Kaiyin Yang | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Kaiyin Yang | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

North China University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Kaiyin Yang is a pharmacologist with a Doctor of Medicine degree, specializing in protein structure-based drug discovery and small-molecule targeted protein degradation. His research focuses on the rational design, synthesis, and mechanistic evaluation of novel anticancer agents, particularly PROTACs and enzyme-targeting small molecules. As Principal Investigator of a Hebei Provincial Youth Science Fund project, he is developing innovative HK2-targeting degraders for colon cancer therapy. His work also includes kinase inhibitors, metabolic enzyme modulation, and natural product-derived anticancer compounds. Dr. Yang’s studies integrate medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and pharmacological approaches to advance precision oncology and targeted cancer therapeutics.

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Featured Publications

Vijaya Sarangthem | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Vijaya Sarangthem | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Research Professor | Kyungpook National University | South Korea

Dr. Sarangthem Vijaya Devi is an innovative biomedical scientist with over twelve years of expertise in biopolymer-based drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and nanotechnology, focusing on the design and development of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)–based biomaterials for targeted therapeutics. Her doctoral research at Kyungpook National University, South Korea, involved constructing IL-4 receptor–targeting ELP systems for precise drug delivery, laying the foundation for her pioneering work in tumor-targeted cancer therapy and gene delivery. As a postdoctoral fellow, she led the development of multivalent ELP nanoparticles and depot systems, optimizing pharmacokinetics and tissue biodistribution, and establishing platforms for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. At AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Vijaya Devi advanced regenerative medicine applications by developing self-assembling ELP hydrogels and 3D scaffolds for mesenchymal stem cell culture, differentiation, and tissue regeneration. She further integrated 3D bioprinting technologies to create artificial tissue models for high-throughput drug screening and preclinical evaluation. Her ongoing work as a visiting research professor at Kyungpook National University focuses on ELP-driven 3D culture platforms, enabling scalable and reproducible organoid and spheroid models for precision medicine. Dr. Vijaya Devi’s research portfolio includes over 16 high-impact publications, several as corresponding or first author, highlighting her contributions to nanoparticle engineering, biomaterial optimization, and translational therapeutics. She has contributed to patents on ELP-based hydrogels for tissue regeneration and nanocarriers for oncology drug delivery, demonstrating the translational potential of her work. Recognized with multiple awards, including the Best Article Award and DST Fellowship, her research bridges fundamental science with industry applications, emphasizing scalability, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her expertise encompasses gene delivery systems, molecular imaging, biomaterials engineering, and organoid culture, making her a leading researcher in precision therapeutics. Dr. Vijaya Devi continues to drive innovations in ELP biomaterials for cancer therapy, tissue engineering, and high-throughput drug discovery, positioning her as a global leader in biomedical research and translational medicine.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Research Gate

Featured Publications

  • Lee, Y.-J., Hong, J., Seo, B.-Y., Lee, B.-H., Sarangthem, V.*, & Park, R.-W. (2025). Strategic optimization of nanoparticle characteristics to enhance tumor targeting and doxorubicin delivery. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 20, 6357–6378.

  • Hong, J., Sim, D., Lee, B.-H., Sarangthem, V.*, & Park, R.-W. (2024). Multifunctional elastin-like polypeptide nanocarriers for efficient miRNA delivery in cancer therapy. Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 22(1), 293.

  • Sarangthem, V., Sharma, H., Mendiratta, M., Sahoo, R. K., Park, R.-W., Kumar, L., Singh, T. D., & Mohanty, S. (2022). Application of bio-active elastin-like polypeptide on regulation of human mesenchymal stem cell behavior. Biomedicines, 10(5), 1151.

  • Sarangthem, V.*, Sharma, H., Goel, R., Ghose, S., Park, R.-W., Mohanty, S., Chaudhuri, T. K., Dinda, A. K., & Singh, T. D. (2022). Application of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) containing extracellular matrix (ECM) binding ligands in regenerative medicine. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

  • Sarangthem, V., Yi, A., Kim, Y., Rehemtulla, A., Lee, B.-H., Jeon, Y. H., Singh, T. D., & Park, R.-W. (2021). Therapeutic effect of IL4 receptor targeting pro-apoptotic peptide (AP1-ELP-KLAK) in glioblastoma tumor model. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 16, 5039–5052.

 

Xiaofei Cheng | Molecular Biology | Best Research Article Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

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.

Xiaofeng Ding | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Xiaofeng Ding | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Hunan Normal University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Xiaofeng Ding (丁小凤) was born in Hunan Province, China, on October 21, 1979. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University in 2002. Driven by a passion for molecular sciences, she pursued a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the same institution, completing it in 2005 under the guidance of Dr. Jian Zhang. She further deepened her research expertise by earning a Ph.D. in Genetics from Nanjing University’s Model Animal Research Center in 2008, under the mentorship of renowned scientist Dr. Xiang Gao. This rigorous academic foundation provided her with the knowledge and research discipline essential for a career in biomedical sciences.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Ding’s professional journey showcases an impressive trajectory of advancement in academia and international research. Starting as a Lecturer in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Hunan Normal University in 2008, she was quickly promoted to Associate Professor by 2010 and became a full Professor by December 2017. Her international exposure includes a significant postdoctoral research position (2014–2016) at the University of New Mexico, USA, under Prof. Meilian Liu. Since January 2025, she has expanded her global footprint as a Research Scientist II at the National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, collaborating with Dr. Xuebin Qin on translational biomedical research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Ding’s research is anchored in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics with a strong focus on disease mechanisms, protein chemistry, and developmental biology. She has contributed extensively to understanding cellular pathways involved in metabolic disorders and cancer. Her work on tumor metabolism and protein interaction networks has potential implications for innovative treatments of chronic diseases and cancers. By integrating biochemical techniques with genetic tools, she bridges molecular mechanisms with therapeutic outcomes, especially in relation to human disease models.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Prof. Ding’s influence extends beyond laboratory research. As a dedicated mentor, she has nurtured young talents and inspired many students and researchers in China and abroad. Her leadership roles in scientific societies—including her position as director of the Hunan Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and her membership in the Tumor Metabolism Professional Committee—highlight her commitment to shaping the future of biomedical science in China. Her work contributes to the broader understanding of disease biology and encourages interdisciplinary collaborations in health sciences.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

While the document does not specify citation metrics, Prof. Ding’s extensive publication record and international collaborations strongly suggest a growing academic footprint in biomedical research. Her association with global research hubs like the University of New Mexico and Tulane University adds visibility to her scholarly output. Her work in tumor metabolism and protein chemistry is increasingly cited by researchers in cancer biology, metabolic regulation, and therapeutic development.

🛠️ Technical and Research Skills

Prof. Ding is highly proficient in a wide array of laboratory and research techniques. Her technical strengths include molecular cloning, protein expression analysis, biochemical assays, and in vivo disease modeling. She is also skilled in advanced tools for genetic manipulation and cell biology, which she applies to elucidate complex signaling pathways. Her experience in both Chinese and American research laboratories equips her with a unique dual perspective in managing research infrastructure and interdisciplinary projects.

👩‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

As a professor and former associate professor at Hunan Normal University, Prof. Ding has played a central role in curriculum development and student training. She has guided undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students through laboratory-based projects and theoretical studies in molecular biology. Her mentorship has contributed to the development of future researchers in life sciences and medical biotechnology.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Ding’s academic career reflects a legacy of commitment to research excellence and scientific leadership. Her long-term vision includes conducting groundbreaking research in disease biology and expanding collaborative networks across countries and disciplines. As a Research Scientist II at Tulane University and a leader in several biochemical societies, she is poised to make significant contributions to global health challenges through innovation and knowledge sharing. Her goal is to continue exploring disease mechanisms at the molecular level and translate discoveries into clinical strategies for cancer and metabolic disorders.

📖Notable Publications

AP-2α decreases TMZ resistance of recurrent GBM by downregulating MGMT expression and improving DNA damage
Authors: G. Huang, M. Ouyang, K. Xiao, S. Xiang, X. Ding
Journal: Life Sciences
Year: 2024

A Lipid-Sensitive Spider Peptide Toxin Exhibits Selective Anti-Leukemia Efficacy through Multimodal Mechanisms
Authors: P. Zhang, W. Luo, Z. Zhang, Y. Zeng, Z. Liu
Journal: Advanced Science
Year: 2024

Eosinophil-Associated Genes are Potential Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis
Authors: Q. Wang, Z. Zhang, H. Zhou, L. Li, X. Ding
Journal: Journal of Cancer
Year: 2024

Depletion of JunB increases adipocyte thermogenic capacity and ameliorates diet-induced insulin resistance
Authors: X. Zhang, X. Ding, C. Wang, Q.A. Wang, M. Liu
Journal: Nature Metabolism
Year: 2024

Wilfried Schwab | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Wilfried Schwab | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Technische Universität München , Germany

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Wilfried Schwab’s academic journey began with the Abitur at Balthasar-Neumann-Gymnasium in Marktheidenfeld in 1980. He pursued a degree in Food Chemistry at the University of Würzburg (1981–1985), completing his 1st State Examination. Driven by a passion for natural product chemistry, he began his Ph.D. under Prof. Dr. Peter Schreier, completing it in 1989. His early research focused on the chemistry of natural flavors, a theme that would define much of his career. He then underwent professional training for the 2nd State Examination in Erlangen (1990–1991). His academic foundation was further strengthened with a Habilitation (1999), granting him venia legendi in Food Chemistry.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Schwab’s postdoctoral career launched in the USA (1989–1990) at Washington State University with Prof. Rodney Croteau, a leading figure in plant biochemistry. He held several short-term research positions across Europe and the U.S., building a network of international collaborations. From 1994 to 2003, he led an independent research group at the University of Würzburg, where he developed his expertise in plant secondary metabolism. In 2003, he became a C3 professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair of Biomolecular Food Technology, which was renamed Biotechnology of Natural Products in 2010. His leadership extended to serving as acting head of multiple departments at TUM and a Chair Professorship at Anhui Agricultural University in China (since 2018), highlighting his global academic reach.

Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Prof. Schwab’s research is anchored in the biochemistry of plant-derived natural products, particularly focusing on glycosyltransferases, terpenoids, apocarotenoids, and flavor compounds. He has significantly advanced the understanding of enzyme structure–function relationships and metabolic pathways in fruits like strawberry and grapevine. His work bridges basic and applied science, often connecting plant metabolic processes with practical applications in food chemistry, fragrance, and biotechnology.

Impact and Influence

With a rich publication history in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, New Phytologist, Plant Physiology, and Nature Genetics, Prof. Schwab has made substantial contributions to the scientific community. His involvement in the woodland strawberry genome project underscores his role in major collaborative efforts. Additionally, he holds several patents, including methods for identifying glycosyltransferase substrates and aroma precursors, demonstrating his impact beyond academia and into industrial applications.

Academic Citations and Recognition

Prof. Schwab’s publications have been widely cited, with key studies serving as references for both academic and applied research in plant biochemistry. He received the Unterfränkische Gedenkjahresstiftung für Wissenschaft award for his Ph.D. thesis and the Josef-Schormüller Award in 1999, recognizing his exceptional contributions to food chemistry. He also serves on the editorial board of Horticultural Research, reflecting peer recognition of his expertise.

Technical Skills

Prof. Schwab possesses deep technical expertise in enzymology, plant metabolomics, analytical chemistry (GC-MS, LC-MS), and molecular biology. His ability to translate complex biochemical pathways into functional insights about plant defense and aroma biosynthesis has made him a leader in the field. He has also demonstrated proficiency in industrial research, particularly during his time with Hoechst AG and AgrEvo (1991–1994), working on agricultural metabolism.

Teaching and Academic Leadership

Throughout his academic journey, Prof. Schwab has mentored numerous students and researchers. His leadership roles at TUM—including acting head of departments in Biofunctionality of Food and Fruit Science—highlight his commitment to nurturing future scientists. His teaching integrates foundational knowledge with state-of-the-art discoveries in biotechnology and natural products.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Schwab’s legacy is defined by his interdisciplinary approach, combining food chemistry, plant biology, and biotechnology to unravel nature’s complexity. As he continues his work in Germany and China, his research will likely influence sustainable agriculture, food innovation, and natural product development for years to come. His role in shaping modern food biochemistry ensures a lasting impact on both scientific discovery and industrial practice.

📖Notable Publications

β-Carotene alleviates substrate inhibition caused by asymmetric cooperativity

  • Authors: Jieren Liao, Umar F. Shahul Hameed, Timothy D. Hoffmann, Stefan T. Arold, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: Nature Communications

  • Year: 2025

Squalene acts as a feedback signaling molecule in facilitating bidirectional communication between tea plants

  • Authors: Jieyang Jin, Mingyue Zhao, Keke Yu, Wilfried G. Schwab, Chuankui Song

  • Journal: Science Advances

  • Year: 2025

Evolution and functional divergence of glycosyltransferase genes shaped the quality and cold tolerance of tea plants

  • Authors: Jingming Wang, Yutong Hu, Danyang Guo, Enhua Xia, Chuankui Song

  • Journal: Plant Cell

  • Year: 2025

Kinetics of Secoisolariciresinol Glucosyltransferase LuUGT74S1 and Its Mutants

  • Authors: Sadiq S. Mareai, Lukas Böhm, Thomas Hoffmann, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

  • Year: 2024

Comparative Functional Characterization of LuUGT74S1 from Linum usitatissimum L. and Its Closed Homologues from Fragaria vesca Subsp. vesca and Camellia sinensis

  • Authors: Sadiq S. Mareai, Thomas Hoffmann, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: ACS Food Science and Technology

  • Year: 2024

Fei Yao | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Fei Yao | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Fei Yao’s journey in academia began with a strong foundation in biochemistry and medical sciences. With a keen interest in cancer biology, Prof. Yao pursued higher education in oncology, eventually earning a medical degree and further advancing into postdoctoral research. This rigorous academic training laid the groundwork for future contributions to cancer research.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Professor of Oncology at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, China, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Prof. Yao has seamlessly integrated clinical expertise with research innovations. As a medical doctor and postdoctoral fellow, Prof. Yao also mentors master’s students, shaping the next generation of researchers in oncology and biochemistry.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Yao’s research primarily focuses on tumor microenvironment mechanisms and the development of clinical drugs for cancer treatment. By leading multiple prestigious research projects funded by:

  • 🏅 National Natural Science Foundation of China
  • 🏅 China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
  • 🏅 Guangxi Natural Science Foundation

Prof. Yao has significantly contributed to understanding how cancer cells interact with their surroundings, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

📚 Impact and Influence

Prof. Yao has published multiple SCI-indexed research papers, adding valuable insights to the field of oncology and biochemistry. These studies have not only been widely cited but have also influenced clinical applications and drug development in cancer research.

📖 Academic Citations & Recognition

With a robust research portfolio, Prof. Yao’s work has been cited extensively in international journals, reinforcing its scientific impact. These contributions continue to shape the landscape of cancer treatment and personalized medicine.

🛠️ Technical Skills & Expertise

Prof. Yao possesses expertise in various advanced biochemical and clinical research techniques, including:
✔️ Tumor Microenvironment Analysis
✔️ Cell Culture & Molecular Biology Techniques
✔️ Targeted Drug Development for Cancer
✔️ Clinical Trials & Experimental Therapies
✔️ Biostatistical Analysis & Research Methodologies

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As a Master’s Supervisor, Prof. Yao plays a crucial role in mentoring graduate students, guiding them in research methodologies, experimental designs, and thesis development. Many students have benefited from this mentorship, progressing in their careers as medical researchers and clinicians.

🌎 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a deep commitment to advancing cancer research, Prof. Yao aims to:
🔹 Continue exploring innovative treatments targeting the tumor microenvironment.
🔹 Bridge the gap between traditional Chinese medicine and modern oncology.
🔹 Develop next-generation clinical drugs to improve patient outcomes.
🔹 Inspire young researchers to contribute meaningfully to biochemistry and oncology.

🏆 Conclusion

Prof. Fei Yao’s dedication to biochemistry and cancer research has established a remarkable legacy in oncology, drug development, and clinical applications. As an esteemed professor, researcher, and mentor, Prof. Yao’s contributions will continue to impact the field for years to come.

📖Notable Publications

Hyperacute rejection-engineered oncolytic virus for interventional clinical trial in refractory cancer patients

Authors: L. Zhong, L. Gan, B. Wang, W. Shi, Y. Zhao

Journal: Cell

Year: 2025