Xianguo Chen | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Xianguo Chen | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Research Excellence Award

Zhejiang University School of Medicine | China

Professor Xianguo Chen is a distinguished thoracic surgeon and senior medical expert at the School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, where he serves as Professor and Chief Physician at the Affiliated Jinhua Hospital. With a strong academic foundation, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Zhejiang Medical University in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Surgery from Zhejiang University in 2003. Over nearly three decades of clinical and research experience, Professor Chen has established himself as a leading figure in thoracic oncology, pulmonary diseases, and precision cancer therapeutics. His professional journey at Zhejiang University’s Affiliated Jinhua Hospital began in 1996, advancing from Physician to Attending Physician in 2000, Associate Chief Physician in 2006, and Chief Physician in 2011, reflecting his outstanding clinical expertise, leadership, and dedication to patient care. Professor Chen’s research interests lie at the intersection of thoracic surgery, molecular oncology, targeted cancer therapy, and tumor metabolism. He has led several high-impact scientific projects funded by provincial and municipal agencies. These include a major Jinhua Science and Technology Plan project investigating the regulatory effects of acacetin on SMYD2-mediated DNA damage repair inhibition, a provincial health science project exploring the mechanism by which KMT3C mediates osimertinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer through ENO1-driven glycolysis, and an influential study on pulmonary nodule differentiation and lung cancer progression involving metabolomics and fecal microbiota transplantation. His research has made significant contributions to understanding tumor resistance mechanisms, novel biomarkers, and innovative therapeutic strategies for lung cancer. An accomplished scholar, Professor Chen has authored numerous publications in internationally recognized journals. His recent works include studies on miR-1293 and angiogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma, carbonic anhydrase 4 as a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC, identification of novel RET fusions and ALK translocations, and advancements in postoperative drainage techniques for lung cancer surgery. As first author, corresponding author, or co-corresponding author, his publications reflect his strong commitment to advancing thoracic oncology research. Beyond clinical and research excellence, Professor Chen plays a vital leadership role in several professional medical organizations. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Thoracic Surgery Branch of the Zhejiang Medical Association, Executive Vice Chairman of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Branch of the Jinhua Medical Association, and holds additional appointments in regional cancer prevention and thoracic surgery committees. Through his multifaceted contributions, Professor Xianguo Chen continues to shape the future of thoracic surgery and lung cancer research in China and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Lou, Y., Xu, B., Huang, K., Li, X., Jin, H., Ding, L., Ning, S., & Chen, X. (2024). Knockdown of miR-1293 attenuates lung adenocarcinoma angiogenesis via Spry4 upregulation-mediated ERK1/2 signaling inhibition. Biochemical Pharmacology, 226, 116414.

Xu, B., Lou, Y., Xu, X., Li, X., Tian, X., Yu, Z., & Chen, X. (2023). Carbonic anhydrase 4 serves as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer: A study based on TGA samples. Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening, 26(14), 2527–2540.

Xu, X., Wang, H., Yu, Z., & Chen, X. (2022). A novel RET fusion in non-small cell lung cancer identified by next-generation sequencing: A case report. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 148(7), 1825–1827.

Chen, X., Xu, B., Fu, F., Cai, K., & Yu, Z. (2021). A novel nonreciprocal/reciprocal ALK translocation causing ALK+ in NSCLC. Lung Cancer, 158, 162–163.

Li, X., Chen, X., He, S., & Chen, H. (2021). The application of pigtail catheters in postoperative drainage of lung cancer. Clinical Lung Cancer, 23(3), e196–e202.

Hongmei Zhang | Neutoxicology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Hongmei Zhang | Neutoxicology | Best Researcher Award

Shanxi Medical University | China

Dr. Hongmei Zhang is a distinguished Professor at the School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, China. She is internationally recognized for her pioneering research on the neurotoxicity of environmental pollutants. Her primary focus is on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, exploring how these substances affect brain development and function. Dr. Zhang has extensively investigated the mechanisms through which early-life exposure to PBDEs and PAHs results in irreversible neurodevelopmental toxicity. A central theme of her work is the ROS/RNS-calpain-cdk5/p25-Prxs-ROS/RNS feedback loop, which she has identified as a key pathway in pollutant-induced neuronal damage. Her studies also highlight the role of microglial activation in neuroinflammation, linking it to cognitive deficits caused by environmental toxins. She has uncovered important insights into BDNF gene methylation as a mediator of PAHs-induced cognitive dysfunction. Dr. Zhang has contributed over 50 peer-reviewed articles to high-impact journals, significantly advancing the field of environmental neurotoxicology. Her work has been cited approximately 795 times, reflecting the influence and relevance of her research. She holds an h-index of 18, indicating sustained scholarly impact. In addition to her research, she has trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Dr. Zhang broadened her academic perspective as a visiting scholar at the University of Cincinnati in 2013–2014. She was promoted to full professor in 2019, recognizing her outstanding contributions to science and education. Her work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other leading institutions. Beyond laboratory research, she actively collaborates with national and international scholars. Her studies bridge molecular mechanisms with public health implications. Dr. Zhang is a frequent speaker at conferences, sharing insights on environmental risk assessment. She is committed to translating scientific findings into policies that protect vulnerable populations. Her research integrates neuroscience, toxicology, and epigenetics for a holistic understanding of environmental hazards. Through her career, Dr. Zhang has established herself as a leader in environmental neurotoxicity research, shaping the next generation of scientists.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

“The effect and mechanism of NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy in aluminum-induced ferroptosis of PC12 cells”.

“A novel ecological risk assessment method of potentially toxic elements based on soil nematode communities”.

“MiR-134-5p/BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway involved in the depression-like behaviors in mice following exposure to benzo[a]pyrene”.

“Sources and health risks of heavy metal(loid) contamination in farmland near Shanxi coal mines”.