisms influencing the promoter activity of the SAA2 gene and their association with milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cows. Animal Genetics, 2015, 46(6):591-598.
[19] Shaohua Yang, Xiaojun Bi, Yan Xie, Cong Li, Shengli Zhang, Qin Zhang, Dongxiao Sun*. Validation of PDE9A gene identified in GWAS showing strong association with milk production traits in Chinese Holstein. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2015, 16(11):26530-26542.
[20] Johan Samir Osorio, Erminio Trevisi, Cong Li, James K.Drackley, Michael Socha, Juan J.Loor*. Supplementing Zn, Mn, and Cu from amino acid complexes and Co from Co glucoheptonate during the peripartal period benefits postpartal cow performance and blood neutrophil function. Journal of Dairy Science, 2015, 99(3):1868-1883.
[21] Xiujin Li, Albert Buitenhuis, Mogens Lund, Cong Li, Dongxiao Sun, Qin Zhang, Nina Poulsen, Guosheng Su*. Joint genome-wide association study for milk fatty acid traits in Chinese and Danish Holstein populations. Journal of Dairy Science, 2015, 98(11):8152-8163.
[22] Fernanda Batistel,Johan S. Osorio,Muhammad Rizwan Tariq,Cong Li,Jessica Caputo,Michael T. Socha,Juan J. Loor*. Peripheral leukocyte and endometrium molecular biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress are altered in peripartal dairy cows supplemented with Zn, Mn, and Cu from amino acid complexes and Co from Co glucoheptonate. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 2017, 8:33.
[23] Shuli Liu, Hongwei Yin, Cong Li, Chunhua Qin, Wentao Cai, Mingyue Cao, Shengli Zhang*. Genetic effects of PDGFRB and MARCH1 identified in GWAS revealing strong associations with semen production traits in Chinese Holstein bulls. BMC Genetics, 2017,18(1):63.
[24] Huaiping Shi, Tianying Zhang, Cong Li, Jianjue Wang, Jiangtao Huang, Zhongyang Li. trans-10,cis-12-conjugated linoleic acid affects expression of lipogenic genes in mammary glands of lactating dairy goats. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2017, 65(43)：9460-9467.
[25] Shuang Sun, Cong Li, Shimin Liu, Jun Luo*, Zhi Chen, Changhui Zhang, Tianying Zhang, Jiangtao Huang, Limeng Xi. RNA sequencing and differential expression reveals the effects of serial oestrus synchronisation on ovarian genes in dairy goats. Reproduction Fertility and Development. 2018,30,1622-1633.
[26] Chenghao Zhou, Cong Li, Wentao Cai, Hongwei Yin, Shuli Liu, Shaolei Shi, Qin Zhang, Shengli Zhang*. Genome-Wide Association Study for Milk Protein Composition Traits in a Chinese Holstein Population Using a Single-Step Approach. Frontiers in Genetics, 2019, 10:72.
[27] Chenghao Zhou,Dan Shen, Cong Li, Wentao Cai, Shuli Liu, Hongwei Yin, Shaolei Shi, Mingyue Cao, Shengli Zhang*. Comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identify key genes associated with milk fat traits in Chinese Holstein cows. Frontiers in Genetics, 2019, 10:672.
[28] Lijun Shi, Bo Han, Lin Liu, Xiaoqing Lv, Zhu Ma, Cong Li, Lingna Xu, Yanhua Li, Feng Zhao, Yuze Yang, Dongxiao Sun *. Determination of genetic effects of LIPK and LIPJ genes on milk fatty acids in dairy cattle. Genes, 2019,10(2)pii: E86.
[29] Lijun Shi, Lin Liu, Zhu Ma, Xiaoqing Lv, Cong Li, Lingna Xu, Bo Han, Yanhua Li, Feng Zhao, Yuze Yang, Dongxiao Sun*. Identification of genetic associations of ECHS1 and EHHADH genes on milk fatty acid traits in dairy cattle. Animal Genetics, 2019, 50(5):430-438.
[30] Shuang Sun, Shimin Liu, Jun Luo*, Zhi Chen, Yang Yang, Huaiping Shi, Cong Li, Jianing Luo. Effects of repeated exposure to an estrus synchronization protocol on reproductive parameters in dairy goats. Canadian Journal of Animal Science, 2019,99(3):489-496.
[31] Shuang Sun, Shimin Liu, Jun Luo*, Zhi Chen, Cong Li, Juan J.Loor, Yanhong Cao. Repeated pregnant mare serum gonadotropin-mediated estrus synchronization alters gene expression in the ovaries and reduces reproductive performance in dairy goats. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2019, 54:873-881.
[32] Huibin Tian, Jun Luo*, Hengbo Shi, Xiaoying Chen, Jiao Wu, Yusheng Liang, Cong Li, Juan J. Loor*. Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α on the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids in goat mammary epithelial cells. Journal of Animal Science, 2020, 98(3):skaa062.
[33] Ning Song, Yating Chen, Jun Luo*, Lian Huang, Huibin Tian, Cong Li, Juan J.Loor*. Negative regulation of αS1-casein (CSN1S1) improves β-caseincontent and reduces allergy potential in goat milk. Journal of Dairy Science, 2020, 103(10):9561-9572.
[34] Lijun Shi, Lin Liu, Xiaoqing Lv, Zhu Ma, Cong Li, Yanhua Li, Feng Zhao, Dongxiao Sun, Bo Han*. Identification of genetic effects and potential causal polymorphismsof CPM gene impacting milk fatty acid traits in Chinese Holstein. Animal Genetics, 2020,54(4):491-501.
[35] Wentao Cai, Cong Li, Junya Li, Jiuzhou Song, Shengli Zhang*. Integrated Small RNA Sequencing, Transcriptome and GWAS Data Reveal microRNA Regulation in Response to Milk Protein Traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle. Frontiers in Genetics, 2021,12:726706.
[36] Huibin Tian, Huimin Niu, Jun Luo, Weiwei Yao, Xiaoying Chen, Jiao Wu, Yanan Geng, Wenchang Gao, Anmin Lei, Zhimin Gao, Xiue Tian, Xiaoe Zhao, Huaiping Shi, Cong Li, Jinlian Hua. Knockout of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 Decreased Milk Fat and Unsaturated Fatty Acid Contents of the Goat Model Generated by CRISPR/Cas9. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2022,70(13):4030-4043.
[37] Huanshan He,Xiang Li, Jianing Shen, Shuying Bai, Cong Li, Huaiping Shi*. Bisphenol A exposure causes testicular toxicity by targeting DPY30--mediated post-translational modification of PI3K/AKT signaling in mice. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2022,243:113996.
[38] Huimin Niu, Anmin Lei, Huibin Tian, Weiwei Yao, Ying Liu, Cong Li, Xuetong An, Xiaoying Chen, Zhifei Zhang, Jiao Wu, Min Yang, Jiangtao Huang, Fei Cheng, Jianqing Zhao, Jinlian Hua, Shimin Liu, Jun Luo*. Scd1 Deficiency in Early Embryos Affects Blastocyst ICM Formation through RPs-Mdm2-p53 Pathway. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023,24(2):1750.
[39] Jiao Wu, Jun Luo*, Yingying Xia, Xuetong An, Peng Guo, Qiuya He, Huibin Tian, Qingyong Hu, Cong Li, Hui Wang. Goat FADS2 controlling fatty acid metabolism is directly regulated by SREBP1 in mammary epithelial cells. Journal of Animal Science, 2023, skad030.
[40] Jiao Wu, Jun Luo*, Qiuya He, Yingying Xia, Huibin Tian, Lu Zhu, Cong Li, Juan J Loor*. Docosahexaenoic Acid Alters Lipid Metabolism Processes via H3K9ac Epigenetic Modification in Dairy Goat. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2023, 71(22):8527-8539.
[41] Sitian Yang, Yu Wang, Xiang Cao,Cong Li* and Zhi Chen*. Genetics and production of safe, high-quality milk by dairy cattle. Agriculture, 2023,13.
HONORS and AWARDS
[1] 2020.12 First Prize of the 15th Teaching Competition for Young Teachers, Northwest A&F University, China
[2] 2020.10 Outstanding Paper Award of the 9th China Animal Husbandry Science and Technology Forum, China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medical Association
[3]2020.10 Lecturer of Excellent Online Teaching Course, Northwest A&F University, China
[4]2020.06 Supervisor of "One Hundred Outstanding Theses (Designs) for undergraduates", Northwest A&F University, China
[5] 2018.10 Nomination Award for Outstanding Thesis of "Dabeinong Young Scholars" in the 8th China Animal Husbandry Science and Technology Forum, China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Association
