Cesare Orlandi | GPCR signaling pathways | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cesare Orlandi | GPCR signaling pathways | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cesare Orlandi, University of Rochester, United States

Dr. Cesare Orlandi is an accomplished Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. With a multidisciplinary background in pharmaceutical biotechnology and molecular genetics, Dr. Orlandi has made significant contributions to GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) biology, orphan receptor deorphanization, and signal transduction. His work bridges basic molecular pharmacology with translational applications in neuroscience and immunology. He has authored numerous high-impact publications in leading journals like Science, Nature Communications, and Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. His collaborative research with global institutions reflects a strong network and broad scientific reach. Recognized for his excellence in science communication, Dr. Orlandi has received multiple “Best Talk” awards at competitive research symposia. His lab continues to innovate at the frontier of receptor biology, influencing therapeutic strategies in neurobiology and inflammation.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. High-Impact Publications in Prestigious Journals
    Dr. Orlandi has published in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals, including Science, Nature Communications, PNAS, Journal of Physiology, and Molecular Pharmacology. This reflects the scientific rigor, innovation, and broad relevance of his work.

  2. Research Innovation in GPCR Biology
    His research into orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has led to the development of new experimental assays (e.g., GzESTY) and has provided significant insights into immune and neurological signaling mechanisms. These contributions are not only fundamental but also highly translational, aligning with drug discovery and therapeutic interventions.

  3. Strong Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Profile
    Dr. Orlandi’s collaborations with diverse teams across pharmacology, structural biology, and immunology underscore his interdisciplinary approach. His name appears alongside experts from multiple institutions, showing leadership in team science.

  4. Recognition for Scientific Communication
    His awards for Best Talk at Scripps Research Fest (2016, 2018) and selection for a Gordon Research Seminar oral presentation affirm his strength in communicating complex science effectively—an essential trait for broader impact.

  5. Mentorship and Leadership
    As an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester, Dr. Orlandi plays an active role in training the next generation of biomedical researchers, contributing to capacity building in academia.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Limited Mention of Funding Sources or Grant Leadership
    While his publication record is excellent, there’s no clear listing of major research grants or principal investigator (PI) roles, which are critical markers for research independence and sustainability.

  2. More Visible Clinical or Translational Output
    While his work is biologically impactful, the clinical translation or patenting aspect could be made more visible to demonstrate tangible applications beyond academic impact.

  3. Leadership in International Consortia or Editorial Boards
    Additional involvement in editorial boards, scientific committees, or research policy advisory roles would further bolster his profile as a leader in his field.

Education:

Dr. Orlandi earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from the University of Brescia, Italy (2005–2009), where he conducted foundational research into genetic signaling mechanisms. Prior to that, he completed a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at the University of Milan (1998–2004), equipping him with a robust interdisciplinary foundation in drug development, pharmacodynamics, and molecular biology. His academic path reflects a strong European biomedical training system, with emphasis on translational pharmacology and therapeutic innovation. The combination of pharmaceutical science and genetic research uniquely positions Dr. Orlandi to explore receptor biology with a precision medicine lens. His training was further strengthened by postdoctoral research in elite institutions, where he deepened his specialization in orphan GPCR signaling. This education forms the backbone of his research productivity and ability to mentor the next generation of molecular pharmacologists.

Experience:

Dr. Cesare Orlandi currently serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester. He has established himself as a leading voice in the GPCR research community, especially in understanding orphan receptors and their roles in neuronal and immune systems. Prior to this, he held postdoctoral and research positions where he collaborated with global leaders in receptor signaling and neurobiology. His lab combines pharmacological, molecular, and computational approaches to tackle fundamental questions about receptor activity, bias, and downstream signaling. With over a decade of hands-on research experience and extensive publication output, Dr. Orlandi has trained graduate students and postdocs who have progressed into independent academic and industry positions. His multidisciplinary experience spans receptor pharmacology, molecular neuroscience, and drug discovery, making him a cornerstone in collaborative biomedical research projects at the University of Rochester and beyond.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Orlandi’s scientific excellence has been recognized with several prestigious honors. Notably, he received the Best Talk Award at the Scripps Research Fest in both 2016 and 2018, underscoring his ability to clearly and impactfully communicate complex scientific findings. In 2016, his work was also selected for an oral presentation at the highly competitive Gordon Research Seminar on Phosphorylation and G-Protein Mediated Signaling, affirming the novelty and relevance of his contributions to the receptor signaling field. These awards highlight not only the depth of his scientific insights but also his excellence in mentorship, collaboration, and thought leadership. They place him among a select group of researchers with both technical and communicative brilliance, a critical trait for academic and translational science leadership. These recognitions, combined with high-impact publications, position Dr. Orlandi as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus:

Dr. Orlandi’s research revolves around orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)—a class of proteins that are vital drug targets but remain largely unexplored. His lab develops novel assays (like GzESTY) for GPCR deorphanization, helping decode their physiological roles in the brain and immune system. He also explores signaling bias, investigating how different ligands induce distinct signaling cascades through the same receptor. His recent work uncovered pivotal roles for orphan GPCRs in macrophage immune function and neuronal communication, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Collaborating across pharmacology, neuroscience, and structural biology, he integrates in vitro, in vivo, and computational methods. His lab has also contributed to understanding how GPCRs interact with psychoactive cannabinoids and prostaglandins, which has implications for pain, inflammation, and psychiatric disorders. His research is highly translational, aiming to inform next-generation drug discovery in neuropharmacology and immunomodulation.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 🧬 Distinct Interactions of Cannabinol and Its Cytochrome P450-Generated Metabolites with Receptors and Sensory Neurons – Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2025

  2. 🧪 Pancreatic Exocrine Signaling and Function Require Gαq Activation – The Journal of Physiology, 2025

  3. 🧫 GzESTY: An Optimized Cell-Based Assay for GPCR Deorphanization – Nature Communications, 2025

  4. 🧉 Orphan GPCR GPRC5B Controls Macrophage Function via Prostaglandin E2 Signaling – Nature Communications, 2025

  5. 🧠 Gα Protein Signaling Bias at the 5-HT1A Receptor – Molecular Pharmacology, 2023

  6. 🧠 Spatial Profile of Orphan GPCR GPRC5B Expression in Mouse Brain – Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2022

  7. 🔍 In Vitro Profiling of Orphan GPCR Constitutive Activity – British Journal of Pharmacology, 2021

  8. 🧩 Cell-Adhesion Molecules Regulate Cone Photoreceptor Synaptic Wiring – PNAS, 2020

  9. 🎮 NF1-cAMP Signaling Links Striatal Neurons to Reward and Motor Control – PLOS Biology, 2019

  10. 🚫 Genetic Behavioral Screen Identifies an Orphan Anti-Opioid System – Science, 2019

Conclusion:

Dr. Cesare Orlandi stands out as an exceptional researcher whose work has advanced the frontiers of molecular pharmacology, especially in the complex field of orphan GPCRs. His innovative methodologies, strong publication track record, and interdisciplinary collaborations make a compelling case for recognition through the Best Researcher Award. While there is room to further highlight his grant leadership and translational reach, his scientific output and leadership are already at a level that merits this award.

Chun Yan | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Chun Yan | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chun Yan, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, China

Dr. Yan Chun is an Attending Physician at the School of Medicine/Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University. With a solid foundation in clinical medicine and surgery, Dr. Chun brings over a decade of experience in thoracic oncology and AI-driven medical research. After earning a Bachelor’s degree from Fujian Medical University, he pursued his Master’s in Surgery at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Since 2018, Dr. Chun has contributed significantly to clinical practice, medical innovation, and academic research. His current focus includes AI-assisted diagnosis, radiogenomics, and the biomechanics of thoracic surgery. A recognized member of the Minimally Invasive Thoracic Oncology Committee under the Fujian Primary Health Association, he has received multiple accolades for his pioneering work in esophageal cancer therapy. Dr. Chun’s commitment to precision medicine and integration of AI in healthcare highlights his suitability for prestigious research honors and positions him as a leader in translational medical research in China.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Academic Foundation: Dr. Yan Chun holds a Master’s degree in Surgery from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine, ensuring a robust foundation in both research and clinical practice.

  2. Innovative Research: He leads and participates in cutting-edge projects that integrate AI, radiogenomics, and biomechanical modeling, reflecting a multidisciplinary and forward-thinking approach.

  3. Recognized Excellence: His work has been honored with regional innovation and scientific progress awards, demonstrating tangible contributions to thoracic oncology.

  4. Clinical Expertise: With 7+ years of medical experience, including as an attending physician, he bridges practical medicine with impactful research.

  5. Leadership Role: Serving on a professional committee in minimally invasive thoracic oncology highlights his thought leadership within his specialty.

🧠 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Expanded Publication Record: While impactful, Dr. Chun’s publication portfolio would benefit from a broader presence in international, high-impact journals to boost academic visibility.

  2. International Collaboration: Engaging in cross-border research partnerships could enhance both innovation scope and influence.

  3. Grant Scale: Existing grants are modest in size. Applying for national-level or larger competitive grants could support more ambitious projects.

  4. Mentorship and Training: Documenting roles in mentoring junior researchers or medical students would strengthen his academic leadership profile.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Yan Chun’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Clinical Medicine (MBBS) from Fujian Medical University (2010–2015), where he gained fundamental clinical knowledge and medical training. He then advanced his specialization in surgery by completing a Master of Surgery (MS) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2015–2018), one of China’s top medical institutions. His education emphasized evidence-based clinical practice, surgical skills, and research methodology. During his postgraduate studies, he was actively involved in academic projects, laying a strong foundation for his later research in thoracic oncology and artificial intelligence in medicine. This robust educational background equips him with interdisciplinary expertise, bridging clinical medicine, surgical techniques, and research innovation—especially in radiogenomics and perioperative therapies for esophageal cancer. His training reflects both academic rigor and a forward-looking approach to integrating emerging technologies with healthcare delivery, making him well-prepared to drive impactful research initiatives.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Yan Chun has held progressive roles at Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University since 2018. Starting as a Physician (2018–2023), he delivered comprehensive clinical care while engaging in translational research projects. Since July 2023, he has been serving as an Attending Physician, contributing to surgical excellence and AI-assisted diagnostic strategies in thoracic oncology. His hands-on clinical experience is complemented by leadership in grant-funded research, particularly in predictive modeling and biomechanics. Dr. Chun’s involvement in multi-disciplinary teams, collaborations with AI scientists, and contributions to surgical innovation have advanced the care standards in thoracic surgery. He has also actively contributed to institutional and provincial-level scientific programs, showcasing his capability in both practical medicine and medical research. His work stands at the intersection of clinical practice and innovation, and he remains committed to improving outcomes for patients with complex thoracic conditions through precision diagnostics and minimally invasive techniques.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Yan Chun has received multiple accolades recognizing his innovative contributions to thoracic oncology and surgical AI. His project, “AI-Assisted Precision Perioperative Individualized Therapy for Esophageal Cancer”, was selected as one of the Top Ten Innovations of the Year by the Xiamen Hospital Association, highlighting its impact on personalized medicine. Another landmark project, “Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Paradigm for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Driven by AI and Multi-Omics Integration”, earned him the Third Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from the Fujian Anti-Cancer Association, underscoring his leadership in advanced cancer care. His awards reflect not only clinical innovation but also excellence in multi-disciplinary research. These honors are a testament to his ability to bridge clinical needs with technological advancements, demonstrating vision, technical skill, and translational impact. They position him as a high-impact researcher contributing meaningfully to China’s evolving healthcare landscape.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Yan Chun’s research is primarily centered on the integration of artificial intelligence, radiogenomics, and thoracic oncology. He leads a government-funded project investigating deep learning-based predictive models for lymph node metastasis and prognosis in esophageal cancer, leveraging imaging-genomics to improve pre- and post-operative decision-making. He also contributed to biomechanical analysis of the NUSS procedure for pectus excavatum, applying finite element modeling to improve surgical outcomes. His work merges clinical data science, image processing, and genomics, aiming to build personalized treatment pathways and enhance minimally invasive approaches. Dr. Chun’s interdisciplinary approach reflects a deep understanding of both computational technologies and real-world clinical challenges. His ambition is to develop AI-powered platforms that augment oncological diagnostics and optimize surgical interventions. Through a combination of hands-on experience and research rigor, he is at the forefront of precision medicine in thoracic surgery, striving for innovation that is both data-driven and patient-centered.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

📖 Association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The mediating role of serum albumin – Science of the Total Environment, 2024 🌱🫁

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Yan Chun demonstrates exceptional promise and maturity as a clinical researcher whose work lies at the confluence of AI, precision medicine, and thoracic surgery. His contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer through radiogenomic modeling and minimally invasive techniques are both innovative and clinically meaningful. Backed by professional recognition and a strong clinical research ethic, Dr. Chun is a worthy candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With expanded international presence and high-impact publications, he is poised to become a leading figure in the global thoracic oncology research community.