Prof. Dr. Hengbing Zu | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award
Professor at Jinshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Dr. Hengbing Zu is a distinguished neurologist with over 30 years of academic and research experience. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Anhui Medical University, his Master’s in Neurology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and his Doctorate from Fudan University’s Shanghai Medical College. As a professor and dean at the Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Dr. Zu has dedicated over two decades to researching the relationship between altered brain cholesterol metabolism and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). His pioneering work suggests that brain neuronal cholesterol deficiency is a shared neurochemical mechanism in both Familial and Sporadic AD. Through in-vitro studies, he demonstrated that cholesterol deficiency can trigger key pathological features of AD, including Aβ generation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. Dr. Zu’s unified “AD-cholesterol hypothesis” offers a novel perspective on AD progression, making significant contributions to the field of neurodegenerative disease research.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Hengbing Zu has a strong and comprehensive educational background in clinical medicine and neurology. He obtained his Bachelor of Medicine from Anhui Medical University between 1981 and 1986, laying a solid foundation in medical sciences. He continued his academic journey by pursuing a Master’s degree in Neurology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 1996 to 1999, where he deepened his specialization in neurological disorders. Seeking to further advance his expertise, Dr. Zu earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in Neurology at the prestigious Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University from 2007 to 2011. His educational progression across top Chinese institutions reflects both his dedication to continuous learning and his commitment to excelling in the field of neurology. This extensive academic preparation has equipped Dr. Zu with a strong theoretical and practical understanding, which has underpinned his later research innovations in Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
Professional Experience
Dr. Hengbing Zu is an experienced academic leader and clinical practitioner with over three decades of service in neurology. He currently serves as a Professor and Dean of the Department of Neurology at Jinshan Hospital, affiliated with Fudan University. In this capacity, Dr. Zu oversees clinical services, research programs, and educational initiatives, playing a pivotal role in shaping the department’s strategic direction. His professional career has been distinguished by a strong focus on integrating clinical practice with research, especially in neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Zu has consistently contributed to advancing neurological care by combining patient-centered treatment with cutting-edge scientific research. His leadership has helped foster an environment that promotes both academic inquiry and clinical excellence. Throughout his career, he has mentored young researchers, collaborated across disciplines, and worked to enhance the understanding and management of Alzheimer’s disease. His extensive experience solidifies his reputation as a respected figure in Chinese neurology.
Research Interest
Dr. Hengbing Zu’s primary research interest centers on the neurochemical mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a particular focus on brain cholesterol metabolism. For over twenty years, he has explored how alterations in neuronal cholesterol contribute to the onset and progression of both Familial and Sporadic forms of AD. His groundbreaking work demonstrated that a deficiency in brain neuronal cholesterol can induce AD-associated pathological processes such as amyloid-beta accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. Based on these findings, Dr. Zu proposed the unified “AD-cholesterol hypothesis,” suggesting that neuronal cholesterol deficiency could be a common pathogenic mechanism for all types of AD. His research bridges basic science with potential clinical applications, offering new perspectives for understanding, diagnosing, and eventually treating Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Zu’s dedication to unraveling the molecular basis of AD has positioned him as a leading figure in cholesterol-related neurodegenerative research, significantly advancing knowledge in this critical area.
Award and Honor
Although specific awards and honors were not detailed in the provided information, Dr. Hengbing Zu’s academic and professional standing suggest a high level of recognition within his field. Serving as the Professor and Dean of the Department of Neurology at a leading university hospital indicates his peers’ strong acknowledgment of his contributions to neurology and research. It is reasonable to infer that he has been honored for his long-term dedication to Alzheimer’s disease research and academic leadership. His original proposal of the “AD-cholesterol hypothesis” represents a major intellectual achievement likely recognized through institutional and possibly national awards. In addition to formal accolades, Dr. Zu’s influence is reflected in the respect he commands within academic and medical communities. Future nominations and recognitions at the international level could further highlight his critical contributions to understanding neurodegenerative diseases, reinforcing his stature as a thought leader in neuroscience research.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Hengbing Zu is an outstanding researcher, clinician, and academic leader whose career has been dedicated to advancing the field of neurology. Through his extensive education, clinical practice, and innovative research, he has made a lasting impact on the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly through his development of the “AD-cholesterol hypothesis.” His professional experience reflects a seamless blend of clinical excellence and scientific inquiry, ensuring that his research remains deeply connected to patient needs. Dr. Zu’s long-standing focus on brain cholesterol metabolism in AD has opened new avenues for diagnosis and potential treatment strategies. Although further global recognition could strengthen his profile, his current achievements already place him among the leading experts in his field. Dr. Zu’s contributions exemplify the spirit of scientific advancement and dedication, making him a highly deserving candidate for awards recognizing excellence in research and innovation in neurological sciences.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: New insight into the role of altered brain cholesterol metabolism in the pathogenesis of AD: A unifying cholesterol hypothesis and new therapeutic approach for AD
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Authors: Yang, Xiaobo; Yao, Kai; Zhang, Mengqi; Zhang, Wenbin; Zu, Hengbing
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Year: 2025
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Title: Cellular Cholesterol Loss Impairs Synaptic Vesicle Mobility via the CAMK2/Synapsin-1 Signaling Pathway
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Authors: Qurban, Atikam; Zhang, Mengqi; Zu, Hengbing; Yao, Kai
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Journal: Frontiers in Bioscience
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Year: 2025
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Title: The association between plasma trans-fatty acids level and migraine: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 1999–2000
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Authors: Yao, Kai; Zu, Hengbing
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Journal: Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids
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Year: 2024
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