Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meilang Xue | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award
University of Sydney | Australia
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meilang Xue embarked on her academic journey with a strong passion for biomedical sciences. She earned her PhD from the University of New South Wales in 2002, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in molecular and cellular research. Her early academic years were marked by an inquisitive drive to uncover the intricate mechanisms of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, setting the stage for groundbreaking discoveries in the field.
Professional Endeavors 🏢
Dr. Xue is currently the Head of the Sutton Arthritis Research Laboratory and the Chief Scientist of the A3BC Biobank at the Institute of Bone & Joint Research, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney. Since joining the Sutton Lab after her PhD, she has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Her leadership in these roles has facilitated significant research collaborations and the translation of scientific findings into potential therapeutic applications.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
Dr. Xue's research primarily explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. She was the first to elucidate the critical role of the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and its anti-clotting properties within the synovial joint and skin. These discoveries have revolutionized the understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, skin inflammation, and even type 1 diabetes. Her research has been widely recognized in high-impact journals such as Ann Rheum Dis, Arthritis Rheum, Rheumatology, and Journal of Investigative Dermatology. With 92 publications, 25 patents, and over 6,200 citations, her work has significantly contributed to medical science.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
Dr. Xue's exemplary contributions have earned her numerous prestigious research fellowships and grants exceeding $5 million, funded by the NHMRC, Arthritis Australia, Lincoln Centre, JDRF International, and industry partners. She has been ranked as the 12th world-leading expert in endothelial protein C receptor research, placing her in the top 0.67% of published authors worldwide in this domain. Her h-index of 37 further underscores her influential impact on the field.
Impact and Influence 🌍
Beyond her research, Dr. Xue has played a crucial role in fostering the next generation of scientists. She has mentored and supervised numerous PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, honors students, and research assistants. As a committee member of the Kolling Institute’s Musculoskeletal Priority Research Area Leadership Group and the Kolling Research Enabler Group, she continues to shape the direction of musculoskeletal research. Additionally, her work with the A3BC as a Steering Committee member and chief scientist since 2017 has strengthened national and international research collaborations.
Legacy and Future Contributions 📚
Dr. Xue's dedication to scientific excellence ensures a lasting legacy in inflammatory and autoimmune disease research. Her ongoing studies into the protein C system’s role in disease modulation continue to inspire new therapeutic strategies. With her leadership in academia and industry collaborations, she is set to drive further advancements in precision medicine. Her unwavering commitment to research, mentorship, and innovation cements her reputation as a trailblazer in the field of molecular medicine.
Publications
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📄 Endothelial Protein C Receptor: A Multifunctional Mediator in the Pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author(s): Meilang Xue, Lyn March
Journal: Cells
Year: 2025
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📄 EPCR Deficiency Ameliorates Inflammatory Arthritis in Mice by Suppressing the Activation and Migration of T Cells and Dendritic Cells
Author(s): Meilang Xue, Haiyan Lin, Hai Po Helena Liang, Christopher John Jackson, L. M. March
Journal: Rheumatology (United Kingdom)
Year: 2024
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📄 Exploring the Association Between Circulating Endothelial Protein C Receptor and Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Pilot Study
Author(s): Meilang Xue, Haiyan Lin, Tom Lynch, Mihir Dilip Wechalekar, L. M. March
Journal: Rheumatology Advances in Practice
Year: 2024
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📄 Endothelial Protein C Receptor and 3K3A-Activated Protein C Protect Mice from Allergic Contact Dermatitis in a Contact Hypersensitivity Model
Author(s): Meilang Xue, Christopher John Jackson, Haiyan Lin, John H. Griffin, L. M. March
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2024
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📄 Involvement of PAR-2 in the Induction of Cell-Specific Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 by Activated Protein C in Cutaneous Wound Healing
Author(s): Sohel M. Julovi, Kelly J. McKelvey, Nikita Minhas, Meilang Xue, Christopher John Jackson
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2024