Jianghan Chen | Dermatology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Jianghan Chen | Dermatology | Research Excellence Award

Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital | China

Dr. Jianghan Chen is an accomplished clinical researcher whose work centers on dermatological science, with a particular emphasis on fungal diseases, photodermatoses, and cutaneous carcinogenesis. Their research has significantly advanced the understanding of keratinocyte transformation, especially through a single-cell transcriptomic project mapping the progression from actinic keratosis to skin carcinoma. This work provides valuable molecular insights into early malignant changes, offering potential markers for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. The applicant has led multiple competitive research projects, including those supported by major national funding bodies, demonstrating strong scientific leadership and consistent contributions to dermatology. Their publication record includes thirteen SCI-indexed papers as first or corresponding author, with a highest impact factor of 7.7, reflecting sustained scholarly output and influence. They maintain active involvement in scientific communities through professional committee leadership and collaborations that support the advancement of dermatological research. Their expertise in infectious skin diseases and light-related dermatoses contributes broadly to clinical innovation and translational research, strengthening the evidence base for improved diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies within the field.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications: 

[Authors]*, & others. (2024). Increased expression and prognostic significance of BYSL in melanoma. Journal of Immunotherapy.

[Authors]*, & others. (2024). Electrospinning/3D printing drug-loaded antibacterial polycaprolactone nanofiber/sodium alginate–gelatin hydrogel bilayer scaffold for skin wound repair. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

[Authors]*, & others. (2024). Advancements in elucidating the pathogenesis of actinic keratosis: Present state and future prospects. [Journal name not provided].

[Authors]*, & others. (2022). Identification of lncRNAs and their regulatory relationships with mRNAs in response to Cryptococcus neoformans infection of THP-1 cells. BioMed Research International.

Meenakshi | Signal Transduction Networks | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meenakshi | Signal Transduction Networks | Research Excellence Award

Chandigarh University | India

Dr. Meenakshi Munjal is an active researcher in the field of wireless communication, contributing extensively to advancements in emerging communication technologies. Over the past several years, she has maintained a strong research trajectory, completing one funded research project and producing a substantial body of scholarly work. Her research output includes more than 30 Scopus-indexed publications and a total citation count of 100, reflecting the growing impact of her contributions within the scientific community. She has authored one book with an ISBN and has two patents published or under process, demonstrating her commitment to innovation and applied research in communication systems. In addition to her publications, she has published eight peer-reviewed journal articles across SCI and Scopus-indexed platforms, strengthening the scientific understanding of wireless networks, signal processing, and communication technologies. Her work aligns with contemporary challenges in wireless systems, contributing to enhanced network performance, reliability, and efficiency. She also holds three professional memberships, supporting collaborative engagement within the research ecosystem. Overall, her research contributions highlight a sustained focus on innovation, scholarly excellence, and the advancement of wireless communication technologies

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications: 

Munjal, M., & Singh, N. P. (2018). Utility aware network selection in small cell. Wireless Networks, 1–14.

Munjal, M., & Singh, N. P. (2019). Group mobility by cooperative communication for high speed railway. Wireless Networks, 25(7), 3857–3866.

Gupta, S. (2014). A review and comprehensive comparison of image denoising techniques. Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing for Sustainable Global Development, 1–6.

Munjal, M., & Singh, N. P. (2019). QoS and cost-aware protocol selection for next generation wireless network. Journal of Network and Systems Management, 27(2), 327–350.

Munjal, M., & Singh, N. P. (2017). Improved network selection for multimedia applications. Transactions on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies, 28(5), e3121.

Munjal, M., & Singh, N. P. (2016). A comparative study of cooperative and non-cooperative game theory in network selection. Computational Techniques in Information and Communication Technologies Conference Proceedings, 1–5.

Meenakshi, G., & Gupta, S. (2014). Advanced level cyclic gray codes with application. International Journal of Electronics Communication and Computer Technology, 1–6.

Munjal, M., & Singh, N. P. (2020). Low cost communication for high speed railway. Wireless Personal Communications, 111(1), 163–178.

Munjal, M. (2024). A comprehensive review of wireless body area network in medical applications. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3100(1), 040013.

Munjal, M., & Dev, S. (2021). Utility based handoff decision for Internet of Everything (IoE). Photonics & Electromagnetics Research Symposium (PIERS) Proceedings, 1396–1405.

Singh, I., & Munjal, M. (2025). Intelligent network selection mechanisms in the Internet of Everything system. IEEE Access.

Munjal, M., Kaistha, K., Gupta, P., Sardana, L., Verma, R., & Verma, S. (2024). Handoff management using RSS in a heterogeneous system. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3072(1), 030003.

Cletus Ukwubile | Nanomedicine | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Cletus Ukwubile | Nanomedicine | Research Excellence Award

University of Maiduguri | Nigeria

Dr. Cletus Ukwubile is a pharmacognosy researcher whose work integrates natural product chemistry, analytical instrumentation, and biomedical investigation. His expertise spans advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, including GC-MS, HPLC, TLC, PTLC, and VLC, which he applies to the characterization of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. He has extensive experience in statistical and data-driven research using SPSS, GraphPad, R, SQL, and Tableau to support evidence-based scientific inquiry. His research contributions include leadership in university-level pharmacognostic studies and cancer-related investigations, particularly through funded projects such as the TETFund Nigeria Institutional Based Research Grant for brain tumour research. He has also benefited from international training, including a Royal Society of Chemistry fellowship in GC-MS analytics. With additional involvement in scientific societies and editorial bodies, he contributes to advancing natural product research, pharmacological discovery, and translational applications in biomedical science.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications: 

Ukwubile, C. A., Robert, A. E., Nuhu, A., Ahuchaogu, A. A., Ikpefan, E. O., & others. (2026). Nano-enhanced phytotherapy of prostate cancer: Evaluating the combined efficacy of Telfairia occidentalis seed and Annona muricata leaf extracts. Fitoterapia, 188, 106998.

Ukwubile, C. A., Robert, A. E., Ezema, B. O., Yesufu, H. B., Famurewa, A. C., Ikpefan, E. O., & others. (2025). Methanol extract of young Lantana camara leaves exhibits anti-ovarian cancer and anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways. Chemistry & Biodiversity, e01758.

Ukwubile, C. A., Clement, C. K., Ijoh, B. B., & others. (2025). Evaluation of anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties of Crescentia cujete and Citrullus vulgaris methanol seed extracts against MCF-7 breast cancer cells and molecular docking. Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 11(3e), 260–273.

Ukwubile, C. A., & Malgwi, T. S. (2025). Lantana camara leaf extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles induce apoptosis and suppress PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signalling in triple-negative breast and colorectal cancer cells. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources, 22(3), 185–194.

Ukwubile, C. A., Lawan, M. Z., Malgwi, T. S., Yesufu, H. B., & others. (2025). Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of Maerua angolensis leaf extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles. Biomaterials Connect, 2, Article 0018.

Ukwubile, C. A., Yesufu, B. H., Okoro, N. R., & others. (2025). Chitosan-encapsulated linoleic acid from Leucaena leucocephala inhibits FOXL2 mutation in MNU-induced ovarian granulosa cell tumors in Wistar rats. Next Nanotechnology, 8, 100191.

Ukwubile, C. A., Nuhu, A., Famurewa, A. C., Nettey, H., Odugu, J. A., & others. (2025). Chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating Ipomoea digitata tuber and Jatropha gossypiifolia leaf extracts suppress NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK signalling pathways in colorectal cancer cells. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies, 5(5), 45–58.

Dibal, M. Y., Ukwubile, C. A., Ibrahim, H., Malgwi, T. S., Mohammed, Z., & others. (2025). Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies of the leaves and stembark of Anogeissus leiocarpus. Journal of Medical Research and Reviews, 4(3), 89–105.

Ikpefan, E. O., & Ukwubile, C. A. (2025). GC-MS analysis and evaluation of analgesic and anticancer activities of Cadaba farinosa methanol leaf extract. Academic Journal of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, 2(1), 10–18.

Saad Raad Al-Haidari | Organelle Dynamics Function | Editorial Board Member

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Mr. Saad Raad Al-Haidari | Organelle Dynamics Function | Editorial Board Member

Mustansiriyah University /College of Engineering | Iraq

This study investigates genome-wide copy number variations (CNVs) in five multiplex consanguineous families presenting a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including intellectual disability, microcephaly, autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and complex neurological syndromes. Using the Cytoscan HD microarray platform, the analysis revealed pathogenic deletions, duplications, and regions of loss of heterozygosity that co-segregate with disease phenotypes. The study identifies several clinically significant CNVs—1q21.1 microduplication, 16p11.2 microduplication, Xp11.22 microduplication, 4p12 microdeletion, and Xq21.1 microdeletion—reported for the first time in affected Pakistani families. These CNVs likely disrupt gene dosage and contribute to the onset and progression of diverse neurodevelopmental manifestations. The findings highlight shared clinical and genetic etiologies across NDDs and underscore the importance of CNV profiling in uncovering rare, heterogeneous syndromic conditions. This research offers valuable insights for improved diagnosis, genetic counseling, and precision-medicine approaches in populations with high consanguinity.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications: 

Al-Haidari, S. R., & Al-Obaidi, A. R. (2025). Extensive investigation of hydrothermal flow and heat performance improvement in a 3D tube based on varying concavity dimple and corrugation turbulator configurations. Heat Transfer, 54(5), 3134–3162.

Bilal Aldahham | Membrane Lipid Metabolism | Editorial Board Member

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Prof. Dr. Bilal Aldahham | Membrane Lipid Metabolism | Editorial Board Member

University Of Anbar | Iraq

The researcher is a biochemist specializing in molecular biology, molecular genetics, and cancer-related biochemical pathways. His work focuses on the molecular characterization of tumor-associated biomarkers and hormone receptors, with notable contributions to understanding alpha-fetoprotein dynamics in colorectal tumors and testosterone receptor regulation in uterine tumors. He has extensive experience designing, leading, and implementing research projects in biochemical oncology and molecular diagnostics. His research activities span experimental biochemistry, protein analysis, receptor biology, and tumor biomarker profiling. In his academic role, he has also contributed to curriculum development in biophysics and facilitated research-oriented workshops in biochemistry and biology. Over his career, he has published findings in peer-reviewed journals, advancing knowledge in cancer biochemistry and molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression. His expertise integrates experimental research, academic leadership, and scientific training in biochemical and molecular research methodologies.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus 

Featured Publications: 

AlMudhaffar, S. A., & Al-Rawi, B. J. (2004). Binding studies of 125I-testosterone with its receptors in uterine tumor homogenate. Medical Journal of Babylon, 1(1), 62–73.

AlMudhaffar, S. A., & Al-Rawi, B. J. (2004). The kinetic and thermodynamic studies on the binding of 125I-testosterone to its receptors in uterine tumor homogenate. Medical Journal of Babylon, 1(1), 74–90.

AlMudhaffar, S. A., & Al-Rawi, B. J. (2004). Spectroscopic studies of different purified forms of testosterone receptors in uterine tumor homogenate. Medical Journal of Babylon, 1(2), 101–111.

AlMudhaffar, S. A., & Al-Rawi, B. J. (2004). Radio receptor assay studies of 125I-testosterone binding to its receptors in benign and malignant human uterine tumors. Medical Journal of Babylon, 1(2), 137–148.

Al-Rawi, B. J. (2011). Spectroscopic studies in UV region of different purified isoforms of testosterone receptors in human ovarian tumor homogenates. Journal of Al Anbar University for Pure Science, 5(2), 53–63.

Al-Ani, L., Abdullah, M., Jasim, S. Y., Albayyar, E. A., Al-Rawi, B., & Tarbah, G. (2011). Gene frequencies of ABO and rhesus blood groups in Al Anbar, West Iraq. Proceedings of the First Scientific Conference on Biological Sciences, University of Kirkuk.

Zhenhua Zhang | Biology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Zhenhua Zhang | Biology | Research Excellence Award

Hunan Agricultural University | China

Zhenhua Zhang is a plant scientist specializing in plant nutrition, crop physiology, and molecular mechanisms underlying nutrient use efficiency in major crops. His research integrates physiological, molecular, and agronomic approaches to understand how plants acquire, distribute, and utilize essential nutrients—particularly nitrogen—in order to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and support sustainable crop production. He completed postdoctoral research in plant genetics at the CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, where he gained experience in molecular plant–environment interactions. His doctoral work, conducted jointly at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Hunan Agricultural University, focused on crop physiology with an emphasis on rice nutrient dynamics.

Zhang’s research contributions include studies on nitrogen redistribution during late growth stages of oilseed rape and the physiological mechanisms controlling nitrogen allocation and efficiency. As Head of the Department of Plant Nutrition at Hunan Agricultural University and Principal Investigator in the Southern Grain and Oil Crop Collaborative Innovation Center, he leads projects aimed at enhancing nutrient efficiency in rice, rapeseed, and other staple crops through improved fertilization strategies and molecular breeding targets. His work is further enriched by international training and visiting scientist appointments in the United States, Europe, and IRRI, strengthening global collaboration in plant nutrition and sustainable agriculture.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications: 

Jian, S. F., Liao, Q., Liu, Q., Luo, J. S., Guan, C. Y., Zhang, Z. H.*, & others. (2019). NRT1.1 regulates nitrate allocation and cadmium tolerance in Arabidopsis. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10, 384.

Liao, Q., Jian, S. F., Song, H. X., Guan, C. Y., Lepo, J. E., Ismail, A. M., Zhang, Z. H.*, & others. (2019). Balance between nitrogen use efficiency and cadmium tolerance in Brassica napus and Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant Science.

Liang, G. H., Hua, Y. P., Zhou, T., Liao, Q., Song, H. X., Zhang, Z. H.*, & others. (2019). Bioinformatics analysis and response to nitrate–cadmium stress of NRT1.5 and NRT1.8 family genes in Brassica napus. Crop Science, 45(3), 365–380.

Liao, J. Y., Song, H. X., Zhao, D. S., Wang, T., Guan, C. Y., Zhang, Z. H.*, & others. (2019). Effects of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers on soil inorganic nitrogen forms and fertilization efficiency at different growth stages of rape. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 33(1), 158–164.

Junning Ma | Cell Surface Receptors | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Junning Ma | Cell Surface Receptors | Best Research Article Award

Zhejiang University | China

Dr. Junning Ma has developed a multidisciplinary portfolio spanning neurosurgery, neural engineering, biomaterials, and nanomedicine. Their work integrates neural stem cell biology, targeted drug delivery, and tumor microenvironment modulation to create innovative therapeutic strategies for brain diseases. They have conducted advanced postdoctoral and doctoral research at major institutions, contributing to National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth Fund projects and multiple US-funded NIH and AHA grants. Their research focuses on biomimetic nanocarriers, including cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, PLGA-based delivery systems, and fusion-membrane technologies designed for precision therapy of glioma, pituitary adenoma, and ischemic stroke.

Key projects include engineered neural stem cell membrane-coated nanoparticles for stroke targeting, biomimetic nanoplatforms for cancer immunotherapy, and tumor microenvironment–responsive delivery systems. They have also contributed to studies on neuromodulation, neurotrophic factor-based therapy, neural stem cell transplantation, and photothrombotic stroke models. Their publication record includes high-impact journals such as Materials Today Bio, Biomaterials, Nano Letters, Small, and Cell Reports Physical Science, covering topics like vascular-targeting nanoclusters, polyphenol nanoparticles, and membrane-engineered carriers.

Overall, their research advances translational nanomedicine and regenerative neuroscience, with an emphasis on targeted therapies capable of overcoming the challenges of brain tumor heterogeneity, the blood–brain barrier, and ischemic neural injury.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications: 

Ma, J., Win, Y., Xiaojian, Z., et al. (2023). Enhanced EPR effects by folliculostellate cell membrane–coated nanoparticles on invasive pituitary adenoma. Materials Today Bio.

Ma, J., Dai, L., Jianbo, Y., et al. (2023). Tumor microenvironment targeting system for glioma treatment via fusion cell membrane coating nanotechnology. Biomaterials.

Ma, J., Liu, F., Wendy, C., et al. (2020). Co-presentation of tumor antigens with costimulation via biomimetic nanoparticles for effective cancer immunotherapy. Nano Letters.

Ma, J., Zhang, S., Jun, L., et al. (2019). Targeted drug delivery to stroke via chemotactic recruitment of nanoparticles coated with membranes of engineered neural stem cells. Small.

Alexis Gautreau | Collective Cell Migration | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Alexis Gautreau | Collective Cell Migration | Excellence in Research Award

Ecole Polytechnique | France

Alexis M. Gautreau is an internationally recognized cell biologist whose research centers on the molecular mechanisms governing cytoskeleton organization and cell morphogenesis. As Principal Investigator of the “Cytoskeleton and Cell Morphogenesis” team within the Research Unit Structural Biology of the Cell (UMR7654 CNRS/Ecole Polytechnique), his work investigates how actin networks are dynamically assembled and coordinated to drive essential processes such as membrane protrusion, cell migration, and tissue architecture. His group has been particularly influential in elucidating the functions of multiprotein complexes regulating actin nucleation, cytoskeletal remodeling, and mechanotransduction in normal and pathological contexts, including cancer progression.

Since establishing his research team in 2008, he has played a central role in advancing structural and functional analyses of actin-regulatory factors, contributing to a deeper understanding of how cytoskeletal dynamics shape cell behavior. His scientific leadership includes serving as Research Director at CNRS, Professor at Ecole Polytechnique, Chair of the Biology Department, and elected member of the bureau of the French Society for Cell Biology. He has coordinated international collaborations, notably an International Associated Laboratory with cancer research institutes in Russia, and has contributed to high-level teaching on the actin cytoskeleton, cancer mechanisms, and precision medicine. His work has been recognized through distinctions such as the Fondation ARC “Distinguished Team” Prize and a Visiting Professorship at the MechanoBiology Institute, NUS.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications: 

Krause, M., Gautreau, A., & others. (2014). Steering cell migration: Lamellipodium dynamics and the regulation of directional persistence. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 15(9), 577–590.

Derivery, E., Sousa, C., Gautier, J. J., Lombard, B., Loew, D., Gautreau, A., & others. (2009). The Arp2/3 activator WASH controls the fission of endosomes through a large multiprotein complex. Developmental Cell, 17(5), 712–723.

Fievet, B. T., Gautreau, A., Roy, C., Del Maestro, L., Mangeat, P., Louvard, D., & others. (2004). Phosphoinositide binding and phosphorylation act sequentially in the activation mechanism of ezrin. The Journal of Cell Biology, 164(5), 653–659.

Gorelik, R., & Gautreau, A. (2014). Quantitative and unbiased analysis of directional persistence in cell migration. Nature Protocols, 9(8), 1931–1943.

Crepaldi, T., Gautreau, A., Comoglio, P. M., Louvard, D., & Arpin, M. (1997). Ezrin is an effector of hepatocyte growth factor–mediated migration and morphogenesis in epithelial cells. The Journal of Cell Biology, 138(2), 423–434.

Gautreau, A., Poullet, P., Louvard, D., & Arpin, M. (1999). Ezrin, a plasma membrane–microfilament linker, signals cell survival through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 96(13), 7300–7305.

Ng, T., Parsons, M., Hughes, W. E., Monypenny, J., Zicha, D., Gautreau, A., & others. (2001). Ezrin is a downstream effector of trafficking PKC–integrin complexes involved in the control of cell motility. The EMBO Journal.

Gautreau, A., Louvard, D., & Arpin, M. (2000). Morphogenic effects of ezrin require a phosphorylation-induced transition from oligomers to monomers at the plasma membrane. The Journal of Cell Biology, 150(1), 193–204.

Novikov, N. M., Zolotaryova, S. Y., Gautreau, A. M., & Denisov, E. V. (2021). Mutational drivers of cancer cell migration and invasion. British Journal of Cancer, 124(1), 102–114.

Pujuguet, P., Del Maestro, L., Gautreau, A., Louvard, D., & Arpin, M. (2003). Ezrin regulates E-cadherin-dependent adherens junction assembly through Rac1 activation. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 14(5), 2181–2191.

Ilaria Cossu | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Ms. Ilaria Cossu | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Research Excellence Award

University of Sassari | Italy

Ilaria Cossu is a motivated PhD candidate in Life Sciences and Biotechnologies with a specialization in Microbiology and Immunology. Their work focuses on understanding the role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in cancer, integrating molecular biology, immunology, and virology approaches to explore how retroviral elements may influence tumorigenesis. Their doctoral project involves conducting indirect ELISA assays, maintaining and analyzing cell cultures, processing blood samples, performing RNA extraction and reverse transcription, and carrying out quantitative PCR for gene expression profiling. The researcher is actively engaged in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and collaborative research activities at both national and international levels.

Prior academic training includes Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Biology, each completed with top distinction, and research internships in microbiology, virology, and biochemistry laboratories. These experiences provided hands-on expertise in electrophoretic methods such as cellulose acetate electrophoresis, C-PAGE, fluorescent 2-aminoacridone probe (FACE) analysis, and SDS-PAGE, contributing to a solid foundation in protein and nucleic acid characterization. Their current research aims to advance understanding of retroviral contributions to cancer biology and supports the development of innovative molecular approaches for disease investigation and potential therapeutic insights.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Cossu, I., Ruberto, S., Filippi, E., Simula, E. R., Noli, M., Mottula, A., & others. (2025). HERV-K envelope induces a humoral response in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. Current Microbiology, 82(12), 574.

Jasemi, S., Molicotti, P., Fais, M., Cossu, I., Simula, E. R., Sechi, L. A., & others. (2025). Biological mechanisms of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis toxin: Linking inflammation, colorectal cancer, and clinical implications. Toxins, 17(6), 305.

Simula, E. R., Jasemi, S., Cossu, D., Fais, M., Cossu, I., Chessa, V., & others. (2025). Human endogenous retroviruses as novel therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disorders. Vaccines, 13(4), 415. h

Ruberto, S., Santovito, A., Caviglia, G. P., Noli, M., Cossu, D., Ribaldone, D. G., & others. (2025). Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and human endogenous retrovirus in Italian patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Immunology.

Yanqi Dang | Cancer Cell Biology | Editorial Board Member

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Mr. Yanqi Dang | Cancer Cell Biology | Editorial Board Member

Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032 | China

The researcher focuses on the epigenetic regulation of metabolic diseases and tumorigenesis, with major contributions in colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnostics, mechanisms, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-based interventions. In early CRC detection, the team performed transfer RNA (tRNA) sequencing and identified two key tRFs—tRF-Tyr-GTA-081 (downregulated) and tRF-Ala-AGC-060 (upregulated)—whose combined diagnostic model demonstrated strong performance for colorectal neoplastic lesions and cancer, outperforming traditional markers such as CEA and CA199. Multi-omics analyses of mRNAs, miRNAs and circRNAs identified three circRNAs with predictive value for adenoma–carcinoma transition. Through DNA hydroxymethylation sequencing, ZW10 emerged as a prognostic-related marker, and its circulating hydroxymethylation level showed high accuracy for early CRC detection. Mechanistic studies revealed that METTL3 regulates CRB3 in an m6A-dependent manner to modulate HIPPO signaling, while DNMT3B- and TET2-mediated epigenetic modifications jointly control PGC-1α to promote CRC progression. In therapeutic research, Scutellaria baicalensis Tang, Sijunzi Tang, and related monomers are under investigation for anti-CRC effects. In metabolic disease research, Ling-Gui-Zhu-Gan decoction and cinnamaldehyde were shown to improve steatosis and insulin resistance in NAFLD, supporting the TCM concept of “phlegm-beverage.” Current studies focus on lean NAFLD, demonstrating that METTL14 regulates TIM3 to influence disease development, and that GJLZ decoction alleviates steatosis and inflammation by enhancing this pathway.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Ma, J., …, & al. (2025). Regulation of histone H3K27 methylation in inflammation and cancer.