Hongjin Liu | Cancer Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Hongjin Liu | Cancer Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College | China

Hongjin Liu is a medical oncologist whose research centers on cancer biology, therapeutic resistance, and tumorigenesis. His work spans molecular oncology, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mechanisms of somatic mutagenesis across human tissues. He has contributed to high-impact studies published in Nature and Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, including investigations uncovering the landscape of somatic mutations in normal tissues and the critical role of VAV2 in DNA repair and radiotherapy resistance. His research also explores noncoding RNA–mediated regulatory networks in liver cancer, notably identifying the oncogenic function of ELF3-AS1 through its modulation of the miR-98-5p/CPSF4 axis. Collectively, his publications provide important insights into genomic instability, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and potential molecular targets for improving therapeutic outcomes. His translational research aims to bridge molecular mechanisms with clinical oncology to support precision cancer treatment and advance strategies for overcoming therapy resistance.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications: 

1. Ge, P., Niu, S., Fang, M., Xu, Q., Zhang, W., Xu, J., Yang, F., Wang, Y., Shi, T., & Liu, H. (2025). ELF3-AS1 promotes the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting miR-98-5p/CPSF4 axis. Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids.

2. Zhang, W., Liu, Z., Liu, H., Huang, Z., Huang, X., Xu, L., Che, X., & Zhan, Z. (2025). The impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors on prognosis in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with TACE and lenvatinib: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Immunology.

3. Liu, W., Miao, C., Zhang, S., Liu, Y., Niu, X., Xi, Y., Guo, W., Chu, J., Lin, A., Liu, H., Yang, X., Chen, X., Zhong, C., Ma, Y., Wang, Y., Zhu, S., Liu, S., Tan, W., Lin, D., & Wu, C. (2021). VAV2 is required for DNA repair and implicated in cancer radiotherapy resistance. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 6(9), 2906–2919.

4. Li, R., Di, L., Li, J., Fan, W., Liu, Y., Guo, W., Liu, W., Liu, L., Li, Q., Chen, L., Chen, Y., Miao, C., Liu, H., Wang, Y., Ma, Y., Xu, D., Lin, D., Huang, Y., Wang, J., Bai, F., & Wu, C. (2021). A body map of somatic mutagenesis in morphologically normal human tissues. Nature, 597(7876), 398–403.

5. Chen, Y., Zeng, Q., Liu, X., Fu, J., Zeng, Z., Zhao, Z., Liu, Z., Bai, W., Dong, Z., & Liu, H. (2018). LINE-1 ORF-1p enhances the transcription factor activity of pregnenolone X receptor and promotes sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cancer Management and Research, 10, 6345–6358.

Yanqi Dang | Cancer Cell Biology | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Cell Biologist

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

Published on by Cell Biologist

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

 

 

Waldemar Debinski | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Dr. Waldemar Debinski | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Wake Forest School of Medicine | United States

Dr. Waldemar Debinski, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished neuroscientist and cancer researcher recognized for his pioneering work in brain tumor biology and targeted molecular therapies. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive the development and progression of malignant brain tumors, with a particular emphasis on gliomas. Dr. Debinski has significantly contributed to the development of novel targeted therapeutics, including receptor-directed cytotoxins and biologics designed to selectively eliminate tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues. His investigations bridge molecular oncology, translational science, and clinical application, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with brain cancers. Throughout his career, he has integrated insights from physiology, molecular biology, and pharmacology to develop translational approaches that move from laboratory discovery to clinical implementation. His extensive research has advanced the understanding of tumor-specific receptors and intracellular signaling pathways, contributing to innovative strategies in cancer immunotherapy and precision medicine. Dr. Debinski’s work exemplifies the integration of basic and clinical research toward the development of next-generation treatments for central nervous system malignancies, positioning him as a leading figure in neuro-oncology and translational cancer research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Wocial, B., Januszewicz, W., Siedlecki, J., Feltynowski, T., & Debinski, W. (1982). Alterations in plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase and catecholamine concentrations during surgical removal of pheochromocytoma. Endocrinologie, 79, 131–139.

Debinski, W., & Wocial, B. (1982). Various aspects of sodium metabolism in hypertension [in Polish]. Polski Tygodnik Lekarski, 37, 1339–1342.

Ignatowska-Świtalska, H., Debinski, W., & Chojnowski, K. (1983). The role of certain hormonal factors in arterial hypertension [in Polish]. Materia Medica Polona, 15, 74–86.

Wasawska, T., Feltynowski, T., Majewska, Z., Januszewicz, W., Sobolewska-Karwowska, A., Wocial, B., & Debinski, W. (1984). Pheochromocytoma: Description of two cases with an unusual clinical picture [in Polish]. Polski Tygodnik Lekarski, 39, 261–263.

Czarkowski, M., & Debinski, W. (1984). Sodium and primary arterial hypertension [in Polish] (Review). Kardiologia Polska, 27, 967–976.

Wocial, B., Debinski, W., Jablonska-Skwicinska, E., Feltynowski, T., Chodakowska, J., Kozakowska, E., & Januszewicz, W. (1984). Sodium content of erythrocytes in patients with arterial hypertension [in Polish]. Polski Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej, 72, 167–174.

Garcia, R., Debinski, W., Gutkowska, J., Kuchel, O., Thibault, G., Genest, J., & Cantin, M. (1985). Gluco- and mineralocorticoids may regulate the natriuretic effect and the synthesis and release of atrial natriuretic factor by the rat atria in vivo. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 131, 806–814.

Debinski, W., Kuchel, O., Garcia, R., Buu, N. T., Racz, K., Cantin, M., & Genest, J. (1986). Atrial natriuretic factor inhibits sympathetic activity in one-kidney, one-clip hypertension in the rat. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 181, 173–177.

Debinski, W., Kuchel, O., Buu, N. T., Garcia, R., Cantin, M., & Genest, J. (1986). Involvement of the adrenal glands in the action of the atrial natriuretic factor. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 181, 318–324.

Debinski, W., Gutkowska, J., Kuchel, O., Racz, K., Buu, N. T., Cantin, M., & Genest, J. (1986). ANF-like peptide(s) in the peripheral autonomic nervous system. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 134, 279–284.