Jung Weon Lee | Tetraspanin-Mediated Liver Malignancy | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Jung Weon Lee | Tetraspanin-Mediated Liver Malignancy | Research Excellence Award

Seoul National University | South Korea

Jung Weon Lee is a distinguished researcher in pharmacology and biochemistry whose work integrates molecular pharmacology, biochemical pathway analysis, and disease-related mechanistic research. Trained across biochemical sciences and pharmacological disciplines, he has developed a robust program centered on understanding how cellular signaling networks, metabolic processes, and bioactive molecules regulate pathological conditions such as cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. His research frequently explores the molecular basis of drug actions, enzyme regulation, and the interplay between biochemical pathways and disease progression. Through his faculty leadership at Seoul National University’s College of Pharmacy, he has advanced studies on cellular stress responses, protein modification systems, and molecular targets that influence cell survival, migration, and invasion. As a long-standing member of professional scientific societies and the Invadosome Consortium, he actively contributes to global investigations on cytoskeletal remodeling and matrix-degrading structures central to metastasis and tissue remodeling. His research group is known for integrating pharmacological assays with molecular and biochemical techniques to identify therapeutic candidates and elucidate mechanisms underlying disease-associated cellular behaviors. Overall, Lee’s scientific contributions strengthen translational links between biochemical research and pharmacological innovation, supporting the development of mechanism-based therapeutic strategies.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:  

  • Lee, Y., Kim, J. E., Kim, W., Kim, S., Han, R., Suh, D., Kim, E., Shin, E.-A., Pyo, K.-h., Lee, J.-H., Yoon, S., Kim, Y.-I., Cho, J.-Y., Choi, S., & Lee, J. W. (2025). Unique molecular architecture of N-glycosylated TM4SF5 dimer highlights evolutionary and structural divergence among small four-transmembrane protein families. Journal of Advanced Research. (In press)

  • Ahn, J., Kim, S., Jeong, J. Y., Heo, S., Pyo, K.-h., Shin, E.-A., Kim, W., Lee, J.-H., Choi, N. R., Lee, H.-A., Kim, H.-P., Song, S.-H., Kim, H. Y., Kim, T.-Y., & Lee, J. W. (2025). Whole genome DNA methylation patterns in tissue and cfDNA associated with fibrosis reflect the complex signature of MASLD. PLoS One, 20(7), e0328207.

  • Lee, H. S., Kim, J. E., Shin, E.-A., Pinanga, Y. D., Pyo, K.-h., Lee, E. H., Kim, W., Kim, S., Lim, C. S., Yoon, K. C., & Lee, J. W. (2025). Hepatocyte TM4SF5-mediated cytosolic NCOA3 stabilization and macropinocytosis support albumin uptake and bioenergetics for hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Experimental and Molecular Medicine, 57(4), 836–855.

  • Jin, S. H., Kim, D. J., & Lee, J. W. (2025). Tetraspan(in)-mediated immune regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, 31(2), 650–653.

  • Kim, J. E., Kim, H. S., Lee, E. H., Kim, W., Kim, S., Kim, T., Shin, E.-A., Pyo, K.-h., Lee, H., Jin, S. H., Lee, J.-H., Byeon, S.-M., Kim, D. J., Yu, S. J., Kim, S., Yoo, J. Y., Lee, S.-C., Suh, Y.-G., & Lee, J. W. (2025). Isoxazole-based molecules restore NK cell immune surveillance in hepatocarcinogenesis by targeting TM4SF5 and SLAMF7 linkage. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 10(1), 15.

Yingrong Du | Liver diseases | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Yingrong Du | Liver diseases | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yingrong Du , The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming , China

Dr. Du Yingrong is a Chief Physician at Dali University’s Sixth Affiliated Hospital (Kunming Third People’s Hospital), specializing in cardiovascular medicine. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Du has made significant contributions to clinical medicine and healthcare management. He is dedicated to advancing patient care, particularly in cardiovascular health, and is actively involved in several research projects, particularly in the areas of atherosclerosis and chronic non-communicable diseases. Dr. Du has also focused on improving healthcare systems in rural China and addressing public health challenges such as COVID-19. His expertise extends to both clinical work and hospital management

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Du Yingrong demonstrates exceptional expertise in both clinical medicine and research, making significant contributions in cardiovascular health, atherosclerosis, and public health. He has a strong academic background with advanced education in Hospital Management and Clinical Medicine. As the Chief Physician at Dali University’s Sixth Affiliated Hospital, he has exhibited leadership in managing cardiovascular care, implementing innovative emergency treatment systems, and addressing healthcare disparities in rural China. Dr. Du has led and participated in several research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and local government bodies, showcasing his commitment to scientific advancement and public health improvements.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Du has made remarkable strides in research, further enhancing the interdisciplinary collaboration across different health sectors could strengthen his future projects. Expanding his research into broader, international contexts, and diversifying his focus to include emerging areas in global healthcare trends could also provide additional opportunities for groundbreaking research.

Education:

Dr. Du completed his Master’s Degree in Hospital Management from Flinders University and Nankai University (2012-2014). Prior to this, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Medicine from Kunming Medical University (1988-1992). His strong educational foundation has supported his distinguished career in both medical practice and healthcare administration, particularly in managing complex clinical departments and participating in innovative research efforts in cardiovascular health.

Experience:

Dr. Du has extensive experience at Dali University’s Sixth Affiliated Hospital (Kunming Third People’s Hospital), where he has worked since 1992. Starting as a physician in the Cardiovascular Department, he advanced through roles such as Attending Physician, Deputy Chief Physician, and ultimately Chief Physician. His leadership and expertise have significantly contributed to the hospital’s growth, particularly in the cardiovascular field. Dr. Du has been instrumental in several key research projects, such as optimizing emergency treatment systems for COVID-19 and exploring health disparities in minority populations in Yunnan province.

Research Focus:

Dr. Du’s research focus spans cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, public health, and minority health disparities. He has been involved in multiple National Natural Science Foundation and local government-funded projects. His key research interests include studying the effects of triterpenoid compounds on atherosclerosis and exploring clinical treatment methods for chronic diseases in underserved populations. His work aims to improve healthcare delivery, treatment efficacy, and the cultural competence of medical professionals, especially in minority areas of China.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Ethnic disparities in the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases and its multimorbidity among older adults in rural southwest China 📚🌍
  2. Inflammation markers and the risk of hypertension in people living with HIV 🩺🔥
  3. New cycloartane triterpenes from the roots of Cimicifuga foetida 🌿💡
  4. Omega-6 fatty acids down-regulate matrix metalloproteinase expression in a coronary heart disease-induced rat model 🐀💪

Conclusion:

Dr. Du Yingrong is a highly qualified and dedicated researcher who has made significant contributions to clinical medicine and healthcare research. His leadership in addressing cardiovascular health, minority health disparities, and the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies his ability to combine clinical expertise with impactful research. He is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” with his ongoing contributions to healthcare and public health paving the way for significant improvements in both clinical practice and health system management.