Liang Liu | Molecular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Liang Liu | Molecular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Xiamen University | China

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🌟 Biography of Dr. Liang Liu 🌟

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Liang Liu began his journey in the field of life sciences with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities (2006–2010). His academic curiosity led him to pursue a Ph.D. at the School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, where he delved into the intricate world of molecular biology (2010–2015).

🏛️ PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

After earning his Ph.D., Dr. Liu undertook postdoctoral research at the prestigious Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2015–2019). Since 2019, he has been a professor at the School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University. He also holds roles as a professor at the State Key Laboratory of Cell Stress Biology and Xiang’an Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University.

Dr. Liu's leadership and expertise are further amplified through his contributions as a doctoral supervisor, shaping the next generation of researchers in molecular biology and gene editing.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE

Dr. Liang Liu’s research portfolio spans cutting-edge domains:

  1. Gene Editing and Diagnostic Tools: Developing and applying innovative tools for gene editing and molecular diagnostics.
  2. Prokaryotic Defense and Viral Antagonism: Exploring molecular mechanisms of prokaryotic defense systems, including CRISPR-Cas systems, and viral strategies for evading host immunity.
  3. Nucleic Acid Processing: Investigating RNA processing, regulation, and nucleic acid methylation modifications.
  4. Structural Biology of RNA: Elucidating RNA-mediated gene expression and regulation through advanced structural biology techniques.

His groundbreaking research has unveiled mechanisms underlying prokaryotic resistance to viruses and contributed to the development of novel gene-editing tools and efficient molecular diagnostic systems.

🏆 HONORS AND AWARDS

Dr. Liu’s exemplary contributions have earned him multiple prestigious honors, including:

  • Outstanding Youth Science Foundation Award (2020).
  • Young Top Talents Program, Xiamen University (2019).
  • Young Talents Support Project, China Association for Science and Technology (2018).
  • Second Prize, Beijing Science and Technology Award (2018).

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Liu has significantly advanced the understanding of prokaryotic defense systems, especially the CRISPR-Cas system. His insights into Cas nuclease mechanisms have laid the foundation for transformative molecular diagnostic tools. He has also pioneered innovative gene-editing tools, expanding the potential for therapeutic applications.

Through his role as a researcher and educator, he has mentored numerous students, fostering talent in molecular biology and structural biology.

📚 ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Dr. Liu’s research is widely recognized in the scientific community. He has published extensively as a corresponding, co-corresponding, or first author in leading journals such as:

  • Cell
  • Nature Biotechnology
  • Molecular Cell
  • Nature Communications
  • eLife
  • Structure

His contributions have attracted numerous citations, reflecting his research's profound influence and relevance.

🌟 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Liu’s legacy in molecular biology lies in his impactful work on the mechanisms of prokaryotic defense, innovative diagnostic tools, and advancements in RNA-based research. Moving forward, he is poised to drive significant breakthroughs in epigenetic inheritance, nucleic acid manipulation, and biomedical applications of gene-editing technologies. His continued efforts will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the future of molecular diagnostics and therapeutics.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

"Structures of Neisseria meningitidis Cas9 Complexes in Catalytically Poised and Anti-CRISPR-Inhibited States

  • Authors: Sun, W. , Yang, J. , Cheng, Z. , Sontheimer, E.J. , Wang, Y.
  • Journal: Molecular Cell
  • Year: 2019

"Phage AcrIIA2 DNA Mimicry: Structural Basis of the CRISPR and Anti-CRISPR Arms Race

  • Authors: Liu, L. , Yin, M. , Wang, M. , Wang, Y.
  • Journal: Molecular Cell
  • Year: 2019

"Structure Studies of the CRISPR-Csm Complex Reveal Mechanism of Co-transcriptional Interference

  • Authors: You, L. , Ma, J. , Wang, J. , Zhang, X. , Wang, Y.
  • Journal: Cell
  • Year: 2019

"A CRISPR-Cas13a system for efficient and specific therapeutic targeting of mutant KRAS for pancreatic cancer treatment

  • Authors: Zhao, X. , Liu, L. , Lang, J. , Wang, Y. , Nie, G.
  • Journal: Cancer Letters
  • Year: 2018

"The Molecular Architecture for RNA-Guided RNA Cleavage by Cas13a

  • Authors: Liu, L. , Li, X. , Ma, J. , Zhang, X. , Wang, Y.
  • Journal: Cell
  • Year: 2017

He Chunyan | Molecular Breeding | Genetics Research Excellence Award

Dr. He Chunyan | Molecular Breeding | Genetics Research Excellence Award

Beijing Forestry University | China

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🌿 HE CHUNYAN: A DEDICATED RESEARCHER IN LANDSCAPE PLANTS AND MOLECULAR BREEDING

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

He Chunyan, born in August 1990 in Anyue, Sichuan, pursued her early academic training in Grassland Science at Anhui Agricultural University, earning her undergraduate degree between 2011 and 2015. Her education continued at Beijing Forestry University, where she earned both her Master's and PhD degrees, with a specialization in Landscape Plants and Ornamental Horticulture. Her early undergraduate years were marked by academic rigor, with courses in Turf Science, Weed Science, Genetics, and Plant Physiology, equipping her with a robust foundation in plant biology and agronomy. She also engaged in innovative research projects, including post-disaster fresh corn variety screening and the organic planting model of Amaranthus.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🚀

Throughout her academic career, Chunyan has demonstrated a strong commitment to scientific research. During her Master's and PhD at Beijing Forestry University, she contributed to various National Natural Science Foundation projects. Her primary focus included the molecular breeding of turfgrasses and the dwarfing mechanism of Kentucky bluegrass, contributing to the development of space-induced dwarf mutants. Her PhD research revolved around peony genetics, particularly in the study of candidate genes that regulate peony seed yield, a project sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation. Chunyan's expertise spans advanced molecular biology techniques such as gene cloning, yeast two-hybrid, and Arabidopsis transgenic experiments, and she also undertook gene gun transgenic research for Kentucky bluegrass.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON MOLECULAR BREEDING🔬

He Chunyan’s research focuses on molecular breeding, particularly in turf grasses and ornamental horticulture. She has contributed to multiple scholarly journals with notable papers on the genetics of Kentucky bluegrass and peony. Some of her significant publications include:

  • PrDA1-1 and its interacting protein PrTCP1/PrTCP9 in flare tree peony affect yield by regulating seed weight and number” in the Journal of Integrative Agriculture.
  • Dissection of allelic variation underlying floral and fruit traits in flare tree peony” submitted to Frontiers in Genetics.

In addition, her work on flavonoids and gene expression in Kentucky bluegrass has been featured in prestigious journals such as Chinese Journal of Grassland and Molecular Plant Breeding.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌱

He Chunyan has had a substantial impact on both academic and practical applications of horticultural science. Her work in molecular breeding and genetic analysis has influenced the development of plants with desired traits, such as improved seed yield and stress resistance. Her collaborations in national research projects have further contributed to advancements in plant biotechnology. Chunyan's role as an educator extends beyond the lab, where she has taught courses in Flower Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Turfgrass Science at Beijing Forestry University. Her contributions also include teaching high school students molecular experimentation, enriching young minds with hands-on scientific training.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS 📚

Her research has been widely cited in the field of plant molecular biology. Her work on Kentucky bluegrass and peony genetics has attracted attention in the fields of horticulture and genetic engineering. Her publications contribute to growing bodies of knowledge on seed yield regulation and stress response in turfgrasses, with ongoing submissions to renowned journals like Journal of Grassland Science and Journal of Genetics.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌍

He Chunyan's career is a testament to her dedication to advancing plant molecular biology and landscape horticulture. Her contributions to the study of turfgrass and ornamental plants have significant implications for agricultural sustainability, urban greening, and environmental conservation. In the future, she is poised to make further strides in genetic engineering and molecular breeding, potentially leading breakthroughs in developing resilient and high-yielding plant varieties. Her legacy will be marked by her scientific achievements, commitment to education, and her influential role in shaping the future of plant breeding and horticultural science.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 📑

"Heterologous expression of zjomt from zoysia japonica in Escherichia coli confers aluminum resistance through melatonin production" 

  • Authors: Luo, H. , He, C. , Han, L
  • Journal: PLoS ONE
  • Year: 2018

"Genome-wide analysis reveals four key transcription factors associated with cadmium stress in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.)" 

  • Authors: Yuan, J. , Bai, Y. , Chao, Y. , Xie, L. , Han, L.
  • Journal: PeerJ
  • Year: 2018

"Screening of reference genes for real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR in Kentucky bluegrass" 

  • Authors: Zhang, L. , Tan, P.-H. , Teng, K. , Gan, L. , Yin, S.-X.
  • Journal: Acta Prataculturae Sinica
  • Year: 2017

Bijina Balakrishnan | Molecular Basis of Genetic Disease | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bijina Balakrishnan | Molecular Basis of Genetic Disease | Best Researcher Award

University of Utah | United States

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EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Bijina Balakrishnan embarked on her academic journey in the field of biotechnology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology & Chemistry from the University of Calicut, Kerala, India, in 1999. She further pursued her passion for biotechnology by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology from Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, India, in 2002. Her dedication to advancing knowledge in the field led her to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biotechnology, which she successfully completed at Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, India, in 2008.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Balakrishnan's professional journey has been characterized by a steadfast commitment to research excellence and innovation. She has held various significant positions in esteemed academic and research institutions, including:

RESEARCH SCIENTIST University of Utah, Salt Lake City (2021 - Present)

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE University of Utah, Salt Lake City (2019 - 2021)

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW University of Utah, Salt Lake City (2014 - 2019)

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2008)

SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW Kannur University, India (2007 - 2008)

GRADUATE RESEARCHER Cochin University of Science and Technology, India (2003 - 2007)

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON MOLECULAR BASIS OF GENETICS DISEASE

Balakrishnan's contributions to the field of biotechnology are multifaceted and impactful, spanning from basic research to translational applications. Her research endeavors have primarily focused on rare metabolic disorders, with a particular emphasis on Galactosemia and dilated cardiomyopathy. Some notable contributions include:

  • Development and optimization of preclinical therapeutic interventions for Galactosemia and dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • Characterization of mouse models for Galactosemia and elucidation of disease mechanisms.
  • Design and execution of gene therapy strategies for cardiac-specific conditions.
  • Profiling small molecule modulators for novel therapeutic targets.
  • Investigation of cellular responses to viral proteins, such as the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, and evaluation of potential therapeutic interventions.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Balakrishnan's work has made a significant impact on both the scientific community and the broader field of biotechnology. Her research findings have been presented at numerous conferences and workshops, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and fostering collaboration among scientists. Additionally, her efforts have led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for rare metabolic disorders, offering hope to patients and clinicians alike.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Balakrishnan's research contributions have been recognized through academic honors and awards, including the Best Researcher Award at the International Research Awards on Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine. Moreover, she has received prestigious grants and funding support from organizations such as the Galactosemia Foundation and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Balakrishnan's legacy in the field of biotechnology is characterized by her dedication to scientific inquiry, innovation, and translational research. As she continues her professional journey, she remains committed to advancing knowledge, developing novel therapeutic interventions, and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her future contributions are poised to further shape the landscape of biotechnology and positively impact the lives of individuals affected by rare metabolic disorders.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Novel mRNA-Based Therapy Reduces Toxic Galactose Metabolites and Overcomes Galactose Sensitivity in a Mouse Model of Classic Galactosemia 2020(38)

Structure-Based Optimization of Small Molecule Human Galactokinase Inhibitors 2021(3)

AAV-based gene therapy prevents and halts the progression of dilated cardiomyopathy in a mouse model of phosphoglucomutase 1 deficiency (PGM1-CDG) 2023(3)

AAV9-based PMM2 gene replacement augments PMM2 expression and improves glycosylation in primary fibroblasts of patients with phosphomannomutase 2 deficiency (PMM2-CDG)

Whole-body galactose oxidation as a robust functional assay to assess the efficacy of gene-based therapies in a mouse model of Galactosemia