Xiangu Chen | Biomedical and Healthcare Applications | Best Research Article Award

Prof. Xianguo Chen | Biomedical and Healthcare Applications | Best Research Article Award

Professor | Zhejiang University School of Medicine | China

Dr. Xianguo Chen is an active researcher in the field of lung cancer biology, molecular oncology, and precision medicine, with a strong focus on exploring genetic alterations, therapeutic resistance mechanisms, and biomarker-driven clinical translation. Affiliated with the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Dr. Chen has established a robust research portfolio, contributing 16 scientific publications, accumulating 48 citations, and maintaining an h-index of 4, reflecting consistent scholarly impact within a rapidly evolving biomedical landscape.Dr. Chen’s research spans critical areas of lung adenocarcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), oncogenic signaling pathways, and clinical molecular diagnostics. His work includes multiple contributions as first author, corresponding author, and co-corresponding author, demonstrating scientific leadership and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Notable publications include studies on miR-1293–mediated angiogenesis regulation, carbonic anhydrase 4 as a prognostic biomarker, and the identification of novel RET and ALK fusions in NSCLC, each contributing valuable insights into cancer progression, heterogeneity, and precision-targeted therapy.His commitment to translational oncology is further reflected in several research grants. These include major funded projects focused on acacetin-mediated SMYD2 inhibition and DNA damage repair, KMT3C-driven osimertinib resistance via ENO1-regulated glycolysis, and metabolomic discrimination of pulmonary nodules combined with fecal microbiota transplantation strategies. These funded studies highlight his expertise in integrating molecular biology, bioinformatics, and therapeutic research to address pressing clinical challenges in cancer diagnosis and treatment.In addition to his publication record, Dr. Chen engages in collaborative research involving over 130 co-authors, demonstrating broad interdisciplinary partnerships across medical, molecular, and computational sciences. His recent article on machine learning–based immune prognosis modeling for lung adenocarcinoma extends his contributions into the domain of AI-assisted oncology, reinforcing the relevance of computational technologies in modern cancer research.Dr. Chen’s scientific efforts collectively aim to enhance early cancer detection, refine prognostic tools, and illuminate new molecular targets for therapy. Through his funded projects, high-quality publications, and sustained collaborative activity, he continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of global lung cancer research and its transition toward more personalized, mechanism-driven clinical care.

Profiles: Scopus | ResearchGate

Featured Publication

1.Construction and validation of immune prognosis model for lung adenocarcinoma based on machine learning. (2025). Frontiers in Oncology.

Dr. Xianguo Chen research advances precision oncology by uncovering molecular mechanisms that drive lung cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, enabling more accurate diagnostics and targeted treatment strategies.

Dr. Rainer Hubmann | Biomedical and Healthcare Applications | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rainer Hubmann | Biomedical and Healthcare Applications | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Red Cross | Austria

Mag. Dr. Rainer Hubmann embarked on his academic journey at the University of Vienna, earning his master’s degree in Biology/Genetics in 1996. During this time, he became an active member of the Cell Cycle Club under the leadership of Kim Nasmyth at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP). His passion for molecular biology led him to pursue his Ph.D. at the Medical University of Vienna, where he focused on the regulation of CD23 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), completing it in 2002.

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

🎓Education and Academic Background

Dr. Rainer Hubmann’s distinguished academic journey began at the University of Vienna, where he earned a Master’s degree in Biology and Genetics (1987–1996). During this time, he joined the prestigious Cell Cycle Club, led by Kim Nasmyth, sharpening his focus on cell cycle research. He pursued his Ph.D. thesis (1997–2002) at the Medical University of Vienna (MUW), investigating the Regulation of CD23 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). His postdoctoral work from 2002 to 2011 extended into pioneering studies on NOTCH2 regulation and the characterization of CLL stem cells. In 2022, he assumed the role of Group Leader and Senior Scientist at the Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, MUW, further solidifying his leadership in hematological research.

🔬 Research and Innovation

Dr. Hubmann’s research has made groundbreaking strides in NOTCH signaling and its implications in cancer. His work elucidates the central role of NOTCH2 signaling in CLL leukemogenesis, uncovering vital mechanisms of disease progression. He has identified GLIOTOXIN as a potent therapeutic NOTCH2/CSL transactivation inhibitor, presenting it as a promising alternative to conventional γ-secretase inhibitors. Furthermore, he discovered a tumor-suppressor role for NOTCH3 signaling in CLL, revealing its therapeutic potential. Dr. Hubmann’s studies have highlighted the recurring NOTCH2ΔNRR gain-of-function (GOF) mRNA deletions as potentially disease-defining genetic lesions in CLL. His innovative research also explores somatic recombination involving ancient and recent NOTCH2 gene variants, addressing hereditary, geographic, and gender-based variations.

🧪 Patents and Innovations

Dr. Hubmann’s contributions to translational medicine are protected by several patents. These include Gliotoxin for the treatment of NOTCH2-associated malignancies (WO/2006/135949; US Patent No 7,981,878) and NOTCH21A01/1a4-RFLP as a leukemia/tumor predisposition detection tool (MUW Tech-ID: 835.19). His patented innovations underscore his role in translating basic research into clinical applications.

💡 Technical Expertise

Dr. Hubmann possesses advanced technical skills pivotal to hematology and oncology research. His expertise includes gene expression and silencing techniques such as retroviral vectors and siRNA-mediated gene silencing. He is proficient in molecular analysis, including RT-PCR, Northern & Western blotting, and RNA-seq sequence analysis. His work extends to drug screening models, xenograft mouse models, and developing diagnostic tools for personalized medicine. His ability to blend bioinformatics with preclinical studies further enhances his contributions to the field.

💵 Funding and Grants

Over his career, Dr. Hubmann has secured significant funding for his research. Notable grants include FWF P15100 (2001) for studying the Regulation and Function of NOTCH2 in CLL, and ÖNB Jubiläumsfonds (2002, 2004) for exploring NOTCH2 in leukemogenesis. His work on GLIOTOXIN’s therapeutic potential was supported by Initiative Krebsforschung (2013), while his recent studies on NOTCH2ΔNRR deletions were funded by the Fellinger Krebsforschungsfonds (2022). These funding milestones reflect the impact and importance of his research.

🏆 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Hubmann’s outstanding contributions to medical research have earned him numerous accolades. In 1999, he received the Aventis Stiftung Award for his work on fibroblast growth factor in Hairy Cell Leukemia. His innovative findings on interferon-alpha in Hairy Cell Leukemia earned the Erste Bank Preis in 2001. In 2005 and 2010, he was awarded the Sanofi-Aventis Prize for breakthroughs in cancer therapy and PI3-K/Akt/CK2 signaling. Additionally, the Paracelsus Medical University Award (2008) recognized his research on TGF-β in Radon therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis patients.

🏢 Professional Memberships

Dr. Hubmann is an esteemed member of the Austrian Society for Hematology and Oncology (ÖGHO). He serves as the Vice Coordinator of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna (CCC) Research Cluster, focusing on Microenvironment, Vasculature, and Metastasis, underscoring his leadership in advancing cancer research.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

Since 1998, Dr. Hubmann has played a pivotal role in teaching and mentoring young scientists. He leads specialized courses, including Molecular Biology in Hematology-Oncology and Clinical and Experimental Hematology, since 2001. His dedication extends to supervising Ph.D. and diploma students, nurturing the next generation of researchers and clinicians.

Publications Top Noted📚 

Targeting Nuclear NOTCH2 by Gliotoxin Recovers a Tumor-Suppressor NOTCH3 Activity in CLL Cells

Authors: Rainer Hubmann

Journal: Cells

Year: 2020

UGT2B17 modifies drug response in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Authors: Rainer Hubmann

Journal: British Journal of Cancer

Year: 2020

Combined approach for characterization and quality assessment of rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells intended for gene banking

Authors: Rainer Hubmann

Journal: New Biotechnology

Year: 2020

Combined chemosensitivity and chromatin profiling prioritizes drug combinations in CLL

Authors: Rainer Hubmann

Journal: Nature Chemical Biology

Year: 2019

Critical assessment of the efficiency of CD34 and CD133 antibodies for enrichment of rabbit hematopoietic stem cells

Authors: Rainer Hubmann

Journal: Biotechnology Progress

Year: 2018

Ms. Rebekah Fretwell | Healthcare Applications | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Rebekah Fretwell | Healthcare Applications | Best Researcher Award

Rebekah Fretwell at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom

Profile

Scopus

Education

  • Doctorate Degree: Thesis submission due December 2024
  • MSc Pathological Sciences: University of Sheffield, 2005
  • BSc (Hons) Medicine & Pharmacology: University of Sheffield, 2003
  • A-Levels: Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, General Studies (1999)
  • GCSEs: 13 subjects including Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics (1997)

💼 Professional Experience

  • Current Position: Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Coagulation; ADAMTS-13 Section Lead; Lead Training Manager at Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Northern General Hospital, Sheffield
  • Past Roles: Union Representative for Department of Medicine & Pharmacology, University of Sheffield (2001-2003)

🔬 Research Interests

  • Recent Projects:
    • Developing automated ADAMTS-13 activity assays (2023-2024) 
    • Assessing Factor Xa inhibitors and their reversal (2012-present) 
    • Evaluating effects of Direct Thrombin Inhibitors (2004-2005) 
  • Key Contributions:
    • Setting up ADAMTS-13 activity and antibody assays 
    • Research into FVIII Inhibitor assays and new anticoagulant therapies 

🌐 Professional Membership

  • Member: Institute of Biomedical Science (MIBMS) 

📚 Teaching and Mentoring

  • Lecturer: BSc & MSc courses at University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, and Bradford University 
  • Practice Tutor/Assessor: University of Hull, supervising and assessing students in biomedical science placements

 

Publications

Practical Considerations for the Use of the Rapid AcuStar® ADAMTS13 Activity Assay in the Diagnosis of Acute Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)

  • Authors: Yong, J., MacDonald, S., Downey, C., Pitchford, T., Dutt, T.
  • Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
  • Year: 2024
  • Authors: Sumaya, W., Parker, W.A.E., Fretwell, R., Ajjan, R.A., Storey, R.F.
  • Journal: Thrombosis and Haemostasis
  • Year: 2018

Multiple Centre Evaluation Study of ADAMTS13 Activity and Inhibitor Assays

  • Authors: Langley, K., Fretwell, R., Kitchen, S., Murphy, P., Scully, M.
  • Journal: International Journal of Laboratory Hematology
  • Year: 2018