Rate My Professor Qi Zeng

Zeng’s research centers on the PRL-3 phosphatase and its role in cancer. In 1998, she discovered the PRL3 (PTP4A3) gene and demonstrated its promotion of cancer cell hallmarks including migration, proliferation, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition through pathways such as PTEN-PI3K and EGFR. Her team has shown that PRL-1 and PRL-3 monoclonal antibodies can inhibit metastatic tumors. In 2011, she proposed targeting intracellular oncoproteins with antibody therapy or vaccination, a concept published in Science Translational Medicine. This led to the development of PRL3-zumab, a first-in-class humanized antibody now in Phase 2 clinical trials after successful Phase 1 safety studies. Key publications include works in Nature Communications (2019), JCI Insight (2016), and Theranostics (2023–2024) detailing PRL3 mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Zeng has secured major funding, including a 2009 A*STAR Flagship Grant of $3.1 million and a 2014 GAP Grant of $1.5 million. Her contributions advance unconventional cancer immunotherapy approaches targeting intracellular proteins.