Professor Zong-Wan Mao

Prof. Zong-Wan Mao earned his Bachelor’s degree at Sichuan University in 1982, and received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Nanjing University under the supervision of Prof. Wen-Xia Tang in 1991 and 1994, respectively. Then he joined Prof. Liang-Nian Ji’s group as a postdoctoral fellow at Sun Yat-Sen University. Two years later he received an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, and studied with Prof. Rudi van Eldik at University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany. He was appointed as an associate professor at Sun Yat-Sen University in 1999, and was promoted to full professor in 2004. He is also the fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC). He has published more than 260 papers in Nat. Chem. Bio., Nat. Commun., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., Chem. Soc. Rev. and so on (H-index = 68). His current research interests include chemical biology and metal theranostics, molecular probes and biological imaging, metal coordination and nucleic acid chemistry, metal ions in cells and metalloenzyme chemistry.

 

Selected publication since 2020:

  1. K. Lu, B. Luo, X. Tao, Y. Luo, M. Ao, B. Zheng, X. Xu, X. Ma, J. Niu, H. Li, Y. Xie, Z. Zhao, P. Zheng, G. Wang, S. Gao, C. Wang, W. Xia*, Z. Su*, Z.-W. Mao*. Complex structure and activation mechanism of arginine kinase McsB by McsA. Nat. Chem. Bio. 2024, accepted. DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01720-3.
  2. Y.-L- Zeng, L.-Y. Liu*, T.-Z. Ma, Y. Liu, B. Liu, W. Liu, Q.-H. Shen, C. Wu, Z.-W. Mao*. Iridium (III) Photosensitizers Induce Simultaneous Pyroptosis and Ferroptosis for Multi‐Network Synergistic Tumor Immunotherapy. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024,63, e202410803. DOI: 10.1002/ange.202410803.
  3. B Liu, B.-B. Liang, W.-D. Cao, X.-X. Su, Q. Cao*, Z.-W. Mao*. Platinum‐Metformin Conjugates Acting as Promising PD‐L1 Inhibitors through the AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase Mediated Lysosomal Degradation Pathway, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.2024, 63, e202410586.DOI: 10.1002/ange.202410586.
  4. W Liu, B.-C. Zhu, L.-Y. Liu, X.-Y. Xia, J. Jang, J. Dickerhoff, D. Yang*, Z.-W. Mao*. Solution structures and effects of a platinum compound successively bound MYC G-quadruplex. Nucleic Acids Res. 2024, 52, 9397. DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae649.
  5. T.-Z. Ma, L.-Y. Liu, Y.-L. Zeng, K. Ding, H. Zhang, W. Liu*, Q. Cao, W. Xia, X. Xiong*, C. Wu*, Z.-W. Mao*. G-quadruplex-guided cisplatin triggers multiple pathways in targeted chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 9756. DOI: 10.1039/D4SC00643G.
  6. M. Lv, C. Wu*, H.-K. Liu*, X Xue*, Z.-W. Mao*. Ruthenium(ii)–Arene Complex Triggers Immunogenic Ferroptosis for Reversing Drug Resistance. J. Med. Chem. 2024, accepted. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01467.
  7. Y. Li*, B. Liu, Y. Zheng, M. Hu, L.-Y. Liu, C.-R. Li, W. Zhang*, Y.-X. Lai*, Z.-W. Mao*. Photoinduction of Ferroptosis and cGAS-STING Activation by a H2S-Responsive Iridium(III) Complex for Cancer-Specific Therapy. J. Med. Chem. 2024, 67, 18, 16235-16247
  8. W.-J. Wang#, Y.-Y. Ling#, Y. Shi#, X.-W. Wu, X. Su, Z.-Q. Li*, Z.-W. Mao*, C.-P. Tan*. Identification of mitochondrial ATP synthase as the cellular target of Ru-polypyridyl-β-carboline complexes by affinity-based protein profiling. Natl. Sci. Rev. 2024, 11, nwae234
  9. Q. Chen#, L.-Y. Liu#, Z. Tian#, Z. Fang#, K.-N. Wang, X. Shao, C. Zhang, W. Zou, F. Rowan, K. Qiu, B. Ji, J.-L. Guan, D. Li, Z.W. Mao*, J. Diao*. Mitochondrial nucleoid condensates drive peripheral fission through high membrane curvature. Cell Rep. 2023, 42(12), 113472. DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113472.
  10. Y. Ai, Z. Zhang, Y. Fei, R. Ye, A.S.Y. Law, Z.-W. Mao*, J. Liu*, Y. Li*, VW.W. Yam*. Rational design of platinum(II) complexes with orthogonally oriented triazolyl ligand with emission enhancement characteristics for cancer chemotherapy in vivo. Sci. China Chem. 2023, 66, 2878. DOI: 10.1007/s11426-023-1702-x.
  11. M. Lv#, Y. Zheng#, J. Wu, Z. Shen, B. Guo, G. Hu, Y. Huang, J. Zhao, Y. Qian, Z. Su, C. Wu*, X. Xue*, H.-K. Liu*, Z.W. Mao*. Evoking Ferroptosis by Synergistic Enhancement of a Cyclopentadienyl Iridium-Betulin Immune Agonist. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62(48), e202312897. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202312897. 
  12. B.-B. Liang#, Q. Liu#, B. Liu, H.-G. Yao, J. He, C.-F. Tang, K. Peng, X.-X. Su, Y. Zheng, J.-Y. Ding, J. Shen*, Q. Cao*, Z.W. Mao*. A Golgi-Targeted Platinum Complex Plays a Dual Role in Autophagy Regulation for Highly Efficient Cancer Therapy. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62(44), e202312170. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202312170. 
  13. W. Lin#, Y. Liu#, J. Wang, Z. Zhao, K. Lu, H. Meng, R. Luoliu, X. He, J. Shen*, Z.W. Mao*, W. Xia*. Engineered Bacteria Labeled with Iridium(III) Photosensitizers for Enhanced Photodynamic Immunotherapy of Solid Tumors. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62(43), e202310158. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310158. 
  14. L.-Y. Liu#, T.-Z. Ma, Y.-L. Zeng, W. Liu, H. Zhang, Z.W. Mao*. Organic-Platinum Hybrids for Covalent Binding of G-Quadruplexes: Structural Basis and Application to Cancer Immunotherapy. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62(36), e202305645. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202305645.
  15. Z. Zhao#, X. Wang#, J. Wang#, Y. Li#, W. Lin, K. Lu, J. Chen, W. Xia*, Z.-W. Mao*. A nanobody–bioorthogonal catalyst conjugate triggers spatially confined prodrug activation for combinational chemo-immunotherapy. J. Med. Chem. 2023, 66, 11951-11964
  16. Y. Zheng#, X.-X. Chen#, D.-Y. Zhang, W.-J. Wang, K. Peng, Z.-Y. Li, Z.W. Mao*, C.-P. Tan*. Activation of the cGAS-STING pathway by a mitochondrial DNA-targeted emissive rhodium(iii) metallointercalator. Chem. Sci. 2023, 14(25), 6890-6903. DOI: 10.1039/d3sc01737k.
  17. W.-J. Wang#, C.-P. Tan*, Z.W. Mao*. Metals and inorganic molecules in regulating protein and nucleic acid phase separation. Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 2023, 74, 102308. DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102308.
  18. K. Peng#, Y. Zheng#, W. Xia*, Z.W. Mao. Organometallic Anti-tumor Agents: Targeting from Biomolecules to Dynamic Bioprocesses. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2023,52, 2790-2832. DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00757f.
  19. X. Su, B. Liu, W. J. Wang, K. Peng, B.B. Liang, Y. Zheng, Q. Cao*, Z.W. Mao*. Disruption of Zinc Homeostasis by a Novel Platinum(IV)-Terthiophene Complex for Antitumor Immunity. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202216917. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216917.
  20. L.Y. Liu, T.Z. Ma, Y.L. Zeng, W. Liu*, Z.W. Mao*. Structural Basis of Pyridostatin and Its Derivatives Specifically Binding to G-Quadruplexes. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2022, 144, 11878-11887. DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c04775.
  21. Z. Zhao, X. Tao, Y. Xie, Q. Lai, Y. Zheng, W. Lin, K. Lu, J. Wang, W. Xia*, Z.W. Mao*, In Situ Prodrug Activation by an Affibody-ruthenium Catalyst Hybrid for HER2-targeted Chemotherapy. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202202855. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202202855.
  22. W.J. Wang, Y.Y. Ling, Y.M. Zhong, Z.Y. Li, C.P. Tan*, Z.W. Mao*. Ferroptosis-enhanced Cancer Immunity by a Ferrocene-appended Iridium(III) Diphosphine Complex. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, e202115247. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202115247.
  23. X. Su, W.J. Wang, Q. Cao*, H. Zhang, B. Liu, Y. Ling, X. Zhou, Z.W. Mao*. A Carbonic Anhydrase IX(CAIX)-Anchored Rhenium(I) Photosensitizer Evokes Pyroptosis for Enhanced Anti-tumor Immunity. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202115800. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202115800.
  24. Y.Y. Ling, X.Y. Xia, L. Hao, W.J. Wang, H. Zhang, L.Y. Liu, W. Liu, Z.Y. Li, C.P. Tan*, Z.W. Mao*. Simultaneous Photoactivation of cGAS‐STING Pathway and Pyroptosis by Pt(II)-triphenylamine Complexes for Cancer Immunotherapy. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, e202210988. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202210988.
  25. K.N. Wang, L.Y. Liu, D. Mao, M.X. Hou, C.P. Tan, Z.W. Mao*, B. Liu*. A Nuclear-Targeted AIE Photosensitizer for Enzyme Inhibition and Photosensitization in Cancer Cell Ablation. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202114600. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202114600.
  26. B.C. Zhu, J. He, X.Y. Xia, J. Jiang, W. Liu, L.Y. Liu, B.B. Liang, H.G. Yao, Z. Ke*, W. Xia*, Z.W. Mao*. Solution Structure of a Thrombin Binding Aptamer Complex with a Non-planar Platinum(II) Compound. Chem. Sci. 2022, 13, 8371-8379. DOI: 10.1039/D2SC01196D.
  27. G.G. Yang, X.X. Su, B.B. Liang, Z.Y. Pan, Q. Cao*. Z.W. Mao*. Platinum-Ruthenium Hybrid Prodrug with Multi-enzymatic Activities for Chemo-catalytic Therapy of Hypoxic Tumors. Chem. Sci. 2022, 13, 11360-11367. DOI: 10.1039/D2SC03375E.
  28. L. Hao, Y.Y. Ling, Z.X. Huang, Z.Y. Pan, C.P. Tan*, Z.W. Mao*. Real-time Tracking of ER Turnover during ERLAD by a Rhenium Complex via Lifetime Imaging. Natl. Sci. Rev. 2022, 9, nwab194. DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwab194/6413567.
  29. W.J. Wang, X. Mu, C.P. Tan*, Y.J. Wang, Y. Zhang*, G. Li*, Z.W. Mao*. Induction and Monitoring of DNA Phase Separation in Living Cells by a Light-Switching Ruthenium Complex. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 11370-11381. DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c01424.
  30. B.C. Zhu, J. He, W. Liu*, X.Y. Xia, L.Y. Liu, B.B. Liang, H.G. Yao, B. Liu, L.N. Ji, Z.W. Mao*. Selectivity and Targeting of G-quadruplex Binders Activated by Adaptive Binding and Controlled by Chemical Kinetics. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 15340-15343. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202104624.
  31. L.Y. Liu, K.N. Wang, W. Liu*, Y.L. Zeng, M.X. Hou, J. Yang, Z.W. Mao*. Spatial Matching Selectivity and Solution Structure of Organic-Metal Hybrid to Quadruplex-Duplex Hybrid. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 20833-20839. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202106256.
  32. K. Peng, B.B. Liang, W. Liu, Z.W. Mao*. What Blocks More Anticancer Platinum Complexes From Experiment to Clinic: Major Problems and Potential Strategies from Drug Design Perspectives. Coord. Chem. Rev. 2021, 449, 214210. DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214210.
  33. X. Tao, L. Zhang, L. Du, R. Liao, H. Cai, K. Lu, Z. Zhao, Y. Xie, P.H. Wang, J.A. Pan, Y. Zhang, G. Li, J. Dai, Z.W. Mao*, W. Xia*. Allosteric Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CL Protease by Colloidal Bismuth Subcitrate. Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 14098-14102. DOI: 10.1039/D1SC03526F.
  34. C.P. Tan*, Y.M. Zhong, L.N. Ji, Z.W. Mao*, Phosphorescent metal complexes as theranostic anticancer agents: combining imaging and therapy in a single molecule. Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 2357-2367. DOI: 10.1039/d0sc06885c.
  35. K.N. Wang, X. Shao, Z. Tian, L.Y. Liu, C. Zhang, C.P. Tan, J. Zhang, P. Ling, F. Liu, Q. Chen, J. Diao*, Z.W. Mao*. A Continuous Add-on Probe Reveals the Nonlinear Enlargement of Mitochondria in Light-Activated Oncosis. Adv. Sci. 2021, 8, 2004566. DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004566. 
  36. Y. Zheng, Y. Ling, D.Y. Zhang, C.P. Tan*, H. Zhang, G.G. Yang, H. Wang, L.N. Ji, Z.W. Mao*. Regulating Tumor N6-methyladenosine Methylation Landscape Using Hypoxia-Modulating OsSx Nanoparticles. Small, 2021, 17(1), 2005086. DOI: 10.1002/smll.202005086.
  37. F.X. Wang, J.W. Liu, X.Q. Hong, C.P. Tan, L. Zhang*, W.H. Chen*, P. Sadler*, Z.W. Mao*. Anion-responsive Manganese Porphyrin Facilitates Chloride Transport and Induces Immunogenic Cell Death. CCS Chem. 2021, 3, 2527-2537. DOI:10.31635/ccschem. 021.202101212.
  38. Q. Cao, D.J. Zhou, Z.Y. Pan, G.G. Yang, H. Zhang, L.N. Ji, Z.W. Mao*. CAIXplatins: Highly Potent Platinum(IV) Prodrugs Selective Against Carbonic Anhydrase IX for the Treatment of Hypoxic Tumors, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59,18556−18562. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202005362.
  39. L.Y. Liu, H. Fang, Q. Chen, M.H. Chan, M. Ng, K.N. Wang, W. Liu, Z. Tian, J. Diao*, Z.W. Mao*, V.W. Yam*. Multiple-color Platinum Complex with Super-large Stokes Shift for Super-resolution Imaging of Autolysosome Escape, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59, 19229−19236. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202007878.
  40. L.Y. Liu, W. Liu, K.N. Wang, B.C. Zhu, X.Y. Xia, L.N. Ji, Z.W. Mao*, Quantitative Detection of G-Quadruplex DNA in Live Cells Based on Photon Counts and Complex Structure Discrimination. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59, 9719−9726. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202002422.
  41. Z.Y. Pan, C.P. Tan*, L.S. Rao, H. Z., Y. Zheng, L. Hao, L.N. Ji, Z.W. Mao*, Recoding the Cancer Epigenome by Intervening in Metabolism and Iron Homeostasis with Mitochondria-Targeted Rhenium(I) Complexes, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2020,59, 2−10. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202008624.
  42. J.H. Liang, Y. Zheng, X.W. Wu, C.P. Tan*, L.N. Ji, Z.W. Mao*. A Tailored Multifunctional Anticancer Nanodelivery System for Ruthenium-based Photosensitizers: Tumor Microenvironment Adaption and Remodeling. Adv. Sci. 2020, 7, 1901992. DOI: 10.1002/advs.201901992.

 

Contact address:

Zong-Wan Mao, Professor

School of Chemistry

Sun Yat-Sen University

Guangzhou 510006, China

Tel: +86 20 3106 8337

E-mail: cesmzw@mail.sysu.edu.cn    

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