Prof. Lei Yang, Ph.D. supervisor at Guangzhou Medical University, is a distinguished researcher specializing in respiratory disease biomarkers and epidemiology. Recognized as a Guangdong “Special Support Plan” Young Talent, he has led multiple NSFC projects, contributed to national R&D programs, and authored over 69 publications with an H-index of 27. His innovations include patents, software copyrights, and a lung cancer detection kit, significantly advancing early diagnosis and precision medicine. He also actively serves on professional committees, contributing to cancer research and public health.
Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Lei Yang demonstrated strong academic promise early in his career, pursuing studies in biomedical sciences and respiratory medicine. His scholarly journey led him to specialize in biomarker screening and epidemiology, laying the foundation for impactful research in respiratory diseases. His early academic training not only strengthened his expertise in data analysis and disease mechanisms but also prepared him for future leadership roles in medical research and innovation.
Professional Endeavors
Currently a Professor at Guangzhou Medical University and PhD supervisor, Prof. Yang has made significant professional strides in the field of respiratory disease research. Recognized as a Guangdong “Special Support Plan” Young Talent, he has successfully led five NSFC projects, participated in national key R&D programs, and collaborated on major initiatives such as the Precision Medicine Research Special Project. His professional journey reflects a balance of teaching, mentoring, and high-impact research.
Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Yang’s research focus lies in the screening of biomarkers for respiratory diseases, with special emphasis on lung cancer early detection and high-risk population identification. His team systematically explored the diagnostic value of plasma exosomal non-coding RNAs, leading to the development of a detection kit for clinical application. Moreover, his genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified novel genetic susceptibility loci, enriching the understanding of lung cancer pathogenesis and paving the way for precision screening and treatment strategies.
Impact and Influence
The impact of Prof. Yang’s work is evident in both scientific advancement and clinical practice. With over 69 publications, including articles in prestigious journals like the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, his research has been widely cited, achieving an H-index of 27. His contributions have advanced early diagnostic methods, enhanced understanding of genetic risk factors, and influenced public health strategies for respiratory diseases. His achievements continue to shape the future of oncology and respiratory medicine in China and beyond.
Research Skills
Prof. Yang is proficient in biomarker discovery, molecular epidemiology, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and large-scale data analysis. His expertise extends to the design and implementation of cohort studies, as seen in his involvement in the South China chronic disease prospective cohort project. Additionally, his ability to integrate laboratory research with clinical application demonstrates strong translational research skills that contribute to real-world healthcare solutions.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Yang has received several prestigious honors, including the Ministry of Education Natural Science Second Prize. His recognition as a Guangdong “Special Support Plan” Young Talent underscores his leadership in medical research. He also holds two patents and three software copyrights, reflecting his innovative contributions to respiratory health diagnostics. These accolades highlight both his scientific excellence and his role as a pioneer in translational medicine.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Prof. Yang’s legacy is being built through his groundbreaking work in lung cancer diagnostics and biomarker innovation. His future contributions are likely to further advance precision medicine, strengthen population-based cohort studies, and drive clinical applications of novel biomarkers. By integrating cutting-edge genomic research with practical medical solutions, Prof. Yang is set to leave a lasting mark on respiratory disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, inspiring the next generation of medical researchers and innovators.
Publications Top Notes
Title: A genome-wide association study identifies two new lung cancer susceptibility loci at 13q12.12 and 22q12.2 in Han Chinese
Journal: Nature Genetics 43 (8), 792–796 (2011)
Citations: 432
Authors: Z Hu, C Wu, Y Shi, H Guo, X Zhao, Z Yin, L Yang, J Dai, L Hu, W Tan, Z Li, …
Title: Overexpression of lncRNA IGFBP4–1 reprograms energy metabolism to promote lung cancer progression
Journal: Molecular Cancer 16 (1), 154 (2017)
Citations: 130
Authors: B Yang, L Zhang, Y Cao, S Chen, J Cao, D Wu, J Chen, H Xiong, Z Pan, L Yang, …
Title: A functional polymorphism at microRNA-629-binding site in the 3′-untranslated region of NBS1 gene confers an increased risk of lung cancer in Chinese
Journal: Carcinogenesis 33 (2), 338–347 (2012)
Citations: 107
Authors: L Yang, Y Li, M Cheng, D Huang, J Zheng, B Liu, X Ling, Q Li, X Zhang, …
Title: MicroRNA-152 targets DNA methyltransferase 1 in NiS-transformed cells via a feedback mechanism
Journal: Carcinogenesis 34 (2), 446–453 (2013)
Citations: 91
Authors: W Ji, L Yang, J Yuan, L Yang, M Zhang, D Qi, X Duan, A Xuan, W Zhang, …
Title: Common genetic variation in ETV6 is associated with colorectal cancer susceptibility
Journal: Nature Communications 7 (1), 11478 (2016)
Citations: 89
Authors: M Wang, D Gu, M Du, Z Xu, S Zhang, L Zhu, J Lu, R Zhang, J Xing, X Miao, L Yang, …
Title: Identification of three circular RNA cargoes in serum exosomes as diagnostic biomarkers of non–small-cell lung cancer in the Chinese population
Journal: The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics 22 (8), 1096–1108 (2020)
Citations: 85
Authors: J Xian, W Su, L Liu, B Rao, M Lin, Y Feng, F Qiu, J Chen, Q Zhou, Z Zhao, L Yang, …
Title: Association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer: a case-control study in Southern Chinese and a meta-analysis
Journal: PLoS One 7 (9), e46144 (2012)
Citations: 81
Authors: H Wang, L Yang, L Zou, D Huang, Y Guo, M Pan, Y Tan, H Zhong, W Ji, …
Title: Functional genetic variations in the IL-23 receptor gene are associated with risk of breast, lung and nasopharyngeal cancer in Chinese populations
Journal: Carcinogenesis 33 (12), 2409–2416 (2012)
Citations: 79
Authors: J Zheng, L Jiang, L Zhang, L Yang, J Deng, Y You, N Li, H Wu, W Li, J Lu, …
Title: A functional copy-number variation in MAPKAPK2 predicts risk and prognosis of lung cancer
Journal: The American Journal of Human Genetics 91 (2), 384–390 (2012)
Citations: 79
Authors: B Liu, L Yang, B Huang, M Cheng, H Wang, Y Li, D Huang, J Zheng, Q Li, …
Title: NFκB1 and NFκBIA Polymorphisms Are Associated with Increased Risk for Sporadic Colorectal Cancer in a Southern Chinese Population
Journal: PLoS One 6 (6), e21726 (2011)
Citations: 79
Authors: S Song, D Chen, J Lu, J Liao, Y Luo, Z Yang, X Fu, X Fan, Y Wei, L Yang, …
Title: The polymorphism and haplotypes of PIN1 gene are associated with the risk of lung cancer in southern and eastern Chinese populations
Journal: Human Mutation 32 (11), 1299–1308 (2011)
Citations: 71
Authors: J Lu, L Yang, H Zhao, B Liu, Y Li, H Wu, Q Li, B Zeng, Y Wang, W Ji, …
Title: A functional copy number variation in the WWOX gene is associated with lung cancer risk in Chinese
Journal: Human Molecular Genetics 22 (9), 1886–1894 (2013)
Citations: 68
Authors: L Yang, B Liu, B Huang, J Deng, H Li, B Yu, F Qiu, M Cheng, H Wang, …
Title: A Sequence Polymorphism in miR-608 Predicts Recurrence after Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Journal: Cancer Research 73 (16), 5151–5162 (2013)
Citations: 61
Authors: J Zheng, J Deng, M Xiao, L Yang, L Zhang, Y You, M Hu, N Li, H Wu, W Li, …
Title: A microRNA-135a/b binding polymorphism in CD133 confers decreased risk and favorable prognosis of lung cancer in Chinese by reducing CD133 expression
Journal: Carcinogenesis 34 (10), 2292–2299 (2013)
Citations: 51
Authors: M Cheng, L Yang, R Yang, X Yang, J Deng, B Yu, D Huang, S Zhang, …
Conclusion
Prof. Lei Yang is a distinguished researcher whose work on respiratory disease biomarkers and lung cancer early detection has made significant scientific and clinical impact. With an impressive record of 69 publications, H-index of 27, multiple patents, and national-level projects, he has demonstrated innovation and leadership in advancing precision medicine. While greater international collaborations and industry partnerships could further enhance his global presence, his strong achievements make him highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award.