Yuan Zhang | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Yuan Zhang | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof. Yuan Zhang | Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University | China

Dr. Yuan Zhang, MD, Ph.D., is an accomplished neuroscientist and Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, affiliated with Shenzhen University. With over 15 years of combined experience in clinical neuroscience, academic teaching, and translational research, Dr. Zhang has carved a niche in the fields of cerebral ischemia, neurodegeneration, and brain metabolism. Her work has been pivotal in uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. A dedicated scholar, Dr. Zhang has authored over 10 peer-reviewed articles in reputable international journals, often serving as lead or corresponding author. Her research is distinguished by its integration of advanced technologies such as mass spectrometry and molecular imaging with fundamental neurobiology. Dr. Zhang is committed to improving patient outcomes through a synergistic blend of laboratory research and clinical application, and she continues to lead multi-disciplinary teams in high-impact neurology projects across China.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Yuan Zhang began her medical journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Baotou Medical College, where she developed a foundational understanding of human physiology and diagnostics. She furthered her studies with a Master’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the same institution, focusing on cellular mechanisms and molecular interactions. Driven by a passion for uncovering complex pathological processes, she pursued and obtained her Ph.D. in Pathology and Pathophysiology from the prestigious Peking Union Medical College, a leading institution in medical research in China. Her doctoral studies laid the groundwork for her ongoing research into the molecular basis of neurological diseases. Dr. Zhang’s robust academic foundation across medicine, molecular biology, and pathology uniquely positions her to bridge the gap between clinical practice and laboratory research, making significant contributions to the fields of stroke recovery, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Yuan Zhang has accumulated a wealth of professional experience over nearly two decades. She has served as a Researcher and Associate Professor at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, where she leads key neurosurgery-related research. She worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, engaging in cutting-edge neuroscience projects. Concurrently, she served as an Associate Professor at Baotou Medical College, having previously held roles as Lecturer and Teaching Assistant. Dr. Zhang has played crucial roles in mentoring young researchers, guiding postgraduates, and fostering collaborative projects. Her clinical insights as a physician combined with her academic depth as a researcher make her an asset to both the scientific and medical communities, contributing meaningfully to translational research in neuroscience and neurosurgery.

Research Focus:

Dr. Yuan Zhang’s research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral ischemia, neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic dysfunctions in the brain. She specializes in identifying potential therapeutic targets for conditions like ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetic cognitive impairment. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, proteomics, lipidomics, pharmacology, and neuroimaging, allowing her to study brain injury at multiple biological scales. Her recent work involves leveraging mass spectrometry and nanomedicine to map lipid changes in early ischemic events and exploring how natural compounds such as Notoginsenoside R1 and Gypenoside LXXV modulate glucose uptake and inflammation in the brain. Dr. Zhang also investigates the role of proteins like NUF2, MMP-2, and ENOPH1 in neurological damage and recovery. Her research aims to translate molecular insights into clinical therapies, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with complex neurological disorders. She is especially known for collaborative work bridging basic science and clinical neurosurgery.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Uncovering novel functions of NUF2 in glioblastoma and MRI-based expression prediction — Scientific Reports, 2025

  2. Mass Spectrometry-based Spatiotemporal Characterization of Lipids in Early Focal Cerebral Ischemia — Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

  3. Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates cognitive deficits in diabetic Alzheimer’s disease via GLUT4-dependent neuronal glucose uptake — Phytotherapy Research

  4. Alteration of Ubiquitination in the Brain of ENOPH1 Knockout Mice after Early Ischemic Stroke — Journal of Proteome Research

  5. Adenylate kinase 4 promotes neuronal energy metabolism and mitophagy in early cerebral ischemia via Parkin/PKM2 pathway — Experimental Neurology

  6. MMP-2-mediated Scube2 degradation disrupts astrocyte-endothelial interaction via Sonic Hedgehog pathway — Journal of Neurochemistry

  7. Enolase-phosphatase 1 worsens early ischemia injury by enhancing ECM destruction and blocking ADI1-MT1-MMP interaction — Experimental Neurology

  8. Black phosphorus-based nanodelivery platform for synergistic antiparkinsonian therapy — Journal of Controlled Release

  9. Gypenoside LXXV increases brain glucose uptake and improves cognitive deficits in diabetic Alzheimer’s model — Phytotherapy Research

  10.  Swell1 activation in microglia suppresses neuroinflammation and reduces ischemic brain damage — Neurobiology of Disease

Conclusion :

Dr. Yuan Zhang is an outstanding candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award. His well-established background, robust publication record, and focus on critical neurological disorders position him as a leader in academic neurosurgery research. With a continued push toward global visibility and translational impact, Dr. Zhang is likely to remain a transformative figure in neurological sciences. His combination of clinical insight and research acumen makes him not only deserving of recognition but also a source of inspiration for the future generation of clinician-scientists.

 

 

Lingyan Zhou | Cell Death Pathway | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Lingyan Zhou | Cell Death Pathway | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lingyan Zhou , Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University , China

Dr. Lingyan Zhou is a dedicated neuroscientist and clinician specializing in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Currently serving in the Department of Neurology at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Dr. Zhou holds a doctorate and has made notable contributions to neurodegeneration research through high-impact publications and cutting-edge studies. Her work focuses on molecular mechanisms such as protein aggregation, homocysteinylation, and neuroprotection, with particular attention to α-synuclein and DJ-1. Dr. Zhou has co-authored more than 15 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals like Nature Communications, Science Advances, and Aging Cell, earning recognition for her insights into disease-modifying pathways. A researcher with a strong translational focus, she bridges the gap between bench and bedside, aiming to develop therapeutic strategies that can mitigate or reverse neurodegenerative processes. Her commitment to science and patient-centered research makes her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Publication Record in High-Impact Journals
    Dr. Zhou has consistently published in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Science Advances, Aging Cell, and Movement Disorders, reflecting the significance and innovation of her work. Many of these are Q1 journals with high impact factors.

  2. Focused Research on Neurodegeneration
    Her core focus on the molecular basis of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, especially novel mechanisms like N-homocysteinylation, STAT1-PARP1, and microRNA signaling, demonstrates depth and relevance to global health priorities.

  3. Translational Impact
    Her research bridges basic science and clinical application, particularly through studies on neuroprotection, early disease biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets.

  4. Early Career Excellence
    Despite being in the early stages of her career, Dr. Zhou has already authored or co-authored over 17 peer-reviewed publications, many as first or corresponding author, which is exceptional at this stage.

  5. Multidisciplinary Collaborations
    Dr. Zhou’s collaborations with experts across genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, and neurology highlight her integrative approach to complex diseases.

  6. International Visibility
    Multiple articles are indexed in PubMed, Crossref, and DOIs, showing her research has international academic presence and reach.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Greater International Exposure
    While her publication record is strong, further participation in international neuroscience conferences, workshops, or global consortia would enhance visibility and foster leadership roles.

  2. Grant Leadership and Independent Funding
    As she progresses, securing independent research funding and leading grant-funded projects will further demonstrate research independence and strengthen her candidacy for top-tier awards.

  3. Mentorship and Teaching Roles
    Involvement in structured mentorship or supervision of Ph.D./postdoctoral researchers could be better highlighted to show contributions to research training and capacity building.

  4. Innovation Translation Pathway
    Filing patents or initiating translational collaborations with biotech/pharma could underline the practical applicability of her findings.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Lingyan Zhou received her doctorate from Wuhan University, one of China’s leading research institutions, between September 2020 and June 2023. During her Ph.D. training, she developed expertise in molecular neuroscience and translational medicine, with a specific focus on the pathological mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Her research explored cellular stress pathways, protein misfolding, and epigenetic regulation in neurodegeneration, leading to multiple first-author publications in high-impact journals. Her academic background provided a solid foundation in experimental techniques such as immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis, and in vivo disease modeling. The interdisciplinary approach at Wuhan University enriched her understanding of both clinical neurology and basic neuroscience. This rigorous academic training has equipped Dr. Zhou with the analytical and research skills necessary for advancing innovation in neurodegenerative disease treatment.

🧪 Experience:

Since July 2023, Dr. Lingyan Zhou has been serving in the Department of Neurology at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, where she engages in both clinical practice and translational neuroscience research. Prior to that, she completed her doctoral studies at Wuhan University, where she developed a deep interest in the role of homocysteine metabolism and genetic regulation in Parkinson’s disease. Over her career, she has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and published extensively in internationally recognized journals. Her current position allows her to continue high-impact research while mentoring junior colleagues and participating in multi-center studies. Her combined experience in basic research, clinical neurology, and academic collaboration has established her as a key contributor in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, positioning her well for leadership roles and research recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.

🧠 Research Focus:

Dr. Lingyan Zhou’s research is centered on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive neurodegenerative diseases, with an emphasis on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Her work has shed light on pathological protein modifications, such as N-homocysteinylation of α-synuclein and DJ-1, which contribute to protein aggregation and neurotoxicity. Additionally, she investigates the neuroprotective roles of vitamins, retinoic acid, and microRNAs in slowing disease progression. Dr. Zhou is also exploring how infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2 may trigger or exacerbate neurological disorders, expanding the understanding of systemic factors in brain health. Her studies leverage both in vitro and in vivo models to unravel pathways involving STAT1, PARP1, and Notch signaling. By identifying potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers, her research aims to guide the development of novel treatment strategies that could improve outcomes for patients suffering from movement disorders and cognitive decline.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧪 N-homocysteinylation of alpha-synuclein promotes its aggregation and neurotoxicity – Aging Cell (2022)

  2. 🧠 Association of vitamin B2 intake with cognitive performance in older adults: a cross-sectional study – J Transl Med (2023)

  3. 🧬 Homocysteine and Parkinson’s disease – CNS Neurosci Ther (2023)

  4. 🧴 Retinoic Acid Prevents alpha-Synuclein Preformed Fibrils-Induced Toxicity via Inhibiting STAT1-PARP1 Signaling – Mol Neurobiol (2023)

  5. 🧫 N-homocysteinylation of DJ-1 promotes neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease – Aging Cell (2024)

  6. 🦠 SARS-CoV-2: Underestimated damage to nervous system – Travel Med Infect Dis (2020)

  7. 💊 Potential therapeutic drugs for ischemic stroke based on bioinformatics analysis – Int J Neurosci (2019)

  8. 🧬 PTPN22 Gene Polymorphisms and Stroke Susceptibility – Dis Markers (2019)

  9. 🧪 IL-18 Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-analysis – Neuroreport (2019)

  10. 🚬 Aromatic hydrocarbon receptor links smoking and rheumatoid arthritis – Clin Exp Rheumatol (2020)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Lingyan Zhou demonstrates an exceptional trajectory for a young neuroscience researcher. Her deep and original contributions to unraveling molecular mechanisms in neurodegeneration, particularly Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, make her highly deserving of recognition. The breadth and quality of her publication record—combined with her translational outlook—signal a rising star in neurodegenerative disease research.