Xingting Guo | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Xingting Guo | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Xingting Guo , Peking University Third Hospital , China

Dr. Xingting Guo is a dedicated postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing, where she has been working since 2018. With a strong academic foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology, her research delves into stem cell biology, cellular differentiation, and tumorigenesis using Drosophila and mouse models. Her expertise lies in integrating genetics, biochemistry, single-cell sequencing, and bioinformatics to unravel mechanisms of cell fate specification and intestinal homeostasis. Dr. Guo has co-authored several high-impact publications and has presented her research at both national and international conferences. Her contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of enteroendocrine cells (EECs), tissue identity, and inter-organ communication. Passionate and detail-oriented, she is actively contributing to biomedical sciences with a vision to translate fundamental biology into therapeutic insights. Her work is paving the way for novel treatments for metabolic diseases and cancers.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Dr. Guo has made pioneering contributions in stem cell biology, particularly in understanding cell fate specification, enteroendocrine diversity, and tumor suppression using Drosophila and murine models.

  2. Multidisciplinary Skillset: She integrates genetics, high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, organoid culture, and in vivo models, showcasing deep technical expertise.

  3. High-Impact Publications: Co-first author in multiple peer-reviewed journals, including Cell Reports, Nature Communications, and FEBS Journal.

  4. Leadership in Research: From graduate researcher to postdoctoral fellow, she has led multiple independent projects, contributing novel findings to developmental and regenerative biology.

  5. International Recognition: Regular presenter at top-tier conferences globally, including the European Drosophila Research Conference and Annual Drosophila Research Conference (USA).

  6. Research Funding: Successfully secured National Natural Science Foundation of China funding, reflecting scientific merit and recognition.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Collaboration: Expanding collaborations outside her current institute or internationally may enhance the translational reach and impact of her research.

  2. Mentorship Roles: While her research is strong, formal mentorship roles (e.g., supervising Ph.D. students) or teaching contributions could further demonstrate leadership.

  3. Clinical Translation: Though her mouse model work touches on therapeutic discovery, publishing more translational or clinical-facing studies could boost her impact in applied biomedical research.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Xingting Guo earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the College of Life Sciences at Beijing Normal University (2012–2018), where she began her in-depth research on stem cell biology and tissue differentiation in Drosophila. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Engineering at Nanjing Agricultural University (2008–2012), where she was honored with multiple scholarships for academic excellence. Throughout her education, she developed a robust foundation in molecular biology, genetics, and developmental biology, equipping her with the skills to tackle complex biological questions. Her academic journey has been characterized by continuous academic excellence, curiosity-driven research, and a commitment to uncovering the molecular mechanisms of health and disease. Her education laid the groundwork for her successful transition to cutting-edge postdoctoral research in developmental biology and regenerative medicine.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Guo began her research career at NIBS Beijing as a graduate student in 2012, transitioning into a postdoctoral fellow in 2018 under the mentorship of Dr. Rongwen Xi. Her research primarily uses Drosophila intestinal systems and murine models to explore the regulation of cellular identity, differentiation, and plasticity. She has led multiple projects on tumor suppression, transcriptional regulation, and enteroendocrine diversity using advanced techniques like genetic manipulation, single-cell RNA sequencing, and organoid cultures. Additionally, she contributes to translational research by identifying drug targets for diabetes-related therapy by reprogramming intestinal cells into insulin-producing β-cells. Her interdisciplinary approach and long-standing expertise in stem cell biology highlight her versatility and innovation in research. Her consistent progression from graduate student to independent researcher reflects her strong scientific rigor and leadership in high-impact studies.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Xingting Guo has been recognized for her academic excellence and scientific contributions through numerous honors. During her Ph.D., she was awarded the First Class Academic Scholarship for two consecutive years (2014–2016). As an undergraduate, she earned the prestigious Cyrus Tang Scholarship four times, along with the First Class Scholarship at Nanjing Agricultural University. In recent years, she has taken on the role of a peer reviewer for Bio-protocols, highlighting her engagement with the scientific community. Dr. Guo’s research excellence has led her to represent her work at top-tier conferences, including the Annual Drosophila Research Conference (USA) and the European Drosophila Research Conference (Switzerland). Her contributions were also supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 3210050518), demonstrating her ability to secure competitive funding. These accolades mark her as a rising star in molecular and developmental biology.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Guo’s research focuses on the molecular regulation of stem cell differentiation, cellular identity maintenance, and neuroendocrine cell plasticity using Drosophila and mouse models. She investigates how transcription factors such as ttk69 influence enteroendocrine (EEC) specification, tissue homeostasis, and tumor suppression. Using cutting-edge tools like CRISPR, single-cell transcriptomics, and in vivo lineage tracing, she deciphers how intestinal stem cells differentiate into diverse terminal cell types. Her recent work explores how intestinal EECs regulate systemic physiology via neuropeptides in response to environmental cues like starvation and mating. In parallel, she studies cell-fate reprogramming in mammals to identify potential therapeutic strategies for diabetes by inducing insulin-producing cells in the gut. By bridging basic biology with translational goals, her work contributes to regenerative medicine, oncology, and metabolic disease research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧠 Cell-fate conversion of intestinal cells in adult Drosophila midgut by depleting a single transcription factor, Nature Communications, 2024

  • 🔍 The Specification and Function of Enteroendocrine Cells in Drosophila and Mammals: A Comparative Review, FEBS Journal, 2021

  • 🧬 A Switch in Tissue Stem Cell Identity Causes Neuroendocrine Tumors in Drosophila Gut, Cell Reports, 2020

  • 🧫 The Cellular Diversity and Transcription Factor Code of Drosophila Enteroendocrine Cells, Cell Reports, 2019

  • 🧬 Division of Labor: Roles of Groucho and CtBP in Notch-Mediated Lateral Inhibition, Stem Cell Reports, 2019

  • 📘 Signaling Pathways Regulating Stem Cells, Book Chapter, Springer, 2015

  • 🛑 Ttk69 acts as a master repressor of enteroendocrine cell specification, Development, 2015

  • 🧪 EGFR and Notch signaling regulate gastric stem cells, Cell Research, 2014

  • 🧠 Sox9 Ortholog Regulates Intestinal Homeostasis and Regeneration in Drosophila, Cell Reports, 2020

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Xingting Guo is a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her exceptional track record in stem cell biology, cellular reprogramming, and disease modeling makes her a rising star in the life sciences. With a unique combination of technical excellence, scientific innovation, and publication strength, she has already made a significant impact on our understanding of intestinal cell biology and endocrine regulation. Addressing a few career development aspects—like expanding collaborative networks and clinical translation—will make her an even more formidable leader in the field. Given her achievements, potential, and contributions, she is strongly recommended for this prestigious honor.

Ying Ren | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Ying Ren | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Ying Ren , Xuzhou Medical University , China

Ying Ren, a 32-year-old researcher from Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, China, is an accomplished scholar specializing in biomedical engineering. After completing her PhD at Peking Union Medical College, Tsinghua University Health Science Center (2015-2021), she is currently serving as a lecturer at the School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University. Ren’s research journey is centered on bone marrow stem cells and their differentiation into odontogenic and osteogenic lineages. She is also deeply involved in exploring the synthesis and design of natural bioactive hydrogels aimed at enhancing bone tissue regeneration. Throughout her career, Ren has contributed to numerous impactful publications, demonstrating her expertise in the development of materials and techniques that support regenerative medicine.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Ying Ren’s academic and research profile positions her as a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award in the field of biomedical engineering and tissue regeneration. Her research is highly innovative, with a focus on bone marrow stem cell differentiation and bioactive hydrogels designed to promote bone tissue regeneration. Ren’s ability to integrate molecular biology with material science is a key strength that is reflected in her numerous impactful publications. Her work in hydrogel design and stem cell culture systems stands out as cutting-edge, with clear implications for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The significant impact of her research is shown by her consistent publication in top-tier journals such as ACS Applied Bio Materials, Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology, and Biomaterials. Moreover, her academic leadership as a lecturer at Xuzhou Medical University further demonstrates her capacity to contribute to both the scientific community and the education of future researchers.

Areas for Improvement:

While Ren’s research is highly promising, there is potential for expanding her focus to explore the clinical applications and translational aspects of her work more thoroughly. Moving beyond the lab and advancing her bioactive hydrogels and stem cell differentiation strategies toward clinical trials could greatly enhance the practical impact of her research. Additionally, while Ren has been successful in her publications, future collaborations with interdisciplinary researchers in the fields of clinical medicine and industry could help further elevate her work to new applications in regenerative therapies.

Education:

Ying Ren’s academic journey began with her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Tianjin Medical University (2011-2015), where she laid the foundation for her deep interest in biomedical sciences. She went on to pursue her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Peking Union Medical College, Tsinghua University Health Science Center (2015-2021). Here, she focused on stem cell biology, particularly the odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stem cells. Ren’s advanced research training equipped her with a solid understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in tissue regeneration and the bioengineering of materials to promote this process. Her education has allowed her to merge the fields of pharmacy, biomedical engineering, and material science, which has been pivotal in shaping her current research direction. She has since become a well-respected academic, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Experience:

Since August 2021, Ying Ren has been serving as a lecturer at the School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University, where she continues to advance her research and teach the next generation of biomedical engineers. Before her current position, Ren had extensive academic exposure during her PhD, where she collaborated on various multidisciplinary projects that bridged the fields of stem cell biology, bioengineering, and material science. In her role as a lecturer, she not only teaches but also leads cutting-edge research in the development of natural bioactive hydrogels and their application in bone tissue regeneration. Her work is highly regarded in the academic community, and she has published several influential papers in top-tier journals. Ren’s research continues to focus on improving therapeutic outcomes for regenerative medicine, particularly through her exploration of bioactive materials designed for bone regeneration and cartilage repair.

Research Focus:

Ying Ren’s research is primarily focused on the differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells into odontogenic and osteogenic lineages, a key area for advancing bone tissue regeneration. She investigates the molecular and biomechanical mechanisms that regulate stem cell behavior and tissue formation. Her work emphasizes the design and synthesis of bioactive hydrogels, including collagen mimetic peptides and hyaluronic acid derivatives, to create environments that promote stem cell differentiation and tissue healing. In particular, Ren is dedicated to developing hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties, facilitating controlled cell growth and tissue regeneration. Her innovative approach holds great promise for enhancing the repair of bone and cartilage defects. Moreover, Ren is exploring how different hydrogel stiffness and molecular structures influence stem cell fate, aiming to optimize these materials for clinical applications in regenerative medicine. Her research bridges fundamental biology with advanced materials science to address unmet medical needs in tissue engineering.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Hyaluronic acid hydrogel with adjustable stiffness for mesenchymal stem cell 3D culture 🧬🦠, ACS Applied Bio Materials, 2021
  2. A gelatin-hyaluronic acid double cross-linked hydrogel for regulating the growth and dual dimensional cartilage differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells 🧫💡, Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology, 2021
  3. Locally delivered modified citrus pectin-a galectin-3 inhibitor shows expected anti-inflammatory and unexpected regeneration-promoting effects on repair of articular cartilage defect 🍊🦵, Biomaterials, 2022
  4. The effects of stiffness on the specificity and avidity of antibody-coated microcapsules with target cells are strongly shape dependent 🧪🔬, Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2024
  5. A collagen mimetic peptide-modified hyaluronic acid hydrogel system with enzymatically mediated degradation for mesenchymal stem cell differentiation 🧬🛠, Materials Science & Engineering C, 2020

Conclusion:

Ying Ren’s innovative contributions to the fields of stem cell biology, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work has the potential to advance medical treatments for bone and cartilage regeneration, a critical area in tissue engineering. With her proven track record, expertise, and dedication, Ren is well-positioned to continue leading groundbreaking research and making significant strides in the medical field.