Nikolaos Koletsis | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Mr. Nikolaos Koletsis | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

Nikolaos E. Koletsis is a chemist with a Master of Science in Applied Biochemistry from the University of Patras and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Ioannina. His academic and research background is grounded in molecular and cellular biochemistry, with a particular emphasis on cancer biology, extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics, and the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models. During his MSc research at the Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Patras, he investigated the functional properties and differential expression of key ECM components in 3D breast cancer spheroids. His work integrated advanced biochemical techniques including 3D cell culture, gene expression analysis (qPCR), HPLC, ELISA, electrophoresis, and statistical methodologies such as T-test and ANOVA. This project has culminated in both national and international presentations, and a first-author publication in Cells. Koletsis also conducted pioneering undergraduate research at the University of Ioannina, synthesizing novel alkaline earth metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with potential applications in biodiesel catalysis. This work led to the identification of a new magnesium-glycerol complex, a structure reported for the first time in literature. He has co-authored three peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in Scopus, which have collectively received 15 citations, and he currently holds an h-index of 1. His publications appear in respected journals such as Cells, FEBS Journal, and Archives of Medical Science – Atherosclerotic Diseases, reflecting the interdisciplinary and impactful nature of his work. In addition to his lab-based expertise, Koletsis is adept in scientific writing, data analysis, and conference presentations, demonstrating a clear capacity for translating experimental data into meaningful scientific contributions. His career interests lie at the intersection of biomedical research, applied sciences, and translational innovations in cancer and materials chemistry.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Koletsis, N. E., Mangani, S., Franchi, M., Piperigkou, Z., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025). Development, functional characterization, and matrix effectors dynamics in 3D spheroids of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Cells, 14(17), 1351.

  • Anagnostopoulos, S., Baltayiannis, N., Koletsis, N. E., et al. (2025). 3D printing in medicine: Bridging imaging, education, and practice. Archives of Medical Science – Atherosclerotic Diseases, 10(1), 172–188.

  • Mangani, S., Piperigkou, Z., Koletsis, N. E., Ioannou, P., & Karamanos, N. K. (2024). Estrogen receptors and extracellular matrix: The critical interplay in cancer development and progression. FEBS Journal.

  • Piperigkou, Z., Mangani, S., Koletsis, N. E., Koutsakis, C., Mastronikolis, N. S., Franchi, M., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025). Principal mechanisms of extracellular matrix-mediated cell–cell communication in physiological and tumor microenvironments. FEBS Journal.

 

Samar Zailaie | RNA Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Mrs. Samar Zailaie | RNA Biology | Best Researcher Award

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Saudi Arabia

👨‍🎓Profiles

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Samar Zailaie earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2009. She then pursued a Master of Science in Molecular Pathology at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, graduating in 2015. Her academic background laid a solid foundation in biochemistry and molecular pathology, which has been crucial for her subsequent research endeavors.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

She has held several significant positions at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) in Jeddah, where she currently works as a Research Associate and Lab Manager of Research since March 2023. She has also served as a Research Technician since April 2018. Her previous roles include Lab Coordinator and Human Biology Teacher at My Little House School, and a Research Lab Coordinator at the University of Alberta Hospital. These positions highlight her versatility and commitment to advancing healthcare through research and education.

🌱 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research primarily focuses on developing diagnostic biomarker panels for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. She is particularly interested in the role of non-coding RNAs, especially miRNAs, in chronic inflammation due to fat deposition in the liver. Additionally, her work on dysregulated serum miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for multiple sclerosis subtypes in the Saudi population emphasizes her dedication to understanding and combating complex diseases.

🌟 Impact and Influence

She has made a notable impact in the field of molecular pathology and medical research through her contributions to understanding diseases prevalent in the Saudi population. Her findings on miRNAs have the potential to influence diagnostic practices and improve patient outcomes in multiple sclerosis and liver diseases. She is also active in various committees, enhancing research safety and providing advisory support at King Abdulaziz University and the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO).

📜 Academic Cites

She has published multiple research papers, contributing to the understanding of biomarkers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and multiple sclerosis. Her work is increasingly recognized in scientific literature, aiding in the advancement of diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies.

⚙️ Technical Skills

Samar possesses extensive laboratory skills, including:

  • Nucleic acid extraction from diverse sample types
  • Next-generation sequencing for gene mutations and transcriptomics
  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA purification
  • Real-time PCR and mammalian cell culture
  • Tissue staining techniques (IHC, ISH, FISH) and immunoblotting These skills highlight her expertise in advanced molecular biology techniques essential for her research.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

She has experience teaching Human Biology at the secondary level, specifically the Cambridge International GCSE curriculum. Her role as a lab coordinator also involved guiding students through practical lab sessions, fostering a strong understanding of biological sciences among her students.

🌱 Legacy

Her work is paving the way for better diagnostic practices in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of liver disease and multiple sclerosis. Her commitment to research and education ensures that she is not only contributing to scientific knowledge but also inspiring the next generation of scientists.

🔮 Future Contributions

Looking ahead, She aims to continue her research on biomarkers and their roles in various diseases, focusing on translational research that can directly benefit patient care. She aspires to expand her contributions to global research efforts, enhancing collaborative projects that address health challenges in the Middle East and beyond.

📖Notable Publications