In a mission to learn more about the very nature of life itself, Li Nan chose to carry out research into a full-length gene of particular significance to physiological function. Her interest started back in 1996 when she chose this as the subject of her postgraduate research, supervised by her mentor Professor Cao Xuetao.

Her achievements in gene research are to be viewed as a form of intellectual property. The trailblazing research was founded on comprehensive and innovative science all the way from preparing samples through to the analysis of the biological data.

Working with her colleagues in the research team, Li Nan set up a comprehensive system capable of cloning a full-length gene. More than 30,000 genes were sequenced and 108 new full-length genes were discovered.

Thirty-seven of the genes were recognized as independent discoveries and so came to be attributed to "China Li Nan" in the International Gene Bank. What's more, application has been made for three state patents in respect of some particularly significant molecules discovered during the research.

Li Nan and her team have undertaken further research into the function of the newly discovered genes in attempt to find out their roles in human immunity and in combating disease. After working for over 1,000 days (and nights), they have demonstrated for the first time a receptor function which holds the key to an understanding of the properties of the protein family.

Sixteen scientific papers reporting the research results had been published in authoritative international journals such as Biological Chemistry. The work has been recognized by the award of the prestigious "Tan Jiazhen Life Science Award."

(China.org.cn by Wang Qian July 2, 2003)