Prof. Dr. Hongrui Meng | Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Behavioural Neuroscience and Neurodegenerative Disease | Best Researcher Award
Principle Investigator at Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, China
Dr. Hongrui Meng is a prominent neuroscientist and professor at the Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, China. With a Ph.D. in Behavioural Neuroscience from Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan, Dr. Meng’s academic trajectory is marked by deep exploration into neurodegenerative diseases. He underwent postdoctoral training at Juntendo University, Tokyo, specializing in molecular neurobiology and human genetics. Rising through the academic ranks, he became a full professor and established the Laboratory of Molecular Neurology. His leadership in research on Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) highlights his commitment to understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms and developing targeted therapies. Dr. Meng is known for his multidisciplinary approach that integrates molecular biology, genetics, and cutting-edge biotechnology. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, and glial biology in neurological disorders. Dr. Meng’s research findings have been published in high-impact journals and have led to patentable innovations in miRNA detection. Through his collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and international research institutions, he continues to bridge basic science with translational medical advancements. A member of numerous neuroscience societies, Dr. Meng plays an influential role in mentoring young researchers and advancing global neuroscience research agendas.
Profile
Education
Dr. Hongrui Meng began his academic journey in neuroscience with a strong foundation in behavioral sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Behavioural Neuroscience from the prestigious Hamamatsu University School of Medicine in Hamamatsu, Japan. During his doctoral studies, he gained a comprehensive understanding of brain-behavior relationships, which laid the groundwork for his future focus on neurodegenerative diseases. Upon completion of his doctoral degree, Dr. Meng continued his scholarly path with postdoctoral training in molecular neurobiology and human genetics at Juntendo University in Tokyo. This postdoctoral period was instrumental in shaping his expertise in cellular mechanisms, genetic pathophysiology, and translational neuroscience. The rigorous academic environment and collaborative research culture at these renowned Japanese institutions enabled Dr. Meng to develop a multidisciplinary perspective, which is evident in his integrative approach to studying neurological disorders. His education equipped him with a unique combination of clinical insight and molecular-level expertise, allowing him to establish a research niche at the interface of neurogenetics, mitochondrial biology, and neuroinflammation. These academic experiences serve as the cornerstone of his scientific achievements and contributions to understanding diseases such as Parkinson’s and ALS.
Professional Experience
Dr. Hongrui Meng has cultivated a distinguished professional career in academic neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease research. After completing his postdoctoral fellowship at Juntendo University, where he investigated the molecular and genetic bases of neurological disorders, he transitioned into academia as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Research for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Dementia. His early faculty work involved exploring protein misfolding and its impact on neuronal health, particularly in Parkinson’s disease. In 2020, Dr. Meng was promoted to Full Professor at the Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, where he founded the Laboratory of Molecular Neurology. Under his direction, the lab has spearheaded innovative research on mitochondrial dysfunction and α-synuclein aggregation. Dr. Meng’s team actively collaborates with biotechnology firms to translate basic research into therapeutic solutions. His professional experience extends to industry consultancy, where he evaluates neuroprotective compounds, and to public health, through the development of wearable monitoring systems for Parkinson’s patients. Dr. Meng has also served as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for international neuroscience journals. Through leadership roles and inter-institutional collaborations, Dr. Meng continues to influence the scientific discourse surrounding neurodegenerative diseases on a global scale.
Research Interest
Dr. Meng’s primary research interests lie in uncovering the intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. His lab focuses on four main areas: protein misfolding and aggregation, genetic and mitochondrial dysfunction, glial biology, and therapeutic development. By examining how proteins like α-synuclein contribute to neurodegeneration, he seeks to understand the pathogenesis of disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS. His research into the CHCHD2 gene and its role in mitochondrial impairment has garnered wide recognition, particularly for linking mitochondrial dysfunction to neuronal death. Dr. Meng also explores the interaction between the innate immune system and the nervous system, especially microglial homeostasis in diseased brain environments. A strong advocate for translational research, he is involved in designing small-molecule therapies and gene-based interventions to target disease mechanisms at the root level. The integration of cellular, genetic, and biochemical approaches in his lab has allowed for a systems-level understanding of disease progression. With ongoing projects on mitochondrial UPR signaling and miRNA regulation, Dr. Meng’s research not only deciphers complex biological processes but also opens new avenues for diagnostics and drug development.
Research Skills
Dr. Hongrui Meng is a highly skilled researcher whose expertise spans multiple domains within neuroscience and molecular biology. He is proficient in advanced techniques such as transgenic modeling in Drosophila and rodent systems, CRISPR gene editing, and mitochondrial functional assays. His methodological strengths include quantitative PCR for gene expression profiling, high-throughput screening, and protein aggregation analysis using fluorescence imaging and electron microscopy. He has applied these techniques to investigate α-synuclein aggregation, mitochondrial UPR pathways, and the functional implications of CHCHD2 mutations. Dr. Meng has also developed novel tools such as wearable monitoring systems for real-time symptom tracking in Parkinson’s patients, demonstrating his innovation at the interface of biology and technology. His research design skills include robust in vivo and in vitro experimental frameworks, particularly in behavioral assays to study motor function and cognitive decline. As a project leader, he is adept at grant writing, statistical data interpretation, and interdisciplinary team management. His collaborative work with pharmaceutical and biotech firms further showcases his applied research acumen in drug discovery and biomarker validation. Dr. Meng’s skillset positions him as a leading expert in translational neuroscience, capable of turning molecular insights into therapeutic strategies.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Hongrui Meng’s career is marked by consistent recognition for his contributions to neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease research. His early career was distinguished by postdoctoral fellowships awarded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), supporting pioneering studies on mitochondrial biology and protein aggregation. As his research matured, Dr. Meng was entrusted with leadership roles in collaborative projects funded by the Takeda Pharmaceutical Foundation and the Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), further validating the translational value of his work. His selection as an editorial board member for the Journal of Integrative Neuroscience highlights his influence in shaping the academic dialogue around molecular neurology. Moreover, his innovations have led to two patents related to miRNA detection technologies, underscoring his impact on both diagnostic advancements and basic science. His membership in top-tier professional societies such as the Japanese Society of Neurology and the Chinese Neuroscience Society reflects his standing within the international scientific community. Most recently, his nomination for the World Cell Biologist Best Researcher Award exemplifies the global acknowledgment of his exceptional achievements in cellular neuroscience.
Publications
Dr. Meng has authored numerous impactful publications in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing his diverse expertise in neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Notable among these is his 2025 study in Current Issues in Molecular Biology, where he detailed Dicer’s role in TBPH deficiency-induced cytotoxicity. In 2024, he co-authored papers in Cell Communication and Signaling and Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, advancing knowledge on α-synucleinopathy and lipid metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease. His co-authored paper in PNAS Nexus highlighted the cytoplasmic mislocalization of CHCHD2 P14L in ALS. Dr. Meng has also contributed to innovative methodologies, including a locomotor activity assay for Drosophila published in Journal of Visualized Experiments (2023). His 2021 work in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity addressed ADHD-like symptoms associated with MHC I deficiency. He has long-standing contributions to mitochondrial biology and Parkinson’s disease in journals such as Nature Communications, Human Molecular Genetics, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Conclusion
Dr. Hongrui Meng stands at the forefront of molecular neuroscience with a distinguished career marked by pioneering research, educational excellence, and translational impact. His work bridges the gap between fundamental science and clinical applications in neurodegenerative disease, particularly Parkinson’s disease and ALS. From uncovering the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in protein aggregation to innovating diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies, Dr. Meng has significantly advanced our understanding of brain pathophysiology. His leadership at Soochow University’s Laboratory of Molecular Neurology has created a hub for cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration. With numerous high-impact publications, patented technologies, and funded projects, Dr. Meng exemplifies a modern scientist whose work not only contributes to the academic world but also aims to transform patient care. His mentorship of young scientists and active participation in global research networks ensures that his influence extends beyond the lab.