Zhirong Tan | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Zhirong Tan | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhirong Tan  , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , China

Professor Zhirong Tan is a leading Chinese expert in pharmacogenomics and clinical pharmacology. Currently a professor at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, he also serves as the Director of the Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratory and Deputy Director of the Drug Analysis Center. He has been instrumental in over 300 clinical trials, pushing forward the frontiers of precision medicine, especially in colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. With over 20 SCI papers, multiple patents, and co-authorship of four books, he’s widely recognized for his work in pharmacokinetics and biomarker discovery. A national GCP and GMP inspector, Prof. Tan actively contributes to pharmaceutical regulation and innovation in China. His academic and industry partnerships reflect a robust foundation in translational research and real-world drug development.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Contributions
    Prof. Zhirong Tan has made outstanding contributions to clinical pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, and metabolomics over two decades. His research has provided critical insights into drug metabolism, biomarker discovery, and precision medicine, especially in colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

  2. Prolific Publication Record
    With over 22 SCI-indexed publications (first or corresponding author) and 6 CSCD papers, Prof. Tan’s research has achieved over 3550 citations and an H-index of 33 on Web of Science—evidence of the high impact and recognition of his work.

  3. Strong National & Industry Collaborations
    He has participated in or led 300+ clinical trials and secured 5 “Million+” industry-funded projects, reflecting strong ties with both academia and industry. His leadership in national-level projects, such as the “Major New Drug Development” program, showcases his influence in China’s healthcare innovation.

  4. Intellectual Property and Innovation
    With 3 granted patents and 3 under review, Prof. Tan’s ability to translate research into practical applications is evident. His individualized esomeprazole dosing regimen highlights innovation at the clinical level.

  5. Regulatory & Policy Contributions
    As a national GCP/GMP inspector, he plays a pivotal role in drug trial ethics and compliance in China. He also holds leadership roles in pharmacogenomics committees, further demonstrating his commitment to public health advancement.

  6. Academic Mentorship and Editorial Work
    In addition to research, Prof. Tan contributes as a journal reviewer, co-author of four textbooks, and mentor to the next generation of scientists, reinforcing his role as a thought leader in the field.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Visibility
    While Prof. Tan’s national presence is remarkable, further international collaborations, invited keynotes at global conferences, or leading roles in global consortia could enhance his visibility and expand the influence of his work.

  2. Broader Publication Range
    Publishing more frequently in top-tier international journals (e.g., Nature, The Lancet, NEJM) would increase the global academic reach of his findings.

  3. Open Science & Data Sharing
    As the field moves toward transparency, incorporating open-access publications and shared data repositories could boost both reproducibility and citations.

🎓 Education:

Professor Zhirong Tan obtained his Ph.D. from Central South University, a premier Chinese institution, where he laid the groundwork for his expertise in clinical pharmacology and pharmacogenomics. He later pursued postdoctoral research at the School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, one of the top pharmaceutical research institutions in the United States. This international experience enabled him to gain a global perspective in drug metabolism, biomarker identification, and translational pharmacology. His academic training focused on cutting-edge methodologies such as metabolomics, pharmacokinetics, and precision medicine. Through continuous education and research, he has built a reputation as a highly skilled pharmacologist whose work bridges basic research and clinical applications.

💼 Experience:

With a research career spanning over two decades since 1998, Professor Zhirong Tan has led and participated in numerous national-level and provincial-level projects, including China’s National Science and Technology Major Projects. He currently holds multiple leadership positions at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Over the years, he has completed major research grants from NSFC, the Hunan Province, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. As a GCP and GMP inspector, Prof. Tan has overseen more than 300 clinical trials, ensuring drug development meets regulatory and ethical standards. His experience also extends to industry collaboration, with successful execution of 5 “Million+” funded projects and influential roles in pharma-academic alliances. A frequent peer reviewer and contributor to international journals, his work influences both the scientific community and regulatory frameworks.

🔬 Research Focus:

Professor Tan’s primary research focus lies in clinical pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, and metabolomics, particularly for colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. His work aims to identify and validate biomarkers for disease diagnosis, drug efficacy, and toxicity prediction. A major contributor to China’s “Major New Drug Development” initiative, he has developed personalized esomeprazole dosing regimens by studying genetic polymorphisms, SNPs, and microRNA interactions. His research also explores the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease using metabolomic profiling, offering insights into early detection and potential therapeutics. He applies advanced bioanalytical methods to understand inter-individual variability in drug metabolism and therapeutic response. His projects have real-world clinical implications, transforming how drugs are prescribed, regulated, and monitored. Through his pioneering work, Prof. Tan contributes significantly to the evolution of precision medicine in China.

📚 Publication Top Notes:

  1. 📊 Role of BCRP 421C>A polymorphism on rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics in healthy Chinese males

  2. ❤️ Gly389Arg polymorphism of β1‐adrenergic receptor and cardiovascular response to metoprolol

  3. 💊 CYP2C19 ultra-rapid metabolizer genotype affects voriconazole pharmacokinetics

  4. 🧬 HLA‐B35:01 allele as biomarker for Polygonum multiflorum–induced liver injury*

  5. 🌿 Repeated berberine administration inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans

  6. 💉 Effect of SLCO1B1 polymorphism on pharmacokinetics of nateglinide

  7. 🧪 Assessment of cytochrome P450 activity by five‐drug cocktail approach

  8. ☕ Plasma caffeine metabolite ratio linked to CYP1A2 polymorphisms

  9. 🔬 Inducibility of CYP1A2 by omeprazole associated with genetic polymorphism

  10. 🧫 Ile118Val polymorphism of CYP3A4 affects simvastatin lipid-lowering efficacy

📝 Conclusion:

Professor Zhirong Tan is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His record of scientific excellence, clinical innovation, and regulatory leadership clearly positions him as a key contributor to modern pharmacology. His integrated approach—spanning basic science, clinical trials, and health policy—has had a measurable impact on patient care and drug development in China.

While there is room to further expand his global footprint, his accomplishments to date already demonstrate the caliber, commitment, and consistency expected of a world-class researcher.

Raphaël Rodriguez | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Raphaël Rodriguez | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Raphaël Rodriguez , CNRS, Institut Curie, France

Raphaël Rodriguez, born October 27, 1978, in Avignon, France, is a pioneering chemical biologist and Research Director at CNRS, Principal Investigator at Institut Curie, and holder of the Skłodowska-Curie Chair of Chemical Biology. A French citizen with two children, Lucía del Mar and Aramis, Rodriguez is renowned for bridging chemistry and biology to unlock the molecular secrets of cancer and inflammation. Trained in the UK under legendary scientists Sir J. E. Baldwin, Sir S. Balasubramanian, and Sir S. P. Jackson, he returned to France to launch groundbreaking research on ferroptosis and metal regulation in cell adaptation. His entrepreneurial and academic excellence earned him numerous accolades, including the National Order of Merit. With more than 130 publications and several successful biotech ventures, Rodriguez continues to shape the future of medical science with bioactive molecules like Ironomycin and Pyridostatin. He is an editorial board member, reviewer, teacher, and a public voice on science.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Pioneering Scientific Impact:
    Dr. Rodriguez has contributed over 130 high-impact publications in top-tier journals like Nature, Science, JACS, Nature Chemistry, and Cell Metabolism. His work has helped define ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, and metal regulation in cancer—a game-changing area in molecular medicine.

  2. Innovation & Translation:
    He discovered and commercialized small molecules such as Pyridostatin, Ironomycin, and Supformin, directly impacting both science and therapeutics. His work bridges fundamental science and drug discovery.

  3. Leadership & Mentorship:
    From mentoring under renowned scientists to leading his own lab at Institut Curie, he has shaped France’s next generation of researchers in chemical biology.

  4. Recognition & Awards:
    His extensive list of prestigious awards, including the CNRS Silver Medal, Liliane Bettencourt Prize, and Knight of the National Order of Merit, reflect peer recognition on national and international levels.

  5. Entrepreneurship:
    As a co-founder of biotech companies (e.g., Adrestia Therapeutics, later acquired), he has demonstrated a rare capacity to translate discoveries into clinical and commercial value.

  6. Scientific Influence:
    Editorial board memberships and frequent invitations to over 160 major conferences show his reputation as a global thought leader in his field.

🔧 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Public Engagement Scaling:
    Although Dr. Rodriguez is active in media (radio, TV, print), expanding international science outreach (e.g., global science festivals, public lectures, social media presence) could help further democratize his scientific message.

  2. Clinical Translation:
    While several molecules from his lab are commercialized, more direct clinical trials or FDA approvals tied to his molecules would elevate his impact from bench to bedside.

  3. Collaborative Diversity:
    Encouraging more global South collaborations or mentorships could help broaden his lab’s international footprint and contribute to equitable science capacity building.

🎓 Education:

Raphaël Rodriguez’s academic journey is marked by elite training and impactful credentials across Europe. He earned his PhD in Chemistry (2002–2005) through a joint program between Marseille and Oxford. He then pursued postdoctoral research as a Senior Research Associate at Cambridge’s Department of Chemistry and Gurdon Institute (2005–2012), where he developed skills at the interface of chemistry and biology. In 2012, he obtained the prestigious Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches from the University of Paris-Saclay, enabling him to supervise PhD candidates and lead independent research. His rise through the academic ranks was rapid: he became a CNRS Group Leader in 2012, then Principal Investigator at Institut Curie in 2015. In 2017, he was promoted to Research Director (DR1) at CNRS. In 2020, he was awarded the Skłodowska-Curie Chair of Chemical Biology at Institut Curie. His interdisciplinary training under world-renowned mentors has uniquely positioned him at the forefront of chemical biology research.

💼 Experience:

Raphaël Rodriguez’s professional experience is a blend of high-level research, leadership, and innovation. He began his postdoctoral career at the University of Cambridge (2005–2012), working in the Department of Chemistry and the Gurdon Institute. In 2012, he became a CNRS Group Leader at ICSN, Gif-sur-Yvette, launching his independent research career. In 2015, he transitioned to Institut Curie as a Principal Investigator, where he deepened his focus on cancer and inflammation. His promotion to Research Director (DR1) at CNRS in 2017 reflects his impact and leadership. Awarded the Skłodowska-Curie Chair of Chemical Biology in 2020, Rodriguez oversees a productive lab that investigates ferroptosis, DNA structure, and metal ion regulation in disease. He is also an entrepreneur, co-founding Adrestia Therapeutics and OrbiThera. He teaches at PSL University, organizes international conferences, and contributes to editorial boards and scientific advisory boards worldwide, maintaining a strong presence in both academia and biotech.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Raphaël Rodriguez has received an impressive array of honors, showcasing his impact on science and innovation. In 2024 alone, he won the CNRS Silver Medal and the Ligue Contre le Cancer Duquesne Prize. His earlier recognition includes the prestigious Liliane Bettencourt Prize for Life Sciences (2023), the Knight of the National Order of Merit (2022, presented by Nobel Laureate Jean-Marie Lehn), and the Klaus Grohe Prize (2022). He has also been awarded the Antoine Lacassagne Prize (Collège de France, 2019), the Sunrise Cancer Stem Cell Award (2019), the Charles Defforey–Institut de France Prize (2019), and the Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award (2019). Rodriguez is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2018) and won the Pierre Fabre Award for Therapeutic Innovation (2015). These accolades affirm his contributions across cancer research, chemical biology, and molecular therapeutics, as well as his success in translating science into societal benefit through entrepreneurship.

🔍 Research Focus:

Raphaël Rodriguez’s research lies at the cutting edge of chemical biology, with a focus on understanding how cells adapt to stress, particularly in the contexts of cancer and inflammation. His laboratory explores the role of metal ions—especially iron—as regulators of cellular plasticity and fate. Notably, his team discovered mechanisms underlying ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death linked to iron metabolism, and how this can be exploited for anti-cancer therapies. He also investigates non-canonical DNA structures like G-quadruplexes, using small molecules to study and manipulate gene regulation. His lab has developed and commercialized several potent bioactive compounds, including Pyridostatin, Remodelin, Ironomycin, and Supformin, which are used both as research tools and potential therapeutics. Rodriguez combines molecular design, cell biology, and translational strategies, making his work a blueprint for chemical biology-driven precision medicine. He continues to raise significant research funding and actively collaborates across academia and biotech.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Small-molecule–induced DNA damage identifies alternative DNA structures in human genes – Nature Chemical Biology

  2. ⚙️ Salinomycin kills cancer stem cells by sequestering iron in lysosomes – Nature Chemistry

  3. 🛡️ A novel small molecule that alters shelterin integrity and triggers a DNA-damage response at telomeres – JACS

  4. 🧫 Chemical inhibition of NAT10 corrects defects of laminopathic cells – Science

  5. 🧠 The transcription factor FOXM1 is a cellular target of the natural product thiostrepton – Nature Chemistry

  6. 🧪 Trisubstituted isoalloxazines as a new class of G-quadruplex binding ligands – JACS

  7. 🔥 PML-regulated mitochondrial metabolism enhances chemosensitivity in human ovarian cancers – Cell Metabolism

  8. 🔬 A single-molecule platform for investigation of G-quadruplex interactions with small-molecule ligands – Nature Chemistry

  9. 🧲 Small-molecule-mediated G-quadruplex isolation from human cells – Nature Chemistry

  10. 🧬 CD44 regulates epigenetic plasticity by mediating iron endocytosis – Nature Chemistry

  11. 🧷 Selective RNA vs DNA G-Quadruplex Targeting by In Situ Click Chemistry – Angewandte Chemie

  12. 🧬 G-Quadruplex-Binding Benzo[a]phenoxazines Down-Regulate c-KIT Expression in Gastric Carcinoma Cells – Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Raphaël Rodriguez exhibits exceptional merit and impact across the entire research ecosystem—fundamental science, innovation, mentorship, and commercialization. His trailblazing work in chemical biology, coupled with a record of scientific leadership and entrepreneurship, makes him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His career reflects a rare blend of depth, vision, and cross-disciplinary innovation. Minor enhancements in global public engagement and clinical integration could further elevate his already stellar profile.