Professor at Hainan Medical University, China
Professor Zhanjuan Chen, currently serving at Hainan Medical University, is an accomplished academic with focused research expertise in the pathogenesis and drug screening for cancer and related diseases such as pulmonary hypertension. Her pioneering investigations have identified MEIS1 and LDHA as potential therapeutic targets for acute myeloid leukemia and pulmonary hypertension, respectively. Her contributions are grounded in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern biomedical science, demonstrating a unique interdisciplinary strength. Professor Chen is leading the development of Callicarpa Tissue-Regenerating Gel, an innovative treatment for chronic non-healing wounds. Her scientific output includes two SCI-indexed articles, one with 17 citations, as well as one book publication, a patent, and multiple collaborative R&D efforts. A member of the Chinese Pharmacological Society and the Hainan Provincial Laboratory Animal Science Association, she has actively contributed to academic and professional communities. Her efforts bridge theoretical research and translational application, demonstrating significant potential in therapeutic development. Professor Chen has completed and is continuing several high-impact research projects and has gained valuable experience through industry collaborations. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and patient care, her work aligns well with the mission of the Applied Scientist Awards. She stands as a strong candidate for recognition based on her impactful contributions to science and medicine.
Professional Profile
Education
Professor Zhanjuan Chen’s academic journey reflects her unwavering dedication to biomedical science. She pursued her higher education with a strong emphasis on pharmacology, traditional Chinese medicine, and translational oncology. Although specific institutional details of her academic degrees are not provided in the nomination form, her academic foundation is clearly rooted in multidisciplinary and clinically oriented research, evidenced by her current academic role and her published outputs. Her studies prepared her extensively in molecular biology, pathogenesis of chronic diseases, pharmacodynamics, and drug discovery techniques. Her background integrates both conventional research methodologies and cutting-edge approaches, such as high-throughput screening and mechanistic investigations of disease pathways. Through her academic training, she acquired expertise in understanding the molecular underpinnings of cancer and pulmonary diseases, allowing her to formulate novel hypotheses and experimental strategies. Additionally, her immersion in traditional Chinese pharmacology has provided her with a holistic outlook toward therapeutic discovery, particularly in the development of tissue-regenerating formulations. Her educational trajectory is also complemented by continued scholarly engagement, including contributions to scientific publications and patents. Professor Chen’s education has laid a strong intellectual and practical foundation for her impactful research career, positioning her well to address current challenges in oncology and pharmacology with innovative, evidence-based solutions.
Professional Experience
Professor Zhanjuan Chen has accumulated significant experience in both academic and translational research environments. As a faculty member at Hainan Medical University, she has led multiple research initiatives that combine experimental pharmacology with clinical application. Her academic appointments reflect a career trajectory marked by continuous advancement and increasing research responsibility. Notably, her role as principal investigator for projects such as “Astragalin Regulates Proliferation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells by Targeted Inhibition of MEIS1 Protein” underscores her leadership in the field of targeted cancer therapy. She is also the innovator behind the Callicarpa Tissue-Regenerating Gel, a formulation developed to promote healing in chronic wounds—a major challenge in geriatric and diabetic care. Beyond her institutional duties, Professor Chen has collaborated with industry partners on the development of Zizhu Shengji Gel, showcasing her ability to translate laboratory findings into real-world healthcare solutions. Her professional engagements extend to managing patents, publishing research articles, and authoring a scientific book. Her affiliations with professional bodies further strengthen her academic presence. In every role, Professor Chen has demonstrated scientific rigor, mentorship, and a passion for innovation. Her broad experience, spanning research, development, and clinical application, equips her with a unique skillset to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community.
Research Interest
Professor Chen’s research interests center on elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of cancer and cancer-like diseases, particularly pulmonary hypertension, and discovering therapeutic agents through both conventional and traditional medical approaches. Her work is heavily influenced by the integration of modern biomedical techniques with traditional Chinese pharmacology. Her early contributions included identifying MEIS1 as a therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia, which she continues to explore through targeted therapeutic strategies using compounds like astragalin. She has also identified LDHA as a critical regulatory target in pulmonary hypertension, offering new hope for treatment development in this complex disease. Currently, her research expands into regenerative medicine, exemplified by her work on Callicarpa Tissue-Regenerating Gel, which bridges pharmacological insights with practical wound care solutions. She is also engaged in the R&D of Zizhu Shengji Gel, an innovative traditional Chinese medicine for wound healing. These interests position her at the forefront of translational medicine and drug innovation. Her ability to connect basic molecular discoveries to clinical and therapeutic applications is a distinctive strength. Her research vision is to continue combining molecular biology, pharmacology, and traditional medicine to deliver accessible, effective treatments for some of today’s most challenging medical conditions.
Research Skills
Professor Zhanjuan Chen possesses a robust skill set that spans multiple domains of biomedical research. Her core competencies include target discovery using molecular biology techniques, pharmacological screening, disease modeling, and translational application. She is adept in methodologies such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, gene expression profiling, and cellular proliferation assays. Her ability to evaluate drug efficacy, particularly natural compounds like astragalin, is enhanced by her skills in in vitro and in vivo disease models. Additionally, her knowledge in formulating traditional Chinese medicine into modern therapeutic agents—like tissue-regenerating gels—exemplifies her interdisciplinary capabilities. Her patent and book publication demonstrate proficiency in scientific writing and product development. Professor Chen is also experienced in project management and collaborative R&D, coordinating with academic and industrial stakeholders to move innovations from the bench to the bedside. Her skills are continuously refined through her active engagement in research projects and industry partnerships. Furthermore, her understanding of regulatory frameworks and translational research pipelines ensures that her discoveries are positioned for clinical applicability. These capabilities make her not just a scientist but a comprehensive innovator in healthcare. She combines scientific rigor with creativity, making her research both impactful and implementable in real-world clinical settings.
Awards and Honors
While specific awards and honors were not detailed in the application, Professor Zhanjuan Chen’s academic and research trajectory clearly demonstrates the caliber worthy of prestigious recognition. Her identification of MEIS1 and LDHA as key therapeutic targets represents a significant advancement in the fields of oncology and pulmonary medicine. The development of her Callicarpa Tissue-Regenerating Gel also highlights her contribution to regenerative medicine, offering a new avenue for treating chronic, non-healing wounds. These innovations underline her eligibility for honors such as the Best Researcher Award or Excellence in Innovation. Her selection as a principal investigator on multiple projects, including industry collaborations, speaks to the trust placed in her expertise by peers and stakeholders alike. Publishing in SCI-indexed journals, authoring a book, and patenting her inventions all reflect professional acknowledgment of her work’s quality and relevance. Moreover, her memberships in national academic societies signify her integration into scholarly networks that recognize her contributions. Though formal accolades may not yet be numerous, the tangible impact of her work—on science, clinical practice, and traditional medicine modernization—places her in strong contention for distinguished recognition in applied science domains.
Conclusion
Professor Zhanjuan Chen exemplifies the ideal candidate for the Applied Scientist Award. Her work seamlessly integrates cutting-edge biomedical research with the time-tested principles of traditional Chinese medicine, reflecting a unique and impactful research philosophy. From identifying novel therapeutic targets to formulating new medicinal gels, she has consistently demonstrated innovation, rigor, and a commitment to improving human health. Her ability to bridge the gap between fundamental science and clinical application ensures that her work not only advances knowledge but also delivers real-world solutions. Through her collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners, she has expanded the reach and relevance of her research. Her dual expertise in modern molecular pharmacology and traditional healing systems places her at the nexus of innovation and tradition—an increasingly valuable perspective in global healthcare. Professor Chen’s career reflects sustained excellence and growth, making her a role model for interdisciplinary research and a strong ambassador for translational science. Recognizing her achievements with an award would not only honor her contributions but also inspire continued progress in applied medical research. She stands as a testament to the transformative potential of integrating science with tradition to solve pressing medical challenges.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Identification of LDHA as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Pulmonary Hypertension Through Modulation of Endothelial‐To‐Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Maozhong Yao, Keyan Zhong, Xinbin Zheng, Zhaoxin Yang, Chunying Li, Yong Gu, Zhanjuan Chen
Year: 2025
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Title: MEIS1 and its Potential as a Cancer Therapeutic Target (Review)
Authors: Maozhong Yao, Yong Gu, Zhaoxin Yang, Keyan Zhong, Zhanjuan Chen
Year: 2021