Xiao Sheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiao Sheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

lecturer at Naval Medical University School of Pharmacy | China

Dr. Xiao Sheng is a distinguished researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology at the Navy Medical University, China. His work bridges traditional Chinese medicine, molecular signaling, and intestinal health, with a focus on aging and regenerative biology. As a principal investigator of multiple funded projects, he has made significant contributions to understanding mechanisms of intestinal stem cell regulation, tumor progression, and herbal medicine efficacy. His publications in high-impact journals highlight pioneering findings in antioxidant pathways, stem cell biology, and gut regeneration. Dr. Xiao is actively engaged in international collaborations, scientific societies, and editorial responsibilities in biomedical research.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education 

Dr. Xiao Sheng completed his academic training in biochemistry and molecular biology, developing a strong foundation in cellular and molecular research. At the Navy Medical University, he pursued advanced education integrating biomedical sciences with translational research approaches. His education emphasized experimental medicine, molecular signaling pathways, and the application of traditional Chinese medicine concepts within modern biological frameworks. This interdisciplinary training enabled him to explore the interaction between cellular metabolism, intestinal regeneration, and aging biology. His academic preparation laid the groundwork for his later success as a principal investigator and contributed to his leadership in national and international scientific initiatives.

Experience 

Dr. Xiao Sheng  has extensive experience leading research in biochemistry, molecular biology, and translational medicine. As principal investigator, he heads projects supported by Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center and the Second Military Medical University, focusing on intestinal injury repair, tumor biology, and herbal medicine. His work extends to national research initiatives such as the National Key R&D Program and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, where he has contributed as a key participant. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, serves on editorial boards, and holds active memberships in professional committees, advancing biomedical research and international scientific collaboration.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Xiao Sheng has received multiple recognitions for his scientific contributions. He earned the Outstanding Poster Award at the International and Chinese Drosophila Biology Congress, demonstrating the novelty of his research in model organisms. His innovative approaches to Chinese medicine research were honored with the Third Prize in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Group at the National Undergraduate Forum on Innovative Research in Basic Medicine and Experimental Design. Recently, he was named a “Shizhen Scholar,” reflecting his leadership and excellence in integrating traditional medicine with modern molecular biology. These awards underscore his contributions to translational and interdisciplinary biomedical research.

Research Focus 

Dr. Xiao’s  Sheng  research centers on molecular mechanisms regulating intestinal stem cell biology, aging, and regenerative medicine. He explores how herbal medicine compounds influence cellular pathways, particularly the Keap1–Nrf2 signaling axis, to mitigate intestinal injury and aging-related disorders. His studies extend to tumor biology, focusing on how nuclear lamina proteins drive cancer development through cell competition. Additionally, he investigates molecular regulators of gut regeneration, including transcription factors and RNA modifications. His interdisciplinary approach combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern molecular biology, advancing novel therapeutic strategies. His work holds promise for improving treatments for age-related diseases and metabolic disorders.

Publication Top Notes

Unlocking nature’s medicine cabinet through Drosophila–Driven exploration

Werner syndrome exonuclease promotes gut regeneration and causes age-associated gut hyperplasia in Drosophila

Phase separation of BuGZ regulates gut regeneration and aging through interaction with m6A regulators

Antioxidant Effects of Caffeic Acid Lead to Protection of Drosophila Intestinal Stem Cell Aging

Aging-related upregulation of the homeobox gene caudal represses intestinal stem cell differentiation in Drosophila

Gaetan Ligat | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat at Toulouse University | France

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat is a molecular virologist and principal investigator at Toulouse University, affiliated with INSERM UMR1291 and CNRS UMR5051. He leads the ViNeDys team at the Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, focusing on host–human cytomegalovirus interactions in brain tumors and therapeutic innovation. With extensive research and teaching experience across France, he has contributed to advancing antiviral strategies, mentoring young scientists, and promoting scientific communication. He is actively engaged in international collaborations, scientific societies, and community outreach, while securing multiple research grants to strengthen translational virology and oncology research.

Publication Profile 

Google Scholar

Education 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat pursued his scientific training at Limoges University, France. He earned a Master of Science degree in Genetics and Physiology, which laid the foundation for his research career. He then advanced to doctoral studies at INSERM UMR1092, Limoges University, where he specialized in Molecular Virology, completing his PhD with distinction. His academic formation emphasized molecular biology, virus-host interactions, and translational virology, providing expertise in genetics, physiology, and applied biomedical sciences. This strong educational background enabled him to develop a career bridging fundamental research and therapeutic applications, particularly in virology, cancer biology, and innovative antiviral treatment strategies.

Experience 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat is Associate Professor of Virology at Toulouse University, where he also serves as Principal Investigator and group leader of the ViNeDys team at the Infinity Institute. His work focuses on host–HCMV interactions and therapeutic innovation in brain tumors. Previously, he was a postdoctoral researcher at INSERM UMR1110 in Strasbourg, specializing in antiviral strategies. He began his research as a Master’s and PhD candidate at INSERM UMR1092, Limoges. Alongside research, he has coordinated training programs, practical courses, and supervised over 20 students. He is deeply involved in scientific societies, equality initiatives, and international collaborations.

Awards and Honors 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat has received numerous prestigious recognitions, including the National Thesis Prize from the French Society of Microbiology and fellowships from the French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS). He was awarded an ESCMID Research Grant, travel grants from the French Society of Microbiology, and registration bursaries for international congresses. His successful fundraising as principal investigator includes support from cancer foundations, patient associations, and Inserm/Regional PhD funding. These honors reflect both his scientific excellence and commitment to translational virology and oncology research. His awards highlight his impact on advancing antiviral and therapeutic research.

Research Focus 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat research focuses on the molecular biology of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and its interaction with host cells, particularly in brain tumor environments. His work aims to understand how viral mechanisms contribute to disease progression and to identify novel therapeutic targets. He develops innovative antiviral strategies, including peptides and antibodies targeting HCMV protein interactions. His research also explores inflammatory responses, host-pathogen dynamics, and translational approaches for cancer treatment. Through collaborative projects and funded research programs, he seeks to bridge fundamental virology with therapeutic innovation, advancing the fight against viral infections and HCMV-related diseases in oncology.

Publication Top Notes

The human cytomegalovirus terminase complex as an antiviral target: a close-up view

Capsid assembly modulators as antiviral agents against HBV: molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)–apolipoprotein interactions and immune evasion and their impact on HCV vaccine design

Hepatitis B virus–host interactions and novel targets for viral cure

Hepatitis B virus core variants, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma

Targeting viral cccDNA for cure of chronic hepatitis B

The Yin and the Yang of extracellular vesicles during viral infections

Structures and divergent mechanisms in capsid maturation and stabilization following genome packaging of human cytomegalovirus and herpesviruses

Contrasting effect of new HCMV pUL54 mutations on antiviral drug susceptibility: benefits and limits of 3D analysis

Interferon‐Induced Transmembrane Proteins Mediate Viral Evasion in Acute and Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Identification of a short sequence in the HCMV terminase pUL56 essential for interaction with pUL89 subunit

Identification of amino acids essential for viral replication in the HCMV helicase-primase complex

Zhao-Jie Wang – Medicinal Chemistry – Best Researcher Award

Zhao-Jie Wang - Medicinal Chemistry - Best Researcher Award

Yunnan Normal University - China

Introduction

Dr. Zhao-Jie Wang is an eminent researcher in the field of natural products, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology. With an extensive portfolio of over 33 SCI-indexed publications, Dr. Wang has made substantial contributions to understanding antimicrobial compounds, drug development, and therapeutic strategies against multidrug-resistant pathogens. His research bridges phytochemistry and pharmacology, offering innovative solutions to pressing challenges in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial Natural Products

Dr. Wang has extensively studied bioactive compounds derived from plants and fungi to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi. His work, featured in leading journals like Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Food Chemistry: X, provides a comprehensive analysis of plant-based antimicrobial agents, their chemical compositions, and mechanisms of action. His studies on Zanthoxylum species and Sigesbeckia orientalis are pivotal in discovering new therapeutic agents.

Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections

A significant aspect of Dr. Wang's research focuses on developing novel strategies to address multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. His study on light-controllable chitosan micelles for bacterial biofilm treatment, published in Carbohydrate Polymers (IF=11.2), exemplifies his innovative approach. This research provides a promising avenue for combating MDR bacteria using advanced nanotechnology.

Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactivity

Dr. Wang has explored the phytochemistry of various herbs and their bioactivity against pathogens. His work includes detailed characterization of chemical constituents using LC-MS and their evaluation for antibacterial, antifungal, and nematicidal activities. Studies published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and Heliyon highlight his expertise in bridging traditional herbal medicine with modern pharmacology.

Therapeutic Strategies for Infectious Diseases

With a focus on infectious diseases, Dr. Wang has proposed innovative therapeutic strategies to combat intracellular MDR bacteria. His study published in the Journal of Controlled Release (IF=10.8) offers groundbreaking insights into targeted drug delivery systems and their potential to improve therapeutic efficacy against challenging infections.

Bioactivity-Driven Drug Development

Dr. Wang’s research on bioactivity-driven isolation and characterization of antifungal and antibacterial compounds has significantly contributed to drug development. Studies on compounds such as diterpenoids, ent-kaurane diterpenes, and formononetin derivatives underscore his efforts in identifying potential therapeutic agents for osteoclast regulation and bacterial resistance management.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhao-Jie Wang's diverse and impactful research continues to advance the understanding of natural products, antimicrobial pharmacology, and innovative therapeutic approaches. His multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to addressing global health challenges have established him as a leading figure in the field of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. Through his work, Dr. Wang aims to contribute to the development of safer and more effective treatments for drug-resistant pathogens, ensuring a brighter future for global healthcare.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Siegesoxylipin A‒J, previously undescribed phyto-oxylipins inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci from Sigesbeckia orientalis

Diterpenoids of Caryopteris trichosphaera W. W. Sm. inhibiting MRSA and VRE in vitro and in vivo.

Oleanolic acid derivatives against drug-resistant bacteria and fungi by multi-targets to avoid drug resistance

Phytocannabinoid-like meroterpenoids from twigs and leaves of Rhododendron spinuliferum

New resorcylic acid derivatives of Lysimachia tengyuehensis against MRSA and VRE by interfering with bacterial metabolic imbalance