Dr. Xinya Xu is an accomplished physician-scientist specializing in dermatology, with a research focus on pigmentary disorders and photoaging. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Medicine in Integrated Chinese and Western Clinical Medicine, followed by advanced studies culminating in a Ph.D. in Dermatology and Venereology from Fudan University, one of China’s leading institutions. Over the years, Dr. Xu has developed a notable academic and clinical profile through her work in prestigious hospitals such as the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University and currently Shenzhen People’s Hospital. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, often as the first author, demonstrating a consistent and focused commitment to scientific inquiry. Her research addresses the immunological and molecular mechanisms of skin conditions, such as vitiligo and photoaging, offering innovative insights into the pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets. Dr. Xu has also secured provincial-level research grants and earned multiple academic awards and scholarships, showcasing her dedication to excellence. She remains an active member of the Asian Society for Pigment Cell Research. With her blend of clinical experience, research acumen, and academic recognition, Dr. Xu is an exemplary candidate for accolades such as the Best Researcher Award.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Xinya Xu’s academic background reflects a progressive and well-rounded education in dermatology and integrated medical science. She began her higher education at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, where she earned a Bachelor of Medicine in Integrated Chinese and Western Clinical Medicine between 2009 and 2014. This foundational training offered her a unique dual perspective on healthcare, enabling her to appreciate traditional and modern approaches to patient care and disease management. She then pursued her Master’s degree in Dermatology and Venereology at Sun Yat-Sen University from 2014 to 2017. This experience allowed her to delve deeper into specialized areas of dermatological research and practice, laying the groundwork for future scientific contributions. Determined to further expand her expertise, Dr. Xu enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy program in Dermatology and Venereology at Fudan University, Shanghai, completing it in 2021. Fudan University, a top-tier research institution in China, provided her with access to advanced training, leading mentors, and cutting-edge laboratories. Each stage of her academic journey contributed significantly to shaping her current capabilities as a physician and researcher. Her educational trajectory underscores her strong foundation, intellectual rigor, and commitment to continuous professional development in clinical dermatology and biomedical research.
Professional Experience
Dr. Xinya Xu has cultivated significant professional experience in dermatology through her clinical roles and academic positions in prominent Chinese medical institutions. She is currently serving as a resident physician in the Department of Dermatology at Shenzhen People’s Hospital (since February 2025), where she applies her clinical and research expertise in patient care and diagnostic evaluation. Before this, she worked as both a resident physician and post-doctoral fellow at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou from August 2021 to August 2024. This role allowed her to bridge clinical practice and translational research, contributing to her development as a clinician-scientist. During her post-doctoral tenure, Dr. Xu engaged in complex dermatological cases, supervised clinical trials, and collaborated with research teams on investigative studies related to vitiligo and photoaging. Her responsibilities included patient management, data collection, manuscript writing, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Her professional background is characterized by a dual emphasis on high-quality patient care and rigorous scientific exploration. Through hands-on experience in both general dermatology and subspecialties, she has acquired the skills necessary to navigate clinical challenges while advancing the scientific understanding of skin diseases. Her work exemplifies integration between clinical duties and biomedical research.
Research Interests
Dr. Xinya Xu’s research interests are focused primarily on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying pigmentary skin disorders and photoaging. She has conducted in-depth investigations into the pathogenesis of vitiligo, particularly exploring the immune response and pyroptosis of melanocytes via the cGAS-STING pathway. This work contributes to understanding the autoimmune processes involved in depigmentation and provides potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, Dr. Xu is interested in skin photoaging and the role of aging-related biomarkers such as CD47 and Cathepsin D. Her research has revealed how these factors impair macrophage function and accelerate skin aging, thus offering new biomarkers and treatment strategies. Another important dimension of her research is the interaction between oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammatory signaling pathways in the skin. By integrating clinical observation with experimental data, she aims to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. Her research is also aligned with translational goals, with implications for developing new topical agents or systemic therapies. Overall, Dr. Xu’s work demonstrates a commitment to unveiling the complex pathophysiology of dermatological conditions using advanced molecular tools and immunological analysis, with a focus on improving clinical outcomes and enhancing precision in dermatological treatment.
Research Skills
Dr. Xinya Xu possesses a diverse and advanced skill set that makes her an effective and innovative biomedical researcher. Her methodological strengths include cellular and molecular biology techniques, such as Western blotting, qPCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA, which she applies to study skin cell behavior and immune responses in dermatological conditions. She is also proficient in cell culture and co-culture models to simulate in vitro skin environments. Dr. Xu has significant experience with flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, tools that are essential for her investigations into pyroptosis and immune cell activation in disorders like vitiligo. Her expertise in clinical data collection and statistical analysis ensures that her research is grounded in robust, reproducible evidence. Furthermore, she has demonstrated a high level of competence in manuscript preparation and grant writing, with successful funding from two major Guangdong provincial foundations. Her research process is marked by critical thinking, scientific rigor, and collaborative engagement, often involving multidisciplinary teams in dermatology, immunology, and pathology. In addition, Dr. Xu’s ability to manage both clinical and experimental research projects highlights her versatility and organizational skills. These capabilities allow her to contribute meaningful insights to dermatological science and maintain a trajectory of scholarly productivity and innovation.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Xinya Xu has received several awards and honors that affirm her excellence in academic achievement, research, and professional service. During her doctoral studies at Fudan University, she was awarded the Excellent Academic Scholarship consecutively in 2018, 2019, and 2020, recognizing her outstanding performance and scholarly commitment. Prior to that, she received the Outstanding Graduate Student Scholarship at Sun Yat-Sen University in 2016, demonstrating consistent academic excellence throughout her postgraduate training. On the international stage, she was honored with a Travel Award to attend the International Pigment Cell Conference in 2020, a recognition of her promising research contributions in pigment cell biology. Dr. Xu is also an active member of the Asian Society for Pigment Cell Research, which connects her with a broader academic community and fosters international collaboration. These recognitions reflect both her early promise and continued commitment to advancing dermatological science. Her achievements highlight not only academic merit but also her engagement with global research forums. Collectively, these accolades underscore her position as a rising leader in dermatological research, combining clinical insight with scientific innovation. They also reinforce her suitability for prestigious honors such as the Best Researcher Award.
Conclusion
Dr. Xinya Xu exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded and impactful medical researcher. Her academic trajectory through respected institutions and her hands-on clinical experience at premier hospitals have equipped her with a strong foundation for research excellence. Her scientific output is marked by relevance, innovation, and clinical applicability—attributes evident in her multiple first-author publications on vitiligo, photoaging, and immunological skin disorders. She brings to her work a combination of clinical insight, laboratory precision, and translational intent. Her active participation in funded research projects and scholarly societies illustrates her commitment to scientific advancement and community engagement. Although further international collaboration and expanded thematic scope could enhance her academic influence, her current contributions already reflect a high level of professionalism and scientific rigor. With a proven track record in research, grantsmanship, and publication, Dr. Xu stands out as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her evolving work continues to add significant value to dermatological science, and her trajectory suggests ongoing contributions to both national and international research communities. She represents a model of emerging scientific leadership in clinical dermatology and biomedical research.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Elevated CD47 Expression Impairs Elimination of Photoaged Fibroblasts by Macrophages and Serves as a Potential Biomarker for Photoaging
Authors: Xu X#, Lu X#, Chen X, Yao A, Lai W
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
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Title: Cytosolic mtDNA-cGAS-STING Axis Mediates Melanocytes Pyroptosis to Promote CD8⁺ T-Cell Activation in Vitiligo
Authors: Xu X#, Lu X#, Zheng Y, Xie Y, Lai W
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Dermatological Science
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Title: New Insights into Segmental Vitiligo: A Clinical and Immunological Comparison with Nonsegmental Vitiligo
Authors: Xu X, Jiang M, Zhang C, Qiao Z, Liu W, Le Y, Wu J, Ma W, Xiang LF
Year: 2022
Journal: Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research
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Title: Impact of Treatment Delays on Vitiligo During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xu X#, Zhang C#, Jiang M, Xiang LF
Year: 2021
Journal: Dermatologic Therapy
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Title: Cathepsin D Contributes to the Accumulation of Advanced Glycation End Products During Photoaging
Authors: Xu X#, Zheng Y#, Huang Y, Chen J, Gong Z, Li Y, Lu C, Lai W, Xu Q
Year: 2018
Journal: Journal of Dermatological Science
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Title: Increased Circulating CXCL10 in Non-Segmental Vitiligo Concomitant with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease and Alopecia Areata
Authors: Zhang L#, Xu X#, Chen S, Kang Y, Wang X, Zhang C, Xiang L
Year: 2019
Journal: Annals of Dermatology
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Title: Multiple Intracranial Hemorrhages in a Postmenopausal Female
Authors: Lu X#, Xu X#, Zhang X
Year: 2025
Journal: Brain Pathology