Ranran Li | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ranran Li | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Ranran Li , Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , China

Dr. Ranran Li is an associate researcher at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in Shanghai, China. She earned her Ph.D. from the University Medical Center of Groningen, Netherlands, in 2015, before returning to Shanghai to focus on critical care medicine. Her research centers on sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Over the years, Dr. Li’s work has provided valuable insights into the role of metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications in regulating endothelial inflammation and coagulation during sepsis. She has published extensively in reputable journals and holds several patents. Her recent findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of sepsis and related complications, including endothelial dysfunction and organ injury.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Ranran Li is a distinguished researcher with notable expertise in the mechanisms of sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction. Her work in identifying the role of metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications in sepsis has been pivotal in advancing the understanding of vascular inflammation and coagulation during critical illness. Her research has led to several high-impact publications and patents, showcasing her contributions to the field. Furthermore, Dr. Li’s interdisciplinary approach, combining metabolic biology, cell signaling, and translational medicine, has provided valuable therapeutic targets for the treatment of sepsis and endothelial dysfunction. Her collaborations with international experts enhance her work’s impact and broaden the scope of her research.

Areas for Improvements:

While Dr. Li’s research has been extensive and groundbreaking, future improvements could include increased collaborations with industry partners to accelerate the translation of her findings into clinical therapies. Expanding her professional network through international collaborations in other areas of critical care medicine could also provide new perspectives and avenues for innovation. Additionally, engaging in larger-scale clinical studies might help further validate her findings in human models.

Education

Dr. Ranran Li obtained her Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the University Medical Center of Groningen, Netherlands, from 2011 to 2015. During her doctoral studies, she focused on the molecular mechanisms of sepsis and its impact on vascular endothelial dysfunction. Her Ph.D. research laid the foundation for her ongoing investigations into the pathophysiology of sepsis and endothelial injury. Following her Ph.D., she joined Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in 2016 as an associate researcher in the Department of Critical Care Medicine. Here, Dr. Li furthered her research into sepsis, vascular inflammation, and metabolic disorders. She has developed an expertise in endothelial dysfunction and coagulation, specifically in the context of sepsis-induced organ injuries. Dr. Li’s comprehensive academic training, both in Europe and China, has significantly contributed to her innovative research work and international collaborations.

Experience:

Dr. Ranran Li has been serving as an associate researcher at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, since 2016. Prior to this, she earned her Ph.D. from the University Medical Center of Groningen in the Netherlands, where she focused on sepsis and endothelial dysfunction. In her current position, Dr. Li has worked extensively on understanding the mechanisms underlying sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction, with a particular focus on metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications. Her work has provided critical insights into the role of fatty acid metabolism, insulin resistance, and histone modifications in regulating endothelial inflammation and coagulation activation in sepsis. Dr. Li’s research has led to multiple publications in high-impact journals and the filing of patents for innovative therapeutic approaches. She collaborates with leading researchers in the Netherlands and has contributed significantly to the understanding of vascular injury and its therapeutic targets in sepsis.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ranran Li’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction, with a particular emphasis on metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications. She has been exploring how fatty acid metabolism, glucose-lipid metabolism, and protein acetylation influence endothelial cells during sepsis, leading to organ injury. Her research has highlighted the role of metabolic shifts, including the activation of pathways like AMPK/PKA, in endothelial inflammation and coagulation activation. Dr. Li has also studied the role of histone modifications, including lactylation, in promoting endothelial ferroptosis and dysfunction during sepsis-induced lung injury. She has been pioneering the exploration of metabolic signaling pathways and their potential as therapeutic targets for managing sepsis-related endothelial damage. Her work aims to identify novel strategies to prevent or mitigate vascular injury in septic patients. Dr. Li’s findings have led to both patents and high-impact publications in critical care and translational medicine.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Shiyuan He et al., Fatty acid synthesis promotes mtDNA release via ETS1-mediated oligomerization of VDAC1 facilitating endothelial dysfunction in sepsis-induced lung injury 🧬🫁 Cell Death and Differentiation, 2025
  2. Ranran Li et al., ATP-citrate lyase controls endothelial gluco-lipogenic metabolism and vascular inflammation in sepsis-associated organ injury 💉🧪 Cell Death and Disease, 2023
  3. Jie Liu et al., Designed microchannel-based lipid nanoparticles encapsulated siRNA targeting gasdermin D for sepsis management via pulmonary delivery 🧬💉 Nano Today, 2025
  4. Fangchen Gong et al., H3K14la drives endothelial dysfunction in sepsis-induced ARDS by promoting SLC40A1/transferrin-mediated ferroptosis 🧬🔥 MedComm, 2025
  5. Jiayin Cui et al., Herbal-based Xuebijing injection ameliorated vascular endothelial dysfunction via inhibiting ACLY/MYB/RIG-I axis in sepsis-associated lung injury 🌱💊 Phytomedicine, 2025
  6. Shasha Lu et al., GDF15 ameliorates sepsis-induced lung injury via AMPK-mediated inhibition of glycolysis in alveolar macrophage 💨🧪 Respiratory Research, 2024
  7. Rui Tian et al., Shenfu injection ameliorates endotoxemia-associated endothelial dysfunction and organ injury via inhibiting PI3K/Akt-mediated glycolysis 💉🫀 Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024
  8. Yupeng Zhao et al., H3K18 lactylation-mediated VCAM1 expression promotes gastric cancer progression and metastasis via AKT-mTOR-CXCL1 axis 🎗️🧬 Biochemical Pharmacology, 2024
  9. Rui Tian et al., Metformin ameliorates endotoxemia-induced endothelial pro-inflammatory responses via AMPK-dependent mediation of HDAC5 and KLF2 💊💉 BBA-Molecular basis of disease, 2019
  10. Lei Pei et al., MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles alleviate sepsis-associated liver dysfunction by inhibiting macrophage glycolysis-mediated inflammatory response 🧬🩸 International Immunopharmacology, 2024

Conclusion:

Dr. Ranran Li is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her outstanding contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis-related endothelial dysfunction. Her innovative research has not only provided deep insights into the pathophysiology of sepsis but has also uncovered potential therapeutic targets for treating this devastating condition. Her exceptional track record of high-quality publications, patents, and collaborative research, combined with her dedication to advancing critical care medicine, makes her an excellent candidate for this prestigious award.

Huicong Wang | Developmental Cell Biology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Huicong Wang | Developmental Cell Biology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Huicong Wang , South China Agricultural University , China

Huicong Wang is a Professor of Pomology and the Director of the Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center at South China Agricultural University. With expertise in fruit physiology, Wang has significantly contributed to the research and development of litchi fruit cultivation, focusing on the quality formation and maturation processes. Wang is internationally recognized for advancing the understanding of fruit growth, pigmentation, and metabolic regulation, with particular attention to litchi, a key agricultural product of China. Through a combination of teaching, research, and field-oriented approaches, Wang has improved fruit quality and plant productivity, offering valuable insights into orchard management practices. His works have influenced both academic circles and agricultural practices globally.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Professor Huicong Wang is a highly accomplished scientist in the field of pomology, with a specific focus on fruit crop physiology, particularly litchi. His extensive body of research covers key areas such as fruit maturation, biochemical processes, pericarp pigmentation, and sugar metabolism in litchi. His work has significantly enhanced the understanding of fruit quality formation and the physiological mechanisms governing fruit development. Wang’s contributions extend to the impact of environmental conditions on fruit quality, stress physiology, and the application of field management practices. With over a decade of teaching experience and a substantial publication record, he has demonstrated leadership in both academic and research communities. His ability to translate scientific findings into practical applications for improving fruit yield and quality highlights his potential for making meaningful contributions to the agricultural industry.

Areas for Improvement:

While Professor Wang’s research is comprehensive and influential, further international collaboration with researchers in other horticultural fields could enhance the global applicability of his findings. Additionally, expanding his focus on the climate change impacts on fruit crops could be beneficial, as this remains a critical area of concern for global agriculture.

Education:

Huicong Wang received his Bachelor’s degree in Pomology from South China Agricultural University in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Pomology in 1998. He obtained his Ph.D. in Pomology in 2001 from the same institution, where he also completed postdoctoral research. In 2007, Wang was a visiting fellow at Cornell University for one year, expanding his academic and research horizons. His doctoral research focused on litchi fruit maturation, pigmentation, and hormonal regulation under the supervision of Professor Huibai Huang. Wang’s academic foundation has provided him with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate various aspects of fruit physiology, particularly in evergreen fruit trees.

Experience:

Professor Huicong Wang has extensive teaching experience at South China Agricultural University, where he lectures on “Physiology of Fruit Trees” and “Fruit Tree Research Methods” to graduate students. He also teaches undergraduate courses such as “Aromatic Plants” and “Fruit Nutrition and Healthcare.” Wang’s research experience is centered around fruit crop physiology, particularly focusing on evergreen fruit trees like litchi. His expertise lies in studying fruit maturation, pigmentation, and biochemical composition changes during ripening. Additionally, he investigates the impact of environmental stress, orchard management practices, and genetic regulation on fruit quality and yield. Wang’s work has contributed to improvements in fruit production and quality through scientific advancements and practical applications.

Research Focus:

Huicong Wang’s primary research focuses on fruit physiology, particularly in the growth, maturation, and quality formation of fruit crops such as litchi. His work investigates the biochemical and hormonal processes involved in the pigmentation of pericarps, sugar accumulation in arils, and changes in the fruit’s physical and chemical properties during ripening. He explores key factors like source-sink relationships, fruit abscission, and the influence of environmental conditions on fruit quality and productivity. Wang also conducts research on stress physiology, flower induction, and the impacts of field management practices on fruit trees. His work aims to optimize production and enhance the quality of fruit crops, ensuring sustainability and increasing agricultural output.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Zou SC, Zhou MG, Abbas F, Zeng RF, Hu GB, Wang HC*, Huang XM*. 2024. ROS- and CBF- mediated pathways in ripening litchi fruits. Postharvest Biology and Technology 🥭🍃
  2. Yang MC, Wu ZC, Chen RY, Abbas F, Hu GB, Huang XM, Guang WS, Xu YS, Wang HC*. 2023. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing in litchi floral transition. Journal of Experimental Botany 🌱📚
  3. Zou SC, Zhou MG, Abbas F, Hu GB, Wang HC*, Huang XM*. 2023. LcNAC002 transcription factor in litchi anthocyanin biosynthesis. Plant Physiology 🌸🧬
  4. Yang MC, Wu ZC, Huang LL, Abbas F, Wang HC*. 2022. Isolation of high purity nuclei from plants. Cells 🧫🔬
  5. Yi JW, Ge HT, Abbas F, Zhao JT, Huang XM, Hu GB, Wang HC*. 2022. LcHXK1 in regulating fruit abscission in litchi. Tree Physiology 🍊🌿
  6. Abbas F, O’Neill Rothenberg D, Zhou Y, Ke Y*, Wang HC*. 2022. Volatile organic compounds in plant communication. Physiologia Plantarum 🌸🌿
  7. Yi JW, Wang Y, Ma XS, Zhang JQ, Zhao ML, Huang XM, Li JG, Hu GB, Wang HC*. 2021. LcERF2 in regulating litchi fruit abscission. The Plant Journal 🍇📚
  8. Lai B, Du LN, Wang D, Huang XM, Zhao JT, Wang HC*, Hu GB*. 2019. Litchi MYB transcription factor and anthocyanin biosynthesis. MBC Plant Biology 🌺🎨
  9. Xie DR, Ma XS, Rahman MZ, Yang MC, Huang XM, Li JG, Wang HC*. 2019. Thermo-sensitive sterility in litchi. Scientia Horticulturae 🍃🌞
  10. Zhang JQ, Wu ZC, Hu FC, Liu L, Huang XM, Zhao JT, Wang HC*. 2018. Seed development in Litchi chinensis. Horticulture Research 🌱🍇

Conclusion:

Professor Huicong Wang’s robust research, substantial teaching experience, and contributions to the pomology field make him an excellent candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award. His work in improving fruit productivity and quality, particularly for litchi, aligns with current agricultural needs, positioning him as a leading scientist in his field. By continuing to broaden the scope of his research and fostering international partnerships, he has the potential to further elevate his impact on both the scientific community and the agricultural sector.