Xiaofeng Dai | Medicine Advances | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xiaofeng Dai | Medicine Advances | Best Researcher Award

Professor at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, China.

Prof. Dr. Xiaofeng Dai is a distinguished expert in precision oncology and plasma medicine, currently serving as Professor and Research Theme Leader at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. With dual PhDs in Systems Biology (Genetics) and Econo-Informatics from Finland, she integrates interdisciplinary knowledge across molecular oncology, bioinformatics, and translational medicine. Prof. Dai has established herself as a global leader in exploring the molecular and clinical applications of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy, publishing over 114 SCI-indexed articles with a cumulative impact factor of 806.74. She is the first or corresponding author of all these works, including four ESI highly cited papers. Her scientific achievements are further marked by 2 U.S. patents, 4 Chinese invention patents, and 10 software copyrights. She has secured and led national and industrial research funding exceeding 10 million RMB. Recognized for her pioneering work, Prof. Dai has received prestigious honors including Academician of the European Academy of Natural Sciences (2023), Outstanding Engineer Award (2022), and selection in the Jiangsu Province 333 High-level Talents Program (2024). As an active contributor to academic societies and a passionate educator, she is committed to translating advanced research into tangible clinical innovations.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Educational Details

  • Ph.D. in Econo-informatics, Aalto University, Finland (2016)

  • Ph.D. in Systems Biology – Genetics, Tampere University of Technology, Finland (2010)

  • M.Sc. in Bioinformatics, University of Tampere, Finland (2010)

  • M.Sc. in Molecular Biology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China (2006)

  • B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, China (2003)

Professional Experience

  • 2023/06 – Present: Professor, Theme Leader – Precision Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University

  • 2017/06 – 2023/05: Professor, Theme Leader – Precision Medicine, Jiangnan University

  • 2014/02 – 2017/05: Associate Professor, Precision Medicine, Jiangnan University

  • 2016/12 – 2017/02: Visiting Scholar, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia

  • 2013/10 – 2014/01: Principal Investigator, Chinese National Human Genome Center

  • 2011/02 – 2013/09: Senior Research Fellow, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland

  • 2010/02 – 2011/01: Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland

  • 2007/03 – 2011/01: Research Fellow, Tampere University of Technology, Finland

Research Interest

Prof. Dai’s research centers on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)-based therapies in oncology and beyond. Her interests lie in exploring the molecular underpinnings of CAP’s selective cytotoxicity against malignant cells, investigating its influence on cancer stemness, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment. Expanding from cancer, her current work includes the use of CAP in immunomodulation, metabolic disorders, viral prevention, and vaccine enhancement. She also focuses on developing innovative CAP delivery systems such as ingestible CAP capsules and CAP-mediated photodynamic therapy, aiming to enhance its versatility and applicability. Prof. Dai is also addressing key translational barriers—such as CAP’s short-lived reactive components—by designing storage-stable and sustained-release solutions. Her research integrates bioinformatics, molecular biology, and plasma physics to decipher therapeutic pathways and identify CAP-mimicking biomolecules. Through computational modeling and synthetic chemistry, she is developing molecules with CAP-like efficacy, pushing forward the concept of molecular plasma medicine. Her goal is to create clinically adaptable, precision-targeted, and minimally invasive treatment solutions across a wide spectrum of diseases.

Research Skills

Prof. Dai is proficient in a broad array of interdisciplinary research techniques, spanning molecular biology, plasma physics, bioinformatics, and translational medicine. Her core expertise includes the design and execution of high-throughput omics experiments, real-time plasma-matter interaction studies, and in vitro/in vivo cancer models. She is skilled in CRISPR-based functional genomics, computational modeling of plasma-induced cellular responses, and RNA-seq data interpretation. Her strong background in systems biology enables her to construct multi-scale models that integrate molecular, cellular, and clinical data. She has extensive experience in developing biomedical devices and software tools tailored to plasma applications, backed by 10 software copyrights. Her ability to secure industrial partnerships and government funding demonstrates her leadership in translational research. Additionally, Prof. Dai has led cross-disciplinary teams to develop CAP-based interventions for autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and infectious disease prevention. She is also adept at scientific communication, grant writing, project management, and mentoring junior researchers and students.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Dai’s research excellence and leadership have been widely recognized. In 2024, she was named a Level 3 recipient in the prestigious “333 High-Level Talent Program” of Jiangsu Province. In 2023, she was elected an Academician of the European Academy of Natural Sciences, highlighting her international stature. Her innovative research earned her the Outstanding Engineer Young Award in 2022 from the International Scientific Exchange Foundation of China. Earlier honors include being a member of the Dual Innovative Team of Jiangsu Province (2017), receiving the Six Talent Peaks Award (2016), and being named a Leading Talent for Social Undertakings in Wuxi (2015). These accolades underscore her sustained contributions to scientific innovation, particularly in the interdisciplinary domains of bioengineering, oncology, and plasma medicine. They also reflect recognition by both national and international academic bodies, industry collaborators, and government agencies. Her ability to integrate science, education, and clinical translation has made her a respected figure in China’s high-impact research ecosystem.

Author Metrics

  • Total Citations: 4,522

  • Citations by Documents: 4,063

  • Total Publications (Documents): 125

  • h-index: 29

Top Noted Publication

1. Advanced Science (2020)

Title: Innovative precision gene-editing tools in personalized cancer medicine
Citation: Xiaofeng Dai#*, Blancafort Pilar, Peiyu Wang, Agustin Sgro, Erik W Thompson, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Journal: Advanced Science

  • IF (2023): ~17.5

  • JCR Rank: Q1 (Multidisciplinary Sciences)

  • Reason: Highly impactful, interdisciplinary, cutting-edge gene-editing research published in a top-tier journal.

2. Trends in Biotechnology (2018)

Title: The emerging role of gas plasma in oncotherapy
Citation: Xiaofeng Dai#*, Kateryna Bazaka, Derek J. Richard, Erik W. Thompson, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Journal: Trends in Biotechnology

  • IF (2023): ~20.0

  • JCR Rank: Q1 (Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology)

  • Reason: Published in a Cell Press journal, which is highly selective. Recognized for trend-setting reviews.

3. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2025)

Title: Systemic lupus erythematosus: updated insights on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention and therapeutics
Citation: Xiaofeng Dai#*, Yuting Fan#, Xing Zhao*
Journal: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy

  • IF (2023): ~39.3

  • JCR Rank: Q1 (Immunology/Oncology)

  • Reason: Nature Publishing Group journal with very high impact. Although recent, its publication in a Nature journal signifies top-tier status.

4. Trends in Genetics (2022)

Title: Histone lactylation: epigenetic mark of glycolytic switch
Citation: Xiaofeng Dai#*, Xinyu Lv, Erik W. Thompson, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Journal: Trends in Genetics

  • IF (2023): ~12.0

  • JCR Rank: Q1 (Genetics & Heredity)

  • Reason: Cell Press review journal with major influence in the field of epigenetics and gene regulation.

5. Biotechnology Advances (2019)

Title: Standardizing CAR-T therapy: getting it scaled up
Citation: Xiaofeng Dai#*, Yi Mei, Dongyan Cai, Weidong Han*
Journal: Biotechnology Advances

  • IF (2023): ~14.2

  • JCR Rank: Q1 (Biotechnology)

  • Reason: Authoritative journal in biotechnology with strong clinical and commercial relevance, especially in CAR-T research.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Xiaofeng Dai is a leading interdisciplinary scientist advancing cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy in precision oncology and regenerative medicine. With dual Ph.D. degrees, over 100 SCI-indexed publications, and multiple patents, she bridges molecular research with clinical application. Her leadership in securing major research funding and fostering industry collaboration highlights her impact across science and innovation. As an educator and mentor, she is shaping future experts in cancer biology and bioinformatics. Through national and international partnerships, Prof. Dai remains at the forefront of translating high-impact research into real-world medical solutions.

 

Chih-Pin Chuu | Prostate Cancer Research | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chih-Pin Chuu | Prostate Cancer Research | Best Researcher Award

Associate Investigator at Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan.

Dr. Chih-Pin Chuu is an Associate Investigator at the Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Taiwan, with joint appointments at several leading Taiwanese universities. He received his Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from the University of Chicago, and his B.S. in Physics with a minor in Life Sciences from National Tsing Hua University. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, with an emphasis on hormone therapy, cancer metabolism, and natural product-based treatment strategies. Dr. Chuu has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and leads multiple interdisciplinary and translational projects funded by Taiwan’s NSTC. His contributions to cancer biology have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the National Innovation Award (2021) and NHRI Young Investigator Award (2017).

Publication Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Educational Details

  • Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, The University of Chicago, USA (2000–2005)

  • B.S. in Physics, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan (1993–1997)

    • Minor: Life Sciences

Professional Experience

Dr. Chuu currently holds multiple academic and research positions:

  • Associate Investigator, Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, NHRI (2015–present)

  • Supervisor PI, Micro-Western Array Core Lab, NHRI (2010–present)

  • Adjunct Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University (2025–present)

  • Associate Professor (Joint Appointment), Department of Life Sciences, National Central University (2021–present)

  • Associate Investigator (Joint Appointment), National Defense Medical Center (2016–present)

  • Assistant/Associate Professor (Joint Appointment), China Medical University (2013–present)

  • Assistant/Associate Professor (Joint Appointment), National Chung Hsing University (2011–present)

Previous Roles Include:

  • Assistant Investigator, NHRI (2009–2015)

  • Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Chicago (2005–2009)

  • Acting Chief, Student Affairs Office, NHRI (2020–2022)

  • Academic Editor, PLOS ONE (2013–2021)

Research Interest

  • Prostate cancer biology, drug resistance in second-generation hormone therapies

  • Molecular oncology, cancer metabolism, tumor stemness and metastasis

  • Biomarker discovery, high-throughput proteomic profiling using Micro-Western Arrays

  • Natural products (e.g., green propolis, rooibos) in cancer prevention and treatment

  • Translational medicine, integrating clinical and proteogenomic data for diagnostics

Author Metrics

Name: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chih-Pin Chuu

Top Noted Publication

1. Systems analysis of EGF receptor signaling dynamics with microwestern arrays

Authors: M.F. Ciaccio, J.P. Wagner, C.P. Chuu, D.A. Lauffenburger, R.B. Jones
Journal: Nature Methods, 7(2), 148–155
Year: 2010
Citation Count: 239
Summary: Introduced a novel high-throughput microwestern platform to analyze EGF receptor signaling dynamics; significant for systems biology and proteomic analysis.
Author role: Contributing author

2. Antiproliferative effect of liver X receptor agonists on LNCaP human prostate cancer cells

Authors: J. Fukuchi, J.M. Kokontis, R.A. Hiipakka, C. Chuu, S. Liao
Journal: Cancer Research, 64(21), 7686–7689
Year: 2004
Citation Count: 202
Summary: Demonstrated the ability of LXR agonists to inhibit proliferation in prostate cancer cells.
Author role: Co-author

3. Identification of thioridazine, an antipsychotic drug, as an antiglioblastoma and anticancer stem cell agent using public gene expression data

Authors: H.W. Cheng, Y.H. Liang, Y.L. Kuo, C.P. Chuu, C.Y. Lin, M.H. Lee, A.T.H. Wu, et al.
Journal: Cell Death & Disease, 6(5), e1753
Year: 2015
Citation Count: 167
Summary: Used bioinformatics and gene expression profiling to reposition thioridazine as an anticancer stem cell therapy.
Author role: Contributing author

4. Inhibition of tumor growth and progression of LNCaP prostate cancer cells in athymic mice by androgen and liver X receptor agonist

Authors: C. Chuu, R.A. Hiipakka, J.M. Kokontis, J. Fukuchi, R.Y. Chen, S. Liao
Journal: Cancer Research, 66(13), 6482–6486
Year: 2006
Citation Count: 151
Summary: Showed that LXR agonists combined with androgen inhibit tumor growth in vivo.
Author role: First author

5. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester suppresses the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells through inhibition of p70S6K and Akt signaling networks

Authors: C.P. Chuu, H.P. Lin, M.F. Ciaccio, J.M. Kokontis, R.J. Hause Jr, R.A. Hiipakka, et al.
Journal: Cancer Prevention Research, 5(5), 788–797
Year: 2012
Citation Count: 150
Summary: Explored anticancer mechanisms of CAPE in prostate cancer, linking it to mTOR and Akt pathway inhibition.
Author role: First author

6. Androgen causes growth suppression and reversion of androgen-independent prostate cancer xenografts to an androgen-stimulated phenotype in athymic mice

Authors: C. Chuu, R.A. Hiipakka, J. Fukuchi, J.M. Kokontis, S. Liao
Journal: Cancer Research, 65(6), 2082–2084
Year: 2005
Citation Count: 136
Summary: Reversal of castration resistance in prostate cancer by androgen reintroduction, proposing a paradoxical therapeutic approach.
Author role: First author

7. ASPM promotes prostate cancer stemness and progression by augmenting Wnt–Dvl-3–β-catenin signaling

Authors: V.C. Pai, C.C. Hsu, T.S. Chan, W.Y. Liao, C.P. Chuu, W.Y. Chen, C.R. Li, C.Y. Lin, et al.
Journal: Oncogene, 38(8), 1340–1353
Year: 2019
Citation Count: 135
Summary: Identified ASPM as a cancer stemness regulator via Wnt/β-catenin signaling in prostate cancer.
Author role: Co-author

8. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester is a potential therapeutic agent for oral cancer

Authors: Y.Y. Kuo, W.T. Jim, L.C. Su, C.J. Chung, C.Y. Lin, C. Huo, J.C. Tseng, S.H. Huang, C.P. Chuu, et al.
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(5), 10748–10766
Year: 2015
Citation Count: 124
Summary: Showed CAPE’s effectiveness in oral squamous cell carcinoma via inhibition of proliferation and migration.
Author role: Co-author

9. Antiproliferative effect of LXR agonists T0901317 and 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol on multiple human cancer cell lines

Authors: C.P. Chuu, H.P. Lin
Journal: Anticancer Research, 30(9), 3643–3648
Year: 2010
Citation Count: 120
Summary: Demonstrated the broad antiproliferative activity of LXR agonists across various cancer types.
Author role: First author

10. Modulation of liver X receptor signaling as novel therapy for prostate cancer

Authors: C.P. Chuu, J.M. Kokontis, R.A. Hiipakka, S. Liao
Journal: Journal of Biomedical Science, 14, 543–553
Year: 2007
Citation Count: 118
Summary: A review highlighting LXR modulation as a potential therapeutic avenue in prostate cancer.
Author role: First author

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chih-Pin Chuu stands out as a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary research, particularly in the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, therapeutic resistance, and natural compound-based interventions, has had a meaningful influence on cancer and cardiovascular-related biomedical science.

His record of scientific excellence, innovation, and sustained impact across academia and translational platforms make him a strong contender for this honor. With continued emphasis on global collaboration and clinical translation, his work is well-positioned to drive significant advancements in the field of oncology and beyond.