Lian-Wang Guo | Genetics and Molecular Biology| Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lian-Wang Guo | Genetics and Molecular Biology| Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Virginia, United States

Dr. Lian-Wang Guo is a Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Virginia with over 20 years of experience in vascular biology and biochemistry. His research primarily focuses on the role of epigenetic modulators in vascular diseases, particularly neointima-associated restenosis. He has been continuously funded by the NIH since 2012 and has published 48 peer-reviewed papers in the past six years, while also filing six patent applications. Dr. Guo’s innovative work includes developing biomimetic nanoplatforms for targeted drug delivery, which are currently in advanced trials for treating vascular conditions. His research integrates basic science with clinical applications, notably through collaboration with Dr. Craig Kent. Dr. Guo is recognized for his significant contributions to vascular epigenetics and has created a rigorous and inclusive training environment for young researchers. His work holds promise for advancing therapeutic strategies and improving clinical outcomes for vascular diseases.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Lian-Wang Guo’s educational background is rooted in biology and advanced plant physiology, providing a strong foundation for his extensive research career. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Xinjiang University in China in 1989, followed by a Master of Science in Plant Physiology from the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1992. He continued his studies there, earning a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry in 1995. Driven by a passion for genetics and biochemistry, Dr. Guo completed a postdoctoral fellowship at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1998, where he broadened his research expertise in molecular biology. His educational journey reflects a commitment to understanding complex biological processes, which he has successfully applied to his pioneering work in vascular biology and epigenetics. Dr. Guo’s solid academic training has been instrumental in his innovative research contributions and leadership in biomedical sciences.

Professional Experience

Dr. Lian-Wang Guo is a tenured Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Virginia, specializing in vascular biology and epigenetics. With over 20 years of research experience, Dr. Guo has developed an expertise in chromatin modulators and their role in vascular diseases, particularly in neointima-associated restenosis. He has been continuously funded by the NIH since 2012, and his prolific contributions include 48 peer-reviewed publications and multiple patents, reflecting his leadership in vascular epigenetics research. His laboratory employs advanced molecular techniques such as ChIPseq, RNAseq, bioinformatics, and innovative nanoplatforms for targeted drug delivery. Dr. Guo has also successfully fostered clinical collaborations, including the development of therapeutic interventions currently undergoing large animal trials, with preparations for human studies. A dedicated mentor, he has cultivated a rigorous training environment for students and fellows, helping them transition into independent research careers. His research has garnered numerous awards and recognition from prominent scientific organizations.

Research Interests

Lian-Wang Guo’s research interests center around the intersection of vascular biology, epigenetics, and targeted drug delivery. As a professor of Biomedical Sciences, his work focuses on understanding the role of chromatin modulators, such as EZH2, DOT1L, and BRD4, in vascular diseases, particularly neointima-associated restenosis. By uncovering how these epigenetic regulators influence disease-specific gene expression, he aims to develop precise therapeutic strategies that mitigate pathological vascular remodeling while preserving normal cellular functions. Dr. Guo is also deeply involved in translational research, advancing the use of biomimetic nanoplatforms for targeted, localized drug delivery. His lab has developed innovative nanotechnologies to deliver therapeutic agents to disease sites, aiming to enhance efficacy and minimize side effects. A key element of his research is the integration of basic science discoveries with clinical applications, as evidenced by his collaborations on vascular disease treatments currently in advanced stages of preclinical testing.

Lian-Wang Guo, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Virginia, has earned numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his distinguished career. In 1996, he received the Award of Excellent Sci/Tech Articles from the Chinese Society of Plant Physiology. He has also been recognized with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Eye Research Institute Rapid Response Initiative Award (2008), the Morgridge Institute for Research Award (2014), and the New Investigator Award from the State of Wisconsin Partnership Program (2014). At The Ohio State University, he earned the Accelerator Award for Translation (2017). His editorial contributions include serving as Lead Guest Editor for Genes and Associate Editor for Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. In 2023, he was elected as a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA), and his outstanding research earned him recognition at the 2023 Research Achievement event at the University of Virginia, marking him as a leading figure in vascular biology and biomedical research.

Dr. Lian-Wang Guo’s extensive research contributions, particularly in vascular biology and epigenetics, position him as a leading scholar in biomedical sciences. His innovative work on chromatin modulators, specifically targeting epigenetic players like BRD4, EZH2, and DOT1L, has brought new insights into the treatment of neointimal-associated vascular diseases. Additionally, his development of nano-based, targeted drug delivery systems has shown promising translational potential, bridging the gap between basic science and clinical applications. With over 20 years of experience, numerous high-impact publications, NIH funding, and significant patents, Dr. Guo’s work is both cutting-edge and impactful. His mentorship of the next generation of scientists, as well as his collaborations with leading clinicians, further enhance his academic profile. While his contributions are already significant, a continued focus on clinical translation could maximize the impact of his research. Overall, Dr. Guo exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher deserving of recognition.

 

Publication top noted
  • Article: Transmembrane protein TMEM97 and epigenetic reader BAHCC1 constitute an axis that supports pro-inflammatory cytokine expression
    Authors: Li, J., Shen, H., Guo, L.-W.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Article: miR579-3p is an inhibitory modulator of neointimal hyperplasia and transcription factors c-MYB and KLF4
    Authors: Xie, X., Shirasu, T., Li, J., Guo, L.-W., Kent, K.C.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3
  • Article: Neointima abating and endothelium preserving — An adventitia-localized nanoformulation to inhibit the epigenetic writer DOT1L
    Authors: Shirasu, T., Yodsanit, N., Li, J., Gong, S., Guo, L.-W.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 1
  • Article: Targeted PERK inhibition with biomimetic nanoclusters confers preventative and interventional benefits to elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms
    Authors: Yodsanit, N., Shirasu, T., Huang, Y., Gong, S., Wang, B.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2
  • Article: Gene-repressing epigenetic reader EED unexpectedly enhances cyclinD1 gene activation
    Authors: Zhang, M., Li, J., Wang, Q., Miller, C.L., Guo, L.-W.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3
  • Article: Sphingoid Bases Regulate the Sigma-1 Receptor—Sphingosine and N,N’-Dimethylsphingosine Are Endogenous Agonists
    Authors: Li, J., Satyshur, K.A., Guo, L.-W., Ruoho, A.E.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3
  • Article: Retinal Photoreceptor Protection in an AMD-Related Mouse Model by Selective Sigma-1 or Sigma-2 Receptor Modulation
    Authors: Mavlyutov, T.A., Li, J., Liu, X., Pattnaik, B., Guo, L.-W.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 4
  • Erratum: Correction: miR548ai antagonism attenuates exosome-induced endothelial cell dysfunction (Cell Death Discovery, (2021), 7, 1, (318), 10.1038/s41420-021-00720-9)
    Authors: Xie, X., Guo, L.-W., Kent, C.K.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 0
  • Article: Differential Responses to Sigma-1 or Sigma-2 Receptor Ablation in Adiposity, Fat Oxidation, and Sexual Dimorphism
    Authors: Li, J., Félix-Soriano, E., Wright, K.R., Stanford, K.I., Guo, L.-W.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 5
  • Article: SREBP1 regulates Lgals3 activation in response to cholesterol loading
    Authors: Li, J., Shen, H., Owens, G.K., Guo, L.-W.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 9