Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fanrui Zhao | Protein Peptide | Best Researcher Award  

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fanrui Zhao has a distinguished educational background that underpins his expertise in both molecular biology and food science. He is currently an Associate Professor at the College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A & F University, China, and is pursuing a post-doctoral fellowship at the Institute of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University. Dr. Zhao completed two Ph.D. degrees: one in Molecular Biology and Cellular Biotechnology from the University of Camerino in 2024, and another in Food Science from Jilin Agricultural University in 2021. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in scientific research, with a particular focus on the intersection of molecular biology, food science, and biotechnology.

Work Experience 💼:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fanrui Zhao has a rich academic and professional background. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor at the College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A & F University, China, since July 2023. Prior to this, he was a lecturer at the same institution in 2023. Dr. Zhao also holds a post-doctoral fellowship at the Institute of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, starting from November 2024. He completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Cellular Biotechnology from the University of Camerino, Italy, in April 2024. Additionally, Dr. Zhao holds another Ph.D. in Food Science from Jilin Agricultural University, China, completed in June 2021. His teaching experience spans several years, including his role as a lecturer at the College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A & F University, where he contributed to the academic growth of students while advancing his own research.

Skills 🔍

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fanrui Zhao possesses a diverse set of skills in both academic and research domains. He is highly skilled in molecular biology, cellular biotechnology, and food science, particularly in the areas of plant protein-derived peptides, their efficient preparation, separation, purification, and structural identification. Dr. Zhao has expertise in evaluating the functional properties of peptides, focusing on their potential therapeutic effects on chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, he is proficient in the epigenetic modification of aging through peptides. His strong analytical skills are demonstrated through advanced techniques like LC-MS/MS proteomics, and he has a keen understanding of molecular pathways, including the Wnt3a/β-catenin/GSK-3β pathway in neuroprotective and glycemic control studies. Furthermore, Dr. Zhao is experienced in intellectual property development, having contributed to multiple patents, and has strong leadership skills, evident from his involvement in managing research projects and serving as an associate editor for scientific journals.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fanrui Zhao has received several prestigious awards and honors for his contributions to research and teaching. In 2024, he was awarded the first prize in the 5th Teacher Teaching Innovation Competition at Zhejiang A & F University. Dr. Zhao was also recognized in 2023 as the Outstanding Self-Funded International Student by the China Scholarship Council. He earned the Jilin Province Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award in 2022, highlighting his exceptional academic work. In 2019, Dr. Zhao was honored with the Jilin Province Science and Technology Second Prize for his impactful research in the field. These accolades reflect his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and education in his field.

Research Interests:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fanrui Zhao’s research interests focus on the efficient preparation, separation, purification, and structural identification of plant protein-derived peptides. His work explores the functional evaluation of these peptides, particularly in relation to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Zhao is deeply interested in understanding the epigenetic modifications associated with aging through the use of peptides, aiming to uncover novel therapeutic approaches. His research also delves into the neuroprotective properties of peptides, with an emphasis on their potential to mitigate cognitive decline and improve memory. Additionally, Dr. Zhao is committed to advancing the application of these peptides in food science, exploring their impact on human health and disease prevention.

📚 Publications 

• Title: Caveolin Regulates the Transport Mechanism of the Walnut-Derived Peptide EVSGPGYSPN to Penetrate the Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Authors: Li, Z., Dang, Q., Liu, C., Wang, Q., Min, W.
  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume/Issue: 72(36), pp. 19786–19799
  • Citations: 0
• Title: Interaction between the Neuroprotective and Hyperglycemia Mitigation Effects of Walnut-Derived Peptide LVRL via the Wnt3a/β-Catenin/GSK-3β Pathway in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Model
  • Authors: Zhao, F., Guo, L., Huang, T., Fang, L., Min, W.
  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume/Issue: 72(29), pp. 16204–16220
  • Citations: 0
• Title: Walnut-Derived Peptides Ameliorate Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairments in a Mouse Model via Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ-Mediated Excitotoxicity
  • Authors: Shen, Y., Dang, Q., Fang, L., Liu, C., Min, W.
  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume/Issue: 72(22), pp. 12541–12554
  • Citations: 0
• Title: Novel Strategy to Characterize and Enhance the Glycemic Control Properties of Walnut-Derived Peptides via Zinc Chelation
  • Authors: Zhao, F., Hou, W., Guo, L., Liu, X., Min, W.
  • Journal: Food Chemistry
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume/Issue: 441, 138288
  • Citations: 5
• Title: Food-Derived Peptides: Beneficial CNS Effects and Cross-BBB Transmission Strategies
  • Authors: Li, Z., Dang, Q., Wang, P., Liu, X., Min, W.
  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume/Issue: 71(51), pp. 20453–20478
  • Citations: 3
• Title: Plant-Derived Epi-Nutraceuticals as Potential Broad-Spectrum Anti-Viral Agents
  • Authors: Gabbianelli, R., Shahar, E., de Simone, G., Spinozzi, E., Mahajna, J.
  • Journal: Nutrients
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume/Issue: 15(22), 4719
  • Citations: 1
• Title: Insights into the Hippocampus Proteomics Reveal Epigenetic Properties of Walnut-Derived Peptides in a Low-Grade Neuroinflammation Model
  • Authors: Zhao, F., Bordoni, L., Min, W., Gabbianelli, R.
  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume/Issue: 71(21), pp. 8252–8263
  • Citations: 3
• Title: Walnut-Derived Peptides Promote Autophagy via the Activation of AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 Pathway to Ameliorate Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
  • Authors: Hou, W., Zhao, F., Fang, L., Wang, J., Min, W.
  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume/Issue: 71(8), pp. 3751–3765
  • Citations: 17