Xiaoxiao Zhong | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhong | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhong is a dedicated molecular biologist and medicine doctor at The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University 🏥. Her expertise lies in metabolic and glandular disorders, particularly breast cancer, where she employs multi-omics data analysis and in vitro assays to uncover dysregulated metabolic pathways and tumor microenvironment (TME) dynamics. Dr. Zhong bridges computational biology with wet-lab validation, focusing on biomarker discovery and translational oncology. Her work illuminates the complex interplay between immune and stromal components in cancer, contributing to the advancement of precision medicine. 🔬

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhong demonstrates a strong research profile in the field of molecular biology, particularly focusing on metabolic disorders and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling in breast cancer. Her approach integrates bioinformatics and experimental biology, using tools like WGCNA and LASSO Cox regression to generate prognostic biomarkers, such as the 22-gene TMERS signature. This multidimensional methodology reflects a comprehensive understanding of systems biology and its translational applications in oncology.

Her contributions to identifying glycosylation-driven immune regulators like KLRB1, and validating their function in suppressing cancer progression, suggest originality, relevance, and clinical potential. The publication of 7 SCI/Scopus-indexed journal articles, along with 16 research projects and collaboration with national-level programs, further establishes her as a promising researcher making meaningful strides in precision medicine.

🎓 Education

Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhong received her medical degree with a specialization in molecular biology from Central South University 🎓. During her academic journey, she focused on cancer genomics, tumor immunology, and systems biology, acquiring hands-on expertise in high-throughput data interpretation and laboratory assays. Her continuous learning path has empowered her to translate molecular insights into clinical relevance, with a strong foundation in both theory and application.

💼 Experience

With a rich background in clinical and research settings, Dr. Zhong has successfully led or contributed to 16 research projects, including collaborations with the National Natural Science Foundation of China. She has been involved in 8 consultancy and industry-related projects, demonstrating her ability to bridge scientific innovation and real-world application. As a reviewer for Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Zhong also plays a role in shaping scientific discourse. Her work environment blends rigorous experimentation with sophisticated bioinformatic modeling. 🔍

🔬 Research Interest On Molecular Biology

Dr. Zhong’s primary research interests revolve around tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling, metabolic disorders, and translational oncology. She focuses on glycosylation-driven mechanisms, immune-stromal crosstalk, and prognostic modeling through multi-omics integration. Her research aims to dissect cellular heterogeneity and identify novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets in breast cancer. By leveraging both in silico and in vitro methodologies, she seeks to contribute to personalized medicine and improved patient outcomes.

🏅 Awards

Dr. Zhong is nominated for the Best Researcher Award 🏆 for her impactful contributions to cancer biology, particularly her development of a 22-gene TME-risk signature (TMERS) in breast cancer that has demonstrated strong prognostic value. Her identification of immune-regulatory glycosyltransferase genes and validation of KLRB1 as a tumor suppressor highlight her role in advancing the field of translational oncology. Her research is both innovative and clinically relevant, reinforcing her standing as an emerging leader in molecular medicine.

📚 Publications

1. Glycosylated protein-related microenvironmental features in breast cancer are associated with patient prognosis

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Authors: Xiaoxiao Zhong, Jiaxuan Han, Huan Li, Xiangyu Shen, Bowen Yu, Ting Chen, Haobing Li, Jun Li, Jin Pang, Liyuan Qian, et al.

  • Journal: Mammalian Genome

  • DOI: 10.1007/s00335-025-10137-9

2. PCMT1 confirmed as a pan-cancer immune biomarker and a contributor to breast cancer metastasis

  • Publication Year: 2024

  • Authors: Yiqi Liu, Xiaoxiao Zhong

  • Journal: American Journal of Cancer Research

  • DOI: 10.62347/tyll7952

3. Interpretable machine learning model based on the systemic inflammation response index and ultrasound features can predict central lymph node metastasis in cN0T1–T2 papillary thyroid carcinoma

  • Publication Year: 2023

  • Authors: Jin Pang, Mohan Yang, Jun Li, Xiaoxiao Zhong, Xiangyu Shen, Ting Chen, Liyuan Qian

  • Journal: Gland Surgery

  • DOI: 10.21037/gs-23-349

4. Targeting survivin with Tanshinone IIA inhibits tumor growth and overcomes chemoresistance in colorectal cancer

  • Publication Year: 2023

  • Authors: Yaoquan Cao, Haibo Tang, Guohui Wang, Pengzhou Li, Zhi Song, Weizheng Li, Xulong Sun, Xiaoxiao Zhong, Qianqian Yu, Shaihong Zhu, et al.

  • Journal: Cell Death Discovery

  • DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01622-8

5. Breast cancer combined with contralateral neck lymph node metastasis: a case report

  • Publication Year: 2022

  • Authors: Xiaoxiao Zhong, Fengjiao Ding, Liyuan Qian, Wei Wu, Yanguang Wen, Boni Ding

  • Journal: Diagnostic Pathology

  • DOI: 10.1186/s13000-022-01236-1

6. Identification of N6-Methyladenosine-Related LncRNAs for Predicting Overall Survival and Clustering of a Potentially Novel Molecular Subtype of Breast Cancer

  • Publication Year: 2021

  • Authors: Xiaoxiao Zhong, Jun Li, Xin Wu, Xianrui Wu, Lin Hu, Boni Ding, Liyuan Qian

  • Journal: Frontiers in Oncology

  • DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.742944

✅ Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhong is an exceptional early-career researcher who blends scientific curiosity with technological rigor 🌟. Her contributions to cancer biology, particularly in decoding the tumor microenvironment and discovering novel biomarkers, have the potential to revolutionize prognostic models and therapeutic strategies. Through her dedication, interdisciplinary approach, and impactful publications, Dr. Zhong stands as a worthy nominee for the Best Researcher Award, representing the future of precision oncology.🏅

Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova | Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova | Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

Eurasian National University | Kazakhstan

Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova is an accomplished Assistant Professor at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, specializing in plant physiology and biochemistry. Her academic journey spans Kazakhstan, Israel, and Japan, where she has contributed significantly to the study of aldehyde oxidases and reactive carbonyl species. Dr. Nurbekova’s research has broad implications for improving plant resilience to abiotic stress and understanding molybdoenzymes’ role in detoxifying toxic compounds.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Diverse Research Experience: Zhadyrassyn has a solid background in biochemistry and plant physiology, with a focus on molybdoenzymes and reactive carbonyl species, which aligns with understanding biochemical pathways relevant to forensic investigations.
  • Interdisciplinary Projects: Her work on detoxification processes and environmental stress response could offer unique insights into forensic toxicology and environmental forensics.
  • International Collaborations: Collaborations with esteemed scientists like Prof. Moshe Sagi and Prof. Junichi Mano, along with internships across Israel, Japan, China, and Poland, showcase a global research perspective.
  • Research Output: Her publication record in high-impact journals and her role as a reviewer for the Journal of Agronomy reflects scientific credibility.
  • Technical Expertise: Proficiency in PCR, qRT-PCR, HPLC, Western blot, and enzyme assays — techniques widely used in forensic labs — is a notable asset.

Education 🎓

  • PhD in Agriculture and Biotechnology (Plant Physiology) (2016-2021) – Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology (2012-2014) – L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan.
  • Bachelor in Biotechnology (2008-2012) – L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan.

Experience 💼

  • Assistant Professor (2024-Present) – L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan.
  • Senior Lecturer (2023-2024) – L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan.
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate (2021-2023) – Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
  • Junior Researcher (2014-2016) – L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan.

Research Interests On Biochemistry 🔬

Dr. Nurbekova’s research focuses on:

  • Biochemistry and physiology of molybdoenzymes.
  • Reactive oxygen and carbonyl species in plant stress responses.
  • Aldehyde oxidases’ role in detoxifying carbonyl aldehydes.
  • Aquatic animal biochemistry, particularly molybdenum-cofactor in fish.

Awards 🏆

  • Member of Plant Metal Society since 2022.
  • Recipient of multiple international research internships and collaborations.

Publications 📚

  1. AAO2 impairment improves aldehyde detoxification by AAO3 in Arabidopsis leaves exposed to UVC or Rose Bengal

    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova, Sudhakar Srivastava, Nja Zai Du, Veronica Turečková, Miroslav Strand, Rustem Omarov, Moshe Sagi

  2. Active O-acetylserine-(thiol) lyase A and B confer improved selenium resistance and degrade l-Cys and l-SeCys in Arabidopsis

    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Kurmanbayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Soltabayeva, A.; Oshanova, D.; Nurbekova, Z.; Srivastava, S.; Tiwari, P.; Dubey, A.K.; Sagi, M.

  3. Effect of Salinity and Nitrogen Fertilization Levels on Growth Parameters of Sarcocornia fruticosa, Salicornia brachiata, and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum

    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Sisay, T.A.; Nurbekova, Z.; Oshanova, D.; Dubey, A.K.; Khatri, K.; Mudgal, V.; Mudgal, A.; Neori, A.; Shpigel, M.; Srivastava, R.K.

  4. Ureides are accumulated similarly in response to UV-C irradiation and wounding in Arabidopsis leaves but are remobilized differently during recovery

    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Soltabayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Kurmanbayeva, A.; Oshanova, D.; Nurbekova, Z.; Srivastava, S.; Standing, D.; Sagi, M.

  5. Adenosine 5′ phosphosulfate reductase and sulfite oxidase regulate sulfite-induced water loss in Arabidopsis

    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Bekturova, A.; Oshanova, D.; Tiwari, P.; Nurbekova, Z.; Kurmanbayeva, A.; Soltabayeva, A.; Yarmolinsky, D.; Srivastava, S.; Turecková, V.; Strnad, M.

  6. Arabidopsis aldehyde oxidase 3, known to oxidize abscisic aldehyde to abscisic acid, protects leaves from aldehyde toxicity

    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Nurbekova, Z.; Srivastava, S.; Standing, D.; Kurmanbayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Soltabayeva, A.; Oshanova, D.; Turečková, V.; Strand, M.; Biswas, M.S.

  7. Level of Sulfite Oxidase Activity Affects Sulfur and Carbon Metabolism in Arabidopsis

    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Oshanova, D.; Kurmanbayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Soltabayeva, A.; Nurbekova, Z.; Standing, D.; Dubey, A.K.; Sagi, M.

  8. Ureides are similarly accumulated in response to UV-C irradiation and wound but differently remobilized during recovery in Arabidopsis leaves

    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Soltabayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Kurmanbayeva, A.; Oshanova, D.; Nurbekova, Z.; Srivastava, S.; Standing, D.; Sagi, M.

  9. Impairment in O-acetylserine-(thiol) lyase A and B, but not C, confers higher selenate sensitivity and uncovers role for A, B and C as L-Cys and L-SeCys desulfhydrases in Arabidopsis

    • Year: 2020
    • Authors: Kurmanbayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Soltabayeva, A.; Srivastava, S.; Oshanova, D.; Nurbekova, Z.; Sagi, M.

  10. Differential influence of molybdenum and tungsten on the growth of barley seedlings and the activity of aldehyde oxidase under salinity

  • Year: 2018
  • Authors: Batyrshina, Z.; Yergaliyev, T.M.; Nurbekova, Z.; Moldakimova, N.A.; Masalimov, Z.K.; Sagi, M.; Omarov, R.T.

Conclusion 📈

Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova’s work has advanced the understanding of plant stress responses and molybdenum enzyme functions, with broad applications for agriculture and aquaculture. Her collaborative spirit and cross-disciplinary expertise make her a leading figure in plant biochemistry and molecular biology, paving the way for future discoveries in environmental and agricultural sciences.

Pingyu Zhang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Pingyu Zhang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shenzhen University | China

Pingyu Zhang is a distinguished professor and deputy director of the Department of Chemistry at Shenzhen University. She obtained her Ph.D. in 2015 under the mentorship of Professor Hui Chao at Sun Yat-sen University. Following her doctoral studies, she joined the University of Warwick as a Newton Fellow in Professor Peter J. Sadler’s group from 2015 to 2017. Since 2017, she has been a faculty member at Shenzhen University, where she has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. In recognition of her outstanding research, she was honored as a Young Chang Jiang Scholar by the Ministry of Education in 2023.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Outstanding Research Contributions

    • Professor Zhang has made significant advancements in the field of metal complex drugs for tumor-driven therapy, particularly in light- and sound-sensitive anti-tumor treatments.
    • Her pioneering work in sonodynamic therapy using metal complexes has opened new avenues for deep-tumor treatment, demonstrating high scientific impact.

  2. Academic Excellence & Recognitions

    • Recognized as a Young Chang Jiang Scholar (2023) by the Ministry of Education, a prestigious honor highlighting her research excellence.
    • Recipient of the Second-Class Natural Science Award of Shenzhen (2023, first contributor) and the Dalton Division Horizon Prize (2022) from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

  3. Research Productivity & Innovation

    • Published over 80 research papers in reputable journals, reflecting her consistent contributions to the scientific community.
    • Holds 18 Chinese invention patents, indicating her strong emphasis on translational research and innovation.

  4. International Experience & Collaborations

    • Gained global exposure through her postdoctoral research as a Newton Fellow at the University of Warwick (2015-2017) under the mentorship of Professor Peter J. Sadler.
    • Established a strong research presence both nationally and internationally, positioning her as a leading scientist in her field.

Education 🎓

Pingyu Zhang completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Sun Yat-sen University in 2015 under the guidance of Professor Hui Chao. Her academic journey equipped her with a strong foundation in metal complex chemistry, which later became a cornerstone of her research career.

Experience 💼

Following her Ph.D., Professor Zhang worked as a Newton Fellow at the University of Warwick from 2015 to 2017, collaborating with Professor Peter J. Sadler on groundbreaking research in metal-based therapeutics. In 2017, she joined Shenzhen University as a faculty member, where she currently serves as a distinguished professor and deputy director of the Department of Chemistry. Her leadership and dedication have significantly advanced the department’s research initiatives.

Research Interests On Biochemistry 🌍

Professor Zhang’s research focuses on the fundamental study of metal complex drugs for tumor-driven therapy. She has pioneered the development of light- and sound-sensitive anti-tumor drugs, creating innovative therapeutic strategies. Notably, she was the first to identify the potential application of metal complexes in sonodynamic therapy, a promising approach for treating deep-seated tumors. Her work aims to enhance cancer treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Awards 🏆

  • Young Chang Jiang Scholar, Ministry of Education (2023)
  • Second-Class Natural Science Award of Shenzhen (First Contributor, 2023)
  • Dalton Division Horizon Prize, Royal Society of Chemistry (2022)

Publications 📚

Professor Zhang has published over 80 research papers in prestigious journals and holds 18 Chinese invention patents. Below are some of her notable publications:

  1. Highly stable single Pt atomic sites anchored on aniline-stacked graphene for hydrogen evolution reaction

    • Authors: S Ye, F Luo, Q Zhang, P Zhang, T Xu, Q Wang, D He, L Guo, Y Zhang, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 474

  2. Highly charged ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes as lysosome‐localized photosensitizers for two‐photon photodynamic therapy

    • Authors: H Huang, B Yu, P Zhang, J Huang, Y Chen, G Gasser, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 445

  3. Targeted photoredox catalysis in cancer cells

    • Authors: H Huang, S Banerjee, K Qiu, P Zhang, O Blacque, T Malcomson, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 398

  4. Advances in the design of organometallic anticancer complexes

    • Authors: P Zhang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 392

  5. New designs for phototherapeutic transition metal complexes

    • Authors: C Imberti, P Zhang, H Huang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 377

  6. Ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes as mitochondria-targeted two-photon photodynamic anticancer agents

    • Authors: J Liu, Y Chen, G Li, P Zhang, C Jin, L Zeng, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 278

  7. Targeting nucleus DNA with a cyclometalated dipyridophenazineruthenium (II) complex

    • Authors: H Huang, P Zhang, B Yu, Y Chen, J Wang, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 230

  8. Redox‐active metal complexes for anticancer therapy

    • Authors: P Zhang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 213

  9. Boosting the alkaline hydrogen evolution of Ru nanoclusters anchored on B/N–doped graphene by accelerating water dissociation

    • Authors: S Ye, F Luo, T Xu, P Zhang, H Shi, S Qin, J Wu, C He, X Ouyang, Q Zhang, …
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 174

  10. Noncovalent ruthenium (II) complexes–single-walled carbon nanotube composites for bimodal photothermal and photodynamic therapy with near-infrared irradiation

  • Authors: P Zhang, H Huang, J Huang, H Chen, J Wang, K Qiu, D Zhao, L Ji, …
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 167

Conclusion 🎯

Pingyu Zhang is a leading researcher in the field of metal-based tumor therapy, with significant contributions to the development of innovative anti-cancer strategies. Through her pioneering work in sonodynamic and photodynamic therapy, she continues to push the boundaries of cancer treatment. Her numerous accolades, high-impact publications, and patents underscore her influence in the scientific community, making her a key figure in advancing metal complex drug research.