Chengcai Chu
Title：Professor
Address: Room 112, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou
Contact Tel: 020-85280967
Email: ccchu@scau.edu.cn
RESEARCH INTEREST
Chu’s Lab mainly focuses on dissecting the molecular mechanisms of nutrient sensing, utilization, the interplay among different nutrients, and also their impact on nutrient use efficiency of plants.
EDUCATION
1982.09-1986.06 Bachelor Degree, Anhui Normal University
1986.09-1989.07 Master Degree, Henan Normal University
1993.05-1996.12 Ph.D. Degree, Martin-Luther University
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
1989.07-1993.04 Department of Biology, Henan Normal University, Xingxiang, China
1997.01-1998.12 Postdoc, Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Germany
1999.01-2021.10 Senior researcher, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
2021.11- now Professor, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
AWARDS AND HONORS
1999 Hundred Talent Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences
2004 Young Talented Career Award, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China
2008 National Outstanding Young Scientist of National Natural Science Foundation of China
2016 National Outstanding Scientist of China
2017 National Innovation Team for Key Fields by Ministry of Science and Technology of China
2018 National high-level personnel of special support program (“Ten thousand people plan“)
2022 Excellent Mentor of Chinese Academy of Sciences
2019-2024 Highly Cited Researchers 2024 of Clarivate Analytics
2025 Guangdong Provincial Model Worker
PUBLICATIONS
1.Wang X#, Liu Y#, Li W#, Ma X, Wang W, Jiang Z, Wang Y, Li L*, Hu B*, Chu C* (2025) OsNRT1.1B-OsCNGC14/16-Ca2+-OsNLP3 pathway: Phosphorylation-mediated maintenance of nitrogen homeostasis. Advanced Science. e07919.
2.Ma X#, Wang W#, Zhang J#, Jiang Z#, Xu C#, Zhu W, Shi B, Yang W, Su H, Wang X, Chen D, Wang Y, Wang J, Wang J, Liu X, Wang X, Huang X, Xie W, Cai Y, Xu K, Xin P, Liu L, Lü P, Wang Y, Chu J, Gong X,* Chu C,* and Hu B* (2025) NRT1.1B acts as an abscisic acid receptor in integrating compound environmental cues for plants. Cell. 188: 5231-5248.
3.Liu Y#, Wang Y#, Yuan H, Gao X, Luo X, Liu R, Lei S, Hao M, Wang Z, Yu F, Wang X, Hu B*, Chu C*, and Zhang L.*(2025) Boosting selenium accumulation in rice grains by enhancing NRT1.1B-mediated MeSeCys translocation.Plant Communications. doi: 10.1016/j.xplc.2025.101412.
1.Guan C#, Zhang D#, and Chu C* (2025) The interplay of light and nitrogen in plant growth and development. Crop Journal 13: 641-655.
2.Zhang J#, Liu F#, Kuang Y, Luo M, Chu C,* and Xu F*. (2025) The fourth exon confers antagonistic activity of OsMFT1 and OsMFT2 in rice pre-harvest sprouting. Crop Journal. 13(1), 135-144.
1.Zhang J#, Wang B#, Xu H#, Liu W#, Yu J#, Wang Q#, Yu H#, Wei JW#, Dai R, Zhou J, He Y, Zou D, Yang J, Ban X, Hu Q, Meng X, Liu YX, Wang B, Hu B, Wang M, Xin P, Chu J, Li C, Garrido-Oter R, Yu P, van Dijk ADJ, Dong L, Bouwmeester H, Gao S*, Huang A*, Chu C*, Li J*, Bai Y*. (2025) Root microbiota regulates tiller number in rice. Cell. 188(12): 3152-3166.
2.Sun H and Chu C* (2025) Novel insights into strigolactone perception. Trends in Plant Science. 30(6): 588-590.
3.Yin W, Dong N, Lu Z, Zhou W, Chu C*, and Tong H* (2025) Understanding brassinosteroid-centric phytohormone interactions for crop improvement.Journal of Integrative Plant Biology.67(3): 563-581.
4.Liu X, Huang K, and Chu C* (2025) The genetic basis of nitrogen-dependent root system architecture in plants. Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering. 12(1): 3-15.
5.Zhang Y*, Wang N, and Chu C* (2025) Optimizing plant growth in suboptimal environments: Deciphering the TOR-mediated root plasticity. The Innovation. 6(2): 100762.
6.Zhang G, Wang H, Ren X, Xiao Y, Liu D, Meng W, Qiu Y, Hu B, Xie Q, Chu C*, and Tong H.* (2024) Brassinosteroid-dependent phosphorylation of PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE2 reduces its DNA-binding ability in rice.Plant Cell. 36(6): 2253-2271.
7.Liu X, Huang K, and Chu C* (2024) reduced internode 1 shortens internode length while increasing soybean yield. Plant Communications. 5(2): 100781.
8.Sun H, Wang H, andChu C*(2024) Strigolactone regulates nitrogen-phosphorus balance in rice. Science China - Life Sciences. 67(2): 428-430.
9.Yan Y#, Zhang Z#, Sun H, Liu X, Xie J, Qiu Y, Chai T*, Chu C*, and Hu B* (2023) Nitrate confers rice adaptation to high ammonium by suppressing its uptake but promoting its assimilation. Molecular Plant. 16: 1871-1874.
10.Tong H* and Chu C* (2023) Coordinating gibberellin and brassinosteroid signaling beyond Green Revolution. Journal of Genetics and Genomics. 50(7): 459-461.
11.Zhang G, Liu Y, Xie Q, Tong H*, and Chu C* (2023) Crosstalk between brassinosteroid signaling and variable nutrient environments. Science China Life Science. 66(6): 1231-1244.
12.Chen Z#, Bu Q#, Liu G#, Wang M, Wang H, Liu H, Li X, Li H, Fang J, Liang Y, Teng Z, Kang S, Yu H, Cheng Z, Xue Y, Liang C, Tang J*, Li J*, and Chu C* (2023) Genomic decoding of breeding history to guide breeding-by-design in rice. National Science Review 10(5): nwad029.
13.Jin J*, Xiong L, Gray JE, Hu B, and Chu C* (2023) Two awn development-related peptides, GAD1 and OsEPFL2, promote seed dispersal and germination in rice. Molecular Plant. 16(3): 485-488.
14.Liu Y and Chu C* (2023) Improving maize seed protein content and nitrogen use efficiency by a teosinte asparagine synthetase. Molecular Plant. 16(3): 497-499.
15.Hu B*, Wang W, Chen J, Liu Y, and Chu C* (2023) Genetic improvements toward nitrogen-use efficiency in rice: lessons and perspectives. Molecular Plant 16(1): 64-74.
16.Wang W, Zhang D, and Chu C* (2023) OsDREB1C, an integrator for photosynthesis, nitrogen use efficiency, and early flowering. Science China - Life Sciences. 66(1): 191-193.
17.Ma B, Ma T, Xian W, Hu B, and Chu C* (2023) Interplay between ethylene and nitrogen nutrition: how ethylene orchestrates nitrogen responses in plants. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology. 65(2): 399-407.
18.Wang Y#, Teng Z#, Li H#, Wang W, Xu F, Sun K, Chu J, Qian Y, Loake GJ, Chu C*, and Tang J* (2023)An activated form of NB-ARC protein RLS1 functions with cysteine-rich receptor-like protein RMC to trigger cell death in rice. Plant Communications.6: 100459.
19.Liu D, Zhang X, Li Q, Xiao Y, Zhang G, Yin W, Niu M, Meng W, Dong N, Liu J, Yang Y, Xie Q, Chu C*, and Tong H* (2022) The U-box ubiquitin ligase TUD1 promotes brassinosteroid-induced GSK2 degradation in rice. Plant Communications. 3: 100450.
20.Liu Y, Hu B*, and Chu C* (2022) Toward improving nitrogen use efficiency in rice: utilization, coordination, and availability. Current Opinion in Plant Biology. 71: 102327.
21.Xu F#, Tang J#, Wang S#, Cheng X#, Wang H, Ou S, Gao S, Li B, Qian Y, Gao C*, andChu C* (2022) Antagonistic control of rice seed dormancy by two bHLH transcription factors. Nature Genetics. 54: 1972-1982.
22.Zhang L* and Chu C* (2022) Selenium uptake, transport, metabolism, and biofortification in rice. Rice. 15(1): 30.
23.Che R, Hu B, Wang W, Xiao Y, Liu D, Yin W, Tong H*, and Chu C* (2022) POLLEN STERILITY, a novel suppressor of cell division, is required for timely tapetal programmed cell death in rice. Science China – Life Sciences. 65(6): 1235-1247.
24.Tian X, Xia X, Xu D, Liu Y, Xie L, Hassan MA, Song J, Li F, Wang D, Zhang Y, Hao Y, Li G, Chu C*, He Z*, Cao S*(2022) Rht24b, an ancient variation of TaGA2ox-A9, reduces plant height without yield penalty in wheat. New Phytologist.233(2): 738-750.
25.Abid A, Wei X, Meng Z, Wang Y, Ye L, Wang Y, He H, Zhou Q, Li Y, Wang P, Li X, Yan L, Malik W, Guo S, Chu C*, Zhang R* and Liang C* (2022) Increasing floral visitation and hybrid seed yield mediated by beauty markin Gossypium hirsutum. Plant Biotechnology Journal.20(7): 1274-1284.
26.Liu X, Hu B, Chu C (2022) Nitrogen assimilation in plants: Current status and future prospects. Journal of Genetics and Genomics. 49(5): 394-404.
27.Liu D#, Zhao H#, Xiao Y, Zhang G, Cao S, Yin W, Qian Y, Yin Y, Zhang J, Chen S, Chu C*, and Tong H* (2022) A cryptic inhibitor of cytokinin phosphorelay controls grain size. Molecular Plant. 15(2): 293-307.
28.Liu D#, Yu Z#, Zhang G#, Yin W, Li L, Niu M, Meng W, Zhang X, Dong N, Liu J, Yang Z, Wang S, Chu C*, and Tong H* (2021)Diversification of plant agronomic traits by genome editing of brassinosteroid signaling family genes in rice. Plant Physiology.187(4): 2563-2576.
29.Chu C (2021)Editorial Feature: Meet the PCP Editor - Chengcai Chu. Plant and Cell Physiology. 62(6): 923-925.
30.Xu Y, Chu C*, and Yao S* (2021) The impact of high-temperature stress on rice: Challenges and solutions. Crop Journal. 9: 963-976.
31.Wang W, Zhang Z, Li A, and Chu C* (2021) Posttranslational modifications: regulation of nitrogen utilization and signaling. Plant and Cell Physiology. 62(4): 543-552.(Invited Review)
32.Sun C*#, Zhang K#, Zhou Y#, Xiang L, He C, Zhong C, Li K, Wang Q#, Yang C#, Wang Q, Chen C, Chen D, Wang Y, Liu C, Yang B, Wu H, Chen X, Li W, Wang J, Xu P, Wang P, Fang J, Chu C*, and Deng X* (2021) Dual function of clock component OsLHY sets critical day length for photoperiodic flowering in rice. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 19: 1644-1657. [高被引论文]
33.Li Q, Xu F, Chen Z, Teng Z, Sun K, Li X, Yu J, Zhang G, Liang Y, Huang X, Du L, Qian Y, Wang Y, Chu C*, and Tang J* (2021) Synergistic interplay of ABA and BR signal in regulating plant growth and adaptation. Nature Plants. 7: 1108–1118.
34.Yu Y#, Yu J#, Wang Q#, Wang J, Zhao G, Wu H, Zhu Y, Chu C*, and Fang J* (2021) Overexpression of the rice ORANGE gene, OsOR, negatively regulates carotenoid accumulation and leads to higher tiller numbers and decreases stress tolerance in Nipponbare rice.Plant Science.310: 110962.
35.Li G, Tang J, Zheng J*, and Chu C* (2021) Exploration of rice yield potential: Decoding agronomic and physiological traits. Crop J. 9(3): 577-589.
36.Wang X#, Feng C#, Tian L#, Hou C, Tian W, Hu B, Zhang Q, Ren Z, Niu Q, Song J, Kong D, Liu L, He Y, Ma L, Chu C*, Luan S*, Li L* (2021) A transceptor-channel complex couples nitrate sensing to calcium signaling in Arabidopsis. Mol. Plant. 14(5): 774-786.
37.Li A, Hu B, and Chu C* (2021) Epigenetic regulation of nitrogen and phosphorus responses in plants. J. Plant Physiol.258-259: 153363.
38.Liu Y#, Wang H#, Jiang Z, Wang W, Xu R, Wang Q, Zhang Z, Li A, Liang Y, Ou S, Liu X, Cao S, Tong H, Wang Y, Zhou F, Liao H, Hu B*, and Chu C* (2021) Genomic basis of geographical adaptation to soil nitrogen in rice. Nature 590: 600-605.
39.Zhang Z#, Li Z#, Wang W, Jiang Z, Guo L, Wang X, Qian Y, Huang X, Liu Y, Liu X, Qiu Y, Li A, Yan Y, Xie J, Kopriva S, Li L, Kong F, Li B, Wang Y, Hu B*, and Chu C* (2021)Modulation of nitrate-induced phosphate response by the MYB transcription factor RLI1/HINGE1 in the nucleus. MolecularPlant. 14(3): 517-529.
40.Qu M, Jemaa E, Xu J, Ablat G, Perveen S, Wang H, Chen K, Yang Z, Chen G*, Chu C*, and Zhu X* (2020) Alterations in stomatal response to fluctuating light increase biomass and yield of rice under drought conditions. Plant Journal.104(5): 1334-1347.
41.Gao S and Chu C* (2020) Gibberellin metabolism and signalling: targets for improving agronomic performance of crops. Plant and Cell Physiology 61(11): 1902-1911.
42.Xu Y#, Zhang L#, Ou S, Wang R, Wang Y, Chu C*, and Yao S* (2020) Natural variations in SLG1 confer high-temperature tolerance in indica rice. Nature Communications. 11: 5441.
43.Tang J* and Chu C* (2020) Strigolactone signaling: Repressor proteins are transcription factors. Trends in Plant Science 25(10): 960-963.
44.Wang W, Hu B, Li A, and Chu C* (2020) NRT1.1s in plants: functions beyond nitrate transport. Journal of Experimental of Botany 71(15): 4373-4379.
45.Wang Y and Chu C* (2020)S-Nitrosylation control of ROS and RNS homeostasis in plants: the switching function of catalase. Molecular Plant 13: 946-948.
46.Xiao Y#, Zhang G#, Liu D, Niu M, Tong H*, Chu C* (2020) GSK2 stabilizes OFP3 to suppress brassinosteroid responses in rice.Plant Journal 102: 1187-1201.
47.Wang Y#, Liang C#, Wu S, Jian G, Zhang X, Zhang H, Tang J, Li J, Jiao G, Li F, and Chu C* (2020) Vascular-specific expression of Gastrodia antifungal protein gene significantly enhanced cotton Verticillium wilt resistance. Plant Biotechnology Journal18(7): 1498-1500.
48.Hu B* and Chu C* (2020) Nitrogen-phosphorus interplay: old story with molecular tale. New Phytologist225(4): 1455-1460.
49.Zhang Z, Gao S, and Chu C* (2020) Improvement of nutrient use efficiency in rice: Current toolbox and future perspectives. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 133(5): 1365-1384.
50.Zhang Z, Hu B, and Chu C* (2020) Towards the integration of hierarchical nitrogen signalling network in plants. Current Opinion in Plant Biology55: 60-65.
51.Zhang Z and Chu C*(2020) Nitrogen-use divergence between indica and japonica rice: Variation at nitrate assimilation. Molecular Plant. 13(1): 6-7.