Jiafu Wang

Jiafu Wang is an Assistant Professor in Neurotherapeutics at the School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University (DCU), holding a permanent academic position since 2010. A Molecular Biologist and Protein Engineer, he develops biotherapeutics targeting neurological disorders through expertise in exocytosis mechanisms and protein trafficking.

His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Microbiology (1999) and B.Sc. in Virology (1990), both from Wuhan University, followed by postdoctoral research at Imperial College London (2000-2003) and progressive roles at DCU culminating in his current appointment.

Dr. Wang's research program integrates molecular neuroscience with translational pharmacology to target chronic conditions. He investigates exocytosis/endocytosis pathways, protein trafficking mechanisms, and develops biotherapeutics for itch, cancer, and chronic pain disorders. His work emphasizes SNARE protein functions, TRP channel modulation, and botulinum neurotoxin engineering for selective neuronal targeting.

Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2023) reveals concentrated focus on neuroimmune mechanisms of chronic itch, particularly matrix metalloproteinase 9 and TLR signaling in dermatitis, alongside novel botulinum-derived therapeutics for persistent pain blockade. His work consistently bridges fundamental molecular discoveries with therapeutic applications for unmet clinical needs.

Key recognitions include:

• Multiple Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) grants as Principal Investigator
• Contributions to awards from Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Enterprise Ireland
• Co-inventor of international patents for chronic pain therapeutics (AU 2014372689 B, US9005628, EP3087089B1, US9216210)

He currently supervises PhD candidate Ciara Larkin and leads significant research projects including an SFI Career Development Award (2014-2018) for novel biotherapeutics and a current Science Foundation Ireland project (2024-2028) on chronic itch mechanisms. His grant portfolio spans evaluations of anti-arthritic biotherapeutics, secretion inhibitors for pain relief, and targeted therapies for inflammatory cells.

Based at DCU's International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, he maintains active collaborations with Dr. Jianghui Meng (DCU) and Prof. Martin Steinhoff (University College Dublin), focusing on neuroimmune aspects of skin disorders. His team integrates protein engineering, molecular pharmacology, and translational research to develop long-acting targeted therapies for neurological conditions.