Giorgio Antoniolli | Medicinal Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Giorgio Antoniolli | Medicinal Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

University of Campinas | Brazil

Dr. Giorgio Antoniolli is a researcher specializing in organic and medicinal chemistry, with extensive experience in the design, synthesis, and evaluation of bioactive organic compounds. His work primarily focuses on nitrogen-containing heterocyclic scaffolds, such as quinazolinones and hydrazides, targeting potential anticancer and neuroprotective applications. He has developed and optimized synthetic routes for these compounds, employing advanced characterization techniques including ¹H and ¹³C NMR, Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, and Mass Spectrometry (MS).

His research integrates both experimental and computational approaches, utilizing in silico pharmacological tools such as SwissADME and ProToxIII to predict absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties. These predictions are complemented by in vitro enzymatic inhibition assays to evaluate biological activity, particularly focusing on targets relevant to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, his work on chalcones and related derivatives has contributed to understanding their inhibitory effects on enzymes like acetylcholinesterase and β-secretase (BACE-1).

Beyond laboratory research, he has been actively involved in mentoring and supervising undergraduate researchers, fostering the development of the next generation of scientists. His integrated approach combines organic synthesis, computational pharmacology, and biochemical evaluation, contributing to the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications: 

El Safadi, M., Alkhoshaiban, A. S., Ashfaq, H., Antoniolli, G., Al-Emam, A., & Hassan, H. M. (2026). Cirsiliol confers cardio-protection against sunitinib induced cardiotoxicity via synergistic modulation of SIRT1/FOXO3a and endothelin axis: A biochemical, histopathological, and computational experimentation. Tissue and Cell, 98, 103129.

Antoniolli, G., de Moraes, G. R., Neves da Costa, R. P., Rosendo de Campos, G. A., & Coelho, F. (2025). Advances in xanthine oxidase inhibition: A review of potential bioactive synthetic compounds. Archiv der Pharmazie, 358(8), e70079.

Antoniolli, G., Lima, K., Franchi, G. C., Passos Lima, C. S., Machado-Neto, J. A., & Coelho, F. (2025). Synthesis and evaluation of 2-substituted quinazolin-4(3H)-ones as potential antileukemic agents. ACS Omega, 10(31), 34882–34894.

Antoniolli, G., Passos Lima, C. S., & Coelho, F. (2025). Recent advances in the investigation of the quinazoline nucleus and derivatives with potential anticancer activities. Future Medicinal Chemistry, 17(10), 1193–1211.

Hassan, H. M., Bibi, A., Antoniolli, G., El Safadi, M., Alzahrani, K. J., Alzahrani, F. M., & Aljohani, A. (2025). Melanoxetin modulates oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic pathways to confer cardio-protection against flumethrin-induced sub-chronic toxicity. Toxicon, 267, 108580.

Badamasi, H., Naeem, Z., Antoniolli, G., Kumar, A. P., Olaleye, A. A., Sadiq, I. S., & Durimin-iya, N. I. (2025). A review of recent advances in green and sustainable technologies for removing 4-nitrophenol from the water and wastewater. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 43, 101867.

Hassan, H. M., El Safadi, M., Mustfa, W., Tehreem, S., Antoniolli, G., Mehreen, A., & Ali, A. (2024). Pharmacotherapeutic potential of pratensein to avert metribuzin instigated hepatotoxicity via regulating TGF-β1, PI3K/Akt, Nrf-2/Keap-1 and NF-κB pathway. Tissue and Cell, 91, 102635.

El Safadi, M., Ahmad, Q.-u.-A., Majeebullah, M., Ali, A., Al-Emam, A., Antoniolli, G., Shah, T. A., & Salamatullah, A. M. (2024). Palliative potential of velutin against abamectin induced cardiac toxicity via regulating JAK1/STAT3, NF-κB, Nrf-2/Keap-1 signaling pathways: An insight from molecular docking. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 205, 106117.

Wei Zhang | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Dr. Wei Zhang | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Wei Zhang | Central South University | China

Dr. Wei Zhang, born on December 29, 1977, is a leading expert in clinical pharmacology and pharmacogenomics at the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, China. With over two decades of dedication to personalized medicine and drug-gene interaction research, Dr. Zhang has advanced the fields of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and gut microbiome-pharmacology interactions. His global experience includes a research stint at the University of Maryland, USA. As a professor, scientific secretary, and associate dean, he contributes significantly to clinical research, translational pharmacogenomics, and academic leadership. Dr. Zhang has led multiple national research grants and published in top-tier journals like The Lancet, Nature Communications, and Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. His research bridges clinical pharmacology and precision medicine, with a particular focus on diabetes, cancer immunotherapy, and microbiome-drug interactions.

Publication profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Research Leadership
    Dr. Wei Zhang has served as a principal investigator for over 7 nationally funded projects, including China’s prestigious 863 Program and multiple NSFC grants. These projects span pharmacogenomics, clinical pharmacology, and personalized medicine, highlighting his leadership in cutting-edge translational research.

  2. Pioneering Work in Pharmacogenomics & Microbiome
    He has contributed significantly to the drug-gene-microbiota interaction field, especially in type 2 diabetes, cancer immunotherapy, and nephrotoxicity. His discoveries on SLCO1B1, TRIB3, OATP1B1, and CYP2A6 variations have direct implications for individualized therapy.

  3. Global Research Recognition
    His work is published in high-impact journals such as The Lancet, Nature Communications, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, and Advanced Science. These publications attest to both quality and international relevance.

  4. Interdisciplinary Innovation
    Dr. Zhang bridges clinical pharmacology, bioinformatics, and microbial science, addressing unmet needs in precision medicine. His focus on gut microbiota’s role in drug efficacy and toxicity represents a visionary, interdisciplinary approach.

  5. Academic Mentorship & Leadership
    He has held senior academic roles (Professor, Associate Dean, Scientific Secretary), contributing to the development of academic programs and mentoring the next generation of clinical pharmacologists.

  6. Award-Winning Profile
    With over 9 prestigious national awards, including the New Century Talent Award, Henry Fok Young Teacher Award, and honors from the Chinese Ministry of Education, his contributions are officially recognized at the national level.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Collaboration Expansion
    While Dr. Zhang has completed a visiting scholar stint in the U.S., expanding ongoing multi-national clinical collaborations (e.g., with EU or U.S. precision medicine centers) would further globalize his impact.

  2. Public Communication & Outreach
    His work is academically impactful but could benefit from greater visibility in public health or policymaking arenas, translating research findings into clinical guidelines or patient-accessible formats.

  3. Patents & Industry Translation
    While his academic output is prolific, increased technology transfer—e.g., pharmacogenetic diagnostics or drug screening tools—would further boost his profile as a translational scientist.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Wei Zhang obtained his entire academic education from Central South University in Changsha, Hunan, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology (2003–2006) under the mentorship of Professor Hong-Hao Zhou, a member of the China Engineering Academy. His doctoral work centered on clinical pharmacology, with strong emphasis on drug assays and clinical trials. Prior to this, he received his M.A. in Pharmacology (2001–2003), focusing on pharmacogenomics and drug metabolism, gaining hands-on expertise in pyrosequencing and human DNA analysis. Dr. Zhang began his academic journey with a B.A. in Clinical Medicine (1996–2001) from XiangYa Medical School, where he built a solid foundation in pharmacology, physiology, and clinical medicine. This comprehensive academic trajectory laid the groundwork for his research in personalized therapy, pharmacogenetics, and pharmacokinetics, making him a key contributor in China’s pharmacological landscape.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Wei Zhang currently serves as Professor at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, since 2013. Since 2009, he has also held the post of Associate Dean at the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology. Previously, he was an Associate Professor (2008–2013), Head of the Genetic Testing Laboratory (2007–2013), and Lecturer (2006–2008). He also contributes administratively as the Scientific Secretary of the National Key Discipline of Pharmacology since 2005. Dr. Zhang gained international experience as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Maryland, USA (2012–2013), further broadening his research expertise. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in pharmacogenomic translation, clinical trials, and precision medicine development, mentoring students and managing large research teams. His leadership and administrative skills have contributed to elevating China’s presence in global pharmacology research.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Wei Zhang’s distinguished career has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. As a student, he received the “Class I Scholarship” and “Outstanding Postgraduate Student” awards in 2004 and 2005, followed by the “Excellent Report Award” from the Chinese Pharmacological Society in 2005. In 2006, he was named an Outstanding Graduate by Central South University. His research excellence earned him the “New Century Excellent Talents” award from the Chinese Ministry of Education in 2010 and the Science and Technology Prize of the Chinese Society of Pharmacy. He received international recognition in 2012 with a foreign fund from the China Scholarship Council. He was also honored as an “Outstanding Young Talent” by the Organization Department of China in 2013, and in 2014 received the esteemed “Henry Fok Young Teacher Award.” These accolades underscore his influential contributions to pharmacogenomics and clinical research in China.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Wei Zhang’s research is centered around clinical pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, and drug-microbiome interactions, with a mission to enable personalized medicine. His work investigates the genetic and microbial determinants of drug efficacy, toxicity, and metabolism, especially in type 2 diabetes, cancer immunotherapy, and nephrotoxic drugs like cisplatin. He has led major national projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the 863 Program, exploring the pharmacogenomic landscape and the gut microbiota’s impact on drug response. Dr. Zhang’s translational focus bridges laboratory findings to clinical application, utilizing genomic tools and bioinformatics to optimize therapy. His innovative research has unveiled how bacterial metabolites and transporters influence drug absorption and immune modulation, contributing significantly to the understanding of precision pharmacology. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, his work pushes boundaries in oncology, endocrinology, and microbiome science.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 SLCO1B1 variants and enalapril-induced cough – The Lancet (2015)

  2. 💉 TRIB3 Gln84Arg and vascular complications in T2DM – Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2016)

  3. 🧠 Pharmacogenomics of hERG potassium channels – Trends in Molecular Medicine (2013)

  4. 🌱 Eubacterium rectale enhances anti-PD1 immunotherapy – Research (2023)

  5. 💊 Bacteroides ovatus and metformin-induced B12 deficiency – NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes (2023)

  6. 🧨 Cancer nanobombs enhancing PD-L1 expression – Advanced Science (2024)

  7. 🌿 Regulatory effects of herbal compounds on gut bacteria – Pharmacological Research (2023)

  8. 🔄 Drug–microbiota interactions in precision medicine – Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2023)

  9. 🧫 Microbiota variation and ICI response – Nature Communications (2023)

  10. 🔬 Peptides from Sutterella potentiate PD-1 blockade – Gut (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

✅ Recommendation: Highly Suitable for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei Zhang exemplifies the ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His robust scientific portfolio, pioneering work in pharmacogenomics and drug–microbiota interaction, along with his leadership in both academia and national projects, demonstrate excellence, innovation, and long-term impact. While further expansion into international policy or industry translation could enhance his reach, his current achievements already position him at the forefront of clinical pharmacology and personalized medicine in China and globally.