Xiaofei Cheng | Molecular Biology | Best Research Article Award

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Prof. Dr. Xiaofei Cheng | Molecular Biology | Best Research Article Award

Vice Dean | Northeast Agricultural University | China

Professor Xiaofei Cheng is a distinguished molecular plant pathologist and biochemist at the College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China. His research focuses primarily on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-virus interactions, with a particular emphasis on host immune modulation, viral pathogenicity, and RNA virus replication and movement. Through extensive collaborative research with national and international institutes, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the National Centre for Biotechnology (CSIC, Spain), Professor Cheng has made pioneering contributions to understanding how plant viruses exploit host cellular machinery to establish successful infections. A central theme of Cheng’s research involves elucidating how RNA viruses manipulate plant immunity. His team discovered that plant viruses can hijack host phosphatases to attenuate MAPK-mediated immunity, enabling robust infection. Moreover, his studies revealed the existence of pathogen protease-activated molecular decoys, offering potential for engineering customized resistance in plants. Cheng also uncovered viral strategies to target NPR1, a master regulator of salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defense, thereby suppressing antiviral immunity. His research extends to virus-encoded small proteins, viral replication vesicle formation, and intercellular virus movement. Earlier, Cheng’s work demonstrated that sumoylation of viral RNA polymerase promotes infection by subverting NPR1-mediated immunity, and that viral suppressor proteins such as VPg can degrade key host silencing factors via autophagy pathways. With over 96 publications, 1,635 citations, and an h-index of 23 (Scopus), Professor Cheng has established himself as a leading figure in molecular plant virology and biotechnology. His findings not only deepen our understanding of host-pathogen molecular interplay but also pave the way for developing virus-resistant crop varieties, contributing significantly to global agricultural sustainability.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Research Gate

Featured Publications

  • Luan, Y., Jiang, X., Wang, Y., Chai, M., Li, F., Wang, A., Wu, X., & Cheng, X. (2025). A plant RNA virus hijacks a membrane-anchored dual-specificity phosphatase to attenuate MAPK-mediated immunity for robust infection. The Plant Cell.

  • Fan, X., Zhao, Y., Ji, W., Rodamilans, B., Simón-Mateo, C., García, J. A., Wu, X., & Cheng, X.* (2025). A pathogen protease-activated molecular decoy for customized resistance in plant. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 23, 2403–2405.

  • Jiang, X., Yang, Y., Li, Y., Wang, Y., Rodamilans, B., Ji, W., Wu, X., García, J. A., Wu, X., & Cheng, X. (2025). Plant viruses convergently target NPR1 with various strategies to suppress salicylic acid-mediated antiviral immunity. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 67(5), 1395–1412.

  • Chai, M., Li, L., Li, Y., Yang, Y., Wang, Y., Jiang, X., Luan, Y., Li, F., Cui, H., Wang, A., Xiang, W., Wu, X., & Cheng, X.* (2024). The 6-kilodalton peptide 1 in plant viruses of the family Potyviridae is a viroporin. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 121(21), e2401748121.

  • Liu, J., Wu, X., Fang, Y., Liu, Y., Bello, E. O., Li, Y., Xiong, R., Li, Y., Fu, Z. Q., Wang, A., & Cheng, X.* (2023). A plant RNA virus inhibits NPR1 sumoylation and subverts NPR1-mediated plant immunity. Nature Communications, 14, 3580.

Nikolaos Koletsis | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Mr. Nikolaos Koletsis | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

Nikolaos E. Koletsis is a chemist with a Master of Science in Applied Biochemistry from the University of Patras and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Ioannina. His academic and research background is grounded in molecular and cellular biochemistry, with a particular emphasis on cancer biology, extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics, and the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models. During his MSc research at the Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Patras, he investigated the functional properties and differential expression of key ECM components in 3D breast cancer spheroids. His work integrated advanced biochemical techniques including 3D cell culture, gene expression analysis (qPCR), HPLC, ELISA, electrophoresis, and statistical methodologies such as T-test and ANOVA. This project has culminated in both national and international presentations, and a first-author publication in Cells. Koletsis also conducted pioneering undergraduate research at the University of Ioannina, synthesizing novel alkaline earth metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with potential applications in biodiesel catalysis. This work led to the identification of a new magnesium-glycerol complex, a structure reported for the first time in literature. He has co-authored three peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in Scopus, which have collectively received 15 citations, and he currently holds an h-index of 1. His publications appear in respected journals such as Cells, FEBS Journal, and Archives of Medical Science – Atherosclerotic Diseases, reflecting the interdisciplinary and impactful nature of his work. In addition to his lab-based expertise, Koletsis is adept in scientific writing, data analysis, and conference presentations, demonstrating a clear capacity for translating experimental data into meaningful scientific contributions. His career interests lie at the intersection of biomedical research, applied sciences, and translational innovations in cancer and materials chemistry.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Koletsis, N. E., Mangani, S., Franchi, M., Piperigkou, Z., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025). Development, functional characterization, and matrix effectors dynamics in 3D spheroids of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Cells, 14(17), 1351.

  • Anagnostopoulos, S., Baltayiannis, N., Koletsis, N. E., et al. (2025). 3D printing in medicine: Bridging imaging, education, and practice. Archives of Medical Science – Atherosclerotic Diseases, 10(1), 172–188.

  • Mangani, S., Piperigkou, Z., Koletsis, N. E., Ioannou, P., & Karamanos, N. K. (2024). Estrogen receptors and extracellular matrix: The critical interplay in cancer development and progression. FEBS Journal.

  • Piperigkou, Z., Mangani, S., Koletsis, N. E., Koutsakis, C., Mastronikolis, N. S., Franchi, M., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025). Principal mechanisms of extracellular matrix-mediated cell–cell communication in physiological and tumor microenvironments. FEBS Journal.

 

Biao Cheng | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Biao Cheng | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award 

General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Biao Cheng embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in medical sciences, focusing on dermatology, plastic surgery, and regenerative medicine. His early research revolved around wound healing mechanisms and innovative therapeutic approaches. With a keen interest in advancing medical treatments, he dedicated himself to understanding platelet-derived products and their applications in skin tissue repair. His academic pursuits laid the groundwork for significant contributions to regenerative medicine, particularly in developing standardized methods for platelet concentrate preparation.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

As a Professor and Chief Director at the Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, and the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery at the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Cheng has been at the forefront of advancements in burn treatment, trauma care, and tissue regeneration. His extensive research in platelet concentrates and regenerative medicine has had a profound impact on clinical practices, improving patient outcomes. He has led various pioneering projects aimed at optimizing platelet-derived therapies and their applications in reconstructive and aesthetic medicine, bridging the gap between research and real-world medical treatments.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Cheng’s research primarily centers on wound healing, platelet-derived therapies, and burn treatment, with a particular emphasis on regenerative medicine. He has played a crucial role in developing standardized platelet concentrate preparation techniques, which have become essential in clinical applications. His work has led to the creation of innovative biomaterials, such as antibacterial composite scaffolds and rolling injection devices, designed to enhance wound healing, even under extreme conditions. His research has not only contributed to scientific advancements but has also been instrumental in improving medical interventions for trauma and burn patients.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With a citation index of 29, Cheng’s contributions have gained widespread recognition in the fields of dermatology, plastic surgery, and regenerative medicine. His research findings have been published in esteemed journals, including Wound Repair and Regeneration, British Journal of Dermatology, and Stem Cells and Development, shaping the direction of modern wound healing treatments. His extensive body of work has influenced both academic research and clinical applications, making him a prominent figure in the field of regenerative medicine.

📖 Academic Contributions

Cheng has made significant contributions to medical literature through his authorship of several authoritative books. His works, including 《Platelet-Rich Plasma in Tissue Repair and Regeneration》, 《Growth Factors and Skin Tissue Repair》, and 《Guidelines for the Regenerative and Rehabilitation Applications of Concentrated Platelets》, serve as valuable references for researchers and medical practitioners alike. These publications provide critical insights into the applications of platelet-derived therapies and growth factors in tissue repair and regeneration, further advancing knowledge in the field.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Cheng possesses extensive expertise in a range of advanced medical technologies. His proficiency includes Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Growth Factor Therapies, Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Medicine, Intelligent Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, and the Development of Advanced Biomaterials for Wound Healing. His technical skills have been instrumental in developing novel therapeutic solutions for skin tissue repair, trauma treatment, and aesthetic medicine. His contributions to medical technology continue to push the boundaries of innovation in regenerative medicine.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As a dedicated educator, Cheng has played a pivotal role in mentoring students and young researchers in tissue engineering, plastic surgery, and regenerative medicine. His guidance has helped shape the careers of numerous medical professionals, ensuring the continuity of innovative research in the field. Beyond the classroom, he actively participates in national and international medical conferences, sharing his knowledge and insights with the broader medical community. His commitment to teaching extends to training programs, where he equips medical practitioners with the latest advancements in regenerative treatments.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

Cheng’s ongoing research and contributions continue to shape the future of regenerative medicine. His commitment to developing next-generation wound healing solutions and standardizing concentrated platelet products for clinical use remains a driving force in the field. His vision for the future includes further refining regenerative medicine techniques to improve their efficacy in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. As an active member of leading medical committees and a reviewer for top dermatologic journals, he plays a vital role in shaping policies and guiding research directions in tissue repair and regenerative medicine. His legacy will be defined by his groundbreaking contributions, ensuring that innovative medical treatments reach a broader spectrum of clinical applications.

📖Notable Publications

Innate lymphoid cell-based immunomodulatory hydrogel microspheres containing Cutibacterium acnes extracellular vesicles for the treatment of psoriasis

Authors: Xu Yujie, Gan Yuyang, Qi Fangfang, Hu Zhiqi, Wang Gaofeng

Journal: Acta Biomaterialia

Year: 2024

Luminescence-activated Pt(IV) prodrug for in situ triggerable cancer therapy

Authors: An Huijie, Yang Chen, Jiang Zhihui, Liu Hongjiang, Yu Zhiqiang

Journal: Chinese Chemical Letters

Year: 2024

Antibacterial Antimicrobial Peptide Grafted HA/SF/Alg Wound Dressing Containing AIEgens for Infected Wound Treating

Authors: Lin Yize, Tan Yan, Deng Rong, Cheng Biao, Chen Yi

Journal: ACS Omega

Year: 2024

Transconjunctival Fat Repositioning Blepharoplasty: Is Excess Fat Herniation a Prerequisite?

Authors: Chen Jianwu, Wu Yanhong, Wang Yuzhi, Huang Wenhua, Cheng Biao

Journal: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Year: 2024

Clinical efficacy of blood derivatives on wound healing: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Authors: Wu Yanhong, Peng Guang, Wang Yuzhi, Tang Jianbing, Cheng Biao

Journal: International Wound Journal

Year: 2024

The Role of Stem Cells on Wound Healing After Revascularization—Healing Following Revascularization—Unlocking Skin Potential

Authors: Cheng Biao, Fu Xiaobing

Journal: The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds

Year: 2024