Tao Liang | Cell Death Pathway | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Tao Liang | Cell Death Pathway | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Tao Liang, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China

Dr. Tao Liang is an accomplished medicinal chemist with deep expertise in small molecule drug design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation. Originating from Dancheng County, Henan Province, and currently residing in Wuhu City, Anhui Province, Dr. Liang is an Assistant Researcher at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Shandong University, a leading institution under China’s “Double First-Class” initiative. With over 7 first-author SCI publications and multiple national invention patents, his research significantly contributes to targeted cancer therapies, especially involving HDAC6-selective inhibitors and Bax agonists. He has successfully led key projects funded by the Anhui Provincial Government and participated in prestigious National Natural Science Foundation of China projects. Known for both scientific depth and innovation, Dr. Liang has been recognized with national-level scholarships and university-wide honors for outstanding research achievements and academic excellence.

Publication Profile:

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โœ… Strengths for the Award:

  1. High-Impact Publications

    • Authored 7 first-author SCI papers, including publications in top-tier journals like Acta Pharm Sin B (IF 14.907) and J Med Chem (IF 8.039).

    • Published extensively on HDAC6 isoform-selective inhibitors and apoptosis-targeting small molecules, a niche and cutting-edge domain in anticancer drug research.

  2. Research Leadership & Innovation

    • Serves as Principal Investigator for two key provincial research projects focusing on selective cancer therapies.

    • Demonstrated innovation in designing dual-target inhibitors (MMP/HDAC) and novel Bax agonists.

  3. National-Level Collaborations

    • Participated in major National Natural Science Foundation of China projects (5 total), totaling over RMB 2 million in funding.

    • Engaged with multidisciplinary teams and key opinion leaders, including renowned researchers such as Prof. Hao Fang and Prof. Xuben Hou.

  4. Academic Recognition

    • Winner of prestigious honors such as the National Scholarship, Outstanding Doctoral Graduate, and guest speaker at elite academic forums.

    • Recipient of 15+ national and university-level awards, including innovation prizes and scholarships.

  5. Patent Contributions

    • Holds 4 national invention patents, reflecting translational potential and real-world application of his research outputs.

๐Ÿ”ง Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Visibility & Collaboration

    • Current research impact is primarily within domestic circles (China). Engaging in cc, postdoctoral exchanges, or publishing with international co-authors would elevate recognition.

  2. Clinical Translation Pipeline

    • Despite strong preclinical development, there is no direct evidence of transition to clinical trials or industrial commercialization. Partnering with biotech/pharma could increase translational outcomes.

  3. Leadership Beyond Research

    • As an early-career researcher, administrative leadership (e.g., lab director, national committee memberships) may still be developing. Building a research group or mentoring PhD students would strengthen this.

  4. Interdisciplinary Expansion

    • Expertise is strong in medicinal chemistry, but cross-disciplinary projects involving AI/drug discovery, systems biology, or clinical oncology could broaden the impact.

๐ŸŽ“ Education:

Dr. Tao Liang received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Shandong University (2013.9โ€“2017.6), one of Chinaโ€™s elite institutions under the National “985 Project” and “Double First-Class” initiative. Continuing at the same university, he pursued a Masterโ€™s and Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, earning a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2022. Shandong University, renowned for its Ministry of Education Class A-rated disciplines, provided Dr. Liang with a rigorous scientific environment and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. During his academic training, he developed a strong foundation in chemical biology, natural product synthesis, and drug development. His educational journey has been marked by consistent excellence, earning him accolades like National Scholarships and Outstanding Graduate awards. His academic credentials and extensive research during his Ph.D. have positioned him as a leading young researcher in the field of medicinal chemistry in China.

๐Ÿ’ผ Work Experience:

Since August 2022, Dr. Tao Liang has been serving as an Assistant Researcher at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College. His research focuses on the structural design, chemical synthesis, and pharmacological activity evaluation of small molecule drugs, particularly targeting HDAC isoforms and apoptotic regulators like Bax. He currently leads two key projects: one on HDAC6-selective inhibitors and another on Bax agonists for cervical cancer therapy, funded by the Anhui Provincial Higher Education and Health Commission respectively. Previously, he participated in several high-impact national research projects, including two funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, focusing on anti-cancer drug discovery. His roles have involved both independent project leadership and critical collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Dr. Liang’s work experience showcases his capabilities in translational medicinal chemistry research and positions him as a promising talent in pharmaceutical innovation.

๐Ÿ† Awards and Honors:

Dr. Tao Liang has received more than a dozen honors for his outstanding academic and research contributions. These include the prestigious National Scholarship (2021), Outstanding Doctoral Graduate of Shandong University (2022), and multiple first-class scholarships throughout his postgraduate studies. He was a special guest speaker at prominent forums like the โ€œHaiyou Doctoral Forumโ€ and โ€œLao Xu Talks about High Strategies.โ€ His undergraduate years were equally distinguished, earning the first prize in the ‘Challenge Cup’ and honors like โ€œOutstanding Graduateโ€ and โ€œExcellent Communist Youth League Memberโ€. His early career was also decorated with international recognitions such as the First Prize for Innovation Results at the World University Students’ Pharmaceutical Garden Forum. These awards highlight both his academic brilliance and commitment to scientific advancement, affirming his eligibility and strength as a nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus:

Dr. Tao Liangโ€™s research centers on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of small molecule inhibitors with a primary focus on histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) isoform-selective inhibitors and Bax agonists for cancer therapy. His work integrates computational modeling, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacodynamics to create targeted therapies aimed at epigenetic modulation and apoptosis induction in cancer cells. He has actively contributed to national-level projects exploring dual-target inhibitors (MMP/HDAC) and small molecule interventions for Mcl-1 and striatal enriched tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) targets. Dr. Liang is particularly recognized for his innovation in optimizing chemical scaffolds for selective inhibition and minimizing off-target effects. Through collaborative and independent research, he aims to address challenges in chemotherapeutic resistance and toxicity. His scientific pursuits align with current global trends in precision oncology, making significant strides in targeted therapy development and laying a foundation for future clinical translation.

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Notes:

  1. ๐Ÿ“˜ Design, synthesis and evaluation of structural optimization derived HDAC6 isoform-selective inhibitor โ€“ Bioorganic Chemistry, 2025

  2. ๐Ÿ“— Targeting histone deacetylases for cancer therapy: Trends and challenges โ€“ Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, 2023

  3. ๐Ÿ“™ Potential applications of BPFP1 in Bcl-2 protein quantification, carcinoma cell visualization, cell sorting and early cancer diagnosis โ€“ European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2021

  4. ๐Ÿ“• Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 3,4-disubstituted-imidazolidine-2,5-dione derivatives as HDAC6 selective inhibitors โ€“ European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2021

  5. ๐Ÿ“˜ Recent Development of Novel HDAC6 Isoform-selective Inhibitors โ€“ Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2021

  6. ๐Ÿ“— HDACโ€“Bax Multiple Ligands Enhance Bax-Dependent Apoptosis in HeLa Cells โ€“ Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2020

  7. ๐Ÿ“™ Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 2,4-Imidazolinedione Derivatives as HDAC6 Isoform-Selective Inhibitors โ€“ ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2019

  8. ๐Ÿ“• Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Thiadiazole Peptidomimetic Derivatives โ€“ Chinese Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2016

๐Ÿงพ Conclusion:

Dr. Tao Liang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the early- to mid-career researcher category. His extensive publication record, innovative medicinal chemistry work, leadership in funded projects, and impressive academic recognitions make him an exemplary candidate.

Ling Feng | Programmed cell death and asthma | Best Researcher Award

Ms Ling Feng | Programmed cell death and asthma | Best Researcher Award

Ms Ling Feng ,ย  Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , China

Ling Feng is a dedicated PhD student specializing in the mechanisms of airway inflammation and remodeling in bronchial asthma. Currently affiliated with the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Ling has a passion for uncovering new treatment options for asthma through innovative research. With several publications in prominent Chinese and international journals, Lingโ€™s work aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application. Her commitment to advancing asthma treatment showcases her dedication to improving patient outcomes. As a forward-thinking researcher, she is actively involved in significant projects funded by national science foundations, highlighting her potential in the field of respiratory medicine. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’‰๐Ÿ“š

Publication Profile

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Strengths for the Award

Ling Feng exhibits several strengths that make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her focused research on airway inflammation and remodeling in bronchial asthma highlights her commitment to addressing critical health issues. With six publications in reputable journals, including one in an international journal, she demonstrates significant scholarly contributions. Additionally, her active involvement in prominent research projects, such as those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, showcases her ability to secure competitive funding and drive innovative research. Her patented invention for tracheoscopic airway irrigation further exemplifies her innovative thinking and practical application of research findings.

Areas for Improvement

While Ling has made commendable progress in her research career, there are areas where she could enhance her profile. Building professional memberships in relevant organizations could provide networking opportunities and foster collaborations. Actively seeking editorial roles or collaborations could also strengthen her visibility in the academic community. Expanding her research portfolio to include consultancy projects or interdisciplinary collaborations may further enhance her contributions to respiratory medicine.

Education

Ling Feng is currently pursuing her PhD in medicine at Nanjing Medical University, where she focuses on airway inflammation and remodeling in bronchial asthma. Her academic journey began with a Bachelorโ€™s degree in Clinical Medicine, followed by a Masterโ€™s degree in Respiratory Medicine. Throughout her education, Ling has consistently demonstrated exceptional aptitude in research, particularly in understanding programmed cell death and its implications in asthma. She has participated in various academic conferences, presenting her findings on necroptosis-related biomarkers and potential therapeutic interventions. Ling’s educational background, coupled with her extensive research experience, equips her with a robust foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical application. She remains committed to furthering her expertise through continuous learning and collaboration within the scientific community. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ”ฌ

Experienceย 

Ling Feng has gained valuable experience in respiratory and critical care medicine during her tenure at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. As a PhD student, she has presided over and participated in key research projects, including the Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Ling has published six articles in domestic journals and one in an international journal, reflecting her active contribution to the scientific community. Additionally, her involvement in multiple conferences has allowed her to share her research findings on asthma and related therapeutic approaches with peers and experts in the field. Through these experiences, Ling has developed strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills, all essential for a successful research career. She is recognized for her innovative approach and determination to advance the understanding and treatment of asthma. ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ“

Research Focusย 

Ling Fengโ€™s research primarily focuses on the mechanisms underlying airway inflammation and remodeling in bronchial asthma, particularly the role of programmed cell death. Her work delves into necroptosis-related targets and their regulatory mechanisms, aiming to identify potential therapeutic interventions that can improve patient outcomes. Ling’s dedication to understanding the pathogenesis of asthma is evident in her findings on biomarkers associated with airway remodeling and inflammation. Through her research, she has identified molecule compounds that can effectively target these pathways, thus paving the way for novel treatment strategies. Ling actively engages in ongoing projects funded by national scientific foundations, further contributing to the advancement of respiratory medicine. Her innovative work not only enhances the scientific community’s understanding of asthma but also aims to translate these discoveries into clinical applications, ultimately improving diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from this chronic condition. ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ’Š

Publications Top Notes

  1. Screening, identification and targeted intervention of necroptotic biomarkers of asthma. ๐ŸŒŸ
  2. Effect of METTL3 on T cell differentiation in mice with severe asthma. ๐Ÿญ
  3. Research progress on the relationship between autophagy and phenotypic transformation of airway smooth muscle cells in asthma. ๐Ÿ“–
  4. Clinical characteristics and therapy norms for patients with COPD treated with LAMA/LABA fixed-dose combination in the real world. ๐Ÿ“Š
  5. Efficacy and Safety of Dual Bronchodilators (LABA/LAMA) for Treating Symptomatic COPD. ๐Ÿ’จ
  6. Application and Optimization of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing in Pulmonary Infection. ๐Ÿงฌ
  7. Clinical value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary infection. ๐Ÿ’ป
  8. Screening of indicators and potential drugs associated with severe asthma. ๐Ÿ”
  9. The invention relates to a heating device for tracheoscopic airway irrigation. ๐Ÿ”ง

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ling Feng is a promising researcher whose work significantly impacts the field of respiratory medicine. Her research on necroptosis and airway inflammation has the potential to lead to new therapeutic interventions for asthma. By focusing on both her strengths and areas for improvement, Ling can continue to advance her career and contribute to innovative solutions in healthcare. Her dedication, coupled with her research achievements, positions her as an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ’‰๐Ÿ“š