Dr. Yanlan Wang, Stanford, United States
Dr. Yanlan Wang is a distinguished postdoctoral research fellow at Stanford University’s Department of Pathology. She works in the esteemed Dr. Gerald Crabtree’s lab, where her research revolves around leveraging molecular glues to reprogram cancer drivers and trigger apoptosis. With a strong background in immuno-oncology, antibody engineering, and small molecule therapeutics, Dr. Wang has made significant contributions to targeted cancer therapies. Her interdisciplinary collaborations, notably with Dr. Nathanael Gray’s group, have explored the role of transcription factor complex-inducing compounds (TCIPs) in MLL-rearranged leukemia. Dr. Wang brings a rich international research experience from China and the U.S., with a career spanning translational medicine, biotechnology innovation, and academic excellence. She is known for her rigorous approach to scientific inquiry, collaborative spirit, and prolific publication record. Her passion for understanding and overcoming the mechanisms of cancer resistance positions her as a future leader in oncology drug development and precision medicine.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
✅ Strengths for the Award:
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Outstanding Research Focus
Dr. Wang’s work on molecular glues and transcription factor modulators represents cutting-edge approaches in cancer therapy, especially in targeting previously undruggable pathways.
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High Impact Publications
With multiple first-author and co-corresponding author papers (e.g., J Immunol Methods 2025, Leukemia & Lymphoma 2020, Clin Pharmacol Ther 2021), Dr. Wang has demonstrated a strong track record in both fundamental and translational cancer research.
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Innovation & Translational Impact
Her efforts in bispecific antibody engineering, IL-15 therapeutics, and AKR1C3-targeted prodrugs show clear applications in oncology drug development, bridging the lab and clinic.
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Prestigious Collaborations
Collaborating with renowned researchers such as Dr. Gerald Crabtree and Dr. Nathanael Gray at Stanford indicates high confidence and integration in world-class research circles.
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Recognition & Awards
She has received the Coxe Fellowship at Stanford and multiple merit-based scholarships, highlighting academic excellence and innovation.
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Leadership and Multidisciplinary Skills
Dr. Wang has led several projects, authored high-level papers, and mentored junior researchers, showcasing both technical and leadership capability.
🔄 Areas for Improvement:
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Greater International Presentation Exposure
Although she has strong publication credentials, more visibility through international oral presentations, keynote addresses, or panel roles would amplify her leadership profile.
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Independent Grant Record
While she is currently in a postdoctoral role, seeking independent funding (e.g., K99/R00, early-career PI grants) would position her more competitively for independent investigator status.
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Patent or Commercial Translation
Given the translational nature of her work, pursuit of intellectual property filings or biotech partnerships would further highlight impact.
🎓 Education:
Dr. Yanlan Wang began her academic journey at Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, where she earned her MBBS (M.D. equivalent) in June 2012. She continued at The Second Xiangya Hospital for her clinical residency, completing her M.S. in June 2015. Her pursuit of scientific excellence led her to earn a doctorate (M.D. equivalent to PhD) from Sun Yat-sen University in June 2018, with a research focus on microbial immunology and tumor biology. This diverse educational background gave her a solid foundation in both clinical medicine and biomedical research, allowing her to bridge translational gaps in cancer research. Her early training emphasized immunotherapy, molecular biology, and oncology, all of which paved the way for her postdoctoral work in cutting-edge labs. Her education reflects a consistent upward trajectory, marked by prestigious institutions, interdisciplinary training, and a seamless integration of clinical and scientific disciplines.
🔬 Experience:
Dr. Yanlan Wang is currently a postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Gerald Crabtree’s lab at Stanford University, where she focuses on manipulating cancer cell pathways using molecular glues. Her prior research in China included pivotal roles in biotechnology innovation, including bispecific antibody engineering, prodrug design, and immune-oncology drug development. She has also collaborated extensively with Dr. Nathanael Gray’s lab at Stanford, exploring the therapeutic potential of TCIPs in leukemia. Dr. Wang’s hands-on experience includes multiplex screening platforms, flow cytometry, in vivo tumor models, and translational immunotherapy development. Over the years, she has taken leadership roles in preclinical projects, manuscript authorship, and international scientific presentations. Her diverse roles—from clinical residency to laboratory innovation—reflect her capability to translate complex scientific findings into therapeutic strategies. Dr. Wang has also mentored junior researchers and worked across multiple disciplines, underscoring her adaptability, leadership potential, and deep commitment to cancer research.
🏅 Awards and Honors:
Dr. Yanlan Wang’s excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards. At Stanford, she received the Coxe Fellowship in 2021, honoring outstanding postdoctoral researchers. During her doctoral training, she earned the Special Award of Merit for the BJ-001 Project at BJ Bioscience Inc. in 2019 for her impactful translational research. Her academic merit was consistently acknowledged through the Bidi Scholarship (2016–2017) and Daxiang Scholarship (2015–2016) at Sun Yat-sen University. These honors underscore her commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and translational impact in oncology and immunotherapy. Her ability to receive awards across both academic and industrial settings highlights her versatility and the real-world relevance of her work. These distinctions serve as a testament to her leadership in cancer drug development, collaborative effectiveness, and contribution to next-generation therapeutic discoveries.
🔍 Research Focus:
Dr. Yanlan Wang’s research lies at the intersection of cancer biology, molecular pharmacology, and immunotherapy. At Stanford, she investigates how molecular glues can be used to hijack cancer drivers and activate apoptosis, offering a novel route for targeted cancer therapies. Her work involves multiplex molecular glue screening, understanding protein degradation pathways, and designing synthetic lethality strategies. In collaboration with Dr. Nathanael Gray, she is also studying Transcription factor Complex-Inducing Compounds (TCIPs) for the treatment of MLL-rearranged leukemia, a particularly aggressive form of blood cancer. Prior to this, her research focused on bispecific antibodies, prodrugs, and IL-15 based immunotherapeutics, with a vision to decouple efficacy from toxicity. Through a blend of basic science and translational applications, she aims to rewire oncogenic signaling pathways and enhance anti-tumor immunity. Her research combines drug discovery, systems biology, and precision oncology, pushing the boundaries of targeted cancer treatment.
📚 Publications Top Notes:
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🔬 Quantitative flow cytometry using quantitative streptavidin-protein G-biotin beads (qBeads) – J Immunol Methods, 2025
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🧬 A Bivalent Molecular Glue Linking Lysine Acetyltransferases to Oncogene-directed Cell Death – Cell (revising)
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💉 Enhance IL15 anti-tumor efficacy by inhibiting its negative feedback mechanism – (in preparation)
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⚛️ Decouple the toxicity and efficacy of BJ-001, an integrin targeting IL-15 – AACR Abstract, 2019
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🔄 Decoupling the toxicity and efficacy of immunotherapeutics – SITC Abstract, 2019
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🧪 An AKR1C3-specific prodrug with potent anti-tumor activities against T-ALL – Leukemia & Lymphoma, 2020
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🧫 A novel AKR1C3 specific prodrug TH3424 with potent anti-tumor activity in liver cancer – Clin Pharmacol Ther, 2021
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🧲 A GPC3-targeting Bispecific Antibody, GPC3-S-Fab, with Potent Cytotoxicity – J Vis Exp, 2018
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🧠 Identification of anti-CD16a single domain antibodies and their application in bispecific antibodies – Cancer Biol Ther, 2020
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🧿 Bp-Bs, a novel T-cell engaging bispecific antibody with biparatopic Her2 binding – Mol Ther Oncolytics, 2019
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🧰 A novel multi-functional anti-CEA-IL15 molecule displays potent anti-tumor activities – Drug Des Devel Ther, 2018
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🧠 A single domain based anti-Her2 antibody has potent anti-tumor activities – Transl Oncol, 2018
🧾 Conclusion:
Dr. Yanlan Wang is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to cancer therapeutics through novel molecular approaches, her collaborations with globally renowned labs, and her publication record reflect a researcher of exceptional caliber and promise. With a deep understanding of tumor biology, a commitment to innovation, and a growing leadership presence in oncology research, she is not only suitable for the award but stands as a strong role model for future biomedical researchers.