Assist. Prof. Dr. Arslan Sehgal | Bioinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Arslan Sehgal , Bioinformatics , Assistant Professor at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan

Dr. Arslan Sehgal is a passionate Pakistani scientist specializing in Bioinformatics and Computational Drug Design. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, he is known for his extensive research in auto(mito)phagy, neurological disorders, and vaccine development. He completed his Ph.D. in Cell Biology (Bioinformatics) from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, focusing on drug screening to inhibit mitophagy-related pathways. With more than 60 publications and an impressive h-index of 23, Dr. Sehgal is a leading voice in computational biology, particularly in the discovery of bioactive molecules through virtual screening, immunoinformatics, and structure-based drug design. His work on diseases like COVID-19, HCV, and cancer has received global recognition. Dr. Sehgal also actively mentors BS and MS students and is committed to integrating modern computational tools in biological research for therapeutic advancements.

Professional Profile :

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Arslan Sehgal, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, stands out as an exemplary candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His prolific research contributions encompass Bioinformatics, Computational Drug Design, and Immunoinformatics, with strong integration of chemical and biological sciences. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications, an H-index of 23, and 1677 citations, Dr. Sehgal has demonstrated sustained scientific excellence. He has published extensively as a first and corresponding author, highlighting his leadership in research. His expertise spans cancer biology, mitochondrial disorders, vaccine design, and antiviral drug discovery, underlining the translational potential of his work. Dr. Arslan Sehgal’s impressive academic track record, interdisciplinary research in computational biology and chemistry, and commitment to innovative drug discovery approaches make him highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award.” His contributions have significantly advanced the fields of bioinformatics and computational pharmacology, earning him national and international recognition. He is a deserving and competitive nominee for this prestigious honour.

🎓Education:

Dr. Arslan Sehgal holds a Ph.D. in Cell Biology (Bioinformatics) from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China (2015–2019). His dissertation explored the screening of novel compounds targeting LC3 and FUNDC1 interaction for inhibition of auto(mito)phagy under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Quan Chen and Prof. Dr. Tieshan Tang. Prior to this, he completed his MS in Bioinformatics (2011–2013) at the International Islamic University Islamabad, where his research focused on genetic analysis related to schizophrenia. He began his academic journey with a BS in Bioinformatics (2006–2010) from Government College University Faisalabad, conducting a project on molecular characterization of wheat genotypes and database development using bioinformatics tools. Dr. Sehgal’s educational path reflects a consistent focus on blending molecular biology with computational methods, preparing him to solve complex biological problems using informatics and modeling techniques that contribute significantly to biomedical sciences.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Sehgal has held several academic positions. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (April 2024–Present), teaching and supervising research in genomics and computational medicine. Previously, he served as a Lecturer and then Assistant Professor (2022–2024) at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, and from 2020–2022, he worked at the University of Okara as Assistant Professor (IPFP and Visiting). He also taught at Government College University Faisalabad (2019–2020) and COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus (2015). In all roles, Dr. Sehgal integrated computational biology with wet-lab research, mentored numerous BS/MS students, and initiated significant projects in drug design and immunoinformatics. His diverse roles involved curriculum development, lab management, and admission coordination. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to bioinformatics education and research in Pakistani universities, with contributions that span across structural biology, molecular docking, and computational vaccinology.

🏅Awards:

Dr. Arslan Sehgal is widely recognized for his exceptional research output and scholarly excellence in computational biology and drug design. With a cumulative impact factor exceeding 200 and citations reaching 1677, he has garnered significant acclaim in the scientific community. His h-index of 23 and i10-index of 35 are testaments to his consistent and impactful research. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles, including 31 as corresponding author, which underscores his leadership in scientific inquiry. His research contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally, particularly in the fields of mitophagy, neuropharmacology, and epitope-based vaccine design. His work on SARS-CoV-2 and cancer-related pathways has drawn widespread attention for its originality and clinical relevance. While formal accolades are not listed, his publishing record and global collaboration reflect a high level of academic esteem and place him among the top-tier emerging scientists in computational bioinformatics from Pakistan.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Sehgal’s research centers on the integration of bioinformatics, structural biology, and computational drug design to explore therapeutic avenues against diseases like cancer, neurological disorders, and viral infections. He specializes in auto(mito)phagy, investigating molecular mechanisms and identifying inhibitors that can modulate mitochondrial turnover for therapeutic benefit. His work extensively employs structure-based drug design, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, immunoinformatics, and subtractive genomics to screen and validate potential bioactive compounds and vaccine candidates. He has also pioneered efforts in reverse vaccinology for the development of epitope-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus. His recent research explores mitochondrial biogenesis, network pharmacology, and natural product-based therapeutic interventions. With an interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Sehgal’s work not only deciphers complex biological interactions but also translates them into practical pharmaceutical insights, contributing significantly to precision medicine and in-silico pharmacology. His goal is to reduce experimental overhead through reliable computational predictions.

Publication Top Notes:

“Recent Trends in Computer-Aided Drug Design for Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery”

“In Silico Designing of Multiepitope-Based-Peptide (MBP) Vaccine Against MAPK Protein Express for Alzheimer’s Disease in Zebrafish”

“Bioinformatics Approaches in Upgrading Microalgal Oil for Advanced Biofuel Production Through Hybrid ORF Protein Construction”

“Elucidation of Novel Compounds and Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Design Against C30 Endopeptidase Regions of SARS-CoV-2 Using Immunoinformatics Approaches”

“Comprehensive In Silico Analyses of Flavonoids Elucidating the Drug Properties Against Kidney Disease by Targeting AIM2”

“Pharmacological Progress of Mitophagy Regulation”

Citations: 5

“In Silico Elucidation of Potential Drug Targets Against Oxygenase Domain of Human eNOS Dysfunction”

“Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Its Influence on Corn (Z. mays) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Plants by Inoculation of Bacillus subtilis”

Citations: 20

“The Future of Health Diagnosis and Treatment: An Exploration of Deep Learning Frameworks and Innovative Applications”

Citations: 1

“The Multifaceted Regulation of Mitophagy by Endogenous Metabolites”

Citations: 112

Prof. Qi Zhang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Fudan University, China

Qi Zhang is a Professor at Fudan University, specializing in natural product biosynthesis, mechanistic enzymology, and antibiotic chemical biology. With a strong academic background and significant contributions to his field, he has gained international recognition for his innovative research on RiPP natural products.

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Qi Zhang has an impressive citation index of 4700, reflecting the impact and relevance of his work in the scientific community. He has authored nearly 100 papers in high-impact journals, showcasing his prolific contributions to chemistry and biology.

Education

Qi Zhang completed his B.S. in Chemistry at Fudan University before pursuing a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry at the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry under the mentorship of Prof. Wen Liu. He further enhanced his expertise through postdoctoral studies with Prof. Wilfred van der Donk at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhang’s research centers on the biosynthesis of natural products, particularly ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). He investigates enzyme-catalyzed mechanisms and integrates chemical-enzyme processes with continuous flow synthesis, contributing to advancements in synthetic biology and drug discovery.

Professional Journey

After completing his postdoctoral studies, Qi Zhang began his independent research career in 2014 at Fudan University. He rapidly established himself in the academic community, culminating in his promotion to full professor in 2020. His journey reflects a commitment to advancing the fields of chemistry and biology through innovative research.

Honors & Awards

Dr. Zhang’s contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the ICB Young Chemical Biologist Award and the ACS Chemistry Structure Award. These accolades highlight his significant impact on the scientific community and his leadership in research.

Publications Noted & Contributions

Qi Zhang has published nearly 100 papers in renowned journals such as Nature Chemistry, PNAS, and JACS. His research on RiPP natural products has garnered attention, with findings highlighted in Science and Chemical & Engineering News, showcasing the broad implications of his work in natural product chemistry and drug discovery.

Title: Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals the landscape of epithelial-mesenchymal transition molecular heterogeneity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo, D., Sheng, K., Zhang, Q., Yu, J., Zhang, J.
Journal: Cancer Letters
Year: 2024
Volume: 587
Article Number: 216723
Citations: 0
Type: Review • Open Access

Summary: This study utilizes single-cell transcriptomic analysis to explore the molecular heterogeneity associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The findings provide insights into the complexities of cancer progression and potential therapeutic targets.

Title: Hi-C, a chromatin 3D structure technique advancing the functional genomics of immune cells
Authors: Liu, R., Xu, R., Yan, S., Li, X., Guo, D.
Journal: Frontiers in Genetics
Year: 2024
Volume: 15
Article Number: 1377238
Citations: 1

Summary: This article discusses the Hi-C technique, which captures the 3D structure of chromatin and its implications for understanding the functional genomics of immune cells. The authors highlight how this method enhances our knowledge of genomic architecture and gene regulation in immunology.

Research Timeline

Since beginning his independent research career in 2014, Dr. Zhang has actively engaged in multiple research projects, completing 10 and currently leading several ongoing initiatives. His research timeline demonstrates a consistent trajectory of innovation and contribution to the field.

Collaborations and Projects

Qi Zhang collaborates with prominent researchers, including Prof. Yvain from the University Grenoble Alpes and Prof. Brandon Morinaka from the National University of Singapore. These collaborations enhance his research capabilities and facilitate knowledge exchange across institutions, leading to impactful projects in chemical biology.

Conclusion

Professor Qi Zhang exemplifies excellence in biochemistry through his innovative research, impressive publication record, and significant recognition in the scientific community. His focus on RiPPs positions him at the forefront of natural product biosynthesis, contributing to advancements in drug discovery and synthetic biology. While his achievements are commendable, embracing broader impacts, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement can further enhance his contributions and legacy in the field. As he continues to lead in research and education, Dr. Zhang’s work holds great promise for the future of biochemistry and its applications.