Yi Zhang | Tumor Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Yi Zhang | Tumor Immunology | Best Researcher Award

The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University | China

Prof. Yi Zhang is a globally recognized leader in genetically engineered cell therapy and translational immuno-oncology research. Over the past 36 years, he has made pioneering contributions to overcoming major barriers in cell therapy and advancing its clinical applications worldwide. His extensive research has produced 290 SCI-indexed publications, including 11 ESI top 1% highly cited papers, accumulating more than 14,000 citations and an h-index of 66. Prof. Zhang’s groundbreaking innovations include identifying the novel CAR-T therapeutic target CD276 for solid tumors, developing gene-editing technologies to reduce PD-1–mediated immunosuppression, and creating novel cytokines and culture protocols that enhance immune cell stemness and anti-tumor function. He has also led the development of CAR-T cells that normalize tumor vasculature and improve infiltration, significantly enhancing therapeutic efficacy. With 46 invention patents (17 authorized) and over 80 million yuan in technology transfers, his work bridges basic science and clinical application through an integrated “industry-university-research” platform. As principal investigator, he has directed more than 52 clinical trials—29 targeting solid tumors, the highest number globally—resulting in improved outcomes and even clinical cures for advanced cancer patients. His leadership in establishing national standards and safety protocols has also shaped the regulation and global best practices in cell therapy.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications:

Gao, Y., Liu, S., Huang, Y., Wang, H., Zhao, Y., Cui, X., Peng, Y., Li, F., & Zhang, Y. (2024, December 3). CAR T cells engineered to secrete IFNκ induce tumor ferroptosis via an IFNAR/STAT1/ACSL4 axis. Cancer Immunology Research.

Huang, Y., Cao, R., Wang, S., Chen, X., Ping, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2025, December 31). In vivo CAR-T cell therapy: New breakthroughs for cell-based tumor immunotherapy. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics.

Li, J., Wang, D., Zhang, Z., Sun, K., Lei, Q., Zhao, X., Huang, J., Wang, L., & Zhang, Y. (2025, June 1). Serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels as a predictive biomarker for cytokine-induced killer cell immunotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. The Journal of Immunology.

Lian, J., Yue, Y., Yu, W., & Zhang, Y. (2025, March 5). Correction: Immunosenescence: A key player in cancer development. Journal of Hematology & Oncology.

Ping, Y., Fan, Q., & Zhang, Y. (2025, February). Modulating lipid metabolism improves tumor immunotherapy. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer.

Hu, W., Li, F., Liang, Y., Liu, S., Wang, S., Shen, C., Zhao, Y., Wang, H., & Zhang, Y. (2025, January). Glut3 overexpression improves environmental glucose uptake and antitumor efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer.

Chang Feng | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Chang Feng | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chang Feng , Shanghai University , China

Chang Feng is a distinguished researcher in the fields of tumor molecular diagnosis, biosensing, and intelligent DNA. Born in Shanghai, China, on January 1, 1988, Chang Feng pursued a rigorous academic journey, completing his Ph.D. at Nanjing University (2015-2019) after earning his M.D. from Shanghai University (2012-2015). He is currently a lecturer at Shanghai University since 2019. Feng has contributed significantly to scientific advancements in cancer diagnostics, molecular biosensors, and cutting-edge DNA research. His works often involve the development of innovative detection techniques and the creation of novel DNA-based diagnostic systems. Feng has a collaborative approach, working with multiple researchers to achieve groundbreaking results. His publications in prestigious journals highlight his expertise in developing biosensors, RNA origami, and catalytic DNAzymes for biomedical applications.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Chang Feng’s research is exceptional and well-suited for the Best Researcher Award. His expertise spans across tumor molecular diagnosis, biosensor development, and intelligent DNA systems. His contributions to cancer diagnostics, bioimaging, and biosensing technologies are groundbreaking. Feng has published several high-impact articles in leading journals, demonstrating significant advancements in DNAzymes, electrochemical biosensing, and RNA origami. His work in designing innovative DNA-based diagnostic platforms and cancer therapies reflects his ability to integrate chemistry, biology, and engineering, providing novel solutions for clinical applications. Feng’s interdisciplinary approach and leadership in the field have earned him numerous collaborations with researchers and institutions globally, further enhancing his credibility as a top-tier researcher.

Areas for Improvements:

While Feng has made remarkable contributions to scientific research, one area for improvement is expanding his focus to more clinical applications of his findings. Commercializing his biosensing technologies for real-world healthcare implementation would increase the practical impact of his work. Additionally, improving outreach through public science communication could help raise awareness of his advancements and engage a broader audience.

Education:

Chang Feng received his M.D. from Shanghai University in 2015, where he developed a strong foundation in molecular biology, diagnostics, and bioengineering. His doctoral journey continued at Nanjing University (2015-2019), where he obtained his Ph.D. focusing on tumor molecular diagnosis and biosensing technologies. During his time at Nanjing University, Feng’s research concentrated on the development of DNA-based biosensors and new methodologies for cancer detection. His education at these esteemed institutions provided him with the technical expertise necessary to pioneer groundbreaking research in the field of molecular diagnostics. Feng’s academic training involved rigorous coursework in molecular biology, chemical engineering, and bioinformatics, contributing significantly to his current work in bioimaging, biosensing, and the development of intelligent DNA systems.

Experience:

Chang Feng has a strong academic and research career, currently serving as a lecturer at Shanghai University since 2019. Prior to his current role, he earned his Ph.D. at Nanjing University (2015-2019) and M.D. from Shanghai University (2012-2015). Throughout his career, Feng has collaborated with leading researchers, contributing to the development of innovative biosensing technologies and cancer diagnostics. His work includes advancing DNA-based biosensors, DNAzyme probes, and other cutting-edge diagnostic tools. As a lecturer, Feng mentors graduate students and participates in academic teaching and research projects. He has been involved in several collaborative publications that have furthered the field of molecular biosensors, focusing on intelligent DNA-based systems and tumor detection methodologies. Feng’s research experience combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, making him a recognized figure in the field of biosensor research and molecular diagnostics.

Research Focus:

Chang Feng’s primary research focus lies in tumor molecular diagnosis, biosensor development, and intelligent DNA systems. He is particularly interested in advancing technologies for cancer detection through the application of molecular biosensors, bioimaging, and intelligent DNA devices. His research explores the use of DNAzymes, catalytic DNA molecules, and RNA origami for targeted molecular detection, with a focus on enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of cancer diagnostics. Feng’s work also investigates the use of biosensors for the detection of small molecules, leveraging innovative electrochemical and fluorescence-based platforms. His interdisciplinary approach combines elements of chemistry, biology, and engineering to create advanced diagnostic systems with potential clinical applications. Feng is dedicated to improving the efficiency of diagnostic tools and is committed to developing more accurate and faster methods for early cancer detection and molecular analysis.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Single-cell analysis of highly metastatic circulating tumor cells by combining a self-folding induced release reaction with a cell capture microchip 🧬🔬 (Anal. Chem., 2021)
  2. Hierarchical biomarkers detection via a universal polydopamine probe catalyzed by a hexagonal star-nanostructured DNAzyme 🔬🧪 (Sensor. Actuat. B-Chem., 2022)
  3. Construction of a ternary complex based DNA logic nanomachine for a highly accurate imaging analysis of cancer cells 🧬💡 (ACS Sens., 2020)
  4. Lantern-shaped flexible RNA origami for Smad4 mRNA delivery and growth suppression of colorectal cancer 🧬🦠 (Nat. Commun., 2023)
  5. Liquid-colloid-solid modular assembly for three-dimensional electrochemical biosensing of small molecules 💧⚡ (Biosens. Bioelectron., 2024)
  6. Dual-targets binding protection mediated rolling circle transcription with tandem fluorescent RNA aptamers for label-free detection of liver cancer biomarkers 🧬🦠 (Sensor. Actuat. B-Chem., 2024)
  7. Cell-Free Biosensing Genetic Circuit Coupled with Ribozyme Cleavage Reaction for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Small Molecules 🧬⚡ (ACS Synth. Biol., 2023)
  8. A portable and partitioned DNA hydrogel chip for multitarget detection 💧🧬 (Lab Chip., 2023)

Conclusion:

Chang Feng’s research in tumor molecular diagnostics, biosensors, and intelligent DNA is truly cutting-edge. His scientific rigor, collaboration with top researchers, and groundbreaking discoveries in cancer detection and biosensing technologies make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By continuing to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications, Feng will likely have an even greater impact in advancing medical diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.