Charles Wang | Epigenomics | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Prof. Charles Wang | Epigenomics | Distinguished Scientist Award

Prof. Charles Wang | Loma Linda University Center for Genomics | United States

Dr. Changhong Wang (now known as Dr. C. Wang), a U.S. citizen, is a distinguished molecular toxicologist and genomic scientist currently serving as Director and Tenured Professor at the Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University. Originally from China, Dr. Wang holds dual graduate degrees in Public Health and Toxicology from Tongji Medical University and the University of Washington, respectively. His early career laid the foundation for pivotal research into environmental toxicants and gene-environment interactions. Dr. Wang has significantly contributed to the understanding of xenobiotic metabolism, DNA methylation, and the transgenerational effects of toxins and epigenetics. His leadership in molecular genetics research is reflected in numerous peer-reviewed publications and competitive grants. A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Wang’s work bridges foundational science and clinical application, marking him as a strong contender for the Research for Distinguished Scientist Award.

Publication Profile: 

Socpus

Education:

Dr. Wang received his Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of Washington, Seattle. His doctoral work focused on aflatoxin metabolism and liver glutathione S-transferases in nonhuman primates, mentored by Dr. David L. Eaton. Prior to that, he earned an MPH in Environmental Epidemiology from Tongji Medical University, China, where he developed a foundation in public health and environmental sciences. His dual training in toxicology and epidemiology provided a unique cross-disciplinary approach to health sciences. This strong academic background enables Dr. Wang to address critical questions regarding how environmental exposures affect human health, especially through epigenetic and genomic pathways. His educational path reflects a continuous pursuit of scientific excellence and translational impact, positioning him to bridge molecular discoveries with public health relevance—a crucial quality for a candidate of the Distinguished Scientist Award.

Experience:

Dr. Wang currently serves as Director and Tenured Professor at the Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University (LLU), where he has led translational and mechanistic genomic research. His responsibilities span academic leadership, mentorship, and collaborative research within the Division of Molecular Genetics. Prior to this, he held the role of Associate Professor-Adjunct in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics at LLU. His earlier roles include postdoctoral and research scientist positions at institutions where he investigated environmental carcinogens, drug metabolism, and gene expression. Over three decades, Dr. Wang has built a multidisciplinary portfolio in toxicology, environmental health, and genomics. He is a leading voice in DNA methylation, epigenetic inheritance, and cancer biology. His integrative research style and administrative skills have allowed him to create impactful programs that foster innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration—an essential trait for any distinguished scientist.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Wang’s academic journey has been decorated with prestigious accolades from the outset. He received the Excellent Medical Student Award  and Distinguished Graduate Student Award from Tongji Medical University. His pioneering research at the University of Washington earned him the First-Place Graduate Award for Research Excellence from the Society of Toxicology in New Orleans. He was awarded multiple Student Travel Awards from the University of Washington’s School of Public Health. These early recognitions underscore his long-standing commitment to scientific excellence and innovation. Dr. Wang’s later career has been marked by continuous success in publication, grant acquisition, and institutional leadership. These honors reflect both peer recognition and academic merit, reinforcing his status as a credible and outstanding candidate for the Research for Distinguished Scientist Award.

Research Focus:

Dr. Wang’s research focuses on environmental toxicology, genomics, and epigenetics, particularly in the context of transgenerational health effects. He investigates how toxicants such as cadmium, aflatoxin B1, and p,p’-DDE affect gene regulation through epigenetic reprogramming. His lab has pioneered work on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA signatures in diseases like cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and diabetes. Recent work has addressed the effects of e-cigarette exposure on neonatal brain methylomes and the epigenetic inheritance of addiction vulnerability. Dr. Wang also explores copy number variation and drug resistance mechanisms in oncology, using cutting-edge tools like single-cell RNA sequencing and patient-derived models. His integrative, multi-omics approach allows for deep mechanistic insights and clinical translation. His ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in high-impact research areas demonstrates both visionary thinking and the technical prowess necessary for distinguished scientific leadership.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Cadmium-induced negative calcium balance in multiparous birth women

  2. Effect of cadmium on bone calcium in nonpregnant mice: Direct evidence on bone

  3. Cadmium’s impact on bone calcium in mouse dams: Itai-Itai-like syndrome model

  4. Induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes by BHA, ethoxyquin, and oltipraz

  5. Diquat and ciprofibrate effects on hepatic enzyme expression

  6. Mu-class GSTs mediate aflatoxin B1 epoxide conjugation in Macaca liver

  7. CYP1B1 expression analyzed in human tissues via hybridization techniques

  8. Cloning and characterization of alpha-class GSTs from Macaca liver

  9. Proteomic comparison of hepatocyte preparation methods

  10.  CYP3A41B polymorphism linked to puberty onset and breast cancer risk*

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Wang’s long-standing academic excellence, innovative research in toxicogenomics, and his leadership in advancing our understanding of environmental and epigenetic factors in disease clearly distinguish him as an outstanding scientist. His achievements fulfill and surpass the expectations for the Research for Distinguished Scientist Award. His profile reflects not only a deep commitment to rigorous science but also a visionary approach to public health and molecular research. With minor expansion in global engagement and translational outreach, Dr. Wang’s impact could be even more far-reaching. He is highly recommended for this honor.

Yuxiang Wang | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yuxiang Wang | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yuxiang Wang, Fudan University, China

Dr. Yuxiang Wang is a Principal Investigator and Ph.D. Supervisor at Fudan University, with an extensive background in molecular biology, oncology, and translational medicine. He earned his Ph.D. in Developmental and Molecular Biology from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he worked under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey W. Pollard. Following this, he completed a prestigious research fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Wang has built a strong academic and clinical research portfolio, focusing on gliomas and muscular dystrophy. His work utilizes state-of-the-art preclinical models and CRISPR screening technologies to identify novel therapeutic strategies. Dr. Wang is a recipient of numerous honors, including the MSK Society Scholar Award and Shanghai Leading Overseas Talent recognition. He actively collaborates with clinicians to translate lab discoveries into patient therapies, and his prolific publication record reflects deep scientific rigor and innovation.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Research Track Record
    Dr. Wang has published in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Science Advances, Cancer Research, and PNAS. His publication record demonstrates consistency, depth, and high impact across multiple domains including glioma biology and gene therapy.

  2. Dual Research Focus
    He leads research in two distinct yet critical biomedical areas—malignant gliomas and muscular dystrophy. This breadth shows versatility and the ability to manage complex translational programs.

  3. Innovative Techniques
    Dr. Wang effectively applies CRISPR-based genetic screening, preclinical mouse models, and patient-derived cell lines—cutting-edge tools that reflect a forward-thinking, high-tech research approach.

  4. International Research Background
    His training and professional experience in both the U.S. (at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) and China make him a bridge between Western and Eastern biomedical research ecosystems.

  5. Leadership and Mentorship
    Serving as both Principal Investigator and Ph.D. Supervisor, and having been Vice Director at a major clinical research center, Dr. Wang shows strong leadership and a commitment to research training.

  6. Recognitions and Awards
    Prestigious honors such as the Shanghai Leading Overseas Talent, Shanghai Pujiang Talent, and MSK Society Scholar Award (twice) underline peer recognition and scientific excellence.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Clinical Translation and Implementation
    While his preclinical work is strong, more details or evidence on how these findings have progressed toward clinical trials or therapeutic products could further strengthen his translational profile.

  2. Interdisciplinary Collaborations
    Expanding collaborations across fields like bioengineering, immunotherapy, or computational biology may add further value and broaden research impact.

  3. Visibility and Outreach
    Increasing visibility through keynote lectures, patents, or public datasets could enhance his reputation globally and support broader dissemination of his work.

  4. Grants and Funding Portfolio
    While not detailed in the CV, highlighting national/international grant leadership or participation would provide insight into his ability to secure and manage competitive research funding.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Yuxiang Wang holds a distinguished academic background across leading institutions. He completed his Ph.D. in Developmental and Molecular Biology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2008–2014), under Dr. Jeffrey W. Pollard, focusing on hormone signaling and uterine biology. Before that, he earned a Master of Sciences from Fudan University (2004–2007), mentored by Dr. Bo Chen, where he explored hormone interactions in reproductive biology. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Sciences from the Ocean University of China (2000–2004), majoring in life sciences. This robust education laid the foundation for his later success in cancer biology and translational research. Throughout his academic path, Dr. Wang has demonstrated a consistent focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases, especially cancer and genetic disorders. His education, blending rigorous laboratory work and clinical relevance, has uniquely positioned him for cutting-edge biomedical research.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Wang currently serves as Principal Investigator and Ph.D. Supervisor at Fudan University’s School of Basic Medical Sciences (2020–present), where he leads research on gliomas and muscular dystrophy. From 2021 to 2023, he also held the position of Vice Director of the Research Department at the Clinical Research Center of the Affiliated Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, coordinating clinical and translational projects. Prior to his return to China, Dr. Wang worked as a Research Fellow at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (2015–2020), collaborating with Dr. Timothy Chan and Dr. Jason Huse on the molecular basis of brain tumors and treatment resistance. His career bridges fundamental science and clinical applications, with a focus on leveraging genetic models and CRISPR technologies to uncover therapeutic targets. Dr. Wang’s international experience and leadership in high-impact research programs underscore his contributions to biomedical innovation and mentorship.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Yuxiang Wang’s outstanding scientific contributions have been recognized through several prestigious awards. He was named a Shanghai Leading Overseas Talent (2020) and a Shanghai Pujiang Talent (2020), highlighting his excellence in international scientific exchange and leadership. While at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, he was twice awarded the MSK Society Scholar Award (2018, 2019), which recognizes exceptional postdoctoral researchers demonstrating strong potential for independent academic careers. These accolades underscore Dr. Wang’s commitment to impactful research, innovation in therapeutic development, and mentorship of young scientists. His ability to translate fundamental research into preclinical and potentially clinical solutions sets him apart as a research leader. These honors reflect peer recognition of both the depth and translational potential of his work in oncology and genetic diseases.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Wang’s research centers on two critical areas: malignant gliomas and muscular dystrophy. In glioma studies, his team investigates the cooperative role of IDH and ATRX mutations using CRISPR-based genetic screening in mouse models to identify synthetic lethal targets—genes whose inhibition can selectively kill tumor cells with specific mutations. This strategy opens doors to novel, mutation-specific therapies with minimal harm to healthy cells. In muscular dystrophy, Dr. Wang focuses on rare genetic mutations affecting glycosylation pathways, utilizing patient-derived cells and animal models to evaluate gene therapy and genome editing solutions. His work seeks not only to understand disease mechanisms but also to bridge the lab-to-clinic gap. A long-term objective is to offer personalized therapies for patients with genetically defined diseases. The integration of molecular biology, translational research, and therapeutic innovation defines his approach.

📚 Publication Top Notes: 

  1. 🧬 Genetically Engineered Mouse Models Unveil Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies for GMPPB-Associated Dystroglycanopathy – Nature Communications (under revision)

  2. 🧠 PRICKLE4 Underlies IDH mutant Tumor Resistance against PARP Inhibition – Advanced Science (under revision)

  3. 🧫 Comprehensively characterizing eRNA in immune cells to screen combinational strategies for anti-cancer immunotherapy – Cancer Research (2025)

  4. 🔬 Targeting therapeutic vulnerabilities with PARP inhibition and radiation in IDH-mutant gliomas and cholangiocarcinomas – Science Advances

  5. 🧬 G-quadruplex DNA drives genomic instability and represents a targetable molecular abnormality in ATRX-deficient malignant glioma – Nature Communications

  6. 🧪 Mutant-IDH1-dependent chromatin state reprogramming, reversibility, and persistence – Nature Genetics

  7. 🧠 Atrx inactivation drives disease-defining phenotypes in glioma cells of origin through global epigenomic remodeling – Nature Communications

  8. 🧬 Activation of protein synthesis in mouse uterine epithelial cells by estradiol-17β is mediated by a PKC–ERK1/2–mTOR signaling pathway – PNAS

  9. 🔬 GSK-3β mediates in the progesterone inhibition of estrogen-induced cyclin D2 nuclear localization and cell proliferation in cyclin D1−/− mouse uterine epithelium – FEBS Letters

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Yuxiang Wang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. He demonstrates:

  • A clear and sustained record of scientific excellence,

  • Deep expertise in cancer biology and rare disease genetics,

  • Use of innovative methodologies, and

  • Leadership in both academic and clinical research environments.

His contributions to understanding the molecular basis of gliomas and developing targeted therapies for muscular dystrophy have significant implications for personalized medicine. With continued development in clinical translation and interdisciplinary reach, he stands out as a leader of the next generation of biomedical scientists.