Chen Xie | Gene Therapy | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie, Medical Research Center, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie is a distinguished researcher at the Medical Research Center, Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University. With a Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering from Huaqiao University and postdoctoral experience in genetics at Sun Yat-Sen University, his work focuses on inflammation, DNA damage, senescence, and noncoding RNAs. He has published eight impactful papers in journals such as Signal Transduct Target Ther, Mol Cell, and Cancer Immunol Res and holds an H-index of 9. Dr. Xie is a recipient of multiple national honors and leads NSFC-funded research advancing disease-related molecular mechanisms.

Publication Profile

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Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie is a dedicated researcher with a strong background in biochemical and genetic sciences. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from Huaqiao University (2007–2011), followed by a Master’s in Genetics from Sun Yat-Sen University (2011–2014). He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering in 2018 . Dr. Xie completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Sun Yat-Sen University (2018–2021), and then served as Assistant Professor (2021–2025). Since March 2025, he has been an Associate Professor at the Medical Research Center, Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University , advancing biomedical research.

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie mainly focuses on exploring the intricate relationship between inflammation, DNA damage, cellular senescence, noncoding RNAs, and human diseases . His impactful research has earned him prestigious honors such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China award, the National Scholarship , the First Prize Scholarship of Huaqiao University, and the Alumni Scholarship . Dr. Xie has published 8 influential papers in top-tier journals including Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, Molecular Cell, and Cancer Immunology Research . With an H-index of 9, he continues to contribute significantly to biomedical science .

Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his academic excellence and research contributions . He was honored with a National Scholarship for his outstanding performance and dedication to scientific advancement. During his studies at Huaqiao University, he earned the First Prize Scholarship , highlighting his exceptional academic achievements. Additionally, he received an Alumni Scholarship, reflecting the strong support and recognition from his academic community . These accolades underscore Dr. Xie’s commitment to excellence in the fields of biochemical engineering, genetics, and biomedical research .

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie is a leading researcher in the fields of molecular biology, epigenetics, and cellular senescence, with a strong emphasis on mechanisms of vascular and pulmonary aging, DNA damage repair, and RNA modifications (e.g., m6A). His work uncovers how factors like GATA6, YTHDC1, and FTO regulate aging, fibrosis, cancer, and immune responses, often via intricate signaling pathways and RNA interactions. He contributes significantly to understanding vascular calcification, fibrosis, and glioma biology, advancing targeted therapies. His research bridges cellular aging and precision medicine, making a profound impact on age-related and inflammatory diseases.

Publication Top Notes

The transcription factor GATA6 accelerates vascular smooth muscle cell senescence-related arterial calcification by counteracting the role of anti-aging factor SIRT6 and impeding DNA damage repair

YTHDC1 delays cellular senescence and pulmonary fibrosis by activating ATR in an m6A-independent manner

C5a-C5aR1 induces endoplasmic reticulum stress to accelerate vascular calcification <i>via</i> PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CREB3L1 pathway

UBQLN1 deficiency mediates telomere shortening and IPF through interacting with RPA1

Data from FTO Inhibition Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Temozolomide by Targeting MYC-miR-155/23a Cluster-MXI1 Feedback Circuit in Glioma

Supplementary Data from FTO Inhibition Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Temozolomide by Targeting MYC-miR-155/23a Cluster-MXI1 Feedback Circuit in Glioma

cGAS guards against chromosome end-to-end fusions during mitosis and facilitates replicative senescence

Therapeutic potential of C1632 by inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral-induced inflammation through upregulating let-7

Xandra Breakefield | Gene Therapy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xandra Breakefield, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, United States

Prof. Dr. Xandra Breakefield is a pioneering geneticist and neuroscientist specializing in gene therapy and extracellular vesicle research. She earned her Ph.D. from Georgetown University and trained at NIH under Nobel Laureate Dr. Marshall Nirenberg. A Harvard Medical School professor and Massachusetts General Hospital researcher, she has made groundbreaking contributions to neurogenetics and dystonia. Recognized with numerous prestigious awards

, including the Mika Salpeter Lifetime Achievement Award, she ranks among the world’s top scientists. A leader in gene and cell therapy, she serves on advisory boards worldwide

, shaping the future of biomedical research.

Publication Profile

Education

Prof. Dr. Xandra Breakefield

embarked on her academic journey with an A.B. in Biology from Wilson College (1960-1965), graduating cum laude for her outstanding performance. During this period, she also enriched her knowledge at American University (1964-1965), deepening her expertise in biology

. Her passion for microbial genetics led her to pursue a Ph.D. at Georgetown University (1967-1971), where she specialized in microbial genetics

. This strong educational foundation set the stage for her groundbreaking contributions to the field, establishing her as a distinguished researcher in genetics and molecular biology.

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Xandra Breakefield

has had an illustrious career in genetics and neurology. She has been a Geneticist at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Radiology Service since 2002 and a Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School since 1996. Previously, she held key roles in molecular neurogenetics at Massachusetts General Hospital

and directed the Division of Molecular Neurogenetics at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center. Her academic journey includes faculty positions at Yale University and Georgetown University

. Early in her career, she trained under Nobel Laureate Dr. Marshall Nirenberg at NIH, shaping her expertise in biochemical genetics.

Awards

Prof. Dr. Xandra Breakefield

has received numerous prestigious awards for her groundbreaking contributions to neuroscience and genetics. She earned the McKnight Neuroscience Development Award (1982-1984) and two Javits Neuroscience Investigator Awards (1985-1992, 1995-2002). She was honored with an Honorary Doctorate from Wilson College (1991) and an Honorary Master’s Degree from Harvard Medical School (1996)

. Recognized globally, she received the Mika Salpeter Lifetime Achievement Award (2013) and the NIH Director’s WALS Speaker Award (2017). Ranked among the Top 1000 Female Scientists in the World (2022, 2024), her work continues to shape modern molecular medicine.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Xandra O. Breakefield focuses on neuroscience, gene therapy, and extracellular vesicles

. Her research explores how extracellular vesicles facilitate cell-to-cell communication and their potential for delivering gene therapies to treat neurological disorders and cancers. She also investigates glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor, using cortical organoids

to study cell-state heterogeneity and intercellular transfer. Her work has significant implications for precision medicine and targeted therapies

. As a leading expert in the field, she collaborates on innovative projects integrating genomics, bioengineering, and molecular biology to advance treatments for brain diseases.