Kuangyn Yen | Gene Regulation and Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kuangyn Yen | Gene Regulation and Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award

Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College | China 

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📘 KUANGYU YEN, PhD: PIONEER IN TRANSCRIPTION REGULATION AND CHROMATIN DYNAMICS

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Kuangyu Yen's academic journey began at National Taiwan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture (Molecular Biology Unit) in 1998. His passion for molecular biology led him to pursue advanced degrees at the University of Manchester, UK, where he completed both an MRes (2001) and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology (2005). His doctoral research laid the foundation for his expertise in transcription regulation, setting the stage for his future research endeavors.

💼 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Yen's professional career is marked by a blend of international experiences and prestigious appointments:

  • Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (2022-present): Researcher.
  • Southern Medical University (2014-2022): Professor, where he contributed significantly to the academic and research community in Guangzhou, China.
  • Pennsylvania State University (2008-2014): Post-doctoral fellow and later Research Assistant Professor, expanding his expertise in transcription regulation and chromatin dynamics.
  • University of Washington (2005-2007): Post-doctoral fellow, further deepening his understanding of molecular biology at the intersection of chromatin and transcription.
  • National Taiwan University (1998-2000): Research Assistant, where his scientific curiosity began to flourish.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON GENE REGULATION AND EPIGENETICS

Dr. Yen's research focus is on transcription regulation and its influence on cell fate determination, particularly through chromatin dynamics. His innovative use of bioinformatic tools, CRISPR/Cas9-engineered depletion, and biochemical reconstitution has made him a leader in understanding how chromatin regulates transcription in a spatiotemporal manner. His research has significant implications for disease diagnosis and treatment, especially in preventing precancerous cells from progressing into cancer cells. One of his notable contributions is the development of a two-tipping point model, which helps explain how cell fate transitions. This model has potential applications in both basic research and clinical practice, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms of various diseases.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Yen’s work has been internationally recognized, and he has secured multiple high-profile grants and awards, such as the Thousand Youth Talents Award and the Outstanding Youth Award. His research has attracted funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key Research and Development Program of China, and international collaborations such as the France-China Joint Research Projects Program. His influence extends to key speaking engagements and workshops in the field of epigenetics and hematopoiesis at global institutions, including John Hopkins University.

📊 ACADEMIC CITATIONS

With several publications to his name, Dr. Yen’s work is well-cited in the scientific community, reinforcing his status as an influential researcher in molecular biology. His contributions to understanding transcription regulation and chromatin dynamics continue to resonate, particularly in the areas of epigenetics and hematopoiesis.

🌟 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Kuangyu Yen’s legacy will likely center on his pioneering research into how chromatin structure affects transcriptional regulation and cell fate transitions. His use of cutting-edge tools like CRISPR/Cas9 and bioinformatics has laid the groundwork for future advancements in cancer prevention and molecular diagnostics. Moving forward, Dr. Yen’s ongoing research at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences is poised to further influence how scientists understand and manipulate transcription regulation. His editorial role at Communication Biology (2024-2026) and other professional activities suggest that his contributions to the field are far from over.

🚀 AWARDS AND PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

  • National Natural Science Foundation of China: Multiple grants for outstanding research, totaling over 500,000 USD.
  • Thousand Youth Talents Award: A prestigious recognition with funding of 0.67 million USD.
  • Numerous invited talks at top-tier institutions and international conferences.

Kuangyu Yen’s continuous dedication to his research and the academic community positions him as a transformative figure in molecular biology, with future contributions set to further shape the field.

📅 FUTURE HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Yen’s ongoing projects and his active engagement with the scientific community, including participation in international editorial boards and professional panels, indicate that his work will continue to shape the future of molecular biology research for years to come.

📑NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

"RUNX1 Upregulates CENPE to Promote Leukemic Cell Proliferation" 

  • Authors: Liu, S., Yang, J., Sun, G., Yen, K., & Lu, T. (2021).
  • Journal: Molecular Biosciences
  • Year: 2021

"Chemical screening reveals Ronidazole is a superior prodrug to Metronidazole for nitroreductase-induced cell ablation system in zebrafish larvae" 

  • Authors: Lai, S., Kumari, A., Liu, J., Yen, K., & Xu, J.
  • Journal: Genetics and Genomics
  • Year: 2021

"Comprehensive understanding of Tn5 insertion preference improves transcription regulatory element identification"

  • Authors: Zhang, H., Lu, T., Liu, S., Chen, F., & Yen, K.
  • Journal: NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics
  • Year: 2021

"Functional Verification of Novel ELMO1 Variants by Live Imaging in Zebrafish"

  • Authors: Xue, R., Wang, Y., Wang, T., Liu, Q., & Xu, J.
  • Journal: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Year: 2021

"SPI1-KLF1/LYL1 axis regulates lineage commitment during endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition from human pluripotent stem cells"

  • Authors: Qu, K., Mo, S., Huang, J., Shen, J., & Yen, K.
  • Journal: iScience
  • Year: 2024

Havva Ortabozkoyun | Gene Regulation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Havva Ortabozkoyun | Gene Regulation | Best Researcher Award

University of Miami Miller School of Medical / Sylvester Cancer Center | United States

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🧬 Havva Ortabozkoyun-Kara, PhD: Pioneering Epigenetics and Cancer Biology Researcher

🧑‍🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Havva Ortabozkoyun-Kara, PhD, embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey. Graduating with a stellar GPA of 3.80/4.00 in 2010, she demonstrated early on her dedication to understanding complex biological systems. Her education continued at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, where she pursued a Master of Science in Cancer Genomics and Developmental Biology. With a perfect GPA of 4.00/4.00, she excelled in this program, setting a strong foundation for her future research in cancer biology. Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara then achieved her PhD in Stem Cell Biology from New York University (NYU), where she graduated with a GPA of 3.89/4.00. During her doctoral studies, she delved into stem cell and developmental biology, further refining her focus on the mechanisms that drive cellular diversity and disease processes.

🧑‍🔬 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara’s professional journey is marked by her extensive research experience in some of the most prestigious laboratories in the world. She began as a rotation student in the lab of Iannis Aifantis at NYU, where she explored the role of the ubiquitin system in cancer and stem cell function. Her doctoral research, conducted in the lab of Danny Reinberg at NYU School of Medicine, involved pioneering work on the insulation function of CTCF and the characterization of Polycomb Repressive Complex (PRC1) during differentiation. After completing her PhD, she continued her research as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Reinberg Lab, focusing on gene regulation and the role of MAZ, CTCF, and other factors in disease processes. Currently, she holds a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she is studying novel insulation factors on gene regulation during developmental and disease processes.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON GENE REGULATION

Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara’s research has significantly advanced our understanding of epigenetics, stem cell biology, and cancer biology. Her work has centered on the intricate mechanisms of gene regulation, particularly the insulation functions that control the expression of Hox genes during development and in disease states. Through innovative CRISPR genetic screens and biochemical assays, she has identified key factors that cooperate with CTCF in these processes. Her research on the differences in Polycomb Repressive Complex composition during cellular differentiation has provided new insights into how these complexes contribute to the regulation of gene expression.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara’s contributions to the fields of epigenetics and stem cell biology have had a profound impact on our understanding of how genetic and biochemical mechanisms lead to cellular diversity and disease. Her findings on the role of insulation factors in gene regulation have opened new avenues for research in developmental biology and cancer, influencing the direction of studies in these fields. Her expertise is recognized internationally, and she continues to collaborate with leading scientists to push the boundaries of what we know about gene regulation and its implications for human health.

📚 ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara’s work has been widely cited in the academic community, reflecting the importance of her contributions to the scientific understanding of gene regulation. Her publications in high-impact journals are frequently referenced by other researchers in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry. These citations underscore the relevance of her work to ongoing research and its potential to inform new therapeutic approaches for diseases linked to epigenetic regulation.

🏆 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara continues her research at the University of Miami, her legacy is one of innovation and discovery. Her future contributions are expected to further illuminate the complex mechanisms of gene regulation and their role in development and disease. With her deep expertise in epigenetics and stem cell biology, she is poised to make significant advances in the understanding and treatment of diseases driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations. Her work will undoubtedly continue to influence the fields of molecular biology and genetics for years to come, inspiring future generations of scientists.

💡 INNOVATIVE APPROACHES

Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara is known for her creative and methodical approaches to scientific research. She has developed novel genetic and biochemical methods that have expanded the toolkit available to researchers studying epigenetic mechanisms. Her work not only provides critical insights but also equips the scientific community with new strategies for investigating and manipulating gene expression in various biological contexts.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

"CRISPR and biochemical screens identify MAZ as a cofactor in CTCF-mediated insulation at Hox clusters" 

  • Authors: Havva Ortabozkoyun, Pin-Yao Huang, Hyunwoo Cho, Varun Narendra, Gary LeRoy, Edgar Gonzalez-Buendia, Jane A Skok, Aristotelis Tsirigos, Esteban O Mazzoni, Danny Reinberg
  • Journal: Nature Genetics
  • Year: 2022

"A CRISPR Screen Identifies Myc-associated Zinc Finger Protein (MAZ) as an Insulator Functioning at CTCF boundaries in Hox Clusters" 

  • Authors: Havva Ortabozkoyun-Kara, Pin-Yao Huang, Hyunwoo Cho, Varun Narendra, Gary Leroy, Jane A. Skok, Aristotelis Tsirigos, Esteban O. Mazzoni, Danny Reinberg
  • Journal: BioRxiv
  • Year: 2020

"Members of an array of zinc finger proteins specify distinct Hox chromatin boundaries"

  • Authors: Havva Ortabozkoyun, Pin-Yao Huang, Edgar Gonzalez-Buendia, Hyein Cho, Sang Kim, Aristotelis Tsirigos, Esteban Mazzoni, Danny Reinberg
  • Journal: bioRxiv
  • Year: 2023

"Members of a Family of Zinc Finger Proteins Demarcate Chromatin Boundaries at Hox Clusters during Development, Ortabozkoyun et. al"

  • Authors: Havva Ortabozkoyun, Pin-Yao Huang, Edgar Gonzalez-Buendia, Hyunwoo Cho, Sang Y Kim, Aristotelis Tsirigos, Esteban O Mazzoni, Danny Reinberg
  • Journal: Mendeley Data
  • Year: 2024

"Novel chromatin insulating activities uncovered upon eliminating known insulators in vivo"

  • Authors: Havva Ortabozkoyun, P. Huang, H. Cho, E. Mazzoni, A. Tsirigos, D. Reinberg
  • Year: 2023

Hongmeng Su | Gene Regulations | Best Researcer Award

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Dr. Hongmeng Su | Gene Regulations and Epigenetics |  Best Researcer Award

Southeast University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Hongmeng Su embarked on an academic journey marked by a strong foundation in bioengineering, which laid the groundwork for subsequent achievements. Graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering in Bioengineering from Nanjing Agriculture University in 2019, Su's early academic pursuits showcased a dedication to biological sciences and a burgeoning interest in research.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Transitioning seamlessly from undergraduate to graduate studies, Su pursued a Master of Science in Biology at the School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, from 2019 to 2021. This period not only honed Su's research skills but also provided a platform for academic growth and exploration in the field of biology.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON GENE REGULATIONS AND EPIGENETICS

Su's contributions to the field of medical genetics and developmental biology are underscored by a multifaceted approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms driving hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Through meticulous research endeavors, Su has delved into the intricate interplay between non-coding RNA, transcription factors, and carcinogenesis, shedding light on key pathways implicated in cancer progression and metastasis.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Su's research findings have garnered recognition and accolades, affirming the significance of their contributions to the scientific community. Notably, Su's report on the combined analysis of m6A and m5C RNA methylation modulators received honorable mention at the 10th Member Congress and Academic Seminar of Jiangsu Genetic Association, showcasing the impact of their work on hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Su's scholarly endeavors have contributed to the advancement of knowledge in medical genetics, developmental biology, and cancer research. Their publications serve as a testament to their dedication to scientific inquiry and the dissemination of impactful findings within the academic community.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As a Ph.D. candidate at the Department of Medical Genetics & Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Su's legacy is characterized by a commitment to unraveling the complexities of hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Armed with a diverse skill set encompassing molecular and cellular experimentation, bioinformatics analysis, and statistical modeling, Su is poised to make enduring contributions to the field of cancer biology and beyond. Their future endeavors hold the promise of further elucidating the molecular underpinnings of cancer progression, informing novel therapeutic strategies, and ultimately, advancing human health.

Notable Publications

TRERNA1 upregulation mediated by HBx promotes sorafenib resistance and cell proliferation in HCC via targeting NRAS by sponging miR-22-3p 2021(35)

ETV4 facilitates angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma by upregulating MMP14 expression

Prognostic value of PD-L1 expression combined with hypoxia-associated immunosuppression in hepatocellular carcinoma