Jinyu Liu | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Jinyu Liu | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

School of Public Health Jilin University | China

Mr. Jinyu Liu is a distinguished scholar in the fields of stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, toxicology, tissue engineering, and tumor pathobiology. He began his academic journey at the N. Bethune University of Medical Sciences, where he successfully completed his MD, followed by a Master’s degree in Toxicology and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the Institute of Regenerative Medicine. Building on this strong academic foundation, he embarked on an extensive research and teaching career across several leading institutions globally.Mr. Liu’s professional path includes serving as an Environmental Protection Engineer at the Songliao Water Conservancy Agency before moving into academic research and teaching. He held research positions at Zurich University Hospital in Switzerland, where he contributed significantly to studies in dermatology and regenerative medicine, followed by a research faculty position at the State University of New York at Buffalo in the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering. Returning to China, he joined Jilin University, holding roles such as Vice Chair of the Department of Pathobiology, Chair of the Department of Toxicology, and later Professor at the School of Public Health, where he continues to teach and mentor future scientists.Throughout his career, Mr. Liu has contributed extensively to scientific literature with publications spanning diverse research areas. His works include studies on PBX1 attenuating MeHg-induced SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis, AT-PBX1 fusion protein alleviating LPS-induced acute lung injury, and viral hijacking of host DDX60 promoting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus replication. He has explored type 3 diabetes and metabolic reprogramming of brain neurons, neurotoxic β-amyloid oligomers causing mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons, and research on the development and regeneration of hair follicles. His studies have also examined circadian clock regulation in hair follicle cycles, the role of PBX1 in mammalian kidneys, oxidative stress modulation in mesenchymal stem cells, and CRISPR-Cas12a-based detection of monkeypox virus.

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Featured Publications

Chen, Z., Liu, X., Zuo, K., Xin, Y., & Liu, J. (2025). TAT-PBX1 fusion protein alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury via AMPK-TFAM signaling activation. Molecular Therapy.

Sui, Y., Marzi, A., Xu, Q., Liu, M., Liu, X., Liu, X., Wang, Y., Meng, X., Liu, Z., Li, Q., et al. (2025). Viral hijacking of host DDX60 promotes Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus replication via G-quadruplex unwinding. PLOS Pathogens, 21(6), e1013278.

Sui, Y., Liu, F., Zheng, S., Liu, X., Sun, P., Yao, C., Zhang, Y., Gao, H., Gao, X., & Liu, J. (2023). G-quadruplexes folding mediates downregulation of PBX1 expression in melanoma. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 8(1), 12.

Sui, Y., Xu, Q., Liu, M., Zuo, K., Liu, X., & Liu, J. (2022). CRISPR-Cas12a-based detection of monkeypox virus. Journal of Infection, 85(6), 702–769.

Ma, Y., Li, M., Liu, J., Pang, C., Zhang, J., Li, Y., & Fu, X. (2018). Location, isolation, and identification of mesenchymal stem cells from adult human sweat glands. Stem Cells International, Article ID 2090276.

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 

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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

Song Guo Zheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Song Guo Zheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine | China

Prof. Song Guo Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., is an internationally renowned immunologist and clinician-scientist specializing in rheumatology, molecular immunology, and translational medicine. He currently serves as Chair Professor and Dean of the School of Cell and Gene Therapy at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. With academic leadership roles across prestigious institutions in the U.S. and China, his pioneering work spans autoimmunity, cell therapy, and immunoregulation. A prolific author with over 110 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals, Prof. Zheng is also a highly decorated researcher and active leader in global immunology societies. His contributions continue to shape modern immunotherapy and precision medicine.

Publication Profile 

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Education 

Prof. Zheng earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology from the University of Orleans, France (2011), and a Master’s in Pathology and Immunology from Shanghai Medical University (1992). He completed his M.D. at Anhui Medical University (1984). His clinical training included a residency in surgery at Chizhou City Hospital (1984–1989) and an internship at Shanghai Zhabei Hospital (1983–1984). He further pursued a pathology fellowship at Shanghai Medical University Cancer Hospital (1989–1993). These academic and clinical foundations laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in immunology, clinical research, and translational medicine across both China and the United States.

Experience 

Prof. Zheng currently serves as Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Dean of the School of Cell and Gene Therapy (2023–Present). He previously held senior positions including the Ronald L. Whisler Chair in Rheumatology and Immunology at Ohio State University (2018–2022) and Director at Penn State University’s College of Medicine (2013–2018). His U.S. academic journey began at the University of Southern California as an assistant and associate professor (2004–2013), after postdoctoral work at USC and UCLA. With leadership in research, teaching, and clinical science, he has become a global authority in immunological therapeutics and rheumatology.

Awards

Prof. Zheng has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Outstanding Scientist Award (2023, USA) and the Distinguished Clinical Immunologist Award (2019, China). He was awarded the Edmund L. Dubois Award (2019), NIH STAR Award (2016–2021), and was Chair of NIH MOSS Study Section (2016). Notably, he earned the James R. Klinenberg Award for best immunologist in Southern California (2007) and the Freda Newton Memorial Scholar Award (2006). He is an elected member of The Henry Kunkel Society (2012) and a recipient of the ACR Investigator Award (2008–2010), reflecting his impactful and sustained contributions to clinical immunology.

Research Focus 

Prof. Zheng’s research centers on molecular immunology, particularly in autoimmune diseases, Treg/Th17 cell modulation, and immune tolerance mechanisms. He investigates immunometabolism, gene and cell therapy, and inflammatory signaling pathways with an emphasis on clinical translation. His studies on cytokines, nanomedicine, and immune checkpoint regulation aim to advance precision therapeutics for rheumatic and inflammatory diseases. He integrates cutting-edge techniques including single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-based modulation, and nano-drug delivery systems. His innovative research is highly cited and supports next-generation treatments for autoimmunity, cancer immunotherapy, and organ-specific inflammation, shaping global trends in immune-based medical interventions.

Publication Top Notes

Natural and induced CD4+ CD25+ cells educate CD4+ CD25− cells to develop suppressive activity: the role of IL-2, TGF-β, and IL-10

IL-2 is essential for TGF-β to convert naive CD4+ CD25− cells to CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and for expansion of these cells

Role of vitamin A in the immune system

Generation ex vivo of TGF-β-producing regulatory T cells from CD4+ CD25− precursors

Vitamin D and chronic diseases

TGF-β requires CTLA-4 early after T cell activation to induce FoxP3 and generate adaptive CD4+ CD25+ regulatory cells

Natural and TGF-β–induced Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells are not mirror images of each other

Role of TNF–TNF receptor 2 signal in regulatory T cells and its therapeutic implications

Cutting edge: Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells induced by IL-2 and TGF-β are resistant to Th17 conversion by IL-6

Hall of fame among pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-6 gene and its transcriptional regulation mechanisms

The ubiquitin ligase Stub1 negatively modulates regulatory T cell suppressive activity by promoting degradation of the transcription factor Foxp3

The role of the combination of IL-2 and TGF-β or IL-10 in the generation and function of CD4+ CD25+ and CD8+regulatory T cell subsets

Conclusion

Given his outstanding scientific productivity, leadership in global immunology communities, and groundbreaking research on immune regulation, Prof. Song Guo Zheng is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His body of work demonstrates not only scientific depth and innovation but also sustained impact on the field of immunology and clinical medicine. With ongoing contributions and strategic improvements, he remains a central figure in advancing immune-based therapies and education worldwide.