Wei Ying | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Wei Ying | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei Ying | University of California, San Diego | United States

Dr. Wei Ying is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). A leading scientist in immunometabolism, she has made pioneering contributions to the understanding of how immune cells, particularly macrophages, regulate metabolic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, and liver fibrosis. Dr. Ying’s research bridges immunology and endocrinology, uncovering novel intercellular signaling pathways mediated by exosomes and miRNAs. With over 67 peer-reviewed publications and 6,000+ citations, she is widely recognized for her impactful research. She serves as co-corresponding author on several high-impact papers in Cell Metabolism, Science Immunology, and Nature Communications. Dr. Ying’s innovative work continues to shape therapeutic strategies targeting immune-metabolic diseases. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she is a compelling nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her leadership, mentorship, and continuous scientific productivity mark her as a standout in biomedical research.

Publication Profiles: 

Google Scholar
Orcid

Education:

Dr. Wei Ying earned her Ph.D. in Immunology and Endocrinology from Texas A&M University, under the mentorship of Drs. Fuller Bazer and Beiyan Zhou. During her Ph.D., she conducted breakthrough work on macrophage polarization and its effects on metabolic disorders, setting the foundation for her lifelong research focus. She received multiple academic honors during her doctoral studies, reflecting her scholarly excellence. Following her Ph.D., she pursued postdoctoral training at UC San Diego, mentored by the renowned Dr. Jerrold Olefsky. There, she expanded her expertise in diabetes and immunometabolism, focusing on novel signaling molecules like exosomal miRNAs in metabolic inflammation. Her educational path reflects a strong interdisciplinary background, integrating reproductive biology, immunology, and metabolic research. This robust academic training laid the groundwork for her current position as Associate Professor at UCSD, where she continues to lead cutting-edge research in metabolism and immune regulation.

Experience:

Dr. Ying’s research journey began as a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, where she studied immune-endocrine interactions. As a postdoctoral fellow at UC San Diego, she made pivotal discoveries regarding the role of macrophage-derived exosomal miRNAs in regulating systemic insulin sensitivity. She served as Assistant Professor at UCSD, establishing a successful independent lab investigating immune-metabolic crosstalk. She was promoted to Associate Professor, a testament to her scientific leadership and research impact. Over the years, she has mentored numerous trainees, contributed to 67+ publications, and led collaborative projects with top-tier labs. Her work frequently appears in prestigious journals like Cell Metabolism, Science Immunology, Hepatology, and Nature Communications. Her expertise spans immunology, metabolism, liver disease, and diabetes, and she continues to advance therapeutic research through mechanistic insights into macrophage function and intercellular communication.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Wei Ying has been recognized with several prestigious awards throughout her career. Early in her academic journey, she received the Larry Ewing Memorial Trainee Travel Fund and the Interdisciplinary Faculty of Reproductive Biology Trainee Travel Award, highlighting her academic promise. She earned second place at Texas A&M University Student Research Week, acknowledging her impactful Ph.D. research. Beyond early-career accolades, her ongoing research excellence is reflected in multiple invited publications in top-tier journals and co-authorship in high-impact collaborative projects. With a cumulative citation count of over 6,000 and rising, her work has earned wide recognition in the fields of immunometabolism and diabetes research. As a co-corresponding and co-first author on many significant papers, she plays a central role in shaping the current landscape of metabolic research. Dr. Ying’s accolades underscore her qualifications for the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ying’s research lies at the nexus of immunology and metabolism, focusing on how immune cells, particularly macrophages, regulate metabolic inflammation, insulin resistance, liver fibrosis, and β-cell function. Her work has unveiled how exosomal microRNAs, bacterial DNA, and iron metabolism contribute to disease progression in obesity and diabetes. She employs multi-disciplinary approaches—ranging from transcriptomics and in vivo mouse models to high-resolution imaging and CRISPR editing—to explore the molecular underpinnings of metabolic disorders. Notably, her studies on macrophage-derived exosomes have opened up therapeutic possibilities for improving insulin sensitivity and combating systemic inflammation. Her ongoing investigations also include the role of Kupffer cells in liver health, microbial DNA in inflammation, and ATF4 in T-cell function, demonstrating a robust expansion of research scope. Dr. Ying’s research continues to drive translational innovations, making her an influential figure in metabolic disease research and a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. ATF4 drives regulatory T cell functional specification in homeostasis and obesity – Science Immunology

  2. Host metabolic inflammation fueled by bacterial DNA – Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism

  3. Restoring SRSF3 in Kupffer cells attenuates obesity-related insulin resistance – Hepatology

  4. Aberrant iron distribution via hepatocyte-stellate cell axis drives liver lipogenesis and fibrosis – Cell Metabolism

  5. Accumulation of microbial DNAs promotes islet inflammation and β cell abnormalities – Nature Communications

  6. Immunosuppression of macrophages underlies the cardioprotective effects of Catestatin – Hypertension

  7. miR-690 from M2 macrophages improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice – Cell Metabolism

  8. CRIg+ macrophages prevent microbial DNA-induced tissue inflammation and insulin resistance – Gastroenterology

  9. Hepatocyte exosomes promote insulin sensitivity via miR-3075 – Nature Metabolism

  10. Expansion of islet-resident macrophages affects β cell function in obesity – Cell Metabolism

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Wei Ying is not only a prolific and highly cited researcher but also a scientific leader whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of immune-metabolic interactions in chronic disease. Her contributions are original, mechanistically insightful, and have meaningful implications for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and liver fibrosis. Her demonstrated ability to lead high-impact studies, publish consistently in elite journals, and maintain academic excellence through mentoring and innovation makes her highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. While opportunities exist for expansion into clinical application and broader leadership roles, her trajectory strongly suggests continued excellence and influence in the years ahead. Dr. Ying exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher and stands as a model for interdisciplinary biomedical science.

Erdal Dinç | Cell Biology Research Award | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

prof. Dr. Erdal Dinç | Cell Biology Research Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Erdal Dinç , Ankara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry , Turkey

Erdal Dinç is a distinguished professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Turkey. With a prolific academic career, he has authored 195 research papers in SCI-indexed journals and 133 in Scopus-indexed journals. His work has received approximately 3013 citations, and he has an H-index of 29. His research interests focus on developing novel analytical methods for drug-DNA interactions, drug analysis, and the characterization of nano-films on modified electrode systems. Prof. Dinç has also contributed to books and conference proceedings in the field of analytical chemistry. Known for his significant contributions to chemometrics, chromatography, and spectroscopy, he has shaped the field with his innovative approaches in analytical methodologies, paving the way for advancements in pharmaceutical, food, and biological sciences.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Professor Erdal Dinç is a distinguished academic with substantial contributions to analytical chemistry, particularly in the areas of drug analysis, drug-DNA interaction studies, and the development of new analytical methods. His impressive publication record includes 195 research papers in SCI-indexed journals and 133 in Scopus-indexed journals. His work has been cited over 3000 times, demonstrating a significant impact on the field. Additionally, his work on chemometrics, spectroscopy, and chromatography, along with his involvement in multiple ongoing research projects, showcases his innovative approach to solving complex analytical problems.

Areas for Improvement:

While Professor Dinç has an outstanding record in publishing and advancing analytical chemistry, expanding his collaborations internationally could further enhance the global reach and influence of his research. Additionally, translating some of his advanced techniques into more practical, industry-applicable tools could widen the real-world impact of his work.

Education:

Prof. Erdal Dinç completed his undergraduate education in Chemistry at the University of Ankara, followed by a master’s and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry. His doctoral research focused on chemometric approaches in chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses, which laid the foundation for his extensive career in the field. Over the years, he has been involved in numerous international collaborations and research programs. He continues to mentor graduate and post-graduate students in his field, guiding them through advanced research techniques and methodologies. His academic journey reflects a commitment to knowledge advancement, and his continuous work in both theoretical and applied chemistry makes him a leading figure in analytical sciences.

Experience:

Prof. Erdal Dinç has over 20 years of academic experience at Ankara University, where he has taught various analytical chemistry courses and supervised numerous research projects. His extensive research expertise spans across multiple areas, including spectrophotometry, chromatography, chemometrics, and drug analysis. Throughout his career, Prof. Dinç has led several significant research projects, many of which have been funded by organizations like TÜBİTAK and Ankara University. His work involves pioneering new methods for analyzing drug-DNA interactions, bioanalysis, and plant analysis. His academic contributions are reflected in his published articles and books, making him a globally recognized expert in the field of analytical chemistry. Prof. Dinç has been a key player in advancing chemical analysis in pharmaceutical, biological, and food sciences, and his work continues to inspire new generations of researchers.

Awards and Honors:

Prof. Erdal Dinç has received numerous accolades in recognition of his significant contributions to analytical chemistry. His research, spanning over two decades, has earned him national and international recognition in the field. Notably, he has been a recipient of several prestigious research grants from TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) and Ankara University, facilitating cutting-edge work in drug analysis and chemical methodologies. His scientific achievements are further acknowledged by his high citation index and H-index of 29, which reflect his influence and reputation in the global scientific community. Prof. Dinç’s expertise in spectroscopic analysis and chemometric techniques has made him a sought-after researcher and speaker at conferences, where he shares his innovative methodologies with professionals worldwide. His work continues to impact the development of analytical tools and techniques in various sectors of science and industry.

Research Focus:

Prof. Erdal Dinç’s research focuses on the development of innovative analytical techniques for drug analysis, particularly in the areas of drug-DNA interaction studies, drug quantification, and the characterization of complex mixtures. His work explores advanced methods in chromatography (HPLC, UPLC), voltammetry, and spectrophotometry (UV-VIS, spectrofluorimetry, IR). He is particularly interested in applying chemometrics to resolve complex analytical problems, such as multi-component pharmaceutical formulations and kinetic reaction monitoring in biological and food samples. Prof. Dinç has developed novel models for analyzing interactions at the molecular level, such as those between pharmaceuticals and DNA, which can help in understanding drug efficacy and safety. Additionally, his research extends to the analysis of food products, biological fluids, and plant compounds, where he applies multidimensional spectral techniques to improve analytical accuracy and precision.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Dinç, E., & Üçer, A. (2025). A new three-dimensional modeling of fluorescence excitation-emission measurements to explore the interaction of hydroxychloroquine and DNA, and to quantify their binding constant. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 💊🧬
  2. Üçer A., Ertekіn Z.C., Dіnç E (2024). A comparative application of spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods to estimate levofloxacin-DNA and ofloxacin-DNA interactions. Journal of Fluorescence 🔬🧫
  3. Üstündağ, Ö., & Dinç, E. (2024). A Rapid DMeyer-CWT Method Application to the Spectrophotometric Data for the Quantification of Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide in a Binary Mixture. Sakarya University Journal of Science 💊⚙️
  4. Ertekin, Z. C., Büker, E., Oral, E. V., & Dinç, E. (2024). Application of continuous wavelet transforms for simultaneous estimation of domperidone and lansoprazole in capsule formulations. Measurement 💊📊
  5. Üçer, A., Üstündağ, Ö., & Dinç, E. (2023). Monitoring ascorbic acid oxidation with H2O2 and analyzing food supplements using parallel factor analysis model. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 🍊🔬
  6. Di̇Nç, E., Üçer, A., Ünal, N. (2023). A multiway spectral analysis model to monitor the kinetic chlorination reaction of caffeine in commercial drinks. Food Chemistry 🥤☕

Conclusion:

Professor Erdal Dinç’s expertise, prolific publication record, and innovative research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to analytical chemistry are commendable, and with continued focus on global collaborations and practical applications, his future work could have even broader implications for the field.