Prof. Dr. Dongshan Zhang | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award
Director at nd Xiangya Hospital | Central South University | China
Prof. Dr. Dongshan Zhang is a highly respected Chief Physician and Professor at Central South University, China. A postdoctoral fellow trained in the United States, he is a PhD supervisor and a recipient of China’s National Top Talent Program for Science and Technology Leaders. As Director of both the Institute of Emergency and Difficult Diseases and the Clinical Medical Research Center for Acute Organ Injury and Repair, he leads cutting-edge medical research. With over 46 SCI publications and multiple patents, his work in acute kidney injury has earned him prestigious awards and international acclaim.
Publication Profile
Education
Prof. Zhang pursued rigorous academic training in China and completed his postdoctoral fellowship in the United States, gaining advanced insights into nephrology and translational medicine. He earned his medical and doctoral degrees from top Chinese medical universities, where he laid the foundation for his expertise in acute organ injury. His exposure to international research environments shaped his multidisciplinary approach. Now, as a PhD supervisor, he mentors future scientists and clinicians, promoting global research collaborations and innovation in clinical nephrology and emergency medicine.
Experience
Prof. Zhang currently serves as Chief Physician and Professor at Central South University, where he is also a Distinguished Shenghua Scholar Professor. He directs two major research institutes: the Institute of Emergency and Difficult Diseases and the Clinical Medical Research Center for Acute Organ Injury and Repair in Hunan Province. Over his career, he has led four NSFC-funded national research projects and served as Associate Editor for top journals. His commercialized patents and extensive publication record reflect his commitment to translational research and clinical excellence.
Awards
Prof. Zhang’s outstanding contributions have earned him the First Prize of the Natural Science Award of Hunan Province. He has been recognized as a National Top Talent in Science and Technology, awarded for his pioneering work in nephrology and acute organ injury. His research papers have graced the covers of leading journals, affirming his global impact. As a Distinguished Shenghua Scholar Professor and active editorial board member, he continues to shape scientific thought and innovation. His accolades highlight both clinical expertise and trailblazing research excellence.
Research Focus
Prof. Zhang’s primary research centers on Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), encompassing mechanisms of injury, repair, and translational approaches to therapy. His work explores inflammation, apoptosis, and molecular pathways involved in kidney damage. He leads interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative drug targets and biomarkers, bridging basic science and clinical application. With support from multiple NSFC grants, his lab integrates in vivo models, molecular profiling, and AI-driven analytics to advance precision nephrology. His research contributes to improving prognosis and treatment in critical care settings.
Publication Top Notes
Title: PRDM16 acts as a homeostasis regulation factor to suppress the transition of AKI to CKD via upregulation of eukaryotic initiation factor 6
Journal: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences
Year: 2025
Title: PRDM16 suppresses pyroptosis to attenuate the progression of AKI caused by rhabdomyolysis via upregulation of USP10
Journal: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences
Year: 2025
Title: Mmu_circ_0005698/hsa_circ_0085381/miR-532-3p/Arhgdib axis mediates the ischemic progression of acute kidney injury
Journal: International Immunopharmacology
Year: 2025
Title: Recombinant monoclonal antibody siltartoxatug versus plasma-derived human tetanus immunoglobulin for tetanus: a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 3 trial
Journal: Nature Medicine
Year: 2025
Title: Inhibition of Mettl3 alleviates low-dose cisplatin-induced renal fibrosis and enhances the chemotherapeutic efficacy in mouse models of cancer
Journal: International Journal of Biological Sciences
Year: 2025
Title: PRDM16 suppresses ferroptosis to protect against sepsis-associated acute kidney injury by targeting the NRF2/GPX4 axis
Journal: Redox Biology
Year: 2024
Title: NRF1-induced mmu_circ_0001388/hsa_circ_0029470 confers ferroptosis resistance in ischemic acute kidney injury via the miR-193b-3p/TCF4/GPX4 axis
Journal: Life Sciences
Year: 2024
Title: Discovery and verification of mmu_Circ_26986/hsa_Circ_0072463 as a potential biomarker and intervention target for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury
Journal: Not specified
Year: Not specified
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Dongshan Zhang is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, possessing an exceptional track record in acute organ injury research, prolific publication output, successful grant leadership, and tangible innovations through patents. His blend of academic excellence, clinical relevance, and translational success makes him a model researcher with substantial contributions to global health and kidney disease research. With minor expansion in global collaborations and strategic outreach, his impact can become even more internationally transformative.