Assist. Prof. Dr. Haijiao Zhang | Cellular Stress Response | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Haijiao Zhang , Oregon Health & Science University , United States

Haijiao Zhang is an Assistant Professor at Oregon Health & Science University, specializing in oncological sciences. With a background in medicine and extensive research experience, Zhang has contributed significantly to leukemia studies and cancer therapies. After completing his undergraduate studies at Jilin University, he pursued advanced degrees at Hannover Medical School and the Knight Cancer Institute. Zhang’s work focuses on uncovering genetic mechanisms and drug resistance in blood cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). His research has led to several groundbreaking discoveries and publications in prestigious journals, advancing our understanding of cancer genomics and treatment resistance. As a postdoctoral fellow, Zhang discovered new mechanisms linked to CFS3R mutations, contributing to novel therapeutic strategies. His dedication to precision medicine continues to shape the future of cancer research.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

1. Academic and Professional Excellence: Haijiao Zhang has demonstrated significant expertise in oncological sciences, specifically focusing on cancer genomics, tumor biology, and drug resistance mechanisms. Their progression from a postdoctoral fellow to an assistant professor at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) highlights their leadership and dedication to advancing cancer research.

2. Groundbreaking Research Contributions: Dr. Zhang has been pivotal in uncovering molecular mechanisms behind drug resistance in cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). For instance, their discovery of diverse non-FLT3 molecular mechanisms of resistance to crenolanib in AML is a valuable contribution to understanding treatment resistance.

3. Publication Record: Dr. Zhang has an impressive record of high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals, including Blood, Cancer Cell, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, and Nature Cancer. These publications often tackle critical challenges in cancer treatment, including mechanisms of drug resistance and potential therapeutic targets, which are directly relevant to the clinical treatment of leukemia and other cancers.

4. Innovative Scholarship: Their research on the genomic landscape of neutrophilic leukemias and biomarkers predicting venetoclax efficacy showcases a forward-thinking approach to precision medicine. This positions Dr. Zhang as a leading researcher in biomarker identification and targeted cancer therapies.

5. Grants and Funding: Dr. Zhang’s ability to secure significant funding, such as the R01CA297224-01 grant, which explores mitochondrial dysfunction in hematological disorders, demonstrates recognition of their research’s potential impact on clinical outcomes in cancer treatment.

6. Recognition in the Scientific Community: Their involvement in major conferences, such as the Beat AML symposium, and their collaborations with international experts further solidify their reputation in the field of oncological research.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Broader International Collaboration: While Dr. Zhang has already made notable contributions within the U.S. and Europe, expanding collaborations with researchers in Asia and other parts of the world could enhance the global impact of their work and open up new avenues for interdisciplinary research.

2. Involvement in Clinical Trials: Although Dr. Zhang’s work is highly relevant to clinical outcomes, increasing involvement in clinical trial design or translation of findings into clinical settings could help bridge the gap between basic science and patient care. This would also make their research directly applicable to the next generation of therapeutic interventions.

3. Public Outreach and Education: Dr. Zhang could consider increasing their involvement in public outreach, particularly in educating patients and communities about the implications of their research. Such initiatives could contribute to greater awareness and understanding of the role of genomics in cancer treatment.

Education:

Haijiao Zhang’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Medicine (B. Med) from Jilin University (2005-2010). He then pursued a Master’s in Medicine (M. Med) at the First Hospital of Jilin University (2010-2012), before moving to Hannover Medical School in Germany, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree (2012-2015). Following his M.D., Zhang joined the prestigious Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University for postgraduate research (2015-2020). His work at the Knight Cancer Institute has been instrumental in his academic and professional growth, particularly in oncology research, where he focused on genetic mutations and drug resistance mechanisms in hematologic malignancies. With a strong foundation in clinical and experimental oncology, Zhang combines his medical training with cutting-edge research to advance cancer treatment strategies.

Experience:

Haijiao Zhang is currently an Assistant Professor at Oregon Health & Science University in the Division of Oncological Sciences, a position he has held since July 2021. Prior to his faculty appointment, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the same institution (2015–2020), where he worked under the mentorship of prominent researchers in cancer genomics. In the early years of his postdoc, Zhang identified novel mechanisms related to chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) and CFS3R mutations. He has also collaborated on high-impact research regarding cancer drug resistance, focusing on therapeutic strategies for AML. His research interests primarily involve chromosome deletions, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer drug resistance. Zhang’s work has been widely published and is considered foundational in the field. His efforts aim to personalize cancer therapies by understanding genetic drivers of malignancies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Awards and Honors:

Haijiao Zhang has received numerous honors and awards for his academic and research achievements. Notably, in 2014, he earned the Best Abstract Award at the 21st Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Immungenetik. In the same year, he received a Travel Grant for the 47th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology. Zhang’s early academic accomplishments were recognized with a range of awards, including a Travel Grant in 2012 and accolades in 2009 and 2008. His commitment to advancing cancer research has not only led to multiple successful grant applications but has also made him a sought-after speaker at major scientific conferences. His contributions have been instrumental in improving the understanding of drug resistance in leukemia, earning him recognition from peers and institutions alike. Zhang’s expertise continues to shape the field of hematology and oncology, inspiring future breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Research Focus:

Haijiao Zhang’s research primarily focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind hematologic cancers, particularly leukemia. His work investigates chromosome abnormalities, such as copy number deletions, and their role in cancer progression. He has contributed significantly to understanding drug resistance mechanisms, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). Zhang is particularly interested in targeting mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential therapeutic strategy for hematological disorders, as seen in his work on -7del(7q) mutations. His research aims to identify new biomarkers for cancer prognosis and treatment responses. By analyzing drug resistance and genomic landscapes, Zhang strives to personalize cancer treatments and improve patient outcomes. His innovative approach combines molecular genetics, drug discovery, and cancer biology, pushing the boundaries of precision medicine. Zhang’s ongoing research promises to offer novel therapeutic targets and strategies for overcoming current treatment limitations in blood cancers.

Publications Top Notes:

1. A CEBPB/IL-1β/TNF-α Feedback Loop Drives Drug Resistance to Venetoclax and MDM2 Inhibitors in Monocytic Leukemia 🩸
2. Upregulation of HOXA3 by Isoform-Specific Wilms Tumor 1 Drives Chemotherapy Resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia 💉
3. CDK12/13 Dual Inhibitors Are Potential Therapeutics for Acute Myeloid Leukemia 🧬
4. Integrative Analysis of Drug Response and Clinical Outcome in Acute Myeloid Leukemia 🔬
5. Activation of RAS/MAPK Pathway Confers MCL-1 Mediated Acquired Resistance to BCL-2 Inhibitor Venetoclax in Acute Myeloid Leukemia 💊
6. Biomarkers Predicting Venetoclax Efficacy and Venetoclax Combination Strategies 🔬
7. Genomic Landscape of Neutrophilic Leukemias of Ambiguous Diagnosis 🧬
8. Clinical Resistance to Crenolanib in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Due to Diverse Molecular Mechanisms 💉
9. Two Myeloid Leukemia Cases with Rare FLT3 Fusions 🧬
10. Functional Genomic Landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia 🔬

Conclusion:

Dr. Haijiao Zhang is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to their groundbreaking contributions to cancer research, particularly in understanding the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in leukemia. Their ability to conduct impactful research, secure prestigious funding, and consistently publish in top-tier journals underscores their commitment to advancing the field of oncological sciences. While there is room for growth in clinical trial involvement and international collaboration, Dr. Zhang’s ongoing research promises to shape future cancer therapies and improve patient outcomes.