Dan Zhao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dan Zhao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Fellow | Harvard medical school | United States

Dan Zhao, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology, currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University. With a strong background in protein quality control, ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and autophagy, Dr. Zhao has made significant contributions to understanding cellular homeostasis mechanisms. His research integrates cutting-edge techniques in cell biology, biochemistry, and structural analysis.

Profile👤

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

✅ Outstanding Research Impact: Dan Zhao has made significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) and autophagy. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, Molecular Cell, and Autophagy.

✅ Strong Academic and Research Background: His journey from Peking University to Harvard University, along with his research at prestigious institutions such as the National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), showcases his academic excellence.

✅ Breakthrough Discoveries: His identification of Epr1 as the first soluble ER-phagy receptor and his work in ERAD have advanced fundamental knowledge in cell biology, making him a leader in his field.

✅ Recognized Achievements: Multiple awards and honors, including “Outstanding Researcher” at NIBS and a poster award at an International Symposium on Autophagy, highlight his scientific contributions.

✅ Consistent Conference Presentations: Presenting at prestigious international conferences (e.g., Gordon Research Conference, ASCB | EMBO Meeting) underscores his active engagement in the research community.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2011 – 2017)
    Peking University & National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
  • B.A. in Biological Sciences (2007 – 2011)
    Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

🧪 Experience

  • Postdoctoral Fellow (2021 – Present)
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University

    • Investigated how the Mnl1/Htm1-Pdi1 complex recognizes misfolded proteins and initiates ERAD.
    • Identified Pdi1 as the key reductase in ERAD.
    • Developed a novel assay for detecting mannosidase activity.

  • Research Associate (2017 – 2021)
    National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China

    • Discovered Epr1, the first soluble ER-phagy receptor.
    • Explored the molecular mechanisms of Epr1 in ER-phagy.
    • Characterized a novel protein, SPBC1685.04, in macroautophagy.

  • Ph.D. Candidate (2012 – 2017)
    Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Program

    • Studied PX-BAR family proteins and their role in organelle autophagy.
    • Investigated XRCC4 homologs in fission yeast.

  • Early Research Roles (2010 – 2012)

    • Conducted metagenomic sequencing of Cordyceps Sinensis.
    • Performed single-cell transcriptome sequencing.
    • Researched amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing.

🔬 Research Interests On Biology

  • Protein quality control and degradation
  • ER-associated degradation (ERAD)
  • Autophagy and ER-phagy mechanisms
  • Structural and functional analysis of protein complexes

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 2017 – Excellent Graduate, Peking University
  • 2015 – Outstanding Researcher, National Institute of Biological Sciences
  • 2015 – Poster Award, International Symposium on Autophagy
  • 2014 – Best Oral Talk, Chinese Fungi Symposium
  • 2013 – Merit Student, Peking University
  • 2011 – Excellent Graduate, Sichuan University

📄 Publications

  • Initiation of ERAD by the bifunctional complex of Mnl1 mannosidase and protein disulfide isomerase

    • Authors: Dan Zhao; Xudong Wu; Tom A. Rapoport
    • Year: 2024

  • Visual detection of binary, ternary, and quaternary protein interactions in fission yeast using a Pil1 co-tethering assay

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Dan-Dan Xu; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2021

  • Visual detection of binary, ternary, and quaternary protein-protein interactions in fission yeast by Pil1 co-tethering assay

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Dan-Dan Xu; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2021

  • Atg38-Atg8 interaction in fission yeast establishes a positive feedback loop to promote autophagy

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Ling-Ling Sun; Zhao-Di Jiang; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Hai-Tao Wang; Wan-Zhong He; Meng-Qiu Dong; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2020

  • Epr1, a UPR-upregulated soluble autophagy receptor for reticulophagy

    • Authors: Dan Zhao; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2020

  • A UPR-Induced Soluble ER-Phagy Receptor Acts with VAPs to Confer ER Stress Resistance

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2020

  • Atg20 and Atg24 family proteins promote organelle autophagy in fission yeast

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2016

  • Genome-wide Screens for Sensitivity to Ionizing Radiation Identify the Fission Yeast Nonhomologous End Joining Factor Xrc4

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2014

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Dan Zhao’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of protein degradation and autophagy. His discoveries, including the role of ER-phagy receptors and ERAD pathways, contribute to fundamental biological processes with implications for diseases like neurodegeneration. As a leading scientist in the field, his work continues to shape our understanding of cellular homeostasis.

Guohua Yang | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Guohua Yang | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | Wuhan University | China

Guohua Yang is an Associate Professor at Wuhan University, specializing in medical genetics and genetic diseases. His research focuses on gene mutations, novel diagnostic methods, and drug discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma. As a dedicated scholar, he holds various leadership roles in genetic and medical associations, contributing significantly to the field.

Profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  • Strong Research Focus
    • Expertise in gene mutation and genetic diseases, gene diagnosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
    • Contribution to cutting-edge molecular mechanisms and drug discovery research.
  • Notable Publications & Impact
    • Published in reputable journals such as BMC Medical Genomics, Naunyn Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology, Carbohydrate Polymers, Frontiers in Genetics, and Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.
    • Publications demonstrate interdisciplinary research, integrating genetics, pharmacology, and computational biology.
  • Editorial & Professional Leadership
    • Guest editor and editorial board member for Frontiers in Genetics and Spandidos Journal.
    • Holds leadership roles in multiple genetics and medical associations, indicating high recognition in the field.
  • Innovative Research Applications
    • Contributions to cancer research, including targeted therapies and machine learning-based biomarker identification.
    • Research has potential clinical applications, making a significant societal impact.
  • Guohua Yang is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering contributions to medical genetics, leadership in scientific organizations, and high-quality publications. While he possesses impressive academic credentials, addressing funding, patent contributions, and industry collaborations could further strengthen his profile. Nonetheless, his work in hepatocellular carcinoma and gene mutation research makes him a valuable contender.

🎓 Education

Guohua Yang has received extensive training in medical genetics and related disciplines, equipping him with the expertise to explore genetic disorders and innovative treatment approaches. His educational background has laid a strong foundation for his research in genetic mutations, reproductive health, and cancer biology.

🏢 Experience

As an Associate Professor at Wuhan University, Dr. Yang has led numerous studies on gene mutations and their roles in genetic diseases and cancer progression. He has served as a guest editor for Frontiers in Genetics and is an editorial board member for Spandidos Journal and Brain Research. His leadership extends to serving on various committees, such as the Gene Health Branch of Hubei Genetic Society and the Medical Genetics Branch of Hubei Medical Association.

🔬 Research Interests On Genetics

Dr. Yang’s research revolves around:

  • Genetic mutations and their impact on inherited diseases 🧬
  • Development of advanced gene diagnostic methods 🏥
  • Molecular mechanisms and targeted drug discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma 💊

🏆 Awards

Dr. Yang has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to medical genetics and has been nominated for the Best Researcher Award for his pioneering work in genetic disease research and precision medicine.

📚 Publications

Dr. Yang has contributed to several high-impact journals, with research spanning genetic disorders, cancer therapy, and bioinformatics:

  • “Truncated FRMD7 proteins in congenital Nystagmus: novel frameshift mutations and proteasomal pathway implications”
    • Authors: Y. Su, J. Zhang, J. Gao, Y. Li, G. Yang
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • “Lessons from two patients with Prader–Willi syndrome attributed to heterodisomy and isodisomy”
    • Authors: H. Zhou, J. Zhou, S. Xu, G. Yang, K. Wu
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • “Autophagy inhibition mediated by trillin promotes apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via activation of mTOR/STAT3 signaling”
    • Authors: G. Zhan, T. Wei, H. Xie, S. Li, G. Yang
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: 3
  • Clinic Examination and Gene Diagnosis for a Birt–Hogg–Dubé Syndrome Family With a Novel flcn Frameshift Mutation Causing Nonsense‐Mediated mRNA Degradation
    • Year: 2025
    • Authors: Yang Xu, Jie Gao, Yang An, Chenxi Zou, Guoqing Ding, Guohua Yang, Finlay Macrae
  • A novel TSC1 frameshift mutation c.1550_1551del causes tuberous sclerosis complex by aberrant splicing and nonsense‐mediated mRNA degradation (NMD) simultaneously in a Chinese family
    • Year: 2020
    • Authors: Cong Qiu, Chengyan Li, Xiaoyun Tong, Luoyang Dai, Wenda Liu, Yulie Xie, Qimei Zhang, Guohua Yang, Tao Li
  • Identification and Interaction Analysis of Significant Genes and MicroRNAs in Pterygium
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: Siying He, Hui Sun, Yifang Huang, Shiqi Dong, Chen Qiao, Shuai Zhang, Chen Wang, Fang Zheng, Ming Yan, Guohua Yang

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Guohua Yang has made significant strides in the field of medical genetics, particularly in gene mutation studies and cancer research. His editorial contributions, leadership roles, and groundbreaking research continue to shape the future of genetic diagnostics and targeted therapies.