Prof. Xinghong Gao is a distinguished Chinese virologist and Associate Professor at the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University. With over 15 years of research experience in molecular virology, Prof. Gao has dedicated her career to advancing our understanding of herpesviruses (KSHV, VZV, EBV, DEV, PRV) and enteroviruses (EV71, CVB3), especially focusing on epigenetic regulation of viral pathogenesis and the development of next-generation mRNA vaccines. She has led and completed over 10 national and provincial research projects and has published extensively in high-impact international journals such as Cell Death & Disease, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, and Journal of Medical Virology. Her current research emphasizes the design of lyophilized, self-assembling nanoparticle mRNA vaccines with multivalent, high-efficiency, and low-toxicity properties, aimed at protecting both humans and animals from viral threats. Beyond research, Prof. Gao plays a critical role in teaching, mentoring, academic evaluation, and patent innovation. Her integration of virology, immunology, epigenetics, and bioengineering marks her as a leader in translational and preventive medicine. She is also actively involved in academic communities and serves as a reviewer and evaluator for journals, government agencies, and scientific committees.
Professional Profile
Education
Prof. Xinghong Gao earned her academic degrees in veterinary and biomedical sciences through a rigorous and continuous path of study in China. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine from the College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, from 2005 to 2009. Driven by a strong interest in virology and immunology, she pursued an integrated master’s and doctoral program (硕博连读) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, from 2009 to 2015, under the supervision of Prof. Renyong Jia. Her Ph.D. focused on preventive veterinary medicine, during which she conducted in-depth research on duck enteritis virus (DEV) and developed specialized knowledge in viral gene function and immune response mechanisms. In 2019–2020, she expanded her international exposure as a visiting scholar at the Department of Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, USA, working under Prof. Shoujiang Gao. There, she gained advanced expertise in human herpesvirus (KSHV) pathogenesis and epigenetic regulation, further refining her molecular biology skills and laying the foundation for her ongoing work in human-animal viral infections and mRNA vaccine development.
Professional Experience
Prof. Xinghong Gao has served as Associate Professor at the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, since January 2016. In this role, she has undertaken significant responsibilities in research, teaching, and graduate supervision. Between September 2019 and September 2020, she completed a year-long academic exchange at the University of Pittsburgh, USA, where she joined the microbiology research group of Prof. Shoujiang Gao, a renowned expert in Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Her international experience solidified her expertise in herpesvirus biology and single-cell epigenetic analysis. At Zunyi Medical University, she leads several key research projects funded by national, provincial, and enterprise grants, many of which focus on the design of self-assembling mRNA vaccines targeting porcine and human viruses. Additionally, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses such as pharmacology, microbiology, biosafety, and molecular biology techniques. She has also contributed to educational innovation through bilingual teaching and e-learning integration. Prof. Gao actively participates in administrative and scholarly roles, including grant and thesis evaluation, peer review, and national examination panels. Her practical approach to interdisciplinary science and teaching has earned her recognition as a versatile scholar, bridging fundamental research and public health applications.
Research Interests
Prof. Xinghong Gao’s research primarily focuses on virology, with specific expertise in the molecular mechanisms of herpesvirus and enterovirus infections. She is particularly interested in the role of epigenetic modifications—especially m6A methylation—in regulating viral replication, latency, and host-pathogen interactions. Her work with human and animal viruses (KSHV, VZV, EBV, PRV, DEV, EV71, and CVB3) aims to identify novel therapeutic and preventive strategies. A significant portion of her current research is dedicated to the development of mRNA-based vaccines using self-assembling ferritin nanoparticle delivery systems. These vaccines are designed to be multivalent, thermally stable, and low in toxicity, targeting diseases such as hand-foot-mouth disease, pseudorabies, and porcine diarrhea. Prof. Gao also explores the antiviral potential of natural compounds, including Chinese herbal formulations, further bridging traditional medicine with modern biomedical research. She integrates multi-omics methods, including transcriptomics, proteomics, methylomics, and immunomics, to gain comprehensive insights into virus-host interactions. This integrative approach allows her to develop innovative solutions to complex virological problems, with translational applications in public health, veterinary medicine, and biotechnology.
Research Skills
Prof. Gao possesses extensive technical expertise across molecular virology, vaccine development, and bioinformatics. She is skilled in a wide array of laboratory techniques, including mRNA in vitro transcription, lentiviral vector construction, single-cell and bulk transcriptomics, protein purification, and antibody generation. She is also proficient in advanced experimental methods such as co-immunoprecipitation, CRISPR-based detection, yeast two-hybrid screening, RNA interference, and RACE cloning. Her deep experience in multi-omics technologies spans DNA/RNA methylation profiling (m6A epitranscriptomics), proteomics, and full-transcriptome sequencing, which she applies to decipher the regulatory landscapes of viral pathogenesis. In vaccine research, she excels in the design and characterization of mRNA-LNP (lipid nanoparticle) platforms, particularly for lyophilized nanoparticle-based vaccines targeting herpesviruses and enteroviruses. Moreover, she has practical knowledge of cellular immunology, viral infection models, and biosafety evaluations. Prof. Gao’s technical foundation is strengthened by her fluency in scientific computing and statistical analysis. Her methodological breadth, paired with theoretical depth, enables her to lead interdisciplinary research projects and translate molecular insights into clinical and veterinary applications.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Xinghong Gao’s research excellence and academic contributions have earned her numerous awards and distinctions. She has been selected as an expert reviewer for national and provincial science foundations, including the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Guizhou Provincial Health Commission, and the Guangxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology. Her recognition as a trusted evaluator reflects her authority in the fields of virology, immunology, and molecular biology. She is a member of prominent professional societies such as the Chinese Society for Microbiology, Chinese Society of Immunology, Chinese Pharmacological Society, and Virology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. Prof. Gao serves as a peer reviewer for top-tier SCI journals, including Journal of Medical Virology and Molecular Biology Reports. She is also listed as an expert in undergraduate thesis evaluation and is part of Guizhou’s high school examination panel. Additionally, she holds two authorized Chinese utility patents and is preparing an invention patent for a CRISPR-based rapid detection system. These accolades affirm her standing as a dynamic and impactful contributor to biomedical research and education in China.
Conclusion
Prof. Xinghong Gao is an accomplished biomedical researcher with a focused trajectory in molecular virology and vaccine innovation. Her dedication to exploring viral pathogenesis, epigenetic regulation, and advanced vaccine technology has produced significant scientific outputs and translational applications. With more than 15 years of hands-on research experience and a strong foundation in both veterinary and medical sciences, she has contributed over 20 high-quality publications, secured multi-level funding, and led groundbreaking work in mRNA vaccine development. Her teaching, mentoring, and technical skills further enhance her profile as a well-rounded scholar. Prof. Gao’s research aligns with critical global health priorities, including emerging viral infections and zoonotic disease control. Her contributions extend beyond laboratory success into educational reform, patent innovation, and community impact. As a result, she is not only a valuable asset to Zunyi Medical University but also a leading candidate for national and international recognition. Her profile exemplifies the integration of academic excellence, applied research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With continued support and visibility, Prof. Gao is poised to play a transformative role in advancing preventive virology and translational biomedicine.