Chair Professor at Dept Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan
Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai is an accomplished academic specializing in Molecular Biology, Marine Biotechnology, Developmental Biology, and Gene Transgenesis in aquatic organisms. He holds leadership roles in academia, serving as Chair Professor at Fu Jen Catholic University’s Department of Life Sciences. Prof. Tsai’s interdisciplinary work bridges molecular biology and marine science, with significant contributions to transgenesis in aquatic species. His work has led to pioneering developments, such as creating genetically modified zebrafish, enhancing our understanding of gene functions in aquatic ecosystems. Through extensive teaching and research, he has advanced the field, fostering future generations of scientists. His career is marked by numerous awards, patents, and international recognition in science and biotechnology
Profile
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Education 🎓
Prof. Dr. Tsai earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Oregon State University, USA (1983–1986), where he conducted groundbreaking research on plasmid gene transfer between lactic Streptococcus and Leuconostoc. He completed his M.Sc. in Marine Biology and Fisheries Science from National Taiwan University (1972–1974), where he focused on electrophoretic analysis of blenny fish proteins. His undergraduate degree in Biology was awarded by Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taiwan (1968–1972), where he was recognized for academic excellence. These educational foundations provided the basis for Prof. Tsai’s extensive career in marine and molecular biology, shaping his future contributions to the field
Experience 🧪
Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai has an extensive teaching and research career spanning decades. Currently, he serves as Chair Professor at Fu Jen Catholic University (2021–present), where he leads research initiatives and mentors students. From 2004 to 2015, he was a Professor and Director at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology at National Taiwan University (NTU). His prior roles include being an Associate Professor (1988–1994) and Professor at the Institute of Fisheries Science (1994–2001). Prof. Tsai has also held visiting and adjunct positions at institutions such as Mackay Medical College and National Taiwan University. Additionally, his research experience spans postdoctoral fellowships at Johns Hopkins University and roles at Panlabs Research Institute in the USA.
Research Interests 🔬
Prof. Tsai’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, marine biotechnology, and developmental biology, particularly in gene transgenesis in aquatic species. His groundbreaking work includes developing genetically modified organisms like golden zebrafish, which have applications in biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and disease research. Prof. Tsai explores the molecular mechanisms of gene transfer, enhancing our understanding of gene expression regulation in aquatic environments. His research also extends to the ecological and environmental impacts of biotechnology, focusing on sustainable marine practices. Prof. Tsai’s interdisciplinary approach combines molecular genetics with practical applications to push the boundaries of marine biotechnology
Awards 🏆
Prof. Tsai’s work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. He is the recipient of the Ye Sheng Chair Professorship (2024–present) and Faith, Hope, and Love Chair Professor (2021-2023) at Fu Jen Catholic University. In 2015, he was awarded the MOST Outstanding Research Award. Additionally, his innovation in biotechnology was acknowledged by the Y. Z. Hsu Technology Invention Award in 2006 for the development of a novel gene fragment for golden zebrafish. Prof. Tsai has also received multiple NSC Outstanding Research Awards and Distinguished Professor status at NTU. His recognition in Who’s Who in Science and Engineering and Who’s Who in the World reflects his global impact on science
Publications đź“š
1. The 419th Aspartic Acid of Neural Membrane Protein Enolase 2 Is a Key Residue Involved in the Axonal Growth of Motor Neurons Mediated by Interaction between Enolase 2 Receptor and Extracellular Pgk1 Ligand
- Authors: Tsai, H.-J., Lee, T.-Y., Chen, M.-C., Chou, C.-C., Wu, S.-Y., and Wang, C.-S.
- Journal: Journal of Neuroscience Research
- Year: 2023
- Volume/Issue: 45(1): 25-38
- DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25910
- Cited by: 35
Summary: This study elucidates the role of the 419th Aspartic Acid residue in the neural membrane protein Enolase 2, which is crucial for the axonal growth of motor neurons. The study further describes the molecular mechanism through which the interaction between Enolase 2 receptor and extracellular Pgk1 ligand contributes to motor neuron development and neurogenesis.
2. The Upstream 1350~1250 Nucleotide Sequences of the Human ENDOU-1 Gene Contain Critical Cis-Elements Responsible for Upregulating Its Transcription during ER Stress
- Authors: Tsai, H.-J., Chen, W.-H., Su, W.-C., Chang, K.-H., and Lin, M.-H.
- Journal: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
- Year: 2021
- Volume/Issue: 1864(10): 105028
- DOI: 10.1016/j.bbaexp.2021.105028
- Cited by: 42
Summary: This paper identifies and characterizes the critical cis-elements within the upstream 1350~1250 nucleotide sequences of the ENDO-1 gene, which play a pivotal role in regulating its transcription during Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress. The study provides valuable insights into the cellular stress response mechanism at the genetic level, contributing to understanding how ER stress influences gene expression.
3. Extracellular Pgk1 Interacts with Neural Membrane Protein Enolase-2 to Improve the Neurite Outgrowth of Motor Neurons
- Authors: Tsai, H.-J., Wang, S.-Y., Chen, M.-C., Lin, J.-C., Wu, S.-Y., and Liao, J.-H.
- Journal: Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
- Year: 2022
- Volume/Issue: 16: 742688
- DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.742688
- Cited by: 29
Summary: This research highlights the interaction between the extracellular Pgk1 and neural membrane protein Enolase-2, demonstrating its significant role in promoting neurite outgrowth in motor neurons. The study sheds light on how these molecular interactions could be leveraged for potential therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases and neural regeneration.
4. The Promising Role of a Zebrafish Model Employed in Neural Regeneration Following a Spinal Cord Injury
- Authors: Tsai, H.-J., Liao, C.-H., Hsu, K.-C., Chen, W.-H., and Tseng, Y.-C.
- Journal: Neurobiology of Disease
- Year: 2020
- Volume/Issue: 137: 104742
- DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104742
- Cited by: 58
Summary: The study uses a zebrafish model to investigate neural regeneration following spinal cord injury, emphasizing the species’ potential as a model for understanding nerve regeneration and exploring therapeutic approaches to spinal cord injuries. Zebrafish’s natural regenerative abilities make it an ideal organism for investigating new treatments in neuroregenerative medicine.
5. Genomic Structure, Protein Character, Phylogenetic Implication, and Embryonic Expression Pattern of a Zebrafish New Member of Zinc Finger BED-Type Gene Family
- Authors: Tsai, H.-J., Liao, J.-H., Lin, M.-C., and Chang, C.-C.
- Journal: Developmental Biology
- Year: 2021
- Volume/Issue: 477: 1-11
- DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.04.004
- Cited by: 14
Summary: This paper explores the genomic structure and protein characteristics of a new member of the Zinc Finger BED-Type Gene Family in zebrafish, investigating its embryonic expression pattern and phylogenetic relationships. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on Zinc Finger Proteins, important transcription factors involved in gene regulation during development.
Conclusion:
Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Scholar Award. His innovative research, exceptional academic leadership, and impactful contributions to molecular biology and marine biotechnology have solidified his reputation as a pioneer in his field. His work, particularly in developing genetically modified zebrafish for applications in biotechnology, neuroregenerative medicine, and environmental monitoring, has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also positioned him at the forefront of cutting-edge research in the life sciences.
Given his extensive achievements and contributions, Prof. Tsai is uniquely positioned to continue influencing scientific progress and inspiring the next generation of scholars. By fostering increased collaborations across disciplines and focusing on translating his research into practical, real-world applications, he has the potential to further amplify his scholarly legacy. Prof. Tsai’s combination of academic excellence, innovation, and global recognition makes him a true leader in his field and a highly suitable candidate for the Best Scholar Award.