Prof. Dr. Xiao-Jun Du , Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute , China
Professor Xiao-Jun Du is a prominent researcher currently affiliated with Xi’an Jiaotong University in China and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Australia. With a background in medicine and a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, he has built a distinguished career in the field of cardiovascular research. His expertise spans across heart failure, cardiac inflammation, arrhythmias, fibrosis, and metabolism. Professor Du has made significant contributions to understanding heart diseases, pioneering mouse cardiology research in Australia. Over the years, he has published 269 scientific papers, including 234 in peer-reviewed journals, with an H-index of 63. He is a highly respected reviewer and has supervised more than 60 postgraduate students. His work has made a major impact on cardiovascular medicine, specifically in the areas of heart failure and metabolic therapies.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
Strengths for the Award:
Professor Xiao-Jun Du is highly deserving of the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to cardiovascular science, particularly in the areas of heart failure, cardiac inflammation, arrhythmias, and fibrosis. His pioneering work in mouse cardiology and his research on the role of metabolism in heart disease have garnered significant recognition. With 269 publications, 234 of which are in SCI-indexed journals, and over 13,000 citations, his work has a significant impact in the scientific community. His H-index of 63 reflects the importance and relevance of his research. Additionally, Professor Du’s mentorship of over 60 postgraduate students demonstrates his commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers. His invitation to review around 40 manuscripts annually further solidifies his standing as an expert and thought leader in his field.
Areas for Improvements:
Despite his numerous achievements, Professor Du could benefit from further international collaborations to expand the global impact of his research. Although his work has been influential, engaging with broader research initiatives and interdisciplinary projects could enhance his work’s application in clinical settings and improve translational research in cardiovascular diseases. A more direct focus on public health applications of his research might help to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and real-world medical advancements.
Education:
Professor Xiao-Jun Du’s educational journey began with his medical degree from Chongqing Medical University, followed by a Master of Medicine from Xi’an Medical University. He furthered his academic path by obtaining a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. His diverse training equipped him with deep knowledge in the fields of cardiology, medical research, and therapeutic interventions. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his future contributions to cardiovascular science. His ongoing academic roles, including his current position as a Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University and Honorary Research Fellow at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, reflect his commitment to both education and groundbreaking research.
Experience:
Professor Xiao-Jun Du has an extensive academic and research career. He has held several prestigious positions, including Head of the Experimental Cardiology Laboratory and Mouse Cardiology Research Platform at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne. He also served as a Senior Research Fellow with the Australian National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Currently, he is a Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China. Throughout his career, Professor Du has made significant strides in the study of heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiac fibrosis. He has worked on groundbreaking research related to heart diseases and metabolic disorders. As a highly regarded researcher, he has been invited to review over 40 journal manuscripts annually, maintaining his position as a leading expert in his field. In addition, he has mentored and guided over 60 postgraduate students and research trainees.
Research Focus:
Professor Xiao-Jun Du’s research primarily focuses on the pathophysiology of heart failure, cardiac inflammation, and metabolic disorders. His work investigates the mechanisms underlying heart disease, particularly focusing on cardiac fibrosis, remodelling, arrhythmias, and the role of metabolism in cardiac function. He has pioneered research on the mouse cardiology model, which has become a critical tool for studying heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Professor Du’s current research also explores the interaction between β-adrenergic and Hippo pathway signaling, the role of endothelial dysfunction in hypertension, and the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction in heart disease. His work is highly interdisciplinary, bridging molecular biology, cardiology, and therapeutic approaches. Additionally, he investigates how oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways, and cellular damage contribute to cardiovascular diseases and explores potential therapeutic strategies, including metabolic therapies for heart failure.
Publications Top Notes:
- “Cardiomyopathy characterizing and heart failure risk predicting by echocardiography in aged male mice” 📉🫀
- “Coupling of β-adrenergic and Hippo pathway signaling: Implications for heart failure pathophysiology and metabolic therapy” 🔄🧬
- “Nogo-B mediates endothelial oxidative stress and inflammation to promote coronary atherosclerosis in pressure-overloaded mouse hearts” 🧪❤️
- “New perspective on the mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis” 🔍🫀
- “Endothelial KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 Mediate S1P (Sphingosine-1-Phosphate)-Dependent Vasodilation and Blood Pressure Homeostasis” 🩸💉
- “Evaluation of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Deficiency and Therapy in Mouse Models of Cardiomyopathy” 💊🧬
- “Mitochondrial damage in a Takotsubo syndrome-like mouse model mediated by activation of β-adrenoceptor-Hippo signaling pathway” ⚡🫀
- “AGEs-RAGE-KCa3.1 pathway mediates palmitic acid-induced migration of PBMCs from patients with type 2 diabetes” 🧬🍔
- “YAP-galectin-3 signaling mediates endothelial dysfunction in angiotensin II-induced hypertension in mice” 🧪🧬
- “Hippo pathway activation mediates chemotherapy-induced anti-cancer effect and cardiomyopathy through causing mitochondrial damage and dysfunction” 🎗️🧠
Conclusion:
Professor Xiao-Jun Du’s extensive body of work and his dedication to advancing cardiovascular medicine make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His deep expertise, innovative contributions to heart failure and metabolic therapies, and his leadership in training the next generation of scientists highlight his qualifications. Given his remarkable academic achievements and influence in the field, he is an excellent choice for this prestigious award.