Prof. Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jianli GAO , School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University , China

Professor Jian-Li Gao is a distinguished researcher in Immunology and Tumor Pharmacology at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU), China. With a solid academic background in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, she has carved a unique path by integrating traditional practices with modern biomedical research. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Macau and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, she returned to ZCMU, where she now serves as a Professor and Director of the CTMP editorial office. She also holds the title of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine. Known for her impactful studies on thymic immunity, mitochondrial transfer, and age-related immune degeneration, Prof. Gao has authored numerous high-impact papers and led several nationally funded projects. Her dedication, scientific acumen, and leadership make her an ideal candidate for recognition as a top-tier researcher.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

1. 📚 Extensive Publication Record

   • Published high-impact research in top-tier journals like Phytomedicine, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Molecules, and Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

   • Topics span immunosenescence, mitochondrial transfer, alopecia regeneration, and TCM pharmacology—an excellent multidisciplinary focus.

2. 🔬 Innovative Research Focus

   • Focuses on cutting-edge topics like tunneling nanotube-mediated mitochondrial transfer and immune rejuvenation—a unique and relevant field in aging and cancer research.

   • Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern immunology and pharmacology shows her ability to bridge ancient knowledge with new technologies.

3. 🌍 International Exposure

   • Completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, demonstrating global collaboration and adaptability in high-caliber environments.

4. 🎓 Academic and Editorial Leadership

   • Editor-in-Chief of a peer-reviewed journal and Editorial Board Member of Scientific Reports.

   • Director of CTMP editorial office and a key figure in shaping academic publishing within her university.

5. 💡 Research Funding Success

   • Principal Investigator of multiple NSFC-funded projects (highly competitive in China), totaling over ¥1,000,000 in research grants.

6. 🧑‍🏫 Academic Career Progression

   • Rapid professional growth from Assistant Professor to Full Professor in under 10 years—shows high competence, leadership, and recognition by peers.

Areas for Improvement:

1. 🏅 Documentation of Individual Honors/Awards

   • While her academic and publishing roles speak volumes, a clearer list of individual recognitions, national awards, or innovation prizes would strengthen the case further.

2. 🌐 Global Research Collaborations

   • Though she has worked internationally, further multi-country clinical collaborations or EU/NIH projects would expand her global footprint.

3. 🗣 Public Engagement & Outreach

   • Amplifying her presence through conferences, workshops, and keynote speeches, particularly internationally, could further solidify her status as a global thought leader.

🎓 Educational Background:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao pursued her academic training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge medical research. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (2003) from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU). She continued her studies at the University of Macau, earning a Master’s degree in Chinese Medicinal Science (2005) and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (2009) from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences. Her doctoral work focused on cellular mechanisms and immune pharmacology, laying the foundation for her future research career. Her education uniquely positioned her to investigate immune regulation through both modern biomedical techniques and the traditional principles of Chinese medicine. The fusion of these approaches underpins her scientific contributions and helps advance integrative medical research both in China and internationally.

💼 Professional Experience: 

Prof. Gao has over 14 years of experience in academic research and teaching at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Starting as an Assistant Professor (2011–2013), she was promoted to Associate Professor (2013–2018) and has held the title of Professor since 2019. Her international exposure includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, where she deepened her expertise in tumor pharmacology and immunology. Prof. Gao currently directs the CTMP English Editorial Office at ZCMU and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of a leading Chinese medicine journal. She also contributes as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and a young editorial board member for Chinese Medicine. Throughout her tenure, she has led numerous national research projects, mentored students, and facilitated cross-disciplinary collaborations. Her trajectory reflects a consistent pattern of academic growth, leadership, and contribution to the global scientific community.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Though specific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided information, Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s numerous appointments and leadership roles are strong indicators of her recognition in the academic field. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine, a prestigious role typically reserved for top researchers in the discipline. Her role as Director of the CTMP editorial office and her inclusion as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and Young Editorial Board Member for Chinese Medicine signal national and international acknowledgment of her scientific contributions. She has also successfully led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, a competitive funding body in China, which highlights her research’s credibility and impact. These honors collectively reflect her excellence in scientific innovation, editorial leadership, and her commitment to advancing Chinese and integrative medicine.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s research centers on thymic immune senescence, mitochondrial transfer, and the pharmacological effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on immune system regulation. She explores how compounds such as Epimedin C, Thymosin β15, and Ligustilide can delay thymus degeneration, enhance mitochondrial functionality, and promote immune resilience—especially in contexts such as menopause, aging, and cancer. Her work bridges the gap between TCM and modern molecular biology, applying cell biology techniques to understand how herbal extracts affect immune cell signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and tissue repair. A unique aspect of her work is the use of mitochondrial transfer via tunneling nanotubes, a cutting-edge concept in immunopharmacology. With a holistic approach, she aims to uncover therapeutic strategies rooted in TCM that are evidence-based and translational. Her research has major implications in autoimmune diseases, aging, regenerative medicine, and oncology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

1. 📖 Epimedin C promotes mitochondrial transfer and delays thymus atrophy in 4-VCD induced mimetic-menopausal mice – Phytomedicine, 2025

2. 📖 Dermal T cell immunity and key regulatory signaling pathways: Implications in immune-mediated alopecia and hair regeneration – Genes & Diseases, 2025

3. 📖 Linderae Radix extract attenuates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway – Phytomedicine, 2024

4. 📖 Ligustilide prevents thymic immune senescence by regulating Thymosin β15-dependent spatial distribution of thymic epithelial cells – Phytomedicine, 2024

5. 📖 Thymosin β4 regulates the differentiation of thymocytes by controlling the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer – IJMS, 2024

6. 📖 Th22 is the effector cell of Thymosin β15-induced hair regeneration in mice – Inflammation and Regeneration, 2024

7. 📖 Ruyong Formula improves thymus function of CUMS-stimulated breast cancer mice – Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024

8. 📖 Age-related hearing loss and its potential drug candidates: a systematic review – Chinese Medicine, 2023

9. 📖 Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with nose-to-brain drug delivery of natural drugs – J. Exp. & Clin. App. of Chinese Medicine, 2023

10. 📖 Thymosin α1 and its role in viral infectious diseases: Mechanism and clinical application – Molecules, 2023

📝 Conclusion:

Professor Jian-Li Gao is highly deserving and exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. Her research is innovative, translational, and impactful, particularly in the intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern immunology. She has demonstrated consistent academic excellence, leadership in editorial work, and obtained national-level competitive funding.