Prof. Yuan Zhang | Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University | China
Dr. Yuan Zhang, MD, Ph.D., is an accomplished neuroscientist and Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, affiliated with Shenzhen University. With over 15 years of combined experience in clinical neuroscience, academic teaching, and translational research, Dr. Zhang has carved a niche in the fields of cerebral ischemia, neurodegeneration, and brain metabolism. Her work has been pivotal in uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. A dedicated scholar, Dr. Zhang has authored over 10 peer-reviewed articles in reputable international journals, often serving as lead or corresponding author. Her research is distinguished by its integration of advanced technologies such as mass spectrometry and molecular imaging with fundamental neurobiology. Dr. Zhang is committed to improving patient outcomes through a synergistic blend of laboratory research and clinical application, and she continues to lead multi-disciplinary teams in high-impact neurology projects across China.
Publication Profile:
Education:
Dr. Yuan Zhang began her medical journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Baotou Medical College, where she developed a foundational understanding of human physiology and diagnostics. She furthered her studies with a Master’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the same institution, focusing on cellular mechanisms and molecular interactions. Driven by a passion for uncovering complex pathological processes, she pursued and obtained her Ph.D. in Pathology and Pathophysiology from the prestigious Peking Union Medical College, a leading institution in medical research in China. Her doctoral studies laid the groundwork for her ongoing research into the molecular basis of neurological diseases. Dr. Zhang’s robust academic foundation across medicine, molecular biology, and pathology uniquely positions her to bridge the gap between clinical practice and laboratory research, making significant contributions to the fields of stroke recovery, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Professional Experience:
Dr. Yuan Zhang has accumulated a wealth of professional experience over nearly two decades. She has served as a Researcher and Associate Professor at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, where she leads key neurosurgery-related research. She worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, engaging in cutting-edge neuroscience projects. Concurrently, she served as an Associate Professor at Baotou Medical College, having previously held roles as Lecturer and Teaching Assistant. Dr. Zhang has played crucial roles in mentoring young researchers, guiding postgraduates, and fostering collaborative projects. Her clinical insights as a physician combined with her academic depth as a researcher make her an asset to both the scientific and medical communities, contributing meaningfully to translational research in neuroscience and neurosurgery.
Research Focus:
Dr. Yuan Zhang’s research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral ischemia, neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic dysfunctions in the brain. She specializes in identifying potential therapeutic targets for conditions like ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetic cognitive impairment. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, proteomics, lipidomics, pharmacology, and neuroimaging, allowing her to study brain injury at multiple biological scales. Her recent work involves leveraging mass spectrometry and nanomedicine to map lipid changes in early ischemic events and exploring how natural compounds such as Notoginsenoside R1 and Gypenoside LXXV modulate glucose uptake and inflammation in the brain. Dr. Zhang also investigates the role of proteins like NUF2, MMP-2, and ENOPH1 in neurological damage and recovery. Her research aims to translate molecular insights into clinical therapies, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with complex neurological disorders. She is especially known for collaborative work bridging basic science and clinical neurosurgery.
Publications Top Notes:
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Uncovering novel functions of NUF2 in glioblastoma and MRI-based expression prediction — Scientific Reports, 2025
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Mass Spectrometry-based Spatiotemporal Characterization of Lipids in Early Focal Cerebral Ischemia — Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
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Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates cognitive deficits in diabetic Alzheimer’s disease via GLUT4-dependent neuronal glucose uptake — Phytotherapy Research
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Alteration of Ubiquitination in the Brain of ENOPH1 Knockout Mice after Early Ischemic Stroke — Journal of Proteome Research
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Adenylate kinase 4 promotes neuronal energy metabolism and mitophagy in early cerebral ischemia via Parkin/PKM2 pathway — Experimental Neurology
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MMP-2-mediated Scube2 degradation disrupts astrocyte-endothelial interaction via Sonic Hedgehog pathway — Journal of Neurochemistry
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Enolase-phosphatase 1 worsens early ischemia injury by enhancing ECM destruction and blocking ADI1-MT1-MMP interaction — Experimental Neurology
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Black phosphorus-based nanodelivery platform for synergistic antiparkinsonian therapy — Journal of Controlled Release
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Gypenoside LXXV increases brain glucose uptake and improves cognitive deficits in diabetic Alzheimer’s model — Phytotherapy Research
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Swell1 activation in microglia suppresses neuroinflammation and reduces ischemic brain damage — Neurobiology of Disease
Conclusion :
Dr. Yuan Zhang is an outstanding candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award. His well-established background, robust publication record, and focus on critical neurological disorders position him as a leader in academic neurosurgery research. With a continued push toward global visibility and translational impact, Dr. Zhang is likely to remain a transformative figure in neurological sciences. His combination of clinical insight and research acumen makes him not only deserving of recognition but also a source of inspiration for the future generation of clinician-scientists.