WEI HUANG | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. WEI HUANG | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. WEI HUANG , Aier Glaucoma Institute, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Glaucoma with Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis and Application of New Materials, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital , China

Dr. Wei Huang is a highly skilled ophthalmologist with a robust background in clinical and experimental ophthalmology. She earned her Bachelor’s in Clinical Medicine from Shanxi Medical University (2010-2013), followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. in Ophthalmology from Xiangya Medical School, Central South University (2013-2021). Dr. Huang has made significant contributions to dry eye disease, stem cell therapy, and ocular pharmacology. She currently works as an ophthalmologist at Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, continuing her research on dry eye inflammation and novel therapeutic agents. With extensive experience in clinical trials, pre-clinical drug development, and molecular biology, she has been a key researcher in various cutting-edge studies. Her dedication to advancing ophthalmic treatments is evident in her numerous publications, many of which focus on innovative drug delivery systems and stem cell applications in eye diseases. Dr. Huang’s expertise has earned her recognition in both China and the U.S. for her scientific contributions.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Academic Background:

    • Huang Wei has an impressive academic background in Clinical Medicine and Ophthalmology, holding a Ph.D. from Central South University, as well as significant post-graduate experience in clinical settings. She has gained comprehensive expertise through various prestigious institutions, including work as a Senior Research Support Specialist at the State University of New York and as an ophthalmologist at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and Changsha Aier Eye Hospital.

  2. Exceptional Research Experience:

    • Huang’s research contributions, particularly in ophthalmology, dry eye disease, stem cells, and drug development, have led to numerous publications in high-impact journals like the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Experimental Eye Research. She has been the lead researcher and coordinator on multiple successful projects and clinical trials, particularly focused on innovative drug therapies and experimental models.

  3. Pioneering Drug Development and Stem Cell Research:

    • Her research involving human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine and her clinical trial work with novel NSAID formulations for dry eye disease showcases her pioneering role in advancing both pre-clinical and clinical drug development.

  4. Expert in Ophthalmological Techniques:

    • Huang demonstrates proficiency in a wide range of advanced experimental and clinical techniques, including ocular microsurgery, advanced imaging, animal modeling, and molecular biology. Her expertise in both basic science and clinical research equips her to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications, which is an essential aspect of impactful medical research.

  5. Leadership and Recognition:

    • She has earned full scholarships for both her M.S. and Ph.D., demonstrating strong academic excellence. Additionally, her publication record is robust, with over 16 peer-reviewed journal articles and several key contributions to research projects focused on eye disease mechanisms and therapies.

  6. Global Recognition:

    • Her collaborative work across international institutions, coupled with her ability to bring together multiple research teams and fields, places her at the forefront of ophthalmic and medical research. Her work is highly regarded, and she holds substantial influence in the field of dry eye disease research.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Public Engagement and Outreach:

    • While Huang’s contributions to peer-reviewed journals and clinical settings are undeniable, expanding her involvement in public outreach, particularly to raise awareness about new treatments in ophthalmology or stem cell research, could increase her visibility and engagement within the broader medical and patient communities.

  2. Diverse Collaborative Networks:

    • Huang has primarily worked within the realm of ophthalmology and stem cell research. Exploring cross-disciplinary collaborations outside of ophthalmology, such as in molecular genetics, biomedical engineering, or artificial intelligence for drug development, could further diversify her research impact and innovation.

  3. Leadership in Research Strategy and Funding:

    • Although she has demonstrated strong leadership in individual research projects, Huang could work toward taking on more leadership roles in strategic planning, grant applications, and the overall direction of large-scale research initiatives. This would solidify her role not only as a researcher but as a leader in the field of medical research.

Education:

Dr. Wei Huang began her academic journey at Shanxi Medical University, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine between 2010 and 2013. She then pursued her M.S. and Ph.D. in Ophthalmology at Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, one of the top medical institutions in China. During her Ph.D. studies (2013-2021), Dr. Huang focused on ocular pharmacology and stem cell therapies, particularly in the context of retinal diseases and dry eye syndrome. Her research has been supported by various prestigious grants, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, underscoring her academic excellence. Throughout her education, she received full scholarships for her Master’s and Ph.D. programs. Her educational journey reflects a strong commitment to ophthalmology, evidenced by her continuous pursuit of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field of eye care and treatment development.

Experience:

Dr. Wei Huang has gained extensive experience in both research and clinical ophthalmology. She worked as a Senior Research Support Specialist at the Medicine Department of the State University of New York from 2017 to 2020, focusing on ocular disease models and pre-clinical drug development. In 2021, she transitioned to clinical practice as an Ophthalmologist and Post-Ph.D. researcher at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, where she led studies on ocular inflammation and dry eye disease. In 2023, she joined Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, continuing her clinical practice while conducting cutting-edge research on ocular inflammation and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Huang’s research skills span ocular microsurgery, clinical trials, and molecular biology, making her a leader in ophthalmological innovations. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to the treatment of dry eye disease, retinal degeneration, and optic neuropathy, with a focus on drug development and stem cell therapies.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Wei Huang has received numerous prestigious awards for her academic and professional achievements. She was honored with a Ph.D. Full Scholarship from Central South University (2016-2019) and an M.S. Full Scholarship (2013-2016), recognizing her exceptional academic potential and research contributions. Additionally, she received the B-level Scholarship from Shanxi Medical University (2008-2013) during her undergraduate studies. Her academic excellence has led to her selection for various research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. She has also earned a Professional Medical License, validating her clinical expertise. Dr. Huang’s dedication to research has been recognized internationally, with multiple publications in high-impact journals, further solidifying her reputation in the ophthalmology community. As a certified Good Clinical Practice (GCP) professional in both China and the U.S., she continues to contribute to advancing ophthalmic therapies through rigorous clinical trials and innovative treatments.

Research Focus:

Dr. Wei Huang’s research primarily focuses on ophthalmology, with a particular emphasis on dry eye disease, stem cell therapy, and the development of novel pharmacological treatments for ocular conditions. Her work includes exploring the use of mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord blood in treating retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve regeneration, a project funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. She also leads research in pre-clinical drug development for dry eye syndrome, investigating the effectiveness of phospho-modified NSAIDs in treating ocular inflammation. Dr. Huang is deeply involved in clinical trials, including those exploring the safety and efficacy of novel treatments for primary open-angle glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy. She is currently investigating the mechanisms behind Sjögren’s syndrome-associated dry eye inflammation and the potential for mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation to inhibit this inflammation. Dr. Huang’s research aims to transform the therapeutic landscape of various ocular diseases, improving patient outcomes.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Hydrogel formulation of phosphosulindac allows once-a-day ocular dosing and limits its biodistribution to the anterior chamber: Application to dry eye disease treatment 🧴👁️

  2. Traditional two-dimensional mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are better than spheroid MSCs on promoting retinal ganglion cells survival and axon regeneration 🧬👀

  3. Once-Daily Topical Phosphosulindac Is Efficacious in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: Studies in Rabbit Models 🐇💧

  4. Phospho-Sulindac (OXT-328) Inhibits Dry Eye Disease in Rabbits: A Dose-, Formulation- and Structure-Dependent Effect 🧪🧴

  5. Animal models of dry eye disease: Useful, varied and evolving (Review) 📚🔬

  6. Simplified ex-vivo drug evaluation in ocular surface cells: Culture on cellulose filters of cells obtained by impression cytology 🔬🧫

  7. The transcriptome of rabbit conjunctiva in dry eye disease: Large-scale changes and similarity to the human dry eye 🧬👁️

  8. Establishment of a Severe Dry Eye Model Using Complete Dacryoadenectomy in Rabbits 🐰🔬

  9. NSAID-induced corneal melt: Clinical importance, pathogenesis, and risk mitigation 💉🧑‍⚕️

Conclusion:

Dr. Huang Wei is a highly qualified and accomplished researcher with outstanding contributions to the field of ophthalmology, particularly in the development of new treatments for dry eye disease and regenerative medicine. Her extensive research experience, coupled with her leadership roles in clinical trials and drug development, makes her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jianli GAO , School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University , China

Professor Jian-Li Gao is a distinguished researcher in Immunology and Tumor Pharmacology at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU), China. With a solid academic background in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, she has carved a unique path by integrating traditional practices with modern biomedical research. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Macau and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, she returned to ZCMU, where she now serves as a Professor and Director of the CTMP editorial office. She also holds the title of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine. Known for her impactful studies on thymic immunity, mitochondrial transfer, and age-related immune degeneration, Prof. Gao has authored numerous high-impact papers and led several nationally funded projects. Her dedication, scientific acumen, and leadership make her an ideal candidate for recognition as a top-tier researcher.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📚 Extensive Publication Record

    • Published high-impact research in top-tier journals like Phytomedicine, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Molecules, and Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

    • Topics span immunosenescence, mitochondrial transfer, alopecia regeneration, and TCM pharmacology—an excellent multidisciplinary focus.

  2. 🔬 Innovative Research Focus

    • Focuses on cutting-edge topics like tunneling nanotube-mediated mitochondrial transfer and immune rejuvenation—a unique and relevant field in aging and cancer research.

    • Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern immunology and pharmacology shows her ability to bridge ancient knowledge with new technologies.

  3. 🌍 International Exposure

    • Completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, demonstrating global collaboration and adaptability in high-caliber environments.

  4. 🎓 Academic and Editorial Leadership

    • Editor-in-Chief of a peer-reviewed journal and Editorial Board Member of Scientific Reports.

    • Director of CTMP editorial office and a key figure in shaping academic publishing within her university.

  5. 💡 Research Funding Success

    • Principal Investigator of multiple NSFC-funded projects (highly competitive in China), totaling over ¥1,000,000 in research grants.

  6. 🧑‍🏫 Academic Career Progression

    • Rapid professional growth from Assistant Professor to Full Professor in under 10 years—shows high competence, leadership, and recognition by peers.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. 🏅 Documentation of Individual Honors/Awards

    • While her academic and publishing roles speak volumes, a clearer list of individual recognitions, national awards, or innovation prizes would strengthen the case further.

  2. 🌐 Global Research Collaborations

    • Though she has worked internationally, further multi-country clinical collaborations or EU/NIH projects would expand her global footprint.

  3. 🗣 Public Engagement & Outreach

    • Amplifying her presence through conferences, workshops, and keynote speeches, particularly internationally, could further solidify her status as a global thought leader.

🎓 Educational Background:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao pursued her academic training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge medical research. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (2003) from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU). She continued her studies at the University of Macau, earning a Master’s degree in Chinese Medicinal Science (2005) and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (2009) from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences. Her doctoral work focused on cellular mechanisms and immune pharmacology, laying the foundation for her future research career. Her education uniquely positioned her to investigate immune regulation through both modern biomedical techniques and the traditional principles of Chinese medicine. The fusion of these approaches underpins her scientific contributions and helps advance integrative medical research both in China and internationally.

💼 Professional Experience: 

Prof. Gao has over 14 years of experience in academic research and teaching at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Starting as an Assistant Professor (2011–2013), she was promoted to Associate Professor (2013–2018) and has held the title of Professor since 2019. Her international exposure includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, where she deepened her expertise in tumor pharmacology and immunology. Prof. Gao currently directs the CTMP English Editorial Office at ZCMU and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of a leading Chinese medicine journal. She also contributes as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and a young editorial board member for Chinese Medicine. Throughout her tenure, she has led numerous national research projects, mentored students, and facilitated cross-disciplinary collaborations. Her trajectory reflects a consistent pattern of academic growth, leadership, and contribution to the global scientific community.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Though specific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided information, Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s numerous appointments and leadership roles are strong indicators of her recognition in the academic field. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine, a prestigious role typically reserved for top researchers in the discipline. Her role as Director of the CTMP editorial office and her inclusion as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and Young Editorial Board Member for Chinese Medicine signal national and international acknowledgment of her scientific contributions. She has also successfully led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, a competitive funding body in China, which highlights her research’s credibility and impact. These honors collectively reflect her excellence in scientific innovation, editorial leadership, and her commitment to advancing Chinese and integrative medicine.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s research centers on thymic immune senescence, mitochondrial transfer, and the pharmacological effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on immune system regulation. She explores how compounds such as Epimedin C, Thymosin β15, and Ligustilide can delay thymus degeneration, enhance mitochondrial functionality, and promote immune resilience—especially in contexts such as menopause, aging, and cancer. Her work bridges the gap between TCM and modern molecular biology, applying cell biology techniques to understand how herbal extracts affect immune cell signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and tissue repair. A unique aspect of her work is the use of mitochondrial transfer via tunneling nanotubes, a cutting-edge concept in immunopharmacology. With a holistic approach, she aims to uncover therapeutic strategies rooted in TCM that are evidence-based and translational. Her research has major implications in autoimmune diseases, aging, regenerative medicine, and oncology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📖 Epimedin C promotes mitochondrial transfer and delays thymus atrophy in 4-VCD induced mimetic-menopausal mice – Phytomedicine, 2025

  2. 📖 Dermal T cell immunity and key regulatory signaling pathways: Implications in immune-mediated alopecia and hair regeneration – Genes & Diseases, 2025

  3. 📖 Linderae Radix extract attenuates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway – Phytomedicine, 2024

  4. 📖 Ligustilide prevents thymic immune senescence by regulating Thymosin β15-dependent spatial distribution of thymic epithelial cells – Phytomedicine, 2024

  5. 📖 Thymosin β4 regulates the differentiation of thymocytes by controlling the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer – IJMS, 2024

  6. 📖 Th22 is the effector cell of Thymosin β15-induced hair regeneration in mice – Inflammation and Regeneration, 2024

  7. 📖 Ruyong Formula improves thymus function of CUMS-stimulated breast cancer mice – Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024

  8. 📖 Age-related hearing loss and its potential drug candidates: a systematic review – Chinese Medicine, 2023

  9. 📖 Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with nose-to-brain drug delivery of natural drugs – J. Exp. & Clin. App. of Chinese Medicine, 2023

  10. 📖 Thymosin α1 and its role in viral infectious diseases: Mechanism and clinical application – Molecules, 2023

📝 Conclusion:

Professor Jian-Li Gao is highly deserving and exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. Her research is innovative, translational, and impactful, particularly in the intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern immunology. She has demonstrated consistent academic excellence, leadership in editorial work, and obtained national-level competitive funding.