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.

Sheng-Chi Hsu | molecular diagnosis | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mrs. Sheng-Chi Hsu | molecular diagnosis | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Sheng-Chi Hsu , Department of Laboratory Medicaine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at LinKou , Taiwan

Sheng-Chi Hsu, M.S., is a leading expert in tumor biology, molecular pathology, and personalized medicine. Currently serving as the Deputy Director of the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, he has extensive experience in cancer diagnostics, molecular pathology, and clinical research. With a strong academic background and a commitment to advancing medical science, Hsu has contributed significantly to the field of oncology, focusing on novel diagnostic approaches and precision medicine strategies. His research has resulted in several impactful publications, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and the development of targeted therapies for various cancers. Hsu’s work has played a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of cancer treatment in Taiwan.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Sheng-Chi Hsu has demonstrated exceptional expertise in tumor biology, molecular pathology, and personalized medicine, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in cancer diagnostics and precision medicine. His leadership roles at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, particularly in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, showcase his ability to manage large teams and oversee complex laboratory operations while pushing the boundaries of research. His publications in prestigious journals highlight significant research achievements, including the identification of key biomarkers for cancer therapies and advancing molecular diagnostic techniques. Hsu’s research on cancer biomarkers, including ALK translocation and ROS1 translocation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), has provided valuable insights into targeted therapies, which are directly influencing patient care and therapeutic approaches. His work on multidrug resistance also opens new therapeutic avenues to overcome chemotherapy resistance, making his contributions pivotal to modern cancer treatment strategies.

Areas for Improvements:

While Hsu’s research accomplishments are impressive, expanding his involvement in large-scale, multi-center clinical trials could further enhance the real-world application and validation of his research findings. Collaborating with international institutions or expanding his research scope to include more diverse populations may also increase the generalizability and impact of his findings. Additionally, although Hsu has an extensive background in molecular diagnostics, there may be room to explore emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence in pathology, to further optimize diagnostic procedures and improve precision medicine outcomes.

Experience:

Sheng-Chi Hsu has over 15 years of experience in laboratory medicine and pathology, with expertise in tumor pathology and molecular diagnostics. He is currently the Deputy Director of the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where he leads research and development in laboratory diagnostics. Previously, he served as the Deputy Director of the Department of Pathology, overseeing innovations in histopathological diagnostics. Hsu’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing cancer diagnostics, optimizing molecular diagnostic techniques, and improving laboratory workflows. His career also includes roles as a Chief and Senior Medical Technologist, where he pioneered research in tumor pathology, focusing on biomarker identification and the development of diagnostic assays.

Research Focus:

Sheng-Chi Hsu’s research focuses on advancing molecular diagnostics, particularly in oncology. His work aims to enhance diagnostic precision for various cancers, with a strong emphasis on personalized medicine. Hsu has made significant contributions to the genetic characterization of tumors, identifying key biomarkers for targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), synovial sarcoma, and gestational trophoblastic disease. His research in multidrug resistance mechanisms and the role of Wnt5A in cancer therapy has opened new avenues for overcoming chemoresistance. Hsu’s pioneering studies in molecular pathology have significantly impacted clinical practices, helping improve treatment strategies and patient outcomes through advanced diagnostics.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Wang HS, Liu CY, Hsu SC, Huang SC, Hung TH, Ng KF, Chen TC. A Single-Institute Experience with C-ros Oncogene 1 Translocation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers in Taiwan. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 May 21;23(10):5789. 📄
  2. Hsu SC, Hung TH, Wang CW, Ng KF, Chen TC. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase translocation is correlated with anaplastic lymphoma kinase expression and mutually exclusive with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in Taiwanese non-small cell lung cancer. Pathol Int. 2015 May;65(5):231-9. 📄
  3. Hung TH, Hsu SC, Cheng CY, Choo KB, Tseng CP, Chen TC, Lan YW, Huang TT, Lai HC, Chen CM, Chong KY. Wnt5A regulates ABCB1 expression in multidrug-resistant cancer cells through activation of the non-canonical PKA/β-catenin pathway. Oncotarget. 2014 Dec 15;5(23):12273-90. 📄
  4. Chen KH, Hsu SC, Chen HY, Ng KF, Chen TC. Utility of fluorescence in situ hybridization for ploidy and p57 immunostaining in discriminating hydatidiform moles. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2014 Apr 4;446(2):555-60. 📄
  5. Chuang HC, Hsu SC, Huang CG, Hsueh S, Ng KF, Chen TC. Reappraisal of TLE-1 immunohistochemical staining and molecular detection of SS18-SSX fusion transcripts for synovial sarcoma. Pathol Int. 2013 Dec;63(12):573-80. 📄

Conclusion:

Sheng-Chi Hsu is highly deserving of the “Best Researcher Award” due to his outstanding contributions to cancer research and diagnostic advancements. His innovative approach to tumor pathology and molecular diagnostics, along with his leadership in clinical and research operations, makes him a transformative figure in the field. With a continued focus on expanding his research scope and incorporating emerging technologies, Hsu’s impact on personalized cancer treatments is poised to grow even further.