Mrs. Lijuan Deng | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

Mrs. Lijuan Deng , Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery , China

Lijuan Deng is a passionate graduate student researcher at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery in China, specializing in the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases. Her scientific curiosity centers on gene regulation, signaling pathways, and metabolic dysregulation in disease progression, particularly metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). Her translational approach blends experimental models and bioinformatics to bridge basic science and therapeutic innovation. Lijuan has already co-authored a publication in The FASEB Journal, identifying CDKN1A as a key regulator in MASLD. She is also the inventor of a patent-pending technique for nascent RNA labeling in extracellular vesicles. Through collaborations with clinical researchers and a solid foundation in molecular biology techniques, she is positioning herself as a rising talent in cell biology. Her work promises to advance understanding and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

1. Innovative Research: Lijuan Deng has significantly contributed to the understanding of MASLD (Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) by identifying CDKN1A as a key regulatory gene through integrated transcriptomic analysis and experimental validation.

2. Translational Focus: Her research bridges molecular biology and clinical application, enhancing its impact in drug discovery and disease diagnostics.

3. Publication Record: She is the first author of a peer-reviewed article published in The FASEB Journal (SCI-indexed), showcasing her ability to conduct and communicate high-quality research.

4. Patent Innovation: She holds a pending patent for a novel method involving nascent RNA labeling in extracellular vesicles, showing her drive toward technological advancement and biomedical innovation.

5. Collaborative Approach: Active collaboration with the Department of Endocrinology at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital reflects strong interdisciplinary and clinical integration.

🧩 Areas for Improvement:

1. Expanded Publication Portfolio: Increasing the number of peer-reviewed articles will strengthen her academic visibility and impact.

2. Professional Networking: Engagement in international cell biology societies or conferences and obtaining professional memberships can support broader recognition and growth.

3. Editorial/Leadership Roles: Participation in editorial boards, review panels, or student leadership roles can enrich her professional development profile.

🎓 Education:

Lijuan Deng is currently pursuing her graduate studies in molecular biology at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, where she focuses on translational biomedical research. Her academic foundation includes advanced coursework in biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cellular signaling. Through structured academic training, she has acquired proficiency in modern laboratory methods, including RNA sequencing, qPCR, western blotting, and exosome analysis. Her education emphasizes critical thinking and scientific rigor, enabling her to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret biological outcomes. She regularly participates in academic seminars, journal clubs, and collaborative workshops to refine her scientific acumen. Her thesis research is centered around identifying novel molecular targets in MASLD, a field gaining global relevance. Lijuan’s education is not only shaping her technical capabilities but also nurturing her ambition to contribute to impactful, real-world medical solutions through cell biology research.

💼 Experience:

Lijuan Deng has gained extensive laboratory experience as a graduate student researcher at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery. Her hands-on work includes both cellular and animal models, with a strong focus on metabolic disease mechanisms. She played a key role in identifying CDKN1A as a potential MASLD progression factor, combining transcriptomic data analysis with molecular validation. Additionally, she has worked on exosome-based biomarker discovery and developed a patent-pending method for nascent RNA labeling. She collaborates with the Department of Endocrinology at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, providing a clinical dimension to her work. Though early in her career, her contributions to translational research are already making an impact. She is skilled in molecular biology, gene expression profiling, and therapeutic target screening. Her research experience has been shaped by interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific publications, and the ambition to innovate within the field of molecular cell biology.

🧬 Research Focus:

Lijuan Deng’s research is primarily focused on the molecular underpinnings of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), a key manifestation of metabolic syndrome. She investigates how dysregulated genes, signaling networks, and lipid metabolism contribute to disease initiation and progression. A major highlight of her work is identifying CDKN1A as a potential risk factor in MASLD using integrated bioinformatics and experimental techniques. Additionally, she explores the utility of extracellular vesicles as carriers of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic molecules. Her patent-pending work involves a novel method for labeling nascent RNA within exosomes, opening possibilities for tracking dynamic RNA communication in disease contexts. Her research strategy merges molecular biology with disease modeling, aiming to bridge laboratory discoveries with potential therapeutic strategies. Through strong collaborations and a translational research outlook, Lijuan is dedicated to uncovering actionable insights that can inform drug development for complex metabolic disorders.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

• 🧾 “Identification of CDKN1A as a potential key risk factor in MASLD progression.” – The FASEB Journal, 2025. DOI: 10.1096/fj.202402942R

🧾 Conclusion:

Lijuan Deng stands out as an emerging researcher with strong foundations in molecular cell biology and a clear orientation toward translational science. Her innovative work in MASLD, combined with an SCI publication and a pending patent, make her a highly suitable and promising candidate for the Molecular Cell Biology Award. While she is in the early stages of her career, her achievements thus far indicate substantial potential for future contributions to the field.