On September 22, 2023, we were delighted to host Professor Li Wei from the National Children's Medical Center and Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University. Invited by Professor Xinchun Chen (Department of Medicine, Shenzhen University), Professor Li Wei provided an engaging lecture as part of the Shenzhen University 40th Anniversary academic activities (1296th). His lecture titled “Lysosome-associated organelles and Diseases” constituted the 83rd lecture of the celebrations hosted in the Shenzhen University lecture theatre at the Lihu Campus.  

Professor Li Wei first systematically introduced a group of tissue-specific organelles including secretory lysosomes, platelet vesicles, Weibel-Palade vesicles, and large dense core granules. He then identified the various diseases that are associated with lysosome-related organelle (LRo) defects. Specifically, he described  several types of albinism that can affect humans, and the underlying pathogenic relationship between albinism and LRo’s. Alongside, he detailed the components of the lysosomal transport protein network and explained in particular how the HPAC complex is involved in lysosomal transport and regulates LRo’s.

Professor Li Wei also spent time to explain the mechanisms of vesicular transport and the critical organelle interactions that maintain LRo structure. Here, we learned that LRo homeostasis depends on both ionic homeostasis and inter-ionic interactions in the LRo lumen. In the latter part of his talk, Professor Li Wei proposed a new theory, known as mitochondrial albinism, and outlined the pathological mechanisms linking LRo secretion and disease. Professor Li Wei's talk received a warm response and was followed by an energetic and interactive question and answer session. We were thankful that Professor Li Wei provided patient and detailed answers, which were of great value to the audience.

Brief introduction of the Speaker

Li Wei is a professor and doctoral supervisor at the National Children's Medical Center/Beijing Children's Hospital affiliated with Capital University of Medical Science and Technology. He is currently the Vice President of Beijing Children's Hospital, Deputy Director of Beijing Pediatrics Research Institute, Director of the Center for Genetics and Birth Defects Prevention and Control of the National Children's Medical Center, Director of the Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Research on Serious Diseases in Pediatrics, and Director of the Beijing Key Laboratory for Research on Genetics of Birth Defects. Notably, he was awarded the National Outstanding Young Scientist Foundation of China in 2005. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Genetic and Developmental Diseases Branch of the Chinese Society for the Promotion of Medical Science, Executive Director of the Chinese Biophysical Society, Director of the Chinese Genetics Society, and supervisor of the Chinese Cell Biology. His research activities have long focused on diagnosing genetic diseases, genetic counseling, and prenatal diagnoses. Specifically, his research interests include: (1) gene identification and the pathogenesis of rare genetic diseases such as albinism and (2) lysosome-associated organelles and diseases. He has published more than 130 papers in world-leading, high-impact journals such as Nature Genetics, Blood, and Nature Communications.