Prof. Leisheng Zhang | Stem Cells | Best Researcher Award

Shandong Second Medical University | China.

Author Profile

🎓EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Professor Leisheng Zhang’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from Jilin University (2007-2012). He then pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cell Biology at Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, where he specialized in hematology and blood diseases (2012-2018). This foundation in cellular biology was further strengthened through postdoctoral research at Nankai University (2018-2020), focusing on cell biology, and later at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei Institute of Physical Science (2021-2023) in biophysics, cementing his expertise in stem cell biology and advanced technologies.

💼PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Professor Zhang has held several key academic and clinical positions:

Associate Professor at Nankai University (2020-2021) and Shandong First Medical University (2021-2023).
Professor at the NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumors (2021-present), where his research intersects with clinical applications in cancer therapy.
Since 2023, he has been serving as a Professor at The Fourth People’s Hospital of Jinan, furthering his influence in the realm of medical research and patient care.

🔬CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON STEM CELLS

Professor Zhang’s research is centered around mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), focusing on their early development from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), their cellular phenotype, and genomic analysis. Notably, his work has identified key master regulators (e.g., TWIST1, MSX2, PRAME) in MSC development. Using a small molecule library-based cell programming strategy, he has developed methods for generating specific MSC subpopulations from hPSCs and peripartum tissues. His research aims to decode the molecular mechanisms and functional properties of MSCs through high-throughput sequencing technologies, including RNA-SEQ, WGS, and single-cell RNA-SEQ, revealing a multifaceted understanding of MSC biology in both healthy donors and clinical patients.

🌍IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Professor Zhang’s work has had a profound impact in stem cell biology and immunotherapy, particularly with his innovative approaches to natural killer (NK) cells. His development of a “3ILs”-based strategy for high-efficiency NK cell generation from various origins (e.g., peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, bone marrow) has opened new avenues for immunotherapy. His research on hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and CAR-T therapies shows his visionary approach in cell-based therapies and cancer immunotherapy, with potential clinical applications in personalized medicine.

📚ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Professor Zhang has authored over 50 scientific articles, with 44 SCI-indexed papers, contributing to top journals such as Cell Research (2015), Journal of Hematology & Oncology (2017), and Stem Cell Reports (2018-2023). His work is frequently cited, reflecting the significant impact he has made in stem cell research, tumor immunology, and immune cell therapies. Additionally, his expertise has resulted in 17 books on topics ranging from stem cells to infectious diseases and tumor immunology, alongside over 30 national patents in China.

🏆RESEARCH GRANTS AND FUNDING

Zhou’s work has attracted funding and grants from various research bodies and academic institutions, allowing him to explore innovative technologies in microbial diagnostics and resistance. His research aligns with global priorities in infectious disease control and antimicrobial stewardship, making him a prominent figure in this domain.

🦠LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Professor Zhang’s legacy lies in his transformative contributions to stem cell biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine. His research has not only advanced our understanding of MSC development and immune cell function but also laid the foundation for future breakthroughs in personalized cancer therapies and immune cell-based treatments. His work on hPSCs differentiation towards hematopoietic stem cells (HSPCs) and the development of iPSC-CAR-T cells will likely continue to shape the future of clinical applications in immunotherapy and cell-based treatments.

🌟A VISIONARY IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES

While Professor Zhang’s primary focus is on stem cells and immunotherapy, his work on immune cells such as NK cells is highly relevant to infectious diseases. By studying NK cell biology and leveraging technologies like scRNA-SEQ and Raman spectroscopy, he is contributing to the development of immune cell therapies that could offer innovative solutions for treating infectious diseases as well as cancer. His interdisciplinary approach positions him as a visionary in both infectious disease research and cell-based immunotherapy.

📑NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

“Proteomics analysis revealed the therapeutic role of Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Radiation-Induced Colorectal Fibrosis in rats”

Authors: Leisheng Zhang
Publication Year: 2024
Journal: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

“VCAM-1+ Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Reveal Preferable Efficacy Upon an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis Over the VCAM-1− Counterpart”

Authors: Leisheng Zhang
Publication Year: 2024
Journal: Neurochemical Research

“Progress of Clinical Research on Perinatal Stem Cells”

Authors: Leisheng Zhang
Publication Year: 2024
Journal: Chinese Journal of Cell and Stem Cell (Electronic Edition)

“The Application and Efficacy of Voice Therapy and Closed Reduction Under Local Anesthesia Combination for Arytenoid Dislocation”

Authors: Leisheng Zhang
Publication Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Voice

“Meta-Analysis Methods for Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer”

Authors: Leisheng Zhang
Publication Year: 2024
Journal: JAMA Oncology