Dr. Xingle Zhao | Gene Therapy of Hearing Loss | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xingle Zhao, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China

Dr. Xingle Zhao is a dedicated biomedical researcher with a Ph.D. in Surgery from Shanghai Jiaotong University, focusing on inner ear gene therapy. With a robust academic foundation from Wuhan University and a research journey spanning over a decade, he has contributed significantly to auditory neuroscience. His groundbreaking work in cochlear gene therapy has led to several high-impact publications, including in Nature Communications and Human Gene Therapy. Dr. Zhao’s research centers on advancing therapeutic interventions for hearing loss using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery and CRISPR-based editing in murine models. Passionate about translating research into clinical potential, he is recognized for his innovative strategies to restore auditory function. His commitment to excellence and innovation places him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

 Strengths for the Award:

1.  Strong Publication Record in High-Impact Journals
   Dr. Zhao has published in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Human Gene Therapy, and Molecular Therapy – Methods & Clinical Development. This reflects both the scientific significance and rigor of his work.

2.  Niche Yet Impactful Research Focus
   His expertise in gene therapy for inner ear disorders is highly specialized and innovative. His work directly contributes to addressing sensorineural hearing loss, a critical unmet medical need.

3.  Technical Mastery and Innovation
   Dr. Zhao demonstrates advanced skills in using AAV-mediated gene delivery, CRISPR/Cas9, transcriptomic analysis, and base editing—technologies at the forefront of molecular medicine.

4.  Collaborative Researcher
   He has successfully collaborated with multiple research teams and institutions, showing strong team science orientation, often essential in translational biomedical research.

5.  Translational Impact
   His research moves beyond basic science to show real therapeutic potential, such as day-one hearing restoration in adult deaf mice using AAV8-mediated Vglut3 rescue—a milestone in preclinical gene therapy.

Areas for Improvement:

1.  Limited International Exposure
   While his work is high quality, more international collaborations or fellowships could increase his global visibility and broaden the impact of his research.

2.  Public and Clinical Translation Pathways
   A focus on translating findings into clinical trials, and greater involvement in science communication or patent filings, would enhance the practical application of his discoveries.

3.  Mentorship and Outreach
   Expanding roles in mentorship, teaching, or scientific leadership could amplify his influence and contribute to academic community-building.

Education:

Dr. Xingle Zhao completed his Ph.D. in Surgery at Shanghai Jiaotong University (2017–2023), where he specialized in gene therapy for inner ear disorders. His doctoral research led to a series of influential publications, pushing forward the understanding and treatment of sensorineural hearing loss through genetic strategies. He focused on AAV vector development, gene editing, and functional restoration in animal models. Prior to his doctoral studies, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Surgery at Wuhan University (2012–2017). There, he built a solid clinical and anatomical foundation, gaining early exposure to surgical principles and developing core competencies in patient care. His academic training combined cutting-edge biomedical research with real-world medical applications, enabling him to bridge laboratory findings with translational potential. Dr. Zhao’s educational background is rooted in two of China’s leading institutions, reinforcing both his technical rigor and academic integrity.

Experience:

Dr. Xingle Zhao brings a decade of experience in gene therapy and auditory neuroscience. During his Ph.D. at Shanghai Jiaotong University, he led and co-authored multiple studies on cochlear gene editing and therapeutic restoration in mouse models, particularly targeting genes such as Vglut3 and Otoferlin. He has hands-on expertise in AAV vector design, CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, in vivo cochlear injection, and molecular analysis. His role extended from lab-based research to collaborative team science, working with clinicians, molecular biologists, and geneticists across disciplines. Notably, he contributed to a high-impact Nature Communications paper and published in Human Gene Therapy and Hearing Research. Dr. Zhao also demonstrated mentoring capacity with junior researchers and was actively involved in presenting his work at scientific forums. His experience spans preclinical experimentation, data interpretation, and translational strategies, making him highly proficient in targeted gene therapy development for hearing restoration.

Research Focus:

Dr. Xingle Zhao’s research is centered on genetic therapies for hearing loss, with an emphasis on restoring auditory function via gene delivery systems. His work focuses on the development and application of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, CRISPR/Cas9 editing tools, and promoter optimization for inner ear gene targeting. A particular emphasis is placed on rescuing hearing loss in adult and neonatal mouse models, notably targeting genes such as Vglut3 and Otof. His research highlights the potential of rapid gene therapy as a practical intervention in auditory impairment, bridging basic science with potential clinical treatments. Dr. Zhao also investigates the transcriptomic diversity of cochlear genes, uncovering isoform-specific roles in auditory physiology. His vision is to enable safe, efficient, and long-lasting gene therapy protocols that can be translated into future human therapies for sensorineural deafness. This niche yet impactful domain places him at the forefront of auditory gene therapy innovation.

Publication Top Notes: 

1.  Cochlear transcript diversity and its role in auditory functions implied by an otoferlin short isoform – Nature Communications (2023)

2.  Gene Therapy Restores Auditory Functions in an Adult Vglut3 Knockout Mouse Model – Human Gene Therapy (2022)

3.  Characterization of promoters for adeno-associated virus mediated efficient Cas9 activation in adult Cas9 knock-in murine cochleae – Hearing Research (2020)

4.  Adeno-associated virus vector enables safe and efficient Cas9 activation in neonatal and adult Cas9 knock-in murine cochleae – Gene Therapy (2020)

5.  Gene editing-based hearing impairment research and therapeutics – Neuroscience Letters (2019)

6.  A review of application of base editing for the treatment of inner ear disorders – Journal of Bio-X Research (2019)

7.  Rapid Cochlear Gene Therapy in Adult Deaf Mice: Vglut3 Rescue via AAV8 Achieves Day-1 Hearing Restoration – Molecular Therapy Methods & Clinical Development (2025)

Conclusion:

Dr. Xingle Zhao is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His impactful work in gene therapy, focused on restoring hearing through precise molecular interventions, represents a significant scientific advancement with strong translational promise. He brings together academic rigor, innovation, and collaboration—hallmarks of a leading biomedical researcher. While expanding global collaboration and clinical engagement could further strengthen his profile, his current contributions already position him as a rising star in auditory genetics and molecular therapeutics.