Yanqi Dang | Cancer Cell Biology | Editorial Board Member

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.

Shaoqing Ai | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Shaoqing Ai | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Xi’an Daxing Hospital | China

Dr. Shaoqing Ai’s research focuses on the clinical application and translational potential of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in oncology, particularly in the management of gastrointestinal tumors, lung cancer, and gynecological malignancies. His work emphasizes optimizing multidisciplinary treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes through precision diagnosis and therapy. As an active contributor to the fields of tumor metastasis and geriatric oncology, he has participated in a research project exploring the molecular mechanisms and clinical management of tumor progression and treatment-related complications. His published studies, including one SCI-indexed paper and two Chinese core journal articles, highlight the therapeutic efficacy of combined treatment approaches in reducing radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-induced hematologic toxicities such as leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Dr. Ai’s research also aims to refine clinical protocols for mitigating adverse effects while enhancing the overall quality of life for cancer patients. Through his involvement in professional oncology committees and collaborative studies, he continues to advance the integration of evidence-based Chinese medicine with modern oncological practices, contributing to the growing body of knowledge supporting individualized and holistic cancer care.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications:

Ai, S., Jun, G., Jia, W., & Jie, L. (2025, October 16). Correlation analysis between frequency of gastrointestinal bleeding episodes and abnormal coagulation indexes in digestive system tumors. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-19012-8

 

 

Evgeny Deforzh | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Evgeny Deforzh | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University | United States

Dr. Evgeny Deforzh is a molecular biologist whose work focuses on the regulation of RNA, microRNAs, chromatin dynamics, and their roles in cancer and neurological disease. After earning his B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Saint Petersburg State University and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Paris‑Saclay University, he completed postdoctoral research as a Research Fellow and subsequently served as Instructor in Neurology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. His peer‑reviewed contributions include insights into how WEE1 regulators switch roles in cell cycle control, protection of cyclin mRNAs from translational repression, the impact of glioblastoma‑derived extracellular vesicles on astrocyte transformation, and the nuclear modulation of splicing by oncogenic microRNAs. More recently, his work has elucidated promoter/enhancer RNA regulation of super‑enhancers, and miRNA pathways as therapeutic targets in gliomas and meningiomas. To date, Dr. Deforzh has published ~15–20 independent original research articles (first‑, co‑first, or senior‑author) with many additional co‐authored papers. His publications have been cited in the literature ~800‑1,200 times, giving him an approximate h‑index of 12–15. His research has advanced understanding of RNA regulatory networks in cancer and offers potential translational pathways for diagnostics and therapy.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Zeng, A., Wei, Z., Rabinovsky, R., Jun, H. J., El Fatimy, R., Deforzh, E., & Arora, R. (2020). Glioblastoma-derived extracellular vesicles facilitate transformation of astrocytes via reprogramming oncogenic metabolism. iScience, 23(8), 101420.

Deforzh, E., Uhlmann, E. J., Das, E., Galitsyna, A., Arora, R., Saravanan, H., … (2022). Promoter and enhancer RNAs regulate chromatin reorganization and activation of miR-10b/HOXD locus, and neoplastic transformation in glioma. Molecular Cell, 82(10), 1894–1908.e5.

El Fatimy, R., Zhang, Y., Deforzh, E., Ramadas, M., Saravanan, H., Wei, Z., … (2022). A nuclear function for an oncogenic microRNA as a modulator of snRNA and splicing. Molecular Cancer, 21(1), 17.

Poller, W., Sahoo, S., Hajjar, R., Landmesser, U., & Krichevsky, A. M. (2023). Exploration of the noncoding genome for human-specific therapeutic targets—Recent insights at molecular and cellular level. Cells, 12(22), 2660.

Deforzh, E., Vargas, T. R., Kropp, J., Vandamme, M., Pinna, G., & Polesskaya, A. (2016). IMP-3 protects the mRNAs of cyclins D1 and D3 from GW182/AGO2-dependent translational repression. International Journal of Oncology, 49(6), 2578–2588.

Kratassiouk, G., Pritchard, L. L., Cuvellier, S., Vislovukh, A., Meng, Q., … (2016). The WEE1 regulators CPEB1 and miR-15b switch from inhibitor to activators at G2/M. Cell Cycle, 15(5), 667–677.

Farhad Ghorbani | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Farhad Ghorbani | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Farhad Ghorbani | Shiraz University of Medical Sciences ,Shiraz,Iran | Iran

Dr. Farhad Ghorbani is an esteemed Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. With over two decades of clinical and academic experience, he has significantly contributed to the fields of oral pathology, trauma, and surgical interventions. A graduate of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Ghorbani later specialized further at Shiraz University. His dedication to advancing clinical knowledge is reflected in over a dozen high-impact peer-reviewed publications, focusing on craniofacial abnormalities, surgical outcomes, and rare oral diseases. He is an active researcher with a Scopus Author ID and ORCID, consistently contributing to scientific journals like BMC Oral Health, Scientific Reports, and Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His multidisciplinary collaborations have led to enhanced diagnostic techniques and patient outcomes. Dr. Ghorbani is recognized for both his innovative research and his commitment to medical education.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Ghorbani began his medical journey at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, earning his professional doctorate in dentistry (1992–1998). Following years of clinical practice, he advanced his academic and surgical expertise by joining Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2013, where he underwent specialized training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and served as an Assistant Professor during his educational tenure (2013–2018). His academic training focused on maxillofacial pathology, surgical techniques, and interdisciplinary diagnostics. The combination of strong foundational medical education and advanced surgical specialization has equipped him with both the theoretical depth and clinical acumen to lead impactful research. His training underlines a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning, which is further reflected in his scholarly contributions. Dr. Ghorbani’s educational background bridges foundational dental sciences with advanced surgical innovation.

Experience:

Since December 2018, Dr. Farhad Ghorbani has held the position of Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. His career blends clinical practice, research, and teaching. Over the years, he has led numerous studies exploring craniofacial morphology, surgical outcomes, dental trauma, and maxillofacial pathologies. He mentors postgraduate students and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and surgical care. His work in both rural and urban settings has exposed him to a wide spectrum of maxillofacial cases, enriching his clinical insights. He actively contributes to improving surgical protocols and patient care standards. Dr. Ghorbani’s experience also includes academic publishing, peer reviews, and participation in scientific forums. He is recognized for his analytical approach and evidence-based practice. His long-standing affiliation with reputed institutions and research groups underscores his strong leadership in oral surgery and academic scholarship.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ghorbani’s primary research interests lie in oral pathology, craniofacial surgery, dentoalveolar trauma, and radiological diagnostics. His work often combines clinical case reports with retrospective analysis, offering insights into rare presentations such as parathyroid carcinoma-linked jaw tumors, and developmental anomalies like concha bullosa. A hallmark of his research is his ability to identify atypical symptoms and connect them with broader systemic conditions, ensuring early diagnosis and management. He has conducted fractal analysis studies to evaluate bone quality, and he explores patient-centered outcomes, such as satisfaction post-rhinoplasty and the psychological impacts of facial surgery. Additionally, his research evaluates the intersection of dental surgery with systemic health—evident in studies related to auditory changes post-orthognathic surgery or the implications of COVID-19 on dental care. Through evidence-based methods and innovative case analyses, Dr. Ghorbani has positioned himself as a thought leader in interdisciplinary oral and maxillofacial research.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Brown tumors of both jaws as the initial manifestation of parathyroid carcinoma (BMC Oral Health, 2025)

  2. Distribution and laterality of concha bullosa across cranial skeletal types (Maxillofacial Plastic Surg, 2025)

  3. Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst in Posterior Maxilla: A Case Report (Journal of Dentistry Shiraz, 2025)

  4. Central giant cell granuloma mimicking fibro-osseous lesion and hemangioma (J Med Case Reports, 2024)

  5. Fractal CT analysis of mandibular condyles in class III malocclusion (Scientific Reports, 2023)

  6. Patient dissatisfaction following rhinoplasty: A 10-year Iranian study (Maxillofacial Plastic Surg, 2023)

  7. Correlation between impacted third molar and blood group (Int J of Dentistry, 2021)

  8. Effects of orthognathic surgery on auditory function (Maxillofacial Plastic Surg, 2021)

  9. Evaluation of alveolar fractures in trauma patients in Iran (BMC Oral Health, 2021)

  10. Anxiety in patients undergoing mandibular third molar extraction (J Oral Research & Review, 2020)

Conclusion:

In summary, Dr. Farhad Ghorbani embodies the qualities of a deeply committed, analytically skilled, and academically active oral and maxillofacial surgeon. His research is directly informed by his clinical experience, allowing him to bridge theory and practice effectively. His contributions have enriched the literature on oral pathology, surgical complications, facial aesthetics, and patient psychology following treatment interventions. While there are opportunities to expand the scope and scale of his work through more robust methodologies and international collaboration, his existing portfolio already reflects a high standard of academic and clinical integration. Given his track record, ongoing research productivity, and evident commitment to innovation and education, Dr. Ghorbani is a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With continued growth in research leadership and expanded global outreach, he is poised to make an even greater impact in the years ahead.