Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yinli Zhang | Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award
Associate Researcher at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
Dr. Yinli Zhang is an Associate Research Fellow and Master Supervisor at the Biomedical Research Center of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. Her research career is distinguished by focused contributions in reproductive biology, particularly in oogenesis and early embryonic development. With a background in cell biology and biotechnology, Dr. Zhang integrates molecular and epigenetic tools to investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying female infertility. She actively mentors graduate students and contributes to China’s leading research efforts in biomedical science.
Profile
Education
Dr. Zhang began her academic journey at Shandong Normal University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Technology in 2011. She furthered her studies at Zhejiang University, where she completed her Ph.D. in Cell Biology in 2016. Her doctoral research provided a foundation for her continued interest in reproductive cell dynamics and epigenetic regulation, which has shaped her scientific career and led to her current leadership roles in biomedical research.
Experience
Following her Ph.D., Dr. Zhang joined the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital at Zhejiang University as an Assistant Researcher in 2016. She advanced to a specially appointed Associate Researcher role in 2020 and has held the position of Associate Research Fellow since January 2024. Her institutional affiliation has allowed her to spearhead independent research projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Through her roles, she has contributed to numerous national-level studies and guided young researchers in translational medicine and developmental biology.
Research Interest
Dr. Zhang’s primary research interests center on basic mechanisms regulating oogenesis and early embryonic development. She is particularly focused on investigating the genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to refractory female infertility. Her research explores molecular pathways that regulate chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and oocyte aging. Her projects employ cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, and transcriptomic analysis to elucidate the roles of ubiquitin ligases, histone modifiers, and RNA-binding proteins in early development.
Award
Throughout her career, Dr. Zhang has received national-level recognition for her scientific leadership. She has been the principal investigator for competitive grants funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key R&D Program. These honors reflect her contributions to improving the understanding and potential treatments of infertility-related disorders. Her work has also earned her invitations to participate in professional societies such as the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences and the Germ Cell Professional Committee of Zhejiang.
Publication
Dr. Zhang has contributed to several influential scientific journals. Below are seven selected publications:
- Ma Y, Zhang Y#, Yang W#, et al. (2025). “The Nuclear Localization of ACLY Guards Early Embryo Development…” Advanced Science – Widely cited for its insights on histone acetylation in embryos.
- Ren P, Tong X, Li J, et al. (2024). “CRL4 DCAF13 E3 ubiquitin ligase targets MeCP2…” Cell Mol Life Sci – Explores transcription regulation in oocytes.
- Jin J, Ren P, Li X, et al. (2023). “Ovulatory signal-triggered chromatin remodeling…” Epigenetics Chromatin – A significant study in granulosa cell epigenetics.
- Zhang YY, Yang W, Zhang Y, et al. (2023). “HucMSC-EVs Facilitate In Vitro Development…” Stem Cell Rev Rep – Innovative work in aged follicle development.
- Tong X, Jin J, Hu Z, Zhang Y, et al. (2022). “Mutations in OOEP and NLRP5…” Human Mutation – Noted for identifying causes of embryonic arrest.
- Zhang YL, Zheng W, Ren P, et al. (2021). “Biallelic mutations in MOS cause female infertility…” EMBO Mol Med – Highly cited in the field of reproductive genetics.
- Ma Y, Yang W, Ren P, et al. (2021). “Lysophosphatidic acid improves oocyte quality…” Mol Hum Reprod – Focused on pathways enhancing oocyte maturation.
Conclusion
Dr. Yinli Zhang exemplifies scientific dedication through her pioneering research in reproductive biology and infertility mechanisms. Her career reflects a balance of academic excellence, mentorship, and innovation. By translating basic science into potential therapeutic targets, Dr. Zhang continues to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of women’s reproductive health. With a prolific publication record and successful management of national research projects, she remains a key contributor to the biomedical sciences community in China and internationally.