Di Wen | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Di Wen | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Di Wen | The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University | China

Dr. Di Wen, a dedicated neurologist at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Her research focuses on gene therapy, autophagy, and mitochondrial protection, with significant findings on the role of OPTN in regulating autophagy and mitophagy. She has contributed to multiple high-impact SCI-indexed publications and leads projects funded by the Hebei Natural Science Foundation. As a member of professional medical committees, Dr. Wen’s work advances therapeutic strategies for ALS, aiming to translate laboratory discoveries into effective clinical interventions that improve patient outcomes.

Author Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Di Wen’s journey into the world of neuroscience began with a strong academic foundation rooted in medical sciences, leading to her specialization in neurology. From the early stages of her education, she displayed a keen interest in understanding the complexities of the human nervous system, with a particular focus on neurodegenerative disorders. Her academic path was characterized by rigorous training, in-depth research engagements, and a determination to explore the molecular and cellular underpinnings of diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). During her early career, she cultivated expertise in advanced research methodologies, live-cell imaging techniques, and genetic intervention strategies, all of which laid the groundwork for her future breakthroughs in gene therapy and mitochondrial biology.

Experience

As a neurologist at the Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Dr. Wen has combined clinical practice with high-level research. Her role bridges patient care and scientific discovery, ensuring that her laboratory findings are guided by real-world medical needs. Beyond her clinical duties, she actively engages in research projects funded by the Hebei Natural Science Foundation (Project Code: H2021206048), where she leads investigations into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying ALS. Dr. Wen also collaborates extensively with multidisciplinary teams, including molecular biologists, geneticists, and pharmacologists, to accelerate the translation of benchside discoveries into bedside therapies. Her professional trajectory demonstrates a rare balance of medical excellence and scientific innovation.

Research Focus

Dr. Wen’s research is centered on neurodegenerative diseases, with a primary emphasis on ALS, a condition marked by progressive motor neuron degeneration leading to paralysis. Her landmark studies have shed light on the role of the OPTN gene in regulating autophagy and mitophagy—two crucial cellular processes involved in maintaining neuronal health. Using advanced genetic tools such as LV-sgRNA-OPTN and confocal live-cell imaging, she demonstrated how loss of OPTN impairs mitochondrial function, decreases autophagic flux, and increases oxidative stress in neuronal cells. Her work extends beyond cellular models, exploring gene therapy interventions in SOD1-G93A transgenic mice, where she has shown that enhancing autophagy pathways can protect mitochondria and potentially slow ALS progression. In parallel, Dr. Wen has contributed to research on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) as a neuroprotective agent, identifying its role in mitochondrial preservation and apoptosis inhibition. Her prolific publication record in high-impact journals like The FEBS Journal and Brain Research Bulletin underscores the depth and significance of her contributions to the global ALS research community.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Wen’s dedication to advancing neurological research has been recognized through multiple scientific publications indexed in SCI and other reputable databases. Her papers, some of which have achieved high citation counts, reflect both her innovative approach and her influence in the field of neurobiology. She holds professional memberships in the Sleep and Mood Disorders Professional Committee of Hebei Geriatric Association and the Young Physicians Committee of Hebei Medical Association, affirming her active engagement in professional and academic communities. These affiliations enable her to contribute to collaborative research networks and participate in shaping clinical and research agendas at regional and national levels.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Wen’s work extends beyond the laboratory, influencing both clinical strategies and future research directions for ALS and related neurodegenerative disorders. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind impaired autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction, she has opened new therapeutic avenues for slowing disease progression. Her studies on gene therapy interventions have the potential to revolutionize treatment protocols, offering hope to patients and their families. Furthermore, her research fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, encouraging the integration of neurology, genetics, and molecular biology in tackling complex neurological conditions.

Publications

OPTN gene therapy increases autophagy and protects mitochondria in SOD1‐G93A‐expressing transgenic mice and cells.

Author:Wen D; Ji Y; Yuanyuan Li; Duan W; Wang Y; Li Z; Tao M; Li Y
Journal: The FEBS Journal
Year:  2024

The role of insulin-like growth factor 1 in ALS cell and mouse models: A mitochondrial protector.

Author: Wen D; Cui C; Duan W; Wang W; Wang Y; Liu Y; Li Z; Li C
Journal: Brain Research Bulletin
Year: 2019

Systemic administration of scAAV9-IGF1 extends survival in SOD1G93A ALS mice via inhibiting p38 MAPK and the JNK-mediated apoptosis pathway.

Author: Wang W; Wen D; Duan W; Yin J ; Cui C; Wang Y; Liu Y; Li C
Journal: Brain Research Bulletin
Year: 2017

TBK1 is involved in M-CSF-induced macrophage polarization through mediating the IRF5/IRF4 axis.

Author: Li Y, Ji L, Liu C, Li J, Wen D, Li Z , Yu L, Guo M, Zhang S, Duan W , Yi L, Y. Bi Y, Bu H, Li C and Liu Y
Journal:The FEBS Journal
Year: 2024

Intrathecal Delivery of ssAAV9-DAO Extends Survival in SOD1G93A ALS Mice.

Author: Wang W, Duan W, Wang Y, Wen D, Liu Y, Li Z, Hu H, Cui H, Cui C, Lin H, Li C
Journal: Neurochem Research
Year: 2017

Conclusion

Dr. Di Wen, of The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, stands as a dedicated clinician–scientist whose work seamlessly bridges advanced research and compassionate patient care. Through her pioneering studies on autophagy, mitophagy, and gene therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, she has significantly advanced the understanding of disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. Her contributions, reflected in high-impact publications, professional leadership roles, and collaborative projects, underscore her influence in the neurological research community. With a clear vision for future innovations in personalized neurotherapies, Dr. Wen continues to inspire progress toward effective treatments for complex neurodegenerative diseases.

SHAOYING WU | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Shaoying Wu | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Shaoying Wu, Hainan University, China

Prof. Shaoying Wu is a distinguished Chair Professor at Hainan University, China, specializing in agricultural pest control and insect molecular biology. With a Ph.D. from China Agricultural University, she leads one of the core teams at national-level laboratories focused on green prevention of tropical agricultural pests. Prof. Wu has held roles in both academia and international research institutions, including a postdoctoral tenure at Michigan State University. She has authored over 40 high-impact publications and serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Economic Entomology. Her work significantly contributes to pesticide resistance mechanisms and sustainable pest management strategies in tropical agriculture.

Author Profile

Scopus

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Shaoying Wu embarked on her scientific journey with a clear focus on agriculture and entomology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Plant Protection from Henan Agricultural University in 2002. Her curiosity and dedication to understanding agricultural pests led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control, a collaborative program between Henan Agricultural University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, which she completed in 2005.

Determined to deepen her expertise, she then completed her Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control at China Agricultural University in 2012, a top institution for agricultural studies. Her early academic journey reflects a consistent dedication to tackling crop protection through scientific innovation and insect physiology.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Professor Wu’s career trajectory showcases her progressive academic and research roles. After gaining initial experience as a Graduate Research Associate and Lecturer at Henan Agricultural University (2005–2012), she was promoted to Associate Professor (2012–2018). Her commitment to international collaboration is evident from her postdoctoral research at Michigan State University, USA (2014–2017), where she expanded her knowledge and collaborated with global experts in entomology.

In 2018, she joined Hainan University as a Professor and Chair, currently serving in the Department of Entomology. She is also the Deputy Director of the department, contributing to both academic leadership and research excellence.

🐛 Contributions and Research Focus

Professor Wu is a recognized expert in insect molecular biology, integrated pest management, and the mechanisms of insecticide resistance. Her research prominently focuses on:

  • Voltage-gated sodium channel mutations in pest species

  • Resistance mechanisms to pyrethroids and DDT

  • Green and sustainable methods for pest control

  • Functional genomics and expression of resistance genes

Her research group is central to two prestigious entities:

  • The Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry Biological Disasters (Ministry of Education)

  • The Tropical Crop Pest Monitoring and Control Center at Hainan University

She has authored or co-authored 42 academic papers, with several published in top-tier journals such as Pest Management Science, PNAS, and Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Professor Wu’s achievements have been recognized at provincial and national levels. Some of her most notable accolades include:

  • 🏆 Henan Province May 4th Youth Medal (2018)

  • 🥉 Third Prize in the Hainan Yazhou Bay Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (2023)

  • 🎓 Excellent Graduate Tutor Team Award (2023)

  • 👩‍🔬 Recognized as Class C Talent by Hainan Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City (2022)

She has also served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Economic Entomology since 2019 and is a reviewer for top journals including Pest Management Science, Journal of Pest Science, and Insect Science.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Professor Wu’s research is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. Her projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Provincial Key Research Plans, and the Ministry of Agriculture highlight her pivotal role in national agricultural innovation.

She has investigated the molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance in species like Drosophila suzukii, Apolygus lucorum, and Myzus persicae, addressing real-world agricultural challenges.

Additionally, her participation in key international projects and editor roles reflects her growing influence in the global scientific community. As a long-standing member of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) and Overseas Chinese Entomologists Association (OCEA), she bridges research insights across borders.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions

Professor Wu is not only a prolific researcher but also a dedicated educator and mentor. Her mentorship has strengthened the next generation of entomologists in China, as evidenced by awards recognizing her role in student guidance.

Looking ahead, her ongoing projects on voltage-gated sodium ion channels, pyrethroid resistance, and green pest control technologies position her to contribute substantially to the global goals of food security and sustainable agriculture.

With a solid foundation in both theoretical research and applied solutions, Professor Shaoying Wu is building a legacy rooted in innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence.

📖Publication Top Notes

📘Alanine to glycine substitution in the PyR2 confers sodium channel resistance to Type I pyrethroids

Author: Mengli Chen, Likui Wang, Xiangyi Zhou, Guoxing Chen, Zhanyi Xu, Ru Yan, Jiali Qian, Guonian Zhu, Shaoying Wu, Huiming Wu

Journal: Pest Management science
Year: 2024