Lijuan Deng | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

Mrs. Lijuan Deng | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

Mrs. Lijuan Deng , Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery , China

Lijuan Deng is a passionate graduate student researcher at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery in China, specializing in the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases. Her scientific curiosity centers on gene regulation, signaling pathways, and metabolic dysregulation in disease progression, particularly metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). Her translational approach blends experimental models and bioinformatics to bridge basic science and therapeutic innovation. Lijuan has already co-authored a publication in The FASEB Journal, identifying CDKN1A as a key regulator in MASLD. She is also the inventor of a patent-pending technique for nascent RNA labeling in extracellular vesicles. Through collaborations with clinical researchers and a solid foundation in molecular biology techniques, she is positioning herself as a rising talent in cell biology. Her work promises to advance understanding and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research: Lijuan Deng has significantly contributed to the understanding of MASLD (Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) by identifying CDKN1A as a key regulatory gene through integrated transcriptomic analysis and experimental validation.

  2. Translational Focus: Her research bridges molecular biology and clinical application, enhancing its impact in drug discovery and disease diagnostics.

  3. Publication Record: She is the first author of a peer-reviewed article published in The FASEB Journal (SCI-indexed), showcasing her ability to conduct and communicate high-quality research.

  4. Patent Innovation: She holds a pending patent for a novel method involving nascent RNA labeling in extracellular vesicles, showing her drive toward technological advancement and biomedical innovation.

  5. Collaborative Approach: Active collaboration with the Department of Endocrinology at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital reflects strong interdisciplinary and clinical integration.

🧩 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Expanded Publication Portfolio: Increasing the number of peer-reviewed articles will strengthen her academic visibility and impact.

  2. Professional Networking: Engagement in international cell biology societies or conferences and obtaining professional memberships can support broader recognition and growth.

  3. Editorial/Leadership Roles: Participation in editorial boards, review panels, or student leadership roles can enrich her professional development profile.

🎓 Education:

Lijuan Deng is currently pursuing her graduate studies in molecular biology at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, where she focuses on translational biomedical research. Her academic foundation includes advanced coursework in biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cellular signaling. Through structured academic training, she has acquired proficiency in modern laboratory methods, including RNA sequencing, qPCR, western blotting, and exosome analysis. Her education emphasizes critical thinking and scientific rigor, enabling her to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret biological outcomes. She regularly participates in academic seminars, journal clubs, and collaborative workshops to refine her scientific acumen. Her thesis research is centered around identifying novel molecular targets in MASLD, a field gaining global relevance. Lijuan’s education is not only shaping her technical capabilities but also nurturing her ambition to contribute to impactful, real-world medical solutions through cell biology research.

💼 Experience:

Lijuan Deng has gained extensive laboratory experience as a graduate student researcher at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery. Her hands-on work includes both cellular and animal models, with a strong focus on metabolic disease mechanisms. She played a key role in identifying CDKN1A as a potential MASLD progression factor, combining transcriptomic data analysis with molecular validation. Additionally, she has worked on exosome-based biomarker discovery and developed a patent-pending method for nascent RNA labeling. She collaborates with the Department of Endocrinology at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, providing a clinical dimension to her work. Though early in her career, her contributions to translational research are already making an impact. She is skilled in molecular biology, gene expression profiling, and therapeutic target screening. Her research experience has been shaped by interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific publications, and the ambition to innovate within the field of molecular cell biology.

🧬 Research Focus:

Lijuan Deng’s research is primarily focused on the molecular underpinnings of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), a key manifestation of metabolic syndrome. She investigates how dysregulated genes, signaling networks, and lipid metabolism contribute to disease initiation and progression. A major highlight of her work is identifying CDKN1A as a potential risk factor in MASLD using integrated bioinformatics and experimental techniques. Additionally, she explores the utility of extracellular vesicles as carriers of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic molecules. Her patent-pending work involves a novel method for labeling nascent RNA within exosomes, opening possibilities for tracking dynamic RNA communication in disease contexts. Her research strategy merges molecular biology with disease modeling, aiming to bridge laboratory discoveries with potential therapeutic strategies. Through strong collaborations and a translational research outlook, Lijuan is dedicated to uncovering actionable insights that can inform drug development for complex metabolic disorders.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧾 “Identification of CDKN1A as a potential key risk factor in MASLD progression.”The FASEB Journal, 2025. DOI: 10.1096/fj.202402942R

🧾 Conclusion:

Lijuan Deng stands out as an emerging researcher with strong foundations in molecular cell biology and a clear orientation toward translational science. Her innovative work in MASLD, combined with an SCI publication and a pending patent, make her a highly suitable and promising candidate for the Molecular Cell Biology Award. While she is in the early stages of her career, her achievements thus far indicate substantial potential for future contributions to the field.

Erdal Dinç | Cell Biology Research Award | Best Researcher Award

prof. Dr. Erdal Dinç | Cell Biology Research Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Erdal Dinç , Ankara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry , Turkey

Erdal Dinç is a distinguished professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Turkey. With a prolific academic career, he has authored 195 research papers in SCI-indexed journals and 133 in Scopus-indexed journals. His work has received approximately 3013 citations, and he has an H-index of 29. His research interests focus on developing novel analytical methods for drug-DNA interactions, drug analysis, and the characterization of nano-films on modified electrode systems. Prof. Dinç has also contributed to books and conference proceedings in the field of analytical chemistry. Known for his significant contributions to chemometrics, chromatography, and spectroscopy, he has shaped the field with his innovative approaches in analytical methodologies, paving the way for advancements in pharmaceutical, food, and biological sciences.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Professor Erdal Dinç is a distinguished academic with substantial contributions to analytical chemistry, particularly in the areas of drug analysis, drug-DNA interaction studies, and the development of new analytical methods. His impressive publication record includes 195 research papers in SCI-indexed journals and 133 in Scopus-indexed journals. His work has been cited over 3000 times, demonstrating a significant impact on the field. Additionally, his work on chemometrics, spectroscopy, and chromatography, along with his involvement in multiple ongoing research projects, showcases his innovative approach to solving complex analytical problems.

Areas for Improvement:

While Professor Dinç has an outstanding record in publishing and advancing analytical chemistry, expanding his collaborations internationally could further enhance the global reach and influence of his research. Additionally, translating some of his advanced techniques into more practical, industry-applicable tools could widen the real-world impact of his work.

Education:

Prof. Erdal Dinç completed his undergraduate education in Chemistry at the University of Ankara, followed by a master’s and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry. His doctoral research focused on chemometric approaches in chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses, which laid the foundation for his extensive career in the field. Over the years, he has been involved in numerous international collaborations and research programs. He continues to mentor graduate and post-graduate students in his field, guiding them through advanced research techniques and methodologies. His academic journey reflects a commitment to knowledge advancement, and his continuous work in both theoretical and applied chemistry makes him a leading figure in analytical sciences.

Experience:

Prof. Erdal Dinç has over 20 years of academic experience at Ankara University, where he has taught various analytical chemistry courses and supervised numerous research projects. His extensive research expertise spans across multiple areas, including spectrophotometry, chromatography, chemometrics, and drug analysis. Throughout his career, Prof. Dinç has led several significant research projects, many of which have been funded by organizations like TÜBİTAK and Ankara University. His work involves pioneering new methods for analyzing drug-DNA interactions, bioanalysis, and plant analysis. His academic contributions are reflected in his published articles and books, making him a globally recognized expert in the field of analytical chemistry. Prof. Dinç has been a key player in advancing chemical analysis in pharmaceutical, biological, and food sciences, and his work continues to inspire new generations of researchers.

Awards and Honors:

Prof. Erdal Dinç has received numerous accolades in recognition of his significant contributions to analytical chemistry. His research, spanning over two decades, has earned him national and international recognition in the field. Notably, he has been a recipient of several prestigious research grants from TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) and Ankara University, facilitating cutting-edge work in drug analysis and chemical methodologies. His scientific achievements are further acknowledged by his high citation index and H-index of 29, which reflect his influence and reputation in the global scientific community. Prof. Dinç’s expertise in spectroscopic analysis and chemometric techniques has made him a sought-after researcher and speaker at conferences, where he shares his innovative methodologies with professionals worldwide. His work continues to impact the development of analytical tools and techniques in various sectors of science and industry.

Research Focus:

Prof. Erdal Dinç’s research focuses on the development of innovative analytical techniques for drug analysis, particularly in the areas of drug-DNA interaction studies, drug quantification, and the characterization of complex mixtures. His work explores advanced methods in chromatography (HPLC, UPLC), voltammetry, and spectrophotometry (UV-VIS, spectrofluorimetry, IR). He is particularly interested in applying chemometrics to resolve complex analytical problems, such as multi-component pharmaceutical formulations and kinetic reaction monitoring in biological and food samples. Prof. Dinç has developed novel models for analyzing interactions at the molecular level, such as those between pharmaceuticals and DNA, which can help in understanding drug efficacy and safety. Additionally, his research extends to the analysis of food products, biological fluids, and plant compounds, where he applies multidimensional spectral techniques to improve analytical accuracy and precision.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Dinç, E., & Üçer, A. (2025). A new three-dimensional modeling of fluorescence excitation-emission measurements to explore the interaction of hydroxychloroquine and DNA, and to quantify their binding constant. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 💊🧬
  2. Üçer A., Ertekіn Z.C., Dіnç E (2024). A comparative application of spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods to estimate levofloxacin-DNA and ofloxacin-DNA interactions. Journal of Fluorescence 🔬🧫
  3. Üstündağ, Ö., & Dinç, E. (2024). A Rapid DMeyer-CWT Method Application to the Spectrophotometric Data for the Quantification of Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide in a Binary Mixture. Sakarya University Journal of Science 💊⚙️
  4. Ertekin, Z. C., Büker, E., Oral, E. V., & Dinç, E. (2024). Application of continuous wavelet transforms for simultaneous estimation of domperidone and lansoprazole in capsule formulations. Measurement 💊📊
  5. Üçer, A., Üstündağ, Ö., & Dinç, E. (2023). Monitoring ascorbic acid oxidation with H2O2 and analyzing food supplements using parallel factor analysis model. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 🍊🔬
  6. Di̇Nç, E., Üçer, A., Ünal, N. (2023). A multiway spectral analysis model to monitor the kinetic chlorination reaction of caffeine in commercial drinks. Food Chemistry 🥤☕

Conclusion:

Professor Erdal Dinç’s expertise, prolific publication record, and innovative research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to analytical chemistry are commendable, and with continued focus on global collaborations and practical applications, his future work could have even broader implications for the field.

 

 

Huicong Wang | Developmental Cell Biology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Huicong Wang | Developmental Cell Biology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Huicong Wang , South China Agricultural University , China

Huicong Wang is a Professor of Pomology and the Director of the Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center at South China Agricultural University. With expertise in fruit physiology, Wang has significantly contributed to the research and development of litchi fruit cultivation, focusing on the quality formation and maturation processes. Wang is internationally recognized for advancing the understanding of fruit growth, pigmentation, and metabolic regulation, with particular attention to litchi, a key agricultural product of China. Through a combination of teaching, research, and field-oriented approaches, Wang has improved fruit quality and plant productivity, offering valuable insights into orchard management practices. His works have influenced both academic circles and agricultural practices globally.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Professor Huicong Wang is a highly accomplished scientist in the field of pomology, with a specific focus on fruit crop physiology, particularly litchi. His extensive body of research covers key areas such as fruit maturation, biochemical processes, pericarp pigmentation, and sugar metabolism in litchi. His work has significantly enhanced the understanding of fruit quality formation and the physiological mechanisms governing fruit development. Wang’s contributions extend to the impact of environmental conditions on fruit quality, stress physiology, and the application of field management practices. With over a decade of teaching experience and a substantial publication record, he has demonstrated leadership in both academic and research communities. His ability to translate scientific findings into practical applications for improving fruit yield and quality highlights his potential for making meaningful contributions to the agricultural industry.

Areas for Improvement:

While Professor Wang’s research is comprehensive and influential, further international collaboration with researchers in other horticultural fields could enhance the global applicability of his findings. Additionally, expanding his focus on the climate change impacts on fruit crops could be beneficial, as this remains a critical area of concern for global agriculture.

Education:

Huicong Wang received his Bachelor’s degree in Pomology from South China Agricultural University in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Pomology in 1998. He obtained his Ph.D. in Pomology in 2001 from the same institution, where he also completed postdoctoral research. In 2007, Wang was a visiting fellow at Cornell University for one year, expanding his academic and research horizons. His doctoral research focused on litchi fruit maturation, pigmentation, and hormonal regulation under the supervision of Professor Huibai Huang. Wang’s academic foundation has provided him with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate various aspects of fruit physiology, particularly in evergreen fruit trees.

Experience:

Professor Huicong Wang has extensive teaching experience at South China Agricultural University, where he lectures on “Physiology of Fruit Trees” and “Fruit Tree Research Methods” to graduate students. He also teaches undergraduate courses such as “Aromatic Plants” and “Fruit Nutrition and Healthcare.” Wang’s research experience is centered around fruit crop physiology, particularly focusing on evergreen fruit trees like litchi. His expertise lies in studying fruit maturation, pigmentation, and biochemical composition changes during ripening. Additionally, he investigates the impact of environmental stress, orchard management practices, and genetic regulation on fruit quality and yield. Wang’s work has contributed to improvements in fruit production and quality through scientific advancements and practical applications.

Research Focus:

Huicong Wang’s primary research focuses on fruit physiology, particularly in the growth, maturation, and quality formation of fruit crops such as litchi. His work investigates the biochemical and hormonal processes involved in the pigmentation of pericarps, sugar accumulation in arils, and changes in the fruit’s physical and chemical properties during ripening. He explores key factors like source-sink relationships, fruit abscission, and the influence of environmental conditions on fruit quality and productivity. Wang also conducts research on stress physiology, flower induction, and the impacts of field management practices on fruit trees. His work aims to optimize production and enhance the quality of fruit crops, ensuring sustainability and increasing agricultural output.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Zou SC, Zhou MG, Abbas F, Zeng RF, Hu GB, Wang HC*, Huang XM*. 2024. ROS- and CBF- mediated pathways in ripening litchi fruits. Postharvest Biology and Technology 🥭🍃
  2. Yang MC, Wu ZC, Chen RY, Abbas F, Hu GB, Huang XM, Guang WS, Xu YS, Wang HC*. 2023. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing in litchi floral transition. Journal of Experimental Botany 🌱📚
  3. Zou SC, Zhou MG, Abbas F, Hu GB, Wang HC*, Huang XM*. 2023. LcNAC002 transcription factor in litchi anthocyanin biosynthesis. Plant Physiology 🌸🧬
  4. Yang MC, Wu ZC, Huang LL, Abbas F, Wang HC*. 2022. Isolation of high purity nuclei from plants. Cells 🧫🔬
  5. Yi JW, Ge HT, Abbas F, Zhao JT, Huang XM, Hu GB, Wang HC*. 2022. LcHXK1 in regulating fruit abscission in litchi. Tree Physiology 🍊🌿
  6. Abbas F, O’Neill Rothenberg D, Zhou Y, Ke Y*, Wang HC*. 2022. Volatile organic compounds in plant communication. Physiologia Plantarum 🌸🌿
  7. Yi JW, Wang Y, Ma XS, Zhang JQ, Zhao ML, Huang XM, Li JG, Hu GB, Wang HC*. 2021. LcERF2 in regulating litchi fruit abscission. The Plant Journal 🍇📚
  8. Lai B, Du LN, Wang D, Huang XM, Zhao JT, Wang HC*, Hu GB*. 2019. Litchi MYB transcription factor and anthocyanin biosynthesis. MBC Plant Biology 🌺🎨
  9. Xie DR, Ma XS, Rahman MZ, Yang MC, Huang XM, Li JG, Wang HC*. 2019. Thermo-sensitive sterility in litchi. Scientia Horticulturae 🍃🌞
  10. Zhang JQ, Wu ZC, Hu FC, Liu L, Huang XM, Zhao JT, Wang HC*. 2018. Seed development in Litchi chinensis. Horticulture Research 🌱🍇

Conclusion:

Professor Huicong Wang’s robust research, substantial teaching experience, and contributions to the pomology field make him an excellent candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award. His work in improving fruit productivity and quality, particularly for litchi, aligns with current agricultural needs, positioning him as a leading scientist in his field. By continuing to broaden the scope of his research and fostering international partnerships, he has the potential to further elevate his impact on both the scientific community and the agricultural sector.