Xiaofei Cheng | Molecular Biology | Best Research Article Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Xiaofei Cheng | Molecular Biology | Best Research Article Award

Vice Dean | Northeast Agricultural University | China

Professor Xiaofei Cheng is a distinguished molecular plant pathologist and biochemist at the College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China. His research focuses primarily on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-virus interactions, with a particular emphasis on host immune modulation, viral pathogenicity, and RNA virus replication and movement. Through extensive collaborative research with national and international institutes, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the National Centre for Biotechnology (CSIC, Spain), Professor Cheng has made pioneering contributions to understanding how plant viruses exploit host cellular machinery to establish successful infections. A central theme of Cheng’s research involves elucidating how RNA viruses manipulate plant immunity. His team discovered that plant viruses can hijack host phosphatases to attenuate MAPK-mediated immunity, enabling robust infection. Moreover, his studies revealed the existence of pathogen protease-activated molecular decoys, offering potential for engineering customized resistance in plants. Cheng also uncovered viral strategies to target NPR1, a master regulator of salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defense, thereby suppressing antiviral immunity. His research extends to virus-encoded small proteins, viral replication vesicle formation, and intercellular virus movement. Earlier, Cheng’s work demonstrated that sumoylation of viral RNA polymerase promotes infection by subverting NPR1-mediated immunity, and that viral suppressor proteins such as VPg can degrade key host silencing factors via autophagy pathways. With over 96 publications, 1,635 citations, and an h-index of 23 (Scopus), Professor Cheng has established himself as a leading figure in molecular plant virology and biotechnology. His findings not only deepen our understanding of host-pathogen molecular interplay but also pave the way for developing virus-resistant crop varieties, contributing significantly to global agricultural sustainability.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Research Gate

Featured Publications

  • Luan, Y., Jiang, X., Wang, Y., Chai, M., Li, F., Wang, A., Wu, X., & Cheng, X. (2025). A plant RNA virus hijacks a membrane-anchored dual-specificity phosphatase to attenuate MAPK-mediated immunity for robust infection. The Plant Cell.

  • Fan, X., Zhao, Y., Ji, W., Rodamilans, B., Simón-Mateo, C., García, J. A., Wu, X., & Cheng, X.* (2025). A pathogen protease-activated molecular decoy for customized resistance in plant. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 23, 2403–2405.

  • Jiang, X., Yang, Y., Li, Y., Wang, Y., Rodamilans, B., Ji, W., Wu, X., García, J. A., Wu, X., & Cheng, X. (2025). Plant viruses convergently target NPR1 with various strategies to suppress salicylic acid-mediated antiviral immunity. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 67(5), 1395–1412.

  • Chai, M., Li, L., Li, Y., Yang, Y., Wang, Y., Jiang, X., Luan, Y., Li, F., Cui, H., Wang, A., Xiang, W., Wu, X., & Cheng, X.* (2024). The 6-kilodalton peptide 1 in plant viruses of the family Potyviridae is a viroporin. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 121(21), e2401748121.

  • Liu, J., Wu, X., Fang, Y., Liu, Y., Bello, E. O., Li, Y., Xiong, R., Li, Y., Fu, Z. Q., Wang, A., & Cheng, X.* (2023). A plant RNA virus inhibits NPR1 sumoylation and subverts NPR1-mediated plant immunity. Nature Communications, 14, 3580.

Şengül Alpay Karaoğlu | Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof Dr. Şengül Alpay Karaoğlu | Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Turkey

 Profiles👨‍🎓

 Early Academic Pursuits🎓

Prof. Dr. Sengul Alpay Karaoglu's academic foundation is grounded in Microbial Physiology, earning her MSc in 2015-2016 from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University. Her early focus included critical areas such as General Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics. Over time, she has expanded her expertise into Biotechnology, Biodiversity Conservation, Pharmacology, and Mycology. Her solid academic background laid the groundwork for her substantial contributions in microbial and environmental sciences.

 Professional Endeavors💼

She has held multiple influential academic roles at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, including Faculty Board Member (2015–2022) and Head of the Biology Department (2016–present). She was also appointed Professor at Gümüşhane University in 2022. Her academic career spans two decades of service, where she has actively contributed to curriculum development and academic leadership in Biology, Microbiology, and Mycology. Beyond administrative roles, she is a patent holder and has led numerous research projects, showcasing her multidisciplinary talents in both teaching and research.

 Contributions and Research Focus🔬

Her research portfolio is rich with innovative work across microbiology, pharmacology, and biotechnology. Her research has notably contributed to understanding antimicrobial drugs and microbial biodiversity. Major highlights include: Antimicrobial properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from honeybees (Apis mellifera), Characterization of Bacillus species and their bioactive metabolites, including antifungal and antibacterial activities, Studies on antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli strains and molecular identification of Trichoderma species for biological control.

Her research contributions are reflected in several peer-reviewed publications and patents, such as her invention on an anti-helicobacter effective azo dye and urease enzyme inhibitor. Her work on synthesizing Penicillin-, Cephalosporin-, and Norfloxacin-Azole hybrid molecules demonstrates her role in advancing antimicrobial drug design.

 Impact and Influence🌍

Her impact on the scientific community is wide-reaching, particularly in microbiology and biotechnology. Her TÜBİTAK projects and work with higher education institutions underscore her leadership in addressing critical environmental and agricultural challenges. The innovative nature of her research has implications for antimicrobial therapies, environmental microbiology, and pharmacology, helping shape global understanding in these fields.

 Academic Cites and Recognition📚

Her research output has been widely cited in scientific journals and conferences, contributing to her reputation as a leading academic in Turkey and beyond. Her studies have enhanced the scientific understanding of antibiotic resistance and biological control mechanisms.

Technical Skills🛠️

Prof. Karaoglu’s technical expertise spans advanced microbiological techniques, including microbial culturing, genetic sequencing, molecular biology assays, and biotechnological applications. Her ability to blend laboratory research with real-world environmental applications is a hallmark of her technical acumen.

Teaching Experience👩‍🏫

She has an extensive teaching career, offering courses across several key fields, including: Molecular Cell Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, Food Microbiology, Virology. Antimicrobial Drugs and Their Mechanisms of Action Her commitment to academic excellence is demonstrated through her management of multiple graduate theses, mentoring students in cutting-edge microbiological research.

Legacy and Future Contributions🏆

Her legacy is one of scientific innovation and educational leadership. As a professor and researcher, she has not only contributed to critical advancements in microbiology and pharmacology but also nurtured the next generation of scientists. Moving forward, her work in biotechnology, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental microbiology will continue to be pivotal in addressing global scientific challenges. Prof. Karaoglu’s extensive portfolio ensures her lasting influence on both academia and the scientific community.

Notable Publications📖

"Characterization of chitin and description of its antimicrobial properties obtained from Cydalima perspectalis adults"

Authors: Kılcı, L., Altun, N., Karaoğlu, Ş.A., Karaduman Yeşildal, T.

Journal: Polymer Bulletin

Year: 2024

"Prevalence and Phylogenetic Network Analysis of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae Isolates from Honeybee Colonies in Türkiye"

Authors: Akpınar, R.K., Gürler, A.T., Bölükbaş, C.S., Küçükoğlu, B., Kurt, M.

Journal: Acta Parasitologica

Year: 2024

"Prevalence and molecular analysis of some important viruses in honey bee colonies in Türkiye: the status of multiple infections"

Authors: Akpinar, R., Ozan, E., Celik, S., Yaldiz, M., Karaoglu, S.A.

Journal: Archives of Virology

Year: 2024

"Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activities, and Molecular Modeling Studies of Agents for the Sortase A Enzyme"

Authors: Tatar Yilmaz, G., Yayli, N., Tüzüner, T., Bozdeveci, A., Alpay Karaoğlu, Ş.

Journal: Chemistry and Biodiversity

Year: 2024

"Determination of plant growth promoting properties and bioremediation potentials of Bacillus mycoides Flügge and B. thuringiensis Berliner"

Authors: Üreyen Esertaş, Ü.Z., Bozdeveci, A., Uzunalioğlu, E., Alpay Karaoğlu, Ş.

Journal: Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences

Year: 2024

"Some Schiff Bases Containing Eugenol and Guaiacol: Comparison of Urease Inhibition and Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activities with Its Azo Analogs"

Authors: Kantar, C., Baltaş, N., Karaoğlu, Ş.A., Şaşmaz, S.

Journal: Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal

Year: 2024