Chao Wang | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Chao Wang | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Research Excellence Award

Hangzhou First People’s Hospital | China

Dr. Chao Wang is a dedicated surgeon specializing in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery and liver transplantation at The Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University. His expertise encompasses liver transplantation, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic surgery, with a strong focus on translational research integrating genetics and clinical outcomes. Dr. Wang has contributed extensively to understanding the role of donor gene polymorphisms, one-carbon metabolism, and molecular regulatory networks in post-transplant complications, hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, and liver fibrosis. His publications span high-impact journals, exploring predictive models for transplant outcomes, immunosuppressive regimens, and novel molecular mechanisms such as the MAGI2-AS3/miRNA-374-5p/FOXO1 axis in HBV-related HCC. As a principal investigator and collaborator in multiple national and provincial research projects, he combines clinical practice with rigorous scientific investigation. Dr. Wang’s work advances personalized medicine in liver transplantation, providing valuable insights into genetic and molecular determinants of patient prognosis and post-operative management, reflecting a high h-index in his field.

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Featured Publications

Ashraf Rangrez | Molecular Cardiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ashraf Rangrez | Molecular Cardiology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ashraf Rangrez, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Ashraf Yusuf Rangrez is a leading cardiovascular and molecular biology researcher currently serving as Senior Group Leader at the Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany. With a deep commitment to translational science, Dr. Rangrez’s work intersects molecular cardiology, autophagy, chromatin remodeling, and host-microbiome interactions. He completed his PhD in Biotechnology in 2011 and earned his Habilitation in 2018 at Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel. His extensive publication record in top-tier journals and innovative contributions to heart failure and cardiac remodeling research have earned him numerous accolades, including travel grants from the American Heart Association and a DAAD Fellowship. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he successfully established his research lab in Heidelberg. His work is paving the way for novel molecular diagnostics and therapies in cardiovascular medicine.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar 

Scopus

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📚 Outstanding Publication Record:

    • Published in high-impact journals such as Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (IF 52.7), Nature Communications (IF 15.7), Circulation (IF 37.8), and Cell Metabolism (IF 17.565).

    • Demonstrates consistent scholarly productivity with first-author and corresponding-author roles in several major publications.

  2. 🔬 Cutting-Edge Research Themes:

    • His work bridges molecular cardiology, ubiquitin signaling, chromatin remodeling, and host-microbiome interactions, which are critical frontiers in precision medicine and cardiovascular disease.

    • Recent contributions on TRIM24, FYCO1, and HectD3 show clear translational relevance for heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy.

  3. 🧪 Leadership & Resilience:

    • Successfully established and led a research group during the COVID-19 pandemic despite massive logistical setbacks—a mark of determination and leadership.

    • Currently holds the role of Senior Group Leader at the prestigious University Hospital of Heidelberg, overseeing multiple projects and mentoring young researchers.

  4. 🎖 Academic Recognition:

    • Recipient of Young Investigator Awards from both the American Heart Association and Basic Cardiovascular Society.

    • Awarded a DAAD Fellowship, indicating international recognition of academic excellence early in his career.

  5. 🌍 Interdisciplinary and International Exposure:

    • PhD collaboration between India and Germany through a DAAD Sandwich Fellowship shows global collaboration and a diverse academic background.

    • Actively collaborates with renowned scientists across Europe and North America.

📌 Areas for Improvement:

📣 Expand International Visibility:

Participation as keynote speaker or chair in more global symposia could further cement his thought leadership role.
Greater involvement in editorial boards or as a guest editor for top journals would strengthen his academic influence.
💼 Strengthen Industry Partnerships:

Increased collaboration with biotech/pharma industries could help translate some of his molecular discoveries into clinical or commercial therapies.
📊 Grant Funding Scale-up:

While he leads group-level projects, targeting larger European or Horizon Europe consortia could amplify his lab’s impact and resources.

 

🎓 Education:

Dr. Rangrez holds a PhD in Biotechnology (2011), conducted jointly at the National Centre for Cell Science (India) and Technical University of Berlin (Germany) under a prestigious DAAD Sandwich Fellowship. His doctoral work focused on microbial biotechnology and gene expression profiling. In 2018, he obtained his Habilitation and Venia Legendi in Molecular Medicine at Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Norbert Frey. This qualification marked his academic independence and enabled him to lecture at the university level. His multidisciplinary academic formation bridges life sciences, translational medicine, and molecular cardiology, forming a strong foundation for his current cardiovascular and molecular research endeavors.

💼 Professional Experience:

Currently a Senior Group Leader at University Hospital Heidelberg’s Department of Cardiology, Dr. Rangrez leads research at the interface of cardiac biology and systems medicine. He has previously conducted postdoctoral research in molecular cardiology and worked with key figures in cardiovascular medicine, including Prof. Norbert Frey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he overcame logistical and infrastructural hurdles to establish a fully operational laboratory, demonstrating high resilience and leadership. His responsibilities include mentoring junior researchers, managing complex scientific collaborations, and leading grant-funded projects. Dr. Rangrez’s experience spans over a decade and includes cutting-edge research in chromatin remodeling, cardiac hypertrophy, autophagy, and the microbiome. His career is marked by a deep commitment to translational science and a consistent trajectory of scientific excellence.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Rangrez’s research centers on cardiac remodeling, heart failure, chromatin regulation, autophagy, and the microbiome’s role in cardiovascular disease. His group investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis using integrative multi-omics, imaging, and animal models. A major theme of his work is understanding ubiquitin ligases and TRIM proteins in heart disease and exploring how chromatin remodelers like TRIM24 affect gene expression and calcium signaling in cardiomyocytes. Recently, he has expanded into host-microbiome interactions and their influence on cardiovascular health, paving the way for novel diagnostics and personalized medicine. His interdisciplinary approach blends molecular biology, systems medicine, and clinical cardiology. His group also explores exercise-induced regeneration in aging hearts and mechanistic studies on gene-environment interactions in heart failure progression.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

🧬 TRIM24 regulates chromatin remodeling and calcium dynamics in cardiomyocytes – Cell Commun Signal (2025)
🧭 A cross-study transcriptional patient map of heart failure defines conserved multicellular coordination – Nat Comm (2025)
🧫 A systematic framework for understanding the microbiome in human health and disease – STTT (2024)
🏃‍♂️ Restoration of Cardiomyogenesis in Aged Mouse Hearts by Voluntary Exercise – Circulation (2022)
🔁 FYCO1 regulates cardiomyocyte autophagy and prevents heart failure in vivo – JACC BTS (2021)
🛡️ The E3 ubiquitin ligase HectD3 attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and inflammation – Commun Biol (2020)
⚖️ TRIM24 promotes and TRIM32 inhibits cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via dysbindin regulation – J Biol Chem (2017)
💓 Myoscape controls cardiac calcium cycling via L-type Ca2+ channel regulation – Nat Comm (2016)
🚨 Dysbindin is a potent inducer of RhoA-SRF-mediated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy – J Cell Biol (2013)
🧪 Adiponutrin functions as a nutritionally regulated LPA acyltransferase – Cell Metab (2012)

🧾 Conclusion:

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Ashraf Yusuf Rangrez stands out as a dedicated, innovative, and resilient researcher whose work has had substantial influence on cardiovascular science, especially in the areas of cardiac remodeling, chromatin biology, and autophagy. He combines academic rigor, leadership under pressure, and translational impact. Given his exceptional publication record, international collaborations, and scientific contributions to cardiac and molecular medicine, he is an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

 

 

Raphael Borie | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Raphael Borie | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Raphael Borie, APHP, France

Dr. Raphaël Borie, born on August 15, 1977, in Paris, France, is a leading expert in pulmonology and genetic respiratory diseases. Currently a University Professor Hospital Practitioner at Bichat Hospital (Paris Cité University), he has consistently contributed to the advancement of respiratory medicine, particularly in the field of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). His clinical insight, combined with a strong research portfolio, has positioned him as a prominent figure within the OrphaLung network. A dedicated family man with two children, Dr. Borie is widely respected for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to collaborative medicine. His career reflects a unique blend of academic excellence and impactful translational research, bridging the gap between genomics and clinical care in ILD. He is a registered member of the French Medical Council (Ordre des Médecins No. 75/71138), and his research has influenced European clinical guidelines and improved the understanding of rare genetic pulmonary conditions.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Robust Academic Background:
    Dr. Borie holds a PhD in Genetics, Master’s in Physiology, and HDR (habilitation to supervise doctoral research), which underlines his scientific credibility and ability to lead independent research.

  2. Clinical-Research Integration:
    As a University Professor and Hospital Practitioner, he merges frontline patient care with cutting-edge genetic and respiratory disease research.

  3. High Publication Impact:
    With 283 PubMed-indexed articles and an H-index of 60, Dr. Borie’s work demonstrates strong citation influence, indicating widespread recognition and utility in the scientific community.

  4. International Leadership:
    Active in multinational collaborations (e.g., OrphaLung, ERS), he has co-authored major position statements and clinical trials, influencing European respiratory care guidelines.

  5. Innovation in Rare Diseases:
    A recognized expert in familial interstitial lung disease and telomere disorders, his work has led to earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies—critical in fields where few experts exist.

  6. Recognition and Funding:
    He has secured prestigious mobility grants (ERS, Respirology Teachers College)—a marker of trust in his scientific mission and innovation.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

  • Wider Public Health Translation: While Dr. Borie’s genomic research is exceptional, expanding into real-world health policy implementation could enhance systemic impact.

  • Patient Engagement & Advocacy: Developing patient-oriented tools or registries (e.g., digital apps or platforms for familial lung diseases) may broaden his outreach beyond academia and clinics.

  • Broader Visibility: Although highly cited in professional circles, participation in international keynote talks, editorial leadership, or mainstream health media could elevate his public and professional visibility.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Borie has pursued an extensive and rigorous academic path focused on respiratory and genetic medicine. He obtained his medical degree with specialization in Allergology and Immunopathology in 2006. A year earlier, in 2005, he earned a Master’s degree in Biology and Physiology of Circulation and Respiration. Demonstrating deep interest in genetics, he completed a PhD in Genetics in 2017, contributing significantly to our understanding of genetic underpinnings in pulmonary fibrosis. In 2019, Dr. Borie achieved the prestigious Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) from the University of Paris 7, enabling him to supervise doctoral research. His academic background illustrates a powerful integration of clinical expertise and molecular research—providing him with the tools to lead innovative research projects at the intersection of genomics and pulmonology.

🩺 Experience:

Dr. Raphaël Borie has over 15 years of experience in respiratory medicine. From July 2011 to August 2020, he served as a Hospital Practitioner in the Pneumology Department at Bichat Hospital under Professors Aubier and Crestani. Since September 2020, he has been a University Professor Hospital Practitioner in the same department, affiliated with Paris Cité University. He has contributed to patient care, education of medical students and residents, and cutting-edge research. As part of the OrphaLung network, he plays a critical role in advancing diagnostic tools and treatment approaches for rare lung diseases. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership and interdisciplinary contributions across genetics, immunology, and pulmonology. His international collaborations and authorship of over 280 PubMed-indexed publications demonstrate his ongoing commitment to improving patient outcomes through translational research.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Borie’s research excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards and scholarships. In 2017, he received the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Mobility Grant for his work on Identification of Preclinical Markers of Pulmonary Fibrosis, supporting international collaboration and advanced training. The same year, he was also honored with the Respirology Teachers College Mobility Grant, reinforcing his pioneering research on early detection of fibrotic lung disease. His selection for these awards highlights both scientific innovation and dedication to knowledge exchange. His leadership in multi-center studies and involvement in ERS guideline statements further reflect his status as a thought leader in interstitial lung disease. These honors are a testament to his influence in shaping the future of pulmonary genetics and translational respiratory medicine.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Raphaël Borie’s research centers on familial and genetic interstitial lung diseases, particularly the molecular mechanisms behind pulmonary fibrosis, telomere biology, surfactant-related gene variants, and early detection strategies. He works extensively on identifying genetic risk variants (e.g., MUC5B, DSP) and their implications in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Through his participation in the OrphaLung network, he supports genomic screening for hereditary lung disorders and contributes to developing European guidelines. His work bridges genomic medicine and clinical pulmonology, aiming for earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches. He has led and co-authored critical studies on RTEL1 mutations, telomerase complex defects, and familial ILD phenotypes, helping clinicians globally understand the heterogeneity and systemic implications of genetic lung disorders. His collaborative international research ensures his findings are applied in practice to optimize long-term patient care.

📚Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧬 High risk of lung cancer in surfactant-related gene variant carriers – Eur Respir J, 2024

  • 📄 European Respiratory Society Statement on Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis – Eur Respir J, 2022

  • 🧪 Colocalization of Gene Expression and DNA Methylation with Genetic Risk Variants – Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 2022

  • 🧬 RTEL1 mutations and their phenotypic variability – Eur Respir J, 2019

  • 💊 Safety and efficacy of pirfenidone in telomerase mutation carriers – Eur Respir J, 2018

  • 🌐 Diagnosis and follow-up of familial ILD: International survey – BMC Pulmonary Med, 2025

  • 🧬 New 2023 ACR/EULAR APS criteria performance in young patients – Letter, 2025

  • 🫁 A non-resolving cough: a case of familial pulmonary fibrosis – Breathe, 2025

  • 🧬 PFMG2025: Genomic medicine in French healthcare system – Review, 2025

  • 💊 Efficacy of CFTR modulators in ABCA3-deficiency ILD – Open Access, 2025

  • 🧠 Neurological manifestations in VEXAS syndrome – Journal of Neurology, 2025

  • 💉 Real-life use of PEXIVAS reduced-dose regimen in vasculitis – Ann Rheum Dis, 2025

  • 🧫 Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis with lung involvement – Eur Respir J, 2025

  • 🔍 RA-ILD: genetics to clinical overview – Review, 2025

  • 👶 Childhood ILD survivors in adulthood: European study – Eur Respir J, 2025

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Raphaël Borie exemplifies the ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His excellence spans across clinical expertise, academic distinction, and international research leadership, especially in genetic and familial interstitial lung diseases—a field with enormous unmet need. His consistent scholarly output, impactful collaborations, and patient-focused studies highlight a unique blend of depth and innovation. While further expansion into public health frameworks and patient engagement tools would be valuable, his profile already reflects a world-class researcher with transformative contributions to pulmonary medicine.

Zhirong Tan | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Zhirong Tan | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhirong Tan  , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , China

Professor Zhirong Tan is a leading Chinese expert in pharmacogenomics and clinical pharmacology. Currently a professor at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, he also serves as the Director of the Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratory and Deputy Director of the Drug Analysis Center. He has been instrumental in over 300 clinical trials, pushing forward the frontiers of precision medicine, especially in colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. With over 20 SCI papers, multiple patents, and co-authorship of four books, he’s widely recognized for his work in pharmacokinetics and biomarker discovery. A national GCP and GMP inspector, Prof. Tan actively contributes to pharmaceutical regulation and innovation in China. His academic and industry partnerships reflect a robust foundation in translational research and real-world drug development.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Contributions
    Prof. Zhirong Tan has made outstanding contributions to clinical pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, and metabolomics over two decades. His research has provided critical insights into drug metabolism, biomarker discovery, and precision medicine, especially in colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

  2. Prolific Publication Record
    With over 22 SCI-indexed publications (first or corresponding author) and 6 CSCD papers, Prof. Tan’s research has achieved over 3550 citations and an H-index of 33 on Web of Science—evidence of the high impact and recognition of his work.

  3. Strong National & Industry Collaborations
    He has participated in or led 300+ clinical trials and secured 5 “Million+” industry-funded projects, reflecting strong ties with both academia and industry. His leadership in national-level projects, such as the “Major New Drug Development” program, showcases his influence in China’s healthcare innovation.

  4. Intellectual Property and Innovation
    With 3 granted patents and 3 under review, Prof. Tan’s ability to translate research into practical applications is evident. His individualized esomeprazole dosing regimen highlights innovation at the clinical level.

  5. Regulatory & Policy Contributions
    As a national GCP/GMP inspector, he plays a pivotal role in drug trial ethics and compliance in China. He also holds leadership roles in pharmacogenomics committees, further demonstrating his commitment to public health advancement.

  6. Academic Mentorship and Editorial Work
    In addition to research, Prof. Tan contributes as a journal reviewer, co-author of four textbooks, and mentor to the next generation of scientists, reinforcing his role as a thought leader in the field.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Visibility
    While Prof. Tan’s national presence is remarkable, further international collaborations, invited keynotes at global conferences, or leading roles in global consortia could enhance his visibility and expand the influence of his work.

  2. Broader Publication Range
    Publishing more frequently in top-tier international journals (e.g., Nature, The Lancet, NEJM) would increase the global academic reach of his findings.

  3. Open Science & Data Sharing
    As the field moves toward transparency, incorporating open-access publications and shared data repositories could boost both reproducibility and citations.

🎓 Education:

Professor Zhirong Tan obtained his Ph.D. from Central South University, a premier Chinese institution, where he laid the groundwork for his expertise in clinical pharmacology and pharmacogenomics. He later pursued postdoctoral research at the School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, one of the top pharmaceutical research institutions in the United States. This international experience enabled him to gain a global perspective in drug metabolism, biomarker identification, and translational pharmacology. His academic training focused on cutting-edge methodologies such as metabolomics, pharmacokinetics, and precision medicine. Through continuous education and research, he has built a reputation as a highly skilled pharmacologist whose work bridges basic research and clinical applications.

💼 Experience:

With a research career spanning over two decades since 1998, Professor Zhirong Tan has led and participated in numerous national-level and provincial-level projects, including China’s National Science and Technology Major Projects. He currently holds multiple leadership positions at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Over the years, he has completed major research grants from NSFC, the Hunan Province, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. As a GCP and GMP inspector, Prof. Tan has overseen more than 300 clinical trials, ensuring drug development meets regulatory and ethical standards. His experience also extends to industry collaboration, with successful execution of 5 “Million+” funded projects and influential roles in pharma-academic alliances. A frequent peer reviewer and contributor to international journals, his work influences both the scientific community and regulatory frameworks.

🔬 Research Focus:

Professor Tan’s primary research focus lies in clinical pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, and metabolomics, particularly for colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. His work aims to identify and validate biomarkers for disease diagnosis, drug efficacy, and toxicity prediction. A major contributor to China’s “Major New Drug Development” initiative, he has developed personalized esomeprazole dosing regimens by studying genetic polymorphisms, SNPs, and microRNA interactions. His research also explores the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease using metabolomic profiling, offering insights into early detection and potential therapeutics. He applies advanced bioanalytical methods to understand inter-individual variability in drug metabolism and therapeutic response. His projects have real-world clinical implications, transforming how drugs are prescribed, regulated, and monitored. Through his pioneering work, Prof. Tan contributes significantly to the evolution of precision medicine in China.

📚 Publication Top Notes:

  1. 📊 Role of BCRP 421C>A polymorphism on rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics in healthy Chinese males

  2. ❤️ Gly389Arg polymorphism of β1‐adrenergic receptor and cardiovascular response to metoprolol

  3. 💊 CYP2C19 ultra-rapid metabolizer genotype affects voriconazole pharmacokinetics

  4. 🧬 HLA‐B35:01 allele as biomarker for Polygonum multiflorum–induced liver injury*

  5. 🌿 Repeated berberine administration inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans

  6. 💉 Effect of SLCO1B1 polymorphism on pharmacokinetics of nateglinide

  7. 🧪 Assessment of cytochrome P450 activity by five‐drug cocktail approach

  8. ☕ Plasma caffeine metabolite ratio linked to CYP1A2 polymorphisms

  9. 🔬 Inducibility of CYP1A2 by omeprazole associated with genetic polymorphism

  10. 🧫 Ile118Val polymorphism of CYP3A4 affects simvastatin lipid-lowering efficacy

📝 Conclusion:

Professor Zhirong Tan is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His record of scientific excellence, clinical innovation, and regulatory leadership clearly positions him as a key contributor to modern pharmacology. His integrated approach—spanning basic science, clinical trials, and health policy—has had a measurable impact on patient care and drug development in China.

While there is room to further expand his global footprint, his accomplishments to date already demonstrate the caliber, commitment, and consistency expected of a world-class researcher.