Valentina Perissi | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valentina Perissi | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Boston University, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Valentina Perissi began her academic journey at the University of Torino, Italy, where she earned a Laurea degree (equivalent to a combined BSc/MSc) in Molecular Biology in July 1997. She then advanced her expertise at the University of California San Diego, completing her PhD in Molecular Pathology in March 2004. Following her doctoral studies, she undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at the same institution, focusing on Epigenetics, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, which she completed in June 2010. These foundational years established her deep knowledge in molecular biology and paved the way for her interdisciplinary research.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Dr. Perissi holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Boston University School of Medicine. Beyond her faculty role, she has taken on leadership responsibilities as the Co-Director of the Boston Nutrition Obesity Research Center (BNORC) for the past three years. This NIDDK-funded center fosters collaboration among researchers from four leading Boston institutions, bridging nutrition and obesity studies to address metabolic diseases. Her role as co-director highlights her commitment to scientific leadership and collaborative research environments.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Perissi’s research focuses on the intricate molecular mechanisms governing metabolic adaptation in response to nutrient availability, cellular differentiation, and oxidative stress. Over the last decade, her laboratory has concentrated on elucidating mitochondria-nuclear communication pathways, specifically the crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics in adipose tissue and breast cancer cells. Her innovative work contributes to a deeper understanding of how cellular metabolism influences gene regulation, with implications for obesity, cancer, and metabolic diseases.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Dr. Perissi has authored more than 30 high-impact publications in leading journals, reflecting her significant contributions to molecular and cellular biology. She has been recognized as a thought leader in her field, evidenced by numerous invited talks at prestigious international conferences such as the Nature Conference on Mitochondria and Immunity (Beijing), Cold Spring Harbor Asia Conferences, Gordon Conference, and the American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting. Her scientific influence extends globally, shaping current understanding in mitochondrial biology and metabolism.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Her scholarly work has garnered substantial citations, underscoring the broad relevance and adoption of her research findings. Dr. Perissi’s accolades include prestigious awards and fellowships such as the ISSNAF Award for Biomedicine and Cognitive Sciences (Honorable Mention), the Peter T. Paul Career Development Professorship at Boston University, the K99/R00 NIH Pathway to Independence Award, and fellowships from NIH and leading research organizations in Italy. These honors reflect her outstanding scientific rigor and career development.

🧰 Technical Skills

Dr. Perissi’s expertise spans advanced molecular biology techniques, including epigenetic assays, metabolic flux analysis, mitochondrial functional studies, and cellular differentiation protocols. Her lab integrates multi-disciplinary approaches combining cell biology, biochemistry, and systems biology to dissect complex signaling pathways regulating metabolism and gene expression.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Perissi has been deeply invested in mentoring the next generation of scientists. She currently leads a diverse and collaborative team consisting of 1 research faculty member, 5 postdoctoral fellows, 11 predoctoral students (including PhD and Master’s candidates from programs in Molecular Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Genomics, and Nutrition and Metabolism), as well as 19 undergraduate students. Her mentorship fosters scientific growth and encourages interdisciplinary training.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Perissi’s work sits at the crossroads of metabolism, epigenetics, and disease, promising to unlock new therapeutic targets for obesity and cancer. Looking ahead, her continued leadership at BNORC and Boston University will expand collaborative research and translate fundamental discoveries into clinical applications. Her commitment to mentorship and innovative science secures her legacy as a transformative figure in biomedical research.

📖Notable Publications

  • GPS2-mediated regulation of the adipocyte secretome modulates adipose tissue remodeling at the onset of diet-induced obesity
    Authors: Justin English, Joseph Orofino, Carly T. Cederquist, Indranil Paul, Hao Li, Johan Auwerx, Andrew Emili, Anna Belkina, Dafne Cardamone, Valentina Perissi
    Journal: Molecular Metabolism
    Year: 2023

  • Inhibition of K63 ubiquitination by G-Protein pathway suppressor 2 (GPS2) regulates mitochondria-associated translation
    Authors: Yuan Gao, Julian Kwan, Joseph Orofino, Justin English, Ryan Hekman, Shawn M. Lyons, Andrew Emili, Maria Dafne Cardamone, Valentina Perissi
    Type: Preprint
    Year: 2022

  • Neuralized-like protein 4 (NEURL4) mediates ADP-ribosylation of mitochondrial proteins
    Authors: Maria Dafne Cardamone, Yuan Gao, Julian Kwan, Vanessa Hayashi, Megan Sheeran, Junxiang Xu, Justin English, Joseph Orofino, Andrew Emili, Valentina Perissi
    Journal: Journal of Cell Biology
    Year: 2022

  • Erratum: Actionable Cytopathogenic Host Responses of Human Alveolar Type 2 Cells to SARS-CoV-2
    Authors: Hekman, R.M., Hume, A.J., Goel, R.K., Abo, K.M., Huang, J., Blum, B.C., Werder, R.B., Suder, E.L., Paul, I., Phanse, S. et al.
    Journal: Molecular Cell
    Year: 2021

  • Loss of G-Protein Pathway Suppressor 2 Promotes Tumor Growth Through Activation of AKT Signaling
    Authors: Chan, S., Smith, E., Gao, Y., Kwan, J., Blum, B.C., Tilston-Lunel, A.M., Turcinovic, I., Varelas, X., Cardamone, M.D., Monti, S. et al.
    Journal: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
    Year: 2021

Deguo Han | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Deguo Han | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Northeast Agricultural University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Deguo Han began his academic journey in plant sciences, eventually earning his Ph.D. from China Agricultural University, one of China’s top institutions in agricultural research. His foundational interests in plant stress physiology and molecular biology laid the groundwork for his future contributions to cold-region horticulture. From early on, Prof. Han demonstrated an aptitude for experimental research and innovation in plant science, which he later translated into impactful real-world applications.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a professor at the College of Horticulture, Northeast Agricultural University, Prof. Han has amassed a wealth of academic and research experience. Over the years, he has led three National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects and is currently overseeing a provincial key R&D program. As a key contributor to national and regional horticultural development, he has also spearheaded five industry collaborations, enhancing cultivation practices and stress resistance in fruit crops.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Han specializes in plant stress physiology, molecular breeding, and fruit quality regulation, particularly in cold environments. His pioneering research has uncovered molecular mechanisms regulating cold and iron stress resistance in fruit trees, significantly advancing the field. His published work—over 80 academic papers, with nearly 30 SCI-indexed as first or corresponding author—appears in respected journals like Biologia Plantarum, Scientia Horticulturae, and Plant Molecular Biology Reporter. His investigations into sugar metabolism in fruits and post-harvest physiology have also contributed to improved fruit storage and processing strategies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Han’s contributions have had a profound impact on horticulture in cold regions, especially Northeast China. He played a key role in developing stress-tolerant cultivars, contributing to sustainable agriculture in challenging climates. His efforts earned him two provincial awards, including the prestigious Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award. Furthermore, his mentorship has cultivated a new generation of researchers—five of his mentees have secured National Youth Funds—thus ensuring the continuation of excellence in the field.

📚 Academic Publications and Citations

With an H-index of 22, Prof. Han’s research enjoys strong academic visibility and impact. His citation record reflects both the quality and relevance of his work. In addition to peer-reviewed articles, he has contributed to important academic books, including the textbook “Plant Tissue Culture” (ISBN: 9787122163448), part of China’s “12th Five-Year Plan” curriculum, and “Fruit Trees in Heilongjiang” (ISBN: 9787567407237). His patent on the MxCS gene of Malus xiaojinensis (Application No.: 201010165100.1) underscores his innovative edge.

🧪 Technical Skills

Prof. Han is adept in a wide range of molecular and physiological techniques, including gene cloning, plant tissue culture, physiological stress assays, and post-harvest quality analysis. His interdisciplinary approach integrates lab-based research with field applications, especially in breeding and high-efficiency cultivation technologies.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

A dedicated educator, Prof. Han has mentored over 20 postgraduate students, many of whom have progressed to become researchers and academic leaders themselves. He is also a respected editor of Acta Horticulturae Sinica and a guest editor for the Special Issue “Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plant Stress Tolerance” in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. His dual role as a researcher and mentor ensures that theoretical knowledge is effectively translated into practical learning and innovation.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Han’s legacy is built on scientific rigor, academic mentorship, and real-world impact. As a Council Member in multiple branches of the Chinese Society for Horticultural Science, including the Small Fruit Branch and the Young Scientists’ Branch, and an Executive Council Member of the Horticultural Society of Heilongjiang Province, he continues to shape the direction of Chinese horticultural science. Looking ahead, he aims to develop new molecular tools and crop varieties that can thrive under climate change conditions, thereby bolstering food security and agricultural resilience in cold regions.

📖Notable Publications

  • Overexpression of a transcription factor MdWRKY126 altered soluble sugar accumulation in apple and tomato fruit
    Authors: Lihua Zhang, Yu Xu, Zhexing Luo, Mingjun Li, Deguo Han
    Journal: Horticultural Plant Journal
    Year: 2025

  • Overexpression of a Fragaria × ananassa AP2/ERF Transcription Factor Gene (FaTINY2) Increases Cold and Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
    Authors: Wenhui Li, Wenhao Zhang, Huiwen Li, Wenquan Yu, Deguo Han
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2025

  • Arabidopsis thaliana Plants’ Overexpression of the MYB Transcription Factor VhMYB60 in the Face of Stress Hazards Enhances Salt and Cold Tolerance
    Authors: Zhe Chen, Jinghan Wang, Wenhui Li, Xingguo Li, Deguo Han
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2025

  • Malus xiaojinensis MxbHLH30 Confers Iron Homeostasis Under Iron Deficiency in Arabidopsis
    Authors: Yu Xu, Yingnan Li, Zhuo Chen, Lihua Zhang, Deguo Han
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2025

  • Changes and Trade-Offs of Ecological Service Functions of Public Welfare Forests (2000–2019) in Southwest Zhejiang Province, China
    Authors: Ziqiang Liu, Deguo Han, Limin Ye, Yuanke Xu, Yong Zhang
    Journal: Forests
    Year: 2024

Natalya Kurochkina | Protein Structure | Best Researcher Award – 1648

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Dr. Natalya Kurochkina | Protein Structure | Best Researcher Award

The School of Theoretical Modeling, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Natalya Kurochkina’s academic journey began when she earned her Ph.D. in Biophysics at the Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences. Her postdoctoral work followed in 1991 at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, USA, focusing on Biochemistry. These formative years laid the foundation for her expertise in protein structure and biophysical analysis.

Professional Endeavors 💼

After her postdoctoral studies, Kurochkina worked as a Research Scientist at Applied Thermodynamics in Hunt Valley, MD, between 1996 and 1998. In 1998, she established the School of Theoretical Modeling in Washington, DC, where she has since served as a Professor of Biophysics. She teaches courses in Biomedical Research and Protein Modeling, contributing significantly to the academic development of students in these fields. Her research has focused on the structure and dynamics of proteins, particularly in the context of medical applications.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Kurochkina’s research contributions are substantial and have made a significant impact on the field of biophysics and biochemistry. She developed methods for predicting protein conformation, including novel approaches to designing immunotoxins. Her work on the molecular modeling of various medically relevant proteins, such as fibrin, UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/ManNAc kinase, and TRP1/TRPV1/CDK5, has advanced the understanding of these molecules. Kurochkina also pioneered studies into the structural determinants of protein assembly and the impact of helix interfaces on ligand binding.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Kurochkina’s work has not only contributed to the scientific community but also has tangible medical implications. Her design of immunotoxins and modeling of critical proteins has advanced therapeutic approaches for various diseases. Additionally, her research in protein structure analysis is essential for understanding disease-related mutations, such as those linked to hereditary conditions like HSAN2A and sialuria. Her innovations have drawn attention globally, and her publications are regularly cited within the scientific literature.

Academic Cites 📚

Kurochkina has published 30 journals in high-impact databases like SCI and Scopus, with a citation index of 14. Her research is widely recognized within the biophysics and protein modeling communities. As a key contributor to multiple fields, her work on the structural and functional aspects of proteins continues to be referenced by experts and researchers worldwide.

Technical Skills 🛠️

Kurochkina possesses advanced technical skills in protein modeling, biophysical analysis, and computational chemistry. Her expertise includes structural modeling of proteins, secondary structure analysis, and the prediction of amino acid interactions. She has also worked extensively with molecular modeling software to simulate and predict the behavior of protein assemblies, particularly in the context of disease-associated mutations.

Teaching Experience 👩‍🏫

As a Professor of Biophysics, Kurochkina has mentored and shaped the careers of many students. Her teaching experience spans biomedical research, protein modeling, and the theoretical foundations of molecular biology. She is known for her ability to inspire students and foster a deep understanding of biophysics. Her guidance in both academic and research settings has been instrumental in the development of the next generation of scientists.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Kurochkina’s legacy is marked by her groundbreaking contributions to protein structure prediction and her innovations in immunotoxin design. Her future research aims to further explore the complexities of protein dynamics and their role in disease. She continues to focus on developing computational tools that enhance the understanding of protein behavior in various biological systems. Her work promises to continue influencing the fields of biophysics, biochemistry, and biomedical research for years to come.

📖Notable Publications

Expression pattern analysis and characterization of the hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy 2 A (HSAN2A) gene with no lysine kinase (WNK1) in human dorsal root ganglion

Authors: Sapio, M.R., King, D.M., Staedtler, E.S., Mannes, A.J., Iadarola, M.J.
Journal: Experimental Neurology
Year: 2023

Phosphorylation of the Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 by Cyclin-dependent Kinase 5 affects Chemo-nociception

Authors: Hall, B.E., Prochazkova, M., Sapio, M.R., Iadarola, M.J., Kulkarni, A.B.
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2018

Phosphorylation, Dephosphorylation, and Multiprotein Assemblies Regulate Dynamic Behavior of Neuronal Cytoskeleton: A Mini-Review

Authors: Kurochkina, N., Bhaskar, M., Yadav, S.P., Pant, H.C.
Journal: Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
Year: 2018

Helical assemblies: Structure determinants

Authors: Kurochkina, N.A., Iadarola, M.J.
Journal: Journal of Theoretical Biology
Year: 2015