Established in April 2025, Laboratory of Advanced Breeding Technologies (LABT) is dedicated to addressing the national demand for food security through cutting-edge innovations in biotechnologies. Centered on cutting-edge breeding systems, the laboratory is built with three pioneering research pillars: Intelligent Design of Biomolecules, Precision Engineering of Chromosome, and Digital Phenomics. By conducting foundational and transformative research in these areas, LABT strives to achieve groundbreaking advances in biotechnology, and become a global center of excellence for innovation and talent development of breeding. Our mission is to drive the next-generation agricultural revolution and provide support to ensure national food security.

Research Directions:

Intelligent Design of Biomolecules

We develop advanced algorithms and tools for analyzing trait evolution and construct generalized predictive models for functional genomic sequences across diverse species, laying the foundation for evolution-guided genome design. We are establishing a comprehensive technological pipeline that integrates RNA functional design, multidimensional regulatory control, high-resolution rapid imaging, and precise detection of structural and chemical modifications. This enables intelligent prediction and targeted engineering of RNA functions. By combining protein-directed evolution with AI-driven metabolic pathway optimization, we design precise and adaptable genetic regulatory circuits and metabolic networks to support the artificial enhancement of key agricultural traits.

Precision Engineering of Chromosome

By integrating big data mining, protein engineering, and high-throughput screening, we drive innovation in chromosome editing technologies—including targeted insertion, deletion, inversion, and translocation. Our research includes the design of centromere and telomere systems, the optimization of regulatory elements, and the refinement of chromosome architecture to construct functional chromosomal modules and synthetic artificial chromosomes with stable transgenerational inheritance. We also develop novel plant cell delivery systems using advanced materials and media to enable efficient, high-throughput cellular transformation.

Digital Phenomics

We are building cross-scale, multimodal phenotyping platforms using multi-source sensing and automated technologies to standardize, visualize, and transmit complex phenotypic data. Leveraging computer vision and AI, we construct structured phenotypic vector libraries. By integrating multi-omics data with intelligent alignment tools, we decode the genetic basis of phenotypic traits across scales and simulate biological processes. Additionally, we incorporate environmental variables to develop comprehensive gene–phenotype–environment interaction models, enabling accurate prediction of crop performance.

Current Leadership

Director: Fei Lu.

Deputy director: Bo Ren, Jun Xiao, Baojun Yang.