Hui Shen | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hui Shen | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

China Pharmaceutical University | China

Author Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Hui Shen embarked on his scientific journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from Wuhan University of Science and Technology (2008–2012), laying a strong foundation in the life sciences. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the prestigious University of Science and Technology of China (2012–2017). His doctoral thesis focused on structural biology, specifically analyzing proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Staphylococcus aureus, under the mentorship of Prof. Maikun Teng.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Shen has steadily ascended the academic ladder. After completing his Ph.D., he undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine (2018–2023). Working in Prof. Kathy Fange Liu's lab, he focused on RNA biology and molecular mechanisms in human cells. In 2023, he returned to China and assumed the role of Professor at China Pharmaceutical University in Nanjing, where he continues to contribute to cutting-edge research in the School of Life Science and Technology.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Shen's research centers on RNA biology, structural biochemistry, and epigenetic regulation. He has delved into RNA helicases, methyltransferases, and RNA-protein interactions, significantly expanding our understanding of sexually dimorphic RNA metabolism, ribosome assembly, and RNA modifications. His work has elucidated mechanisms of phase separation, methylation, and protein structure-function relationships, all of which are vital for both basic science and therapeutic development.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Shen’s scholarly output is remarkable. He has published over a dozen first-author papers in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Molecular Cell, Genes & Development, and Journal of Biological Chemistry. His co-authored works also feature in Science Advances, Nature Communications, and ACS Catalysis, underscoring his collaborative and interdisciplinary impact. His presence in top-tier international conferences, including the RNA Society Annual Meeting and the Global Congress of Chinese Biologists, reflects peer recognition of his contributions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Shen’s work has influenced fields such as cancer biology, infectious disease research, and epigenetics. For instance, his studies on the DDX3X/DDX3Y helicases and DIMT1 methyltransferases provide novel insights into cell proliferation, translation regulation, and leukemia biology. His findings are not only academically significant but also open avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting RNA and protein modification pathways.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a rising star in molecular biology, Prof. Shen is well-positioned to leave a lasting legacy. With a strong publication track record, international training, and a leadership role in China, he is expected to mentor the next generation of scientists while continuing to pioneer research at the interface of structure and function in RNA biology. His work is likely to shape future innovations in biomedicine and pharmaceutical sciences, strengthening China’s global research footprint.

Publications


  • 📄 Specific catalytically impaired DDX3X mutants form sexually dimorphic hollow condensates
    Authors: Owens MC*, Shen H*, Yanas A, Mendoza-Figueroa MS, Lavorando E, Wei XY, Shweta H, Tang HY, Goldman YE, Liu KF
    Journal: Nature Communications
    Year: 2024


  • 📄 Identification of an RNA-binding region in 18S dimethyladenosine methyltransferase DIMT1 essential for proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cells
    Authors: Gonskikh Y*, Stoute J*, Shen H*, Budinich K, Pingul B, Schultz K, Marmorstein R, Shi JW, Liu KF
    Journal: Genes & Development
    Year: 2023


  • 📄 Sexually dimorphic RNA helicases DDX3X and DDX3Y differentially regulate RNA metabolism through phase separation
    Authors: Shen H*, Yanas A*, Owens MC, Zhang C, Fritsch C, Fare CM, Copley KE, Shorter J, Goldman YE, Liu KF
    Journal: Molecular Cell
    Year: 2022


  • 📄 Human DIMT1 generates N2⁶,6A-dimethylation-containing small RNAs
    Authors: Shen H, Gonskikh Y, Stoute J, Liu KF
    Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
    Year: 2021


  • 📄 TET-mediated 5-methylcytosine oxidation in tRNA promotes translation
    Authors: Shen H*, Ontiveros RJ*, Owens MC, Liu MY, Ghanty U, Kohli RM, Liu KF
    Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
    Year: 2021


 

Yunlong Liu | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yunlong Liu | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Tiangong University | China

Author Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yunlong Liu was born in August 1995 in Chengde, Hebei Province, China. His academic journey began with a strong foundation in the biological sciences, which led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at China Agricultural University from 2018 to 2023. During his doctoral studies, he delved into structural biology, focusing on unraveling the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation mediated by nuclear receptors and other transcription factors. His exceptional research prowess and dedication earned him prestigious accolades, such as the National Ph.D. Scholarship and the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Since August 2023, Dr. Liu has been serving as a Lecturer at the College of Life Sciences, Tiangong University. His transition from a promising Ph.D. scholar to a faculty member highlights his commitment to academia and scientific research. His role involves not only imparting knowledge to the next generation of scientists but also continuing his cutting-edge research in structural biology and transcriptional regulation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Liu's research is centered on understanding the structural and functional dynamics of nuclear receptors and transcription factors. He has determined seven crystal structures of protein monomers, protein-protein complexes, and protein-nucleic acid complexes. His work led to the identification of a nuclear receptor inhibitor with 100-fold enhanced efficacy, marking a significant breakthrough in molecular biology. His research contributions are reflected in his publications, including a sole first-author paper in Nucleic Acids Research with an impact factor of 19.16, as well as co-authored papers in Cell Discovery with an impact factor of 38.1 and the Journal of Biological Chemistry with an impact factor of 5.8. He has also played a crucial role in leading prestigious research projects, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Tianjin Top Scientist Studio Program, securing substantial funding for his research. His studies contribute to a deeper understanding of transcriptional regulation, a crucial aspect in fields like genetics, cancer research, and pharmaceutical development.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Liu’s remarkable contributions to structural biology have been acknowledged with numerous awards. He received the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award and the Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate Award from China Agricultural University in 2023. In 2022, he was awarded the National Ph.D. Scholarship, ranking second in his college. During his undergraduate years, he secured the Second Prize in the National Mathematical Modeling Competition in 2016 and was a recipient of the National Inspirational Scholarships in 2016 and 2017. He was also honored as an Outstanding Graduate in 2018. These accolades highlight his exceptional academic excellence and research contributions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Liu’s groundbreaking work has significantly influenced the field of structural biology, particularly in transcriptional regulation. His high-impact publications and research findings pave the way for advancements in drug discovery, genetic regulation, and medical therapeutics. By identifying novel molecular mechanisms and inhibitors, his work has the potential to drive innovations in treating diseases linked to transcriptional dysregulation, such as cancer and metabolic disorders. Beyond research, Dr. Liu's role as a lecturer enables him to inspire and mentor young scientists. His transition from a student to a faculty member positions him as a role model for aspiring biochemists and molecular biologists.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Liu is set to make even more substantial contributions to the scientific community. His ongoing research projects, including those funded by national and provincial grants, will continue to advance the understanding of transcriptional regulation. With his expertise in structural biology and biochemistry, he is poised to make further discoveries that will shape the future of molecular medicine. As he continues his academic journey, Dr. Liu’s legacy will be defined by his unwavering dedication to science, his contributions to groundbreaking research, and his role in nurturing the next generation of scientists. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, intellect, and scientific curiosity in pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

 

Publications


  • 📄The Progress and Evolving Trends in Nucleic-Acid-Based Therapies
    Authors: Yunlong Liu, Chunmiao Wang, Xiuping Fu, Mengtian Ren
    Journal: Biomolecules
    Year: 2025


  • 📄Structural Basis of Nucleic Acid Recognition and 6mA Demethylation by Caenorhabditis elegans NMAD-1A
    Authors: Guohui Shang, Meiting Yang, Min Li, Lulu Ma, Yunlong Liu, Jun Ma, Yiyun Chen, Xue Wang, Shilong Fan, Mengjia Xie, et al.
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2024


  • 📄Structures of Human TR4LBD–JAZF1 and TR4DBD–DNA Complexes Reveal the Molecular Basis of Transcriptional Regulation
    Authors: Yunlong Liu, Lulu Ma, Min Li, Zizi Tian, Meiting Yang, Xi Wu, Xue Wang, Guohui Shang, Mengjia Xie, Yiyun Chen, et al.
    Journal: Nucleic Acids Research
    Year: 2023


  • 📄Structures of MPND Reveal the Molecular Recognition of Nucleosomes
    Authors: Meiting Yang, Xiaorong Li, Zizi Tian, Lulu Ma, Jun Ma, Yunlong Liu, Guohui Shang, Ailing Liang, Wei Wu, Zhongzhou Chen
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2023


  • 📄Structural Insights into the Interactions and Epigenetic Functions of Human Nucleic Acid Repair Protein ALKBH6
    Authors: Lulu Ma, Hongyun Lu, Zizi Tian, Meiting Yang, Jun Ma, Guohui Shang, Yunlong Liu, Mengjia Xie, Guoguo Wang, Wei Wu, et al.
    Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
    Year: 2022