Tong Ming Liu | Molecular and Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Tong Ming Liu | Molecular and Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology | Singapore

Dr. Tong Ming Liu’s research focuses on advancing gene and cell therapy through innovative studies on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). His work explores the mechanisms governing mesenchymal stem cell stemness, potency, and ageing, with the goal of improving the therapeutic efficacy and manufacturing quality of MSC-based treatments. A central aspect of his research is identifying and characterizing critical quality attributes (CQAs) in MSC manufacturing to ensure consistent and safe clinical applications. Dr. Liu also investigates disease modeling of bone and cartilage disorders using iPSC-derived MSCs to facilitate drug screening and gene correction strategies. His recent projects include the development of optimized media for iPSC, iPSC-MSC, and MSC culture, as well as identifying novel biomarkers to select high-quality MSCs for regenerative medicine. Through his studies, he aims to enhance the scalability, functionality, and translational potential of stem cell therapies. His findings have been recognized in scientific forums such as the EVANTICA Symposium and Singapore Cell and Gene Therapy Conference, underscoring his contribution to the development of efficient MSC-derived extracellular vesicle (MSC-EV) optimization and regenerative therapy innovations.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

Liu, T. M.*, Tew, W., Yang, Z., Lim, B., Hui, J. H. P., Lee, E. H., Loh, Y.-H., & Cool, S. (2025). Understanding the molecular basis of mesenchymal stem cell stemness: Implications for clinical applications. Cell Death & Disease, 16(1), 778.

Liu, T. M.* (2025). MSC-EVs: Pioneering the next generation of biomedical applications. World Journal of Stem Cells, 17(6), 108197.

Liu, T. M.*, & Wu, Y. (2023). Advancing gene and cell therapy using human mesenchymal stem cells. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 11, 1294460.

Shou, Y., Liu, L., Le, Z., Lee, K. L., Li, X., Koh, D. Z., Wang, Y., Liu, T. M., Yang, Z., Lim, C. T., Cheung, C., & Tay, A. (2023). Mechano-responsive hydrogel for directing stem cell manufacturing and therapy. Bioactive Materials, 24, 387–400.

Liu, T. M.* (2021). Application of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells in regenerative medicine. World Journal of Stem Cells, 13(12), 1826–1844.

Srinivasan, A., Sathiyanathan, P., Yin, L., Liu, T. M., Lam, A., Ravikumar, M., Smith, R. A. A., Loh, H. P., Zhang, Y., Ling, L., Ng, S. K., Yang, Y. S., Lezhava, A., Hui, J., Oh, S., & Cool, S. M. (2022). Strategies to enhance immunomodulatory properties and reduce heterogeneity in mesenchymal stromal cells during ex vivo expansion. Cytotherapy, 24(5), 456–472.

Liu, T. M.*, Yildirim, E. D., Li, P., Fang, H. T., Denslin, V., Kumar, V., Loh, Y.-H., Lee, E. H., Cool, S. M., Teh, B. T., Hui, J. H., Lim, B., & Shyh-Chang, N. (2020). Ascorbate and iron are required for the specification and long-term self-renewal of human skeletal mesenchymal stromal cells. Stem Cell Reports, 14(2), 210–225.

Arzu Yay | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Arzu Yay | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Erciyes University | Turkey

Prof. Arzu Yay is a distinguished researcher in the Department of Histology and Embryology at Erciyes University, Turkey. Her work focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tissue development, injury, and repair, with emphasis on immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses. Her M.Sc. research examined E-cadherin expression during renal development in the prenatal period, contributing to the understanding of epithelial differentiation in organogenesis. Her Ph.D. focused on nestin expression across different grades of meningiomas and glioblastomas, highlighting neural stem cell marker dynamics in tumor progression. She has conducted significant studies on oxidative stress, neurobiology, and tissue damage, including investigations into the effects of melatonin and vitamin C on alcohol-induced lung injury and nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity. Her research has also explored tissue-level alterations in diabetes and the histological impacts of hormonal and anesthetic agents. Prof. Yay’s postdoctoral work at the University of Lübeck, Germany, further advanced her expertise in dermatological histopathology. Her contributions have been recognized through multiple national and international awards for excellence in experimental and translational research, particularly in antioxidant mechanisms and radioprotection. Her body of work reflects a strong integration of histological, molecular, and ultrastructural approaches in biomedical sciences.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Yıldız, K., Efesoy, S. N., Ozdamar, S., Yay, A., Bicer, C., Aksu, R., & Kılıc, E. (2011). Myotoxic effects of levobupivacaine, bupivacaine and ropivacaine in a rat model. Clinical Investigation in Medicine, 34(5), 273–280.

Sarıozkan, S., Bucak, M. N., Canturk, F., Ozdamar, S., Yay, A., Tuncer, P. B., Ozcan, S., Sorgucu, N., & Caner, Y. (2012). The effects of different sugars on motility, morphology and DNA damage during the liquid storage of rat epididymal sperm at 4°C. Cryobiology, 65(2), 93–97.

Sarıozkan, S., Canturk, F., Yay, A., & Akçay, A. (2012). The effect of different storage temperature on sperm parameters and DNA damage in liquid stored New Zealand rabbit spermatozoa. Kafkas Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, 18(3), 475–480.*

Yay, A., Ozdamar, S., Canoz, O., Tucer, B., & Baran, M. (2013). Nestin expression in meningiomas of different grades. Journal of Neurological Sciences (Turkish), 30, 532–540.

Sarıozkan, S., Türk, G., Canturk, F., Yay, A., Eken, A., & Akçay, A. (2013). The effect of bovine serum albumin and fetal calf serum on sperm quality, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation of liquid stored rabbit semen. Cryobiology, 67(1), 1–6.*

Ernst, N., Yay, A., Bíró, T., Tiede, S., Humphries, M., Paus, R., & Kloepper, J. E. (2013). β1 integrin signaling maintains human epithelial progenitor cell survival in situ and controls proliferation, apoptosis and migration of their progeny. PLoS ONE, 8(12), e84356.*

Yay, A., Ozdamar, S., Canoz, O., Baran, M., Tucer, B., & Sonmez, M. F. (2014). Intermediate filament protein nestin is expressed in developing meninges. Bratislava Medical Journal, 115(11), 718–722.*

Erna Van Niekerk | Spinal Cord Injury | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Erna Van Niekerk | Spinal Cord Injury | Best Researcher Award

University of California San Diego | United States

Dr. Erna A. Van Niekerk’s research focuses on advancing central nervous system (CNS) repair through the integration of molecular neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and translational neurobiology. Her work emphasizes uncovering molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive neural regeneration and developing innovative therapeutic strategies to promote recovery after CNS injury. With a strong background in physiology and neuroscience, she has contributed to understanding neuroplasticity, neural signaling pathways, and the molecular determinants of axonal growth and synaptic repair. Dr. Van Niekerk’s recent research explores computational and AI-based models to analyze large-scale neurobiological datasets, aiming to predict regenerative outcomes and optimize therapeutic targets. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental neuroscience with clinical applications, particularly in the development of bioengineered and data-driven interventions for neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. Through her academic and industry experience, she has contributed to translational research efforts aimed at improving functional outcomes following neural damage and enhancing the precision of therapeutic design in neuroregeneration.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Zahavi, E. E., Koppel, I., Kawaguchi, R., Oses-Prieto, J. A., Briner, A., Monavarfeshani, A., Dalla Costa, I., van Niekerk, E., Lee, J., Matoo, S., Hegarty, S., Donahue, R. J., Sahoo, P. K., Ben-Dor, S., Feldmesser, E., Ryvkin, J., Leshkowitz, D., Ben-Tov Perry, R., Cheng, Y., … Fainzilber, M. (2025). Repeat-element RNAs integrate a neuronal growth circuit. Cell. Advance online publication.

van Niekerk, E., Kawaguchi, R., Marques de Freria, C., Groeniger, K., Marchetto, M. C., Dupraz, S., Bradke, F., Geschwind, D. H., Gage, F. H., & Tuszynski, M. H. (2022). Methods for culturing adult CNS neurons reveal a CNS conditioning effect. Cell Reports Methods, 2, 100255. 5

de Freria, C. M., van Niekerk, E., Blesch, A., & Lu, P. (2022). Neural stem cells: Promoting axonal regeneration and spinal cord connectivity. Cells, 10(12), 3296.

Poplawski, G. H. D., Kawaguchi, R., van Niekerk, E., Lu, P., Mehta, N., Canete, P., Lie, R., Dragatsis, I., Meves, J. M., Zheng, B., Coppola, G., & Tuszynski, M. H. (2020). Injured adult neurons regress to an embryonic transcriptional growth state. Nature, 581(7806), 77–82.

Wang, W., van Niekerk, E. A., Zhang, Y., Du, L., Ji, X., Wang, S., & Baker, D. E. (2007). Extracellular stimuli specifically regulate localized levels of individual neuronal mRNAs. The Journal of Cell Biology, 178(6), 965–980.

van Niekerk, E. A., Willis, D. E., Chang, J. H., Reumann, K., Heise, T., & Twiss, J. L. (2007). Sumoylation in axons triggers retrograde transport of the RNA-binding protein La. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(31), 12913–12918. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0705488104

Wang, W., van Niekerk, E., Willis, D. E., & Twiss, J. L. (2007). RNA transport and localized protein synthesis in neurological disorders and neural repair. Developmental Neurobiology, 67(9), 1166–1182.

van Niekerk, E. A., Tuszynski, M. H., Lu, P., & Dulin, J. N. (2016). Molecular and cellular mechanisms of axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, 15(2), 394–408.

Quanjun Cui | Osteogenesis | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Quanjun Cui | Osteogenesis | Best Researcher Award

University of Virginia | United States

Dr. Quanjun Cui is a leading researcher in orthopedic surgery with a strong focus on the pathophysiology and treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). His work integrates clinical insight with advanced molecular and cellular approaches to understand joint degeneration and repair. Dr. Cui’s research has significantly contributed to elucidating the cellular mechanisms underlying cartilage and bone remodeling, macrophage polarization, and the role of extracellular vesicles in joint inflammation. His current studies investigate how M1 macrophage–derived, hyaluronan-coated extracellular vesicles influence OA progression, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets that modulate immune–cartilage interactions. He has also explored molecular pathways involved in bone regeneration, osteonecrosis, and implant integration, with numerous publications advancing translational strategies in musculoskeletal tissue repair. Through his interdisciplinary approach combining orthopaedic biology, regenerative medicine, and biomaterials science, Dr. Cui continues to advance innovative treatments that address degenerative joint diseases at both cellular and clinical levels.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Cui, Q., Mihalko, W. M., Shields, J. S., Ries, M., & Saleh, K. J. (2007). Antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers for the treatment of infection associated with total hip or knee arthroplasty. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), 89(4), 871–882.

Zhao, D., Zhang, F., Wang, B., Liu, B., Li, L., Kim, S. Y., Goodman, S. B., Hernigou, P., Cui, Q., … (2020). Guidelines for clinical diagnosis and treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in adults (2019 version). Journal of Orthopaedic Translation, 21, 100–110.

Wu, T. T., Sikes, R. A., Cui, Q., Thalmann, G. N., Kao, C., Murphy, C. F., Yang, H., … (1998). Establishing human prostate cancer cell xenografts in bone: Induction of osteoblastic reaction by prostate-specific antigen-producing tumors in athymic and SCID/bg mice using LNCaP sublines. International Journal of Cancer, 77(6), 887–894.

Wang, G. J., Cui, Q., & Balian, G. (2000). The pathogenesis and prevention of steroid-induced osteonecrosis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 370, 295–310.

Cui, Q., Wang, G. J., & Balian, G. (1997). Steroid-induced adipogenesis in a pluripotential cell line from bone marrow. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), 79(7), 1054–1063.

Wang, Y., Li, Y., Mao, K., Li, J., Cui, Q., & Wang, G. J. (2003). Alcohol-induced adipogenesis in bone and marrow: A possible mechanism for osteonecrosis.Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 410, 213–224.

Misbah Hanif | Human Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Misbah Hanif | Human Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dow University Of Health Sciences | Pakistan

Dr. Misbah Iqbal Hanif holds a Ph.D. in Human Genetics from the University of Karachi, with research focused on the genetic and cytogenetic causes of recurrent spontaneous miscarriages. Her doctoral work, “A comparative analysis of spontaneous miscarriage couples through QF-PCR with STR markers and conventional cytogenetic tools,” integrated molecular and cytogenetic methodologies to identify chromosomal abnormalities contributing to pregnancy loss. Her research interests encompass reproductive genetics, cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics, and the application of genetic counseling in clinical settings. Dr. Hanif has experience in genetic screening, QF-PCR assay development, and the interpretation of chromosomal aberrations associated with gynecological disorders. Her work also bridges clinical genetics and public health, emphasizing early detection and counseling for inherited and endocrine-related diseases. She has contributed to translational genetics through her involvement in clinical research projects, including those addressing pediatric endocrine disorders, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and metabolic syndromes. With additional certification in genetic counseling, her research and clinical contributions aim to advance genetic diagnostics, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen genetic counseling services within healthcare and academic environments.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Ali, A., Ali, N., Hanif, M. I., & Ali, S. R. (2024). Discovering Down’s syndrome: An account from a low middle income country. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 40(9).

Khan, H., Sher, S. A., Hanif, M. I., Zemawal, N. A., Ahmad, A., Khan, F., & Daftani, M. H. (2024). Prevalence, proportions, and identities of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the oral microflora of healthy children. Cureus, 16(8), 1–9.

Hanif, M. I., Ahmed, H., Ibrahim, M. N., Raza, J., & Ahmed, S. A. (2024). A novel de novo likely pathogenic variant of WFS1 gene in a Pakistani child with non-classic WFS1 spectrum disorder. Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad, 36(2), 433–435.

Hanif, M. I., Ahmed, F., Raza, J., & Ali, S. R. (2024). Clinical outcomes of neonatal admissions with respiratory distress at Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology: An observational study. Pakistan Pediatric Journal, 48(1).

Hanif, M. I., Khan, S. W., Ali, S. R., & Raza, S. J. (2024). Neonatal disease presentations at a newly developed center in an LMIC: Insights from the spectrum of illness at SICHN. International Journal of Pediatrics and Neonatology, 6(1), 14–17.

Hanif, M. I., Mansoor, Q., Arif, A., Shoeb, E., Ismail, M., Khan, A., & Ahmed, S. A. (2024). Genetic evaluation of spontaneous miscarriages and couples through conventional and modern diagnostic tools. Liaquat National Journal of Primary Care.

Saeed Alghamdi | Clinical Ophthalmology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Saeed Alghamdi | Clinical Ophthalmology | Best Researcher Award

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center – Jeddah | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Saeed Abdullah Alghamdi is a Consultant Ophthalmologist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH-RC), Jeddah, specializing in cornea and external diseases, uveitis, and refractive surgery. A fellowship-certified specialist from the University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Canada, he has extensive clinical and surgical experience encompassing complex cataract procedures, including phacoemulsification, ECCE, and SICS with monofocal and multifocal intraocular lens implantation, as well as advanced corneal transplantation techniques such as penetrating keratoplasty. His research interests focus on improving surgical outcomes in corneal transplantation, the management of uveitic complications, and innovations in refractive surgery techniques tailored to regional needs. Dr. Alghamdi has contributed to national and international ophthalmic conferences and collaborative clinical studies aimed at enhancing eye care delivery in the Middle East. In addition to his academic and research pursuits, he actively participates in ophthalmology awareness and humanitarian medical campaigns, including projects under the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. Recognized for his leadership and professional excellence, he has received honors such as the Leadership Medal from the Saudi Arabian National Guard and the Saudi Ophthalmology Society Plaque of Distinction in 2023.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Flanders, M., Hwang, S. Y., Al-Ghamdi, S., Codère, F., & Desrosiers, M. (2007). Endoscopically assisted strabismus surgery. American Journal of Rhinology, 21(3), 297–301.

Blair, J., Hodge, W., Al-Ghamdi, S., Balabanian, R., Lowcock, B., Pan, Y. I., Sherif, H., Al-Mahmoud, T., Fergusson, D., & Slomovic, A. (2011). A comparison of antibiotic-only and antibiotic-steroid combination treatment in corneal ulcer patients: Double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 46(1), 40–45.

Alzahrani, S. M., Al-Ghamdi, S. A., Abdelaal, A. M., Abbas, E. A., Khan, M. A., & Al-Amri, A. W. (2018). Bacterial spectrum of external ocular infections: Prevalence and associated in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance in a tertiary care hospital. International Journal of Advanced Research, 6(1), 6296.

Alsubaie, M. A., Alghamdi, S. A., Alghamdi, S. A., Abdelaal, A. M., & Satti, M. B. (2018). Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis causing orbital apex syndrome and blindness. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 12(4), ND01–ND03.

Alkhoutani, E., Aldoosari, A., & Alghamdi, S. (2018). Systematic review of ocular side effect of systemic medications. International Journal of Current Advanced Research, 7(5L), 12658–12662.

Almajnoni, A. O., & Al-Ghamdi, S. A. (2020). Topiramate-induced acute, bilateral myopia in a migraine patient. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7(3), 1185–1188.