Yi Sun | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award China

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yi Sun | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

China Pharmaceutical University China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yi Sun embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Nanjing Medical University (2006–2010), where she laid the foundation for her future work in pharmaceutical sciences. Her academic rigor led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the prestigious Peking University (2010–2016), where she cultivated a strong grounding in pharmacological mechanisms and experimental therapeutics. These formative years solidified her dedication to neuropharmacology and translational medicine.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Sun’s academic career began in 2016 as a Lecturer at China Pharmaceutical University, where she steadily rose through the ranks. In 2024, she was appointed both as an Associate Professor and a Xingyao Associate Researcher at the same institution, reflecting her dual impact in both research and education. Her work spans across pharmacological research, drug discovery, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, with a continual commitment to institutional growth and student mentorship.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Sun’s core research revolves around the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, especially in relation to Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive dysfunction. She has successfully led multiple grants, including a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) project (81703520) focusing on the role of Nrf2 in Alzheimer’s pathogenesis, and a Key R&D Program of Ningxia grant (2019BFG02017) on sulfonamide lead compounds for cognitive disorders. Her current ongoing project investigates the antidepressant mechanisms of Keap1-Nrf2 protein interaction inhibitors. This demonstrates her keen interest in translational medicine, targeting neurological and metabolic dysfunctions.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Dr. Sun has made notable contributions to both scientific research and educational innovation. Her awards, such as the Special Prize in the National College Pharmacy Teaching Competitions and the First Prize in multiple ideological and political teaching contests, mark her as a leader in pedagogical innovation. Her research not only advances pharmacological science but also addresses pressing societal health challenges like aging-related cognitive decline.

📚 Academic Citations & Editorial Contributions

While specific citation metrics aren’t listed, Dr. Sun’s work has been recognized by national funding bodies and institutional stakeholders. Her editorial board roles in textbooks such as “Physiological Pharmacology” and “Pharmacology Experiment”, as well as her involvement with the journal Central South Pharmacy as a young editor, highlight her influence in shaping academic literature and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

🛠️ Technical Skills & Research Methods

Dr. Sun possesses comprehensive expertise in pharmacodynamic modeling, in vivo animal studies, cognitive function assays, and drug target interaction studies. Her work consistently employs molecular pharmacology techniques and biochemical pathway analyses, particularly targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. These technical proficiencies have allowed her to drive forward both mechanistic and applied pharmacological research.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Dr. Sun’s teaching portfolio is both diverse and decorated. She has received accolades including the “Teaching Newcomer Award” and the Best Style Award from China Pharmaceutical University. Her projects such as “Pharmacology Progress” and the “Pharmacology Course Ideological and Political Teaching Exploration” demonstrate a commitment to educational reform and the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) model. Additionally, she has been actively involved in textbook editing, MOOC development, and online course delivery, reflecting her adaptability in both traditional and modern teaching platforms.

🧑‍🎓 Student Mentorship and Development

Her mentorship record includes provincial-level projects under the College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program, showcasing her role in fostering student-led research. Notably, she guided a project on RIPK1 inhibitors and cognitive dysfunction, aligning with her research interests and encouraging translational thinking among students.

🧬 Academic and Scientific Community Engagement

Dr. Sun plays a vital role in China’s academic pharmacological landscape. She serves as a Youth Committee Member of the Cardiovascular and Renal Pharmacology Committees of the Chinese Pharmacological Society, and is also affiliated with the Lingzhi Professional Committee of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine. These affiliations emphasize her interdisciplinary approach to medicine, integrating Western and traditional Chinese pharmaceutical sciences.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Sun’s work bridges molecular pharmacology, clinical relevance, and teaching innovation. Her current research and teaching reforms position her as a forward-looking scholar, aiming to integrate scientific discovery with educational excellence. Her ongoing and future contributions are expected to advance therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, and shape the next wave of pharmacology education in China and beyond.

📖Notable Publications

Design of anti-depressant phosphodiester amino acidic Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors
Authors: Yi Sun*, Jue Wang*, Wenxin Ding*, Qingqing Qin*, Rui Wang, Ruizhi Yu, Jianyu Yan, Ruilin Hou, Guodong Liu, Xiangming Cai, Zhuo Qu, Wannian Zhang, Jianqiang Yu, Chengguo Xing, Chunlin Zhuang#
Journal: Redox Biology
Year: 2025

A potent phosphodiester Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitor as the efficient treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yi Sun*, Lijuan Xu*, Dongpeng Zheng, Jue Wang, Guodong Liu, Zixin Mo, Chao Liu, Wannian Zhang, Jianqiang Yu, Chengguo Xing, Ling He#, Chunlin Zhuang#
Journal: Redox Biology
Year: 2023

Discovery of a trifluoromethoxy cyclopentanone benzothiazole receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) inhibitor as the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yi Sun*, Lijuan Xu*, Hongming Shao, Danni Quan, Zixin Mo, Jue Wang, Wannian Zhang, Jianqiang Yu, Chunlin Zhuang#, Ke Xu#
Journal: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Year: 2022

Adenosine A2A receptor antagonist SCH58261 improves the cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease model mice through activation of Nrf2 via an autophagy-dependent pathway
Authors: Yi Sun*, Chao Liu*, Ling He#
Journal: Antioxidants & Redox Signaling
Year: 2024

Direct inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein interaction as a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yi Sun*, Jiaxuan Huang*, Yufei Chen, Hao Shang, Wannian Zhang, Jianqiang Yu, Ling He, Chengguo Xing, Chunlin Zhuang#
Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry
Year: 2020

 

Valentina Perissi | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valentina Perissi | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Boston University, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Valentina Perissi began her academic journey at the University of Torino, Italy, where she earned a Laurea degree (equivalent to a combined BSc/MSc) in Molecular Biology in July 1997. She then advanced her expertise at the University of California San Diego, completing her PhD in Molecular Pathology in March 2004. Following her doctoral studies, she undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at the same institution, focusing on Epigenetics, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, which she completed in June 2010. These foundational years established her deep knowledge in molecular biology and paved the way for her interdisciplinary research.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Dr. Perissi holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Boston University School of Medicine. Beyond her faculty role, she has taken on leadership responsibilities as the Co-Director of the Boston Nutrition Obesity Research Center (BNORC) for the past three years. This NIDDK-funded center fosters collaboration among researchers from four leading Boston institutions, bridging nutrition and obesity studies to address metabolic diseases. Her role as co-director highlights her commitment to scientific leadership and collaborative research environments.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Perissi’s research focuses on the intricate molecular mechanisms governing metabolic adaptation in response to nutrient availability, cellular differentiation, and oxidative stress. Over the last decade, her laboratory has concentrated on elucidating mitochondria-nuclear communication pathways, specifically the crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics in adipose tissue and breast cancer cells. Her innovative work contributes to a deeper understanding of how cellular metabolism influences gene regulation, with implications for obesity, cancer, and metabolic diseases.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Dr. Perissi has authored more than 30 high-impact publications in leading journals, reflecting her significant contributions to molecular and cellular biology. She has been recognized as a thought leader in her field, evidenced by numerous invited talks at prestigious international conferences such as the Nature Conference on Mitochondria and Immunity (Beijing), Cold Spring Harbor Asia Conferences, Gordon Conference, and the American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting. Her scientific influence extends globally, shaping current understanding in mitochondrial biology and metabolism.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Her scholarly work has garnered substantial citations, underscoring the broad relevance and adoption of her research findings. Dr. Perissi’s accolades include prestigious awards and fellowships such as the ISSNAF Award for Biomedicine and Cognitive Sciences (Honorable Mention), the Peter T. Paul Career Development Professorship at Boston University, the K99/R00 NIH Pathway to Independence Award, and fellowships from NIH and leading research organizations in Italy. These honors reflect her outstanding scientific rigor and career development.

🧰 Technical Skills

Dr. Perissi’s expertise spans advanced molecular biology techniques, including epigenetic assays, metabolic flux analysis, mitochondrial functional studies, and cellular differentiation protocols. Her lab integrates multi-disciplinary approaches combining cell biology, biochemistry, and systems biology to dissect complex signaling pathways regulating metabolism and gene expression.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Perissi has been deeply invested in mentoring the next generation of scientists. She currently leads a diverse and collaborative team consisting of 1 research faculty member, 5 postdoctoral fellows, 11 predoctoral students (including PhD and Master’s candidates from programs in Molecular Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Genomics, and Nutrition and Metabolism), as well as 19 undergraduate students. Her mentorship fosters scientific growth and encourages interdisciplinary training.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Perissi’s work sits at the crossroads of metabolism, epigenetics, and disease, promising to unlock new therapeutic targets for obesity and cancer. Looking ahead, her continued leadership at BNORC and Boston University will expand collaborative research and translate fundamental discoveries into clinical applications. Her commitment to mentorship and innovative science secures her legacy as a transformative figure in biomedical research.

📖Notable Publications

  • GPS2-mediated regulation of the adipocyte secretome modulates adipose tissue remodeling at the onset of diet-induced obesity
    Authors: Justin English, Joseph Orofino, Carly T. Cederquist, Indranil Paul, Hao Li, Johan Auwerx, Andrew Emili, Anna Belkina, Dafne Cardamone, Valentina Perissi
    Journal: Molecular Metabolism
    Year: 2023

  • Inhibition of K63 ubiquitination by G-Protein pathway suppressor 2 (GPS2) regulates mitochondria-associated translation
    Authors: Yuan Gao, Julian Kwan, Joseph Orofino, Justin English, Ryan Hekman, Shawn M. Lyons, Andrew Emili, Maria Dafne Cardamone, Valentina Perissi
    Type: Preprint
    Year: 2022

  • Neuralized-like protein 4 (NEURL4) mediates ADP-ribosylation of mitochondrial proteins
    Authors: Maria Dafne Cardamone, Yuan Gao, Julian Kwan, Vanessa Hayashi, Megan Sheeran, Junxiang Xu, Justin English, Joseph Orofino, Andrew Emili, Valentina Perissi
    Journal: Journal of Cell Biology
    Year: 2022

  • Erratum: Actionable Cytopathogenic Host Responses of Human Alveolar Type 2 Cells to SARS-CoV-2
    Authors: Hekman, R.M., Hume, A.J., Goel, R.K., Abo, K.M., Huang, J., Blum, B.C., Werder, R.B., Suder, E.L., Paul, I., Phanse, S. et al.
    Journal: Molecular Cell
    Year: 2021

  • Loss of G-Protein Pathway Suppressor 2 Promotes Tumor Growth Through Activation of AKT Signaling
    Authors: Chan, S., Smith, E., Gao, Y., Kwan, J., Blum, B.C., Tilston-Lunel, A.M., Turcinovic, I., Varelas, X., Cardamone, M.D., Monti, S. et al.
    Journal: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
    Year: 2021

Deguo Han | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Deguo Han | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Northeast Agricultural University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Deguo Han began his academic journey in plant sciences, eventually earning his Ph.D. from China Agricultural University, one of China’s top institutions in agricultural research. His foundational interests in plant stress physiology and molecular biology laid the groundwork for his future contributions to cold-region horticulture. From early on, Prof. Han demonstrated an aptitude for experimental research and innovation in plant science, which he later translated into impactful real-world applications.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a professor at the College of Horticulture, Northeast Agricultural University, Prof. Han has amassed a wealth of academic and research experience. Over the years, he has led three National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects and is currently overseeing a provincial key R&D program. As a key contributor to national and regional horticultural development, he has also spearheaded five industry collaborations, enhancing cultivation practices and stress resistance in fruit crops.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Han specializes in plant stress physiology, molecular breeding, and fruit quality regulation, particularly in cold environments. His pioneering research has uncovered molecular mechanisms regulating cold and iron stress resistance in fruit trees, significantly advancing the field. His published work—over 80 academic papers, with nearly 30 SCI-indexed as first or corresponding author—appears in respected journals like Biologia Plantarum, Scientia Horticulturae, and Plant Molecular Biology Reporter. His investigations into sugar metabolism in fruits and post-harvest physiology have also contributed to improved fruit storage and processing strategies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Han’s contributions have had a profound impact on horticulture in cold regions, especially Northeast China. He played a key role in developing stress-tolerant cultivars, contributing to sustainable agriculture in challenging climates. His efforts earned him two provincial awards, including the prestigious Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award. Furthermore, his mentorship has cultivated a new generation of researchers—five of his mentees have secured National Youth Funds—thus ensuring the continuation of excellence in the field.

📚 Academic Publications and Citations

With an H-index of 22, Prof. Han’s research enjoys strong academic visibility and impact. His citation record reflects both the quality and relevance of his work. In addition to peer-reviewed articles, he has contributed to important academic books, including the textbook “Plant Tissue Culture” (ISBN: 9787122163448), part of China’s “12th Five-Year Plan” curriculum, and “Fruit Trees in Heilongjiang” (ISBN: 9787567407237). His patent on the MxCS gene of Malus xiaojinensis (Application No.: 201010165100.1) underscores his innovative edge.

🧪 Technical Skills

Prof. Han is adept in a wide range of molecular and physiological techniques, including gene cloning, plant tissue culture, physiological stress assays, and post-harvest quality analysis. His interdisciplinary approach integrates lab-based research with field applications, especially in breeding and high-efficiency cultivation technologies.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

A dedicated educator, Prof. Han has mentored over 20 postgraduate students, many of whom have progressed to become researchers and academic leaders themselves. He is also a respected editor of Acta Horticulturae Sinica and a guest editor for the Special Issue “Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plant Stress Tolerance” in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. His dual role as a researcher and mentor ensures that theoretical knowledge is effectively translated into practical learning and innovation.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Han’s legacy is built on scientific rigor, academic mentorship, and real-world impact. As a Council Member in multiple branches of the Chinese Society for Horticultural Science, including the Small Fruit Branch and the Young Scientists’ Branch, and an Executive Council Member of the Horticultural Society of Heilongjiang Province, he continues to shape the direction of Chinese horticultural science. Looking ahead, he aims to develop new molecular tools and crop varieties that can thrive under climate change conditions, thereby bolstering food security and agricultural resilience in cold regions.

📖Notable Publications

  • Overexpression of a transcription factor MdWRKY126 altered soluble sugar accumulation in apple and tomato fruit
    Authors: Lihua Zhang, Yu Xu, Zhexing Luo, Mingjun Li, Deguo Han
    Journal: Horticultural Plant Journal
    Year: 2025

  • Overexpression of a Fragaria × ananassa AP2/ERF Transcription Factor Gene (FaTINY2) Increases Cold and Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
    Authors: Wenhui Li, Wenhao Zhang, Huiwen Li, Wenquan Yu, Deguo Han
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2025

  • Arabidopsis thaliana Plants’ Overexpression of the MYB Transcription Factor VhMYB60 in the Face of Stress Hazards Enhances Salt and Cold Tolerance
    Authors: Zhe Chen, Jinghan Wang, Wenhui Li, Xingguo Li, Deguo Han
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2025

  • Malus xiaojinensis MxbHLH30 Confers Iron Homeostasis Under Iron Deficiency in Arabidopsis
    Authors: Yu Xu, Yingnan Li, Zhuo Chen, Lihua Zhang, Deguo Han
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2025

  • Changes and Trade-Offs of Ecological Service Functions of Public Welfare Forests (2000–2019) in Southwest Zhejiang Province, China
    Authors: Ziqiang Liu, Deguo Han, Limin Ye, Yuanke Xu, Yong Zhang
    Journal: Forests
    Year: 2024