Mikiko Kudo | Neuroscience Discoveries | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Mikiko Kudo | Neuroscience Discoveries | Young Scientist Award

Kyusyu University | Japan

Mikiko Kudo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Molecular Neuroimmunology at the Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University. Her research focuses on brain development, neuroimmune interactions, and how maternal and early-life immune environments influence psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. She investigates microglial aging, stress-induced brain macrophage responses, and innate immune regulation during embryonic neurogenesis. Dr. Kudo identified and characterized the novel soluble molecule Akhirin, revealing its role in maintaining neural stem cell niche homeostasis and barrier integrity. She has published in leading neuroscience journals, received competitive research grants, and actively presents her work at international and national scientific conferences.
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Masaya Yamamoto | Neuroscience Discoveries | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Masaya Yamamoto | Neuroscience Discoveries | Research Excellence Award

Molecular Neuroscience Systems, Laboratory Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University | Japan

Dr. Masaya Yamamoto is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Molecular Neuroscience Systems Laboratory at the Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University. Trained as a physician-scientist, he holds an M.D. and a Ph.D. in Medical Science, with advanced expertise in molecular neuroscience and neurodegenerative disorders. His academic background combines rigorous clinical insight with cutting-edge basic research, positioning him at the forefront of modern brain science. Dr. Yamamoto’s research centers on uncovering how astrocytes actively regulate learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity. Moving beyond the traditional view of astrocytes as passive support cells, his work highlights their dynamic roles in cognitive processing. By integrating molecular neuroscience, in vivo imaging, and spatiotemporal proteomics, he investigates neuron–glia interactions across multiple biological scales. His research portfolio includes several completed and ongoing projects that collectively aim to decode the cellular and molecular logic underlying cognitive function and neurodegeneration. He has published peer-reviewed research and review articles in internationally recognized journals, including Neurotherapeutics and Cells. Notably, his integrative review work has provided a unifying framework that connects nanoscale astrocytic calcium signaling, multisynaptic integration, and network-level astrocyte ensemble dynamics. This synthesis has contributed to a paradigm shift in understanding how astrocytes influence memory formation and information processing in the brain. Dr. Yamamoto is an active member of the Japanese Society for Neurochemistry and contributes to the scientific community through interdisciplinary research that bridges molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience. Although he has not yet pursued patents, consultancy, or editorial roles, his work demonstrates strong translational potential, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders. Through his innovative research approach and conceptual contributions, Dr. Yamamoto has helped redefine the role of glial cells in cognition. His achievements reflect a strong commitment to research excellence, making him a highly suitable candidate for the Research Excellence Award.


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Zhifeng Liu | Neuroscience Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhifeng Liu | Neuroscience Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhifeng Liu | University of Chinese Medicine | China

Dr. Liu Zhifeng is an Assistant Researcher at the Department of Massage and Pain, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, specializing in tuina mechanisms for peripheral nerve injury, neuropathic pain management, and pediatric fever reduction. He holds a PhD in Acupuncture and Massage from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine under the supervision of Prof. Yu Tianyuan, with prior master’s and bachelor’s training from Shandong Traditional Chinese Medicine University. His research integrates clinical practice with multi-omics approaches to explore tuina’s efficacy, resulting in multiple first-author SCI publications, including in Frontiers in Neuroscience and Frontiers in Microbiology. Dr. Liu has also contributed as an editorial board member for key academic works, presided over funded projects, and actively participated in national research programs. Recognized with several scholarships and national awards, he has presented at major TCM massage conferences and engaged in teaching, training, and community health services, reflecting his commitment to advancing traditional Chinese medicine through both research and practice.

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Featured Publications

Jiawei, S., Yingqi, Z., Zhifeng, L., Hanyu, Z., Jiayue, L., Yue, X., Rentuya, N., Hongzheng, Z., Jiawang, Y., & Tianyuan, Y. (2025). Chinese massage therapy (Tuina) inhibits motor neuron apoptosis in rats with sciatic nerve injury by regulating the cPLA2 and RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathways. Frontiers in Neurology, 16, 1622602.

Liu, Z.-F., Zhang, Y., Liu, J., Wang, Y.-Y., Chen, M., Liu, E.-Y., Guo, J.-M., Wang, Y.-H., Weng, Z.-W., Liu, C.-X., et al. (2024). Effect of traditional Chinese non-pharmacological therapies on knee osteoarthritis: A narrative review of clinical application and mechanism. Orthopedic Research and Reviews, 16, 1–14.

Liu, Z.-F., Wang, H.-R., Yu, T.-Y., Zhang, Y.-Q., Jiao, Y., & Wang, X.-Y. (2022). Tuina for peripherally-induced neuropathic pain: A review of analgesic mechanism. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 1096734.

Wang, H., Liu, Z., Yu, T., Zhang, Y., Jiao, Y., Wang, X., Du, H., Jiang, R., Liu, D., Xu, Y., et al. (2022). The effect of Tuina on ulcerative colitis model mice analyzed by gut microbiota and proteomics. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 976239.

Lyu, T., Liu, Z., Yu, T., Lu, M., Zhang, Y., Jiao, Y., Wang, H., Xu, Y., & Guan, Q. (2022). Applying RNA sequencing technology to explore repair mechanism of Tuina on gastrocnemius muscle in sciatic nerve injury rats. Chinese Medical Journal, 135(19), 2349–2358.

Wang, H., Liu, Z., Yu, T., Zhang, Y., Xu, Y., Jiao, Y., Guan, Q., & Liu, D. (2022). Exploring the mechanism of immediate analgesic effect of one-time Tuina intervention in minor chronic constriction injury rats using RNA-seq. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 1007432.

Liu, Z., Jiao, Y., Yu, T., Wang, H., Zhang, Y., Liu, D., Xu, Y., & Guan, Q. (2022). A review on the immunomodulatory mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022, 8528938.

Liu, Z., Wang, H., Yu, T., Jiao, Y., Zhang, Y., Liu, D., Xu, Y., & Guan, Q. (2021). A review on the mechanism of Tuina promoting the recovery of peripheral nerve injury. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 6652099.

 

Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi | Neuroscience Discoveries | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi | Neuroscience Discoveries | Best Research Article Award

Fasa University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi, affiliated with Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Iran, is a distinguished researcher in the fields of stem cells, reproductive medicine, cancer biology, and herbal therapeutics. She holds a Ph.D. in Anatomical Sciences from Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, building on her earlier studies in midwifery and anatomical sciences at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Her scholarly contributions are widely recognized, with 59 published documents indexed in Scopus, cited by 568 publications, amounting to 630 citations and an h-index of 13, reflecting the strong impact of her research. Dr. Rezaei-Tazangi’s investigations bridge experimental and translational science, with a special focus on mesenchymal stem cells, oxidative stress, fertility preservation, and the therapeutic promise of natural compounds and nano-based drug formulations. She has provided valuable insights into mechanisms such as ferroptosis, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem cell-derived secretomes in relation to cancer and regenerative medicine. Her collaborative research record includes work with over 260 co-authors, highlighting her active engagement with the global scientific community. By combining advanced cellular biology with herbal and nanotechnology-based approaches, she contributes to the development of innovative strategies for reproductive health and oncology. With a growing research impact and a diverse body of work, Dr. Rezaei-Tazangi is an emerging leader in biomedical sciences, committed to advancing healthcare solutions through interdisciplinary and impactful research.

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Featured Publications

“Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer”

“Crosstalk between ferroptosis and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition: Implications for inflammation and cancer therapy”

“Cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer: Signaling pathways involved in stemness and therapy resistance”

“The emerging role of regulatory cell-based therapy in autoimmune disease”

“Nano-scale delivery systems for siRNA delivery in cancer therapy: New era of gene therapy empowered by nanotechnology”

“Taurine effects on Bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress in the mouse testicular mitochondria and sperm motility”

“Harnessing function of EMT in cancer drug resistance: a metastasis regulator determines chemotherapy response”

“The therapeutic potential of common herbal and nano-based herbal formulations against ovarian cancer: New insight into the current evidence”

“Tumor-derived exosomal non-coding RNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in cancer”

“Quercetin and Osteoarthritis: A Mechanistic Review on the Present Documents”

“The endocannabinoid system, a new gatekeeper in the pharmacology of human hepatocellular carcinoma”

“A review of methods for preserving male fertility”

“Can mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue and their conditioned medium improve ovarian functions? A mini-review”

“Effects of Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells-derived secretome on colon carcinoma HT-29 cells”

Haishan Jiang | Medical Discoveries | Innovation in Science Award

Dr. Haishan Jiang | Medical Discoveries | Innovation in Science Award 

Dr. Haishan Jiang, Southern Medical University, China

Dr. Haishan Jiang, Chief Physician and Associate Professor at Southern Medical University’s Nanfang Hospital, is a leading expert in neurology, specializing in myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and rare neurological diseases. As Deputy Director of the Neurology Department and head of the Myopathy and Peripheral Neuropathy subspecialty, he has pioneered gene therapies for SMA and ALS in South China. His research focuses on motor neuron and mitochondrial diseases, as well as gene therapy for rare conditions. Widely recognized, Dr. Jiang has been honored as the “Good Doctor of Guangzhou” and ranks top nationally in physician recommendations for multiple rare diseases.

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ORCID

🧑‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Haishan Jiang embarked on his medical journey with a deep-rooted commitment to understanding the complexities of the human nervous system. With a Doctor of Medicine degree and solid academic grounding, he demonstrated early on a keen interest in neurology, particularly in the areas of myopathy and peripheral neuropathy. His academic path was marked by diligence, a sharp scientific mind, and a profound dedication to uncovering the underlying mechanisms of rare neurological diseases. As a postgraduate supervisor, Dr. Jiang has also shown a strong passion for nurturing the next generation of medical professionals, sharing his knowledge and guiding their research pursuits with patience and precision.

🩺 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving at Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dr. Jiang holds several key positions: Chief Physician, Associate Professor, Deputy Director of the Neurology Department, Director of Teaching, and Head of the Myopathy and Peripheral Neuropathy subspecialty. His clinical expertise spans a wide spectrum of neurological disorders, with a particular emphasis on difficult and rare conditions such as motor neuron disease (ALS), mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, and adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Dr. Jiang’s commitment to clinical excellence has led him to establish and lead the Guangdong Province Myopathy and Peripheral Nerve Specialized Alliance, a network aimed at advancing diagnosis, treatment, and research collaboration. Under his leadership, the department ranks among the top two nationally in terms of annual muscle and nerve biopsy volume, solidifying its reputation as a hub for neuromuscular disease care.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Jiang’s research interests are firmly rooted in neurogenetic disorders, particularly motor neuron diseases (ALS) and mitochondrial disorders. His work seamlessly blends basic science with clinical application, focusing on understanding disease mechanisms and exploring cutting-edge gene therapy approaches. He has spearheaded some of South China’s most advanced gene therapy trials, including the region’s first gene therapy for adult SMA—the fourth such case in the country—and the first ALS gene therapy clinical trial in South China, also the second nationwide. His pioneering research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also offers hope to patients battling previously untreatable conditions. Through his clinical studies, Dr. Jiang is pushing the frontiers of personalized medicine, bringing precision diagnostics and therapy into the mainstream for rare and complex neurological diseases.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Haishan Jiang’s unwavering dedication to medical science and patient care has earned him widespread acclaim. Notably, he was honored as the sixth “Good Doctor of Guangzhou” and selected as part of the ninth batch of “Outstanding Provincial and Municipal Talents Supporting Xinjiang”, a testament to both his clinical excellence and humanitarian spirit. Furthermore, he was recognized by the Good Doctor Network as an “Annual Good Doctor” for his exceptional service in rare disease diagnosis and treatment. His reputation as a leading clinician is reflected in his top rankings in national physician recommendation lists—first place for 13 diseases, including ALS and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, and second place for 15 others. These accolades not only highlight his expertise but also the trust he has earned from patients and peers alike.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Jiang’s work has had a transformative impact on neurology in China, particularly in the realm of rare diseases. By advancing the use of gene therapy and establishing regional alliances, he has created a robust infrastructure for collaboration, research, and clinical care. His contributions have significantly improved diagnostic timelines and therapeutic options for patients who previously faced long diagnostic odysseys and limited treatment possibilities. As a teacher and mentor, Dr. Jiang has shaped the careers of countless postgraduate students and young doctors, many of whom now contribute to clinical neurology and research across the country. His influence extends beyond the clinic to policy and advocacy, where he is a strong voice for the rare disease community.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Haishan Jiang stands at the forefront of a new era in neurology, where genomics and personalized medicine are reshaping how we understand and treat complex diseases. His legacy is already evident in the systems he has built, the patients he has helped, and the students he has inspired. Looking ahead, Dr. Jiang aims to further expand gene therapy applications, develop innovative treatment protocols, and foster international collaboration in rare disease research. With his continued focus on combining scientific rigor with compassionate care, Dr. Jiang is set to leave a lasting legacy in Chinese and global neurology. His work is not only rewriting the medical narrative for patients with rare conditions but also paving the way for future breakthroughs in neuroscience.

✍️ Publication Top Notes


📘A Multicenter Study of Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis in China

Author: Xujun Chu; Juan Kang; Jingwen Xu; Haishan Jiang; Zhi‐Ying Wu; Qingping Wang; Wei Li; Jia Li;
Journal: Annals of Neurology
Year:2025

📘Knockdown of OPTN modulates miRNA-125b-5p expression via NF-κB pathways in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Author: Jian Qin; Ye He; Weiyi Yu; Zhaoyong Zhang; Xiaodan Chen; Yafang Hu; Haishan Jiang
Journal: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Year: 2025

📘Clinical features of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis-polyneuropathy with transthyretin Ala97Ser(p.Ala117Ser) mutation in South Mainland China

Author: Yeli Zhu; Jingxian Fan; Xiying Zhu; Wei Li; Zhaoyong Zhang; Hui Zheng; Zhihua Zhou; Lingchao Meng; Ruxu Zhang; Haishan Jiang
Journal: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases
Year: 2025