Varsha Rathore | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Varsha Rathore | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100233 | Taiwan

Dr. Varsha Rathore’s research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer cell migration, invasion, and survival, with a particular emphasis on the role of CASK (Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent Serine Protein Kinase) in prostate cancer progression. Her doctoral work explores how CASK promotes tumor cell motility and invasiveness independent of TGF-β signaling, contributing to a deeper understanding of tumor metastasis. Additionally, she investigates the involvement of NLRX1 in regulating proliferation, invasion, and survival pathways in prostate cancer cells, offering insights into novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Her expertise spans cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemical assays, including protein expression, purification, ubiquitination, kinase, and PARylation assays, as well as metabolic analysis using Seahorse technology. She has presented her findings at international conferences, including the 19th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and the 38th Joint Academic Conference on Biomedicine. Through her research, Dr. Rathore contributes significantly to the field of molecular oncology and pharmacology, advancing knowledge on how signaling proteins orchestrate cancer progression and identifying potential molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications:

Rathore, V., Cheng, C.-Y., Lin, C.-Y., Chang, C.-R., & Lin, W.-W. (2025). CASK promotes prostate cancer progression via kinase-dependent activation of AKT. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 311(Pt 2), 143965.

Rathore, V., & Lin, W.-W. (2025). Decoding SIGLEC12 in bladder cancer: In silico profiling of expression, tumor–immune interactions, and prognostic impact. Medicina, 61(11), 1894.

Mishra, M., Rathore, V., Sahu, S., & Sahoo, H. (2019). The contribution of nanostructures towards the wing patterning of yellow Catopsilia pomona: How it differs from the lime. Microscopy, 68(4), 289–300.

Wan Wan Lin | Inflammation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Wan Wan Lin | Inflammation | Best Researcher Award

Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, NTU | Taiwan

Dr. Wan-Wan Lin is a leading researcher in the fields of pharmacology and immunology, with a strong focus on cellular signaling and innate immune mechanisms. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of signal transduction pathways and their regulation of inflammation and cell death. She has made notable contributions to the study of pattern recognition receptors, inflammasomes, and cytokine-mediated immune responses, particularly in the context of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. Dr. Lin’s research explores how mitochondrial dynamics and redox balance influence inflammatory signaling and programmed cell death, providing key insights into the molecular basis of immune regulation and inflammatory diseases. Her studies have also shed light on the crosstalk between cellular stress responses and immune activation, offering potential therapeutic targets for controlling excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Recognized for her excellence in research, Dr. Lin has received multiple national awards and continues to contribute to the advancement of pharmacological sciences through her editorial and academic roles. Her integrative approach bridges pharmacology, immunology, and cell biology, driving innovations in the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation and innate immunity.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications:

Lin, W.-W., Lee, C.-Y., Tsai, M.-C., & Tsaur, M.-L. (1985). Pharmacological study on angusticeps-type toxins from mamba snake venoms. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 233, 491–498.

Lin, W.-W., Chang, P.-L., Lee, C.-Y., & Joubert, F. J. (1987). Pharmacological study on phospholipases A₂ isolated from Naja mossambica mossambica venom. Proceedings of the National Science Council, Republic of China B, 11, 155–163.

Lin, W.-W., Lee, C.-Y., & Burnett, J. W. (1988). Effect of sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) venom on isolated rat aorta. Toxicon, 26, 1209–1212.

Chiou, S.-H., Lin, W.-W., & Chang, W.-P. (1989). Sequence characterization of venom toxins from Thailand cobra. International Journal of Peptide and Protein Research, 34, 148–152.

Lee, C.-Y., Lin, W.-W., Chen, Y.-M., & Lee, S.-Y. (1989). Is direct cardiotoxicity the primary cause of death following intravenous injection of the basic phospholipase A₂ from Naja nigricollis venom? Acta Physiologica et Pharmacologica Latinoamericana, 39, 383–391.

Lee, C.-Y., & Lin, W.-W. (1989). Two subtypes of acetylcholinesterase isoenzymes distinguishable by Angusticeps-type toxin F7. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Comparative Pharmacology and Toxicology, 92, 279–281.

Lin, W.-W., Lee, C.-Y., & Chuang, D.-M. (1989). Cross-desensitization of endothelin- and sarafotoxin-induced phosphoinositide turnover in neurons. European Journal of Pharmacology, 166, 581–582.

Lin, W.-W., Chen, Y.-M., Lee, S.-Y., Nishio, H., Kimura, T., Sakakibara, S., & Lee, C.-Y. (1990). Cardiovascular effects of two disulfide analogues of sarafotoxin S6b. Toxicon, 28, 911–923.

Lin, W.-W., Lee, C.-Y., Yasumoto, T., & Chuang, D.-M. (1990). Maitotoxin induces phosphoinositide turnover and modulates glutamatergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor function in cultured cerebellar neurons. Journal of Neurochemistry, 55, 1563–1568.

Lin, W.-W., & Lee, C.-Y. (1990). Biphasic effects of endothelin in the guinea-pig ileum. European Journal of Pharmacology, 176, 57–62.

Shaoqing Ai | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Shaoqing Ai | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Xi’an Daxing Hospital | China

Dr. Shaoqing Ai’s research focuses on the clinical application and translational potential of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in oncology, particularly in the management of gastrointestinal tumors, lung cancer, and gynecological malignancies. His work emphasizes optimizing multidisciplinary treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes through precision diagnosis and therapy. As an active contributor to the fields of tumor metastasis and geriatric oncology, he has participated in a research project exploring the molecular mechanisms and clinical management of tumor progression and treatment-related complications. His published studies, including one SCI-indexed paper and two Chinese core journal articles, highlight the therapeutic efficacy of combined treatment approaches in reducing radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-induced hematologic toxicities such as leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Dr. Ai’s research also aims to refine clinical protocols for mitigating adverse effects while enhancing the overall quality of life for cancer patients. Through his involvement in professional oncology committees and collaborative studies, he continues to advance the integration of evidence-based Chinese medicine with modern oncological practices, contributing to the growing body of knowledge supporting individualized and holistic cancer care.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications:

Ai, S., Jun, G., Jia, W., & Jie, L. (2025, October 16). Correlation analysis between frequency of gastrointestinal bleeding episodes and abnormal coagulation indexes in digestive system tumors. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-19012-8

 

 

Aakanksha Jain | Neuroimmunology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Aakanksha Jain | Neuroimmunology | Best Researcher Award

University of Washington | United States

Dr. Aakanksha Jain’s research focuses on elucidating the complex neuroimmune mechanisms underlying pain, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders. Her work integrates immunology and neuroscience to understand how immune and neural cells communicate to regulate pain pathways, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune pain conditions. During her fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital under the mentorship of Dr. Clifford J. Woolf, she investigated the neuroimmune interactome driving pain sensitization and inflammatory signaling. Her independent research, supported by the NIH K99/R00 HEAL Initiative Award, explores how immune mediators contribute to neural dysfunction and persistent pain in autoimmune arthritis. Dr. Jain’s studies employ advanced molecular, cellular, and imaging approaches to map cross-talk between immune and neuronal networks. She has presented her findings at major conferences, including the Pain Grand Rounds at Johns Hopkins University, the Annual Pain Therapeutics Summit, and the Gordon Conference on Neuroimmune Interactions in Pain. Recognized for her scientific excellence, Dr. Jain’s research contributes to a deeper understanding of immune-neural interactions in disease, paving the way for precision therapies targeting neuroimmune pathways in pain and inflammation.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Hakim, S., Jain, A., Adamson, S. S., Petrova, V., Indajang, J., Kim, H. W., Kawaguchi, R., Wang, Q., Duran, E. S., Nelson, D., Greene, C., Rasmussen, J., & Woolf, C. J. (2025). Macrophages protect against sensory axon degeneration in diabetic neuropathy. Nature.

Hakim, S., Jain, A., & Woolf, C. J. (2024). Immune drivers of resolution and prevention of pain. Nature Immunology. https://doi.org/10.1038/ni-2024-xxxx (Co-first authors).

Jain, A., Gyori, B., Hakim, S., Sun, L., Petrova, V., Shamsuddin, B. A., Zhen, S., Wang, Q., Kawaguchi, R., Bunga, S., Taub, D. G., Ruiz-Cantero, M. C., Tong-Li, C., Andrews, N., Renthal, W., Sorger, P. K., & Woolf, C. J. (2024). Nociceptor-immune interactomes reveal insult-specific immune signatures of pain. Nature Immunology.

Jain, A., Hakim, S., & Woolf, C. J. (2024). Immune drivers of physiological and pathological pain. Journal of Experimental Medicine. (Co-first authors).

McDaniel, M. M., Singh, A. S., Jain, A.*, Meibers, H. E., Sara, I., Gao, Y., Jain, V., Roskin, K., Way, S. S., & Pasare, C. (2022). Effector memory CD4⁺ T cells induce damaging innate inflammation and autoimmune pathology by engaging CD40 and TNFR on myeloid cells. Science Immunology. (Co-first authors).

Ruiz-Cantero, M. C., Cortés-Montero, E., Jain, A., Montilla-García, A., Bravo-Caparrós, I., Shim, J., Sánchez-Blázquez, P., Woolf, C. J., Baeyens, J. M., & Cobos, E. J. (2022). The sigma-1 receptor curtails endogenous opioid analgesia during sensitization of TRPV1 nociceptors. British Journal of Pharmacology.

Jain, A., Hakim, S., & Woolf, C. J. (2020). Unraveling the plastic peripheral neuroimmune interactome. Journal of Immunology, 204(2), 257–263.

Jain, A., Irizarry-Caro, R. A., McDaniel, M. M., Chawla, A. S., Philip, N. H., Carroll, K. R., Overcast, G. O., Katz, J., Oberst, A., Chervonsky, A., & Pasare, C. (2019). T cells instruct myeloid cells to produce inflammasome-independent IL-1β and cause autoimmunity. Nature Immunology, 21(1), 65–74.

Lee, S., Talbot, S., Jo, S., Zhang, H. B., Kotoda, M., Andrews, N., Heckman, L. M., Puopolo, M., Liu, P., Jain, A., Jacquemont, T., Lee, J., Woolf, C., & Bean, B. P. (2019). A novel charged sodium and calcium channel inhibitor active against neurogenic inflammation. eLife, 8, e12345.

Stefan Oliver | Cryogenic Electron Tomography | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Stefan Oliver | Cryogenic Electron Tomography | Best Researcher Award

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory | United States

Dr. Stefan L. Oliver is a leading virologist and structural biologist whose research focuses on understanding virus–host interactions and the structural organization of viral complexes within infected cells. As Lead Scientist at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, he directs laboratory operations and research programs centered on the tomographic reconstruction and segmentation of macromolecular assemblies in situ, particularly investigating the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) using advanced cryo-focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (cryoFIB/SEM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). His work integrates cutting-edge imaging technologies with molecular virology to elucidate the ultrastructural mechanisms of viral infection, replication, and pathogenesis. At the Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Oliver’s research advances the understanding of viral morphogenesis and host cell remodeling during infection, contributing to the broader field of structural virology. His studies provide critical insights into how viral particles assemble and interact with cellular machinery at the nanoscale level. In addition to his research, Dr. Oliver serves as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Microbiology – Virology and has guest-edited a special issue of Viruses on “Virus-Induced Syncytia,” highlighting his active role in advancing scholarly communication within the virology research community.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications:

Oliver, S. L., Chen, M., Engel, L., Hecksel, C. W., Zhou, X., Schmid, M. F., Arvin, A. M., & Chiu, W. (2025). Cryogenic electron tomography redefines herpesvirus capsid assembly intermediates inside the cell nucleus. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.06.27.661840

Engel, L., Zaoralova, Z., Dunn, A. R., & Oliver, S. L. (2025). Extracellular filaments revealed by affinity capture cryoelectron tomography of lymphocytes. Nature Communications, 16, 9802. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-64795-z

Zhou, M., Vollmer, B., Machala, E., Chen, M., Grünewald, K., Arvin, A. M., Chiu, W., & Oliver, S. L. (2023). Targeted mutagenesis of the herpesvirus fusogen central helix captures transition states. Nature Communications, 14(1), 7958. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43011-w

Alexander, L. T., Lepore, R., Kryshtafovych, A., et al. (2021). Target highlights in CASP14: Analysis of models by structure providers. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics. https://doi.org/10.1002/prot.26247

Oliver, S. L., Xing, Y., Chen, D. H., Roh, S. H., Pintilie, G. D., Bushnell, D. A., Sommer, M. H., Yang, E., Carfi, A., Chiu, W., & Arvin, A. M. (2021). The N-terminus of varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein B has a functional role in fusion. PLoS Pathogens, 17(3), e1008961. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1008961

Zhou, M., Kamarshi, V., Arvin, A. M., & Oliver, S. L. (2020). Calcineurin phosphatase activity regulates varicella-zoster virus-induced cell-cell fusion. PLoS Pathogens, 16(11), e1009022. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1009022

Oliver, S. L., Xing, Y., Chen, D., Roh, S. H., Pintilie, G. D., Bushnell, D. A., Sommer, M. H., Yang, E., Carfi, A., Chiu, W., & Arvin, A. M. (2020). A glycoprotein B-neutralizing antibody structure at 2.8Å uncovers a critical domain for herpesvirus fusion initiation. Nature Communications, 11(1), 4141. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17911-0

Yang, E., Gardner, M. R., Zhou, A. S., Farzan, M., Arvin, A. M., & Oliver, S. L. (2018). HIV-1 inhibitory properties of eCD4-Igmim2 determined using an Env-mediated membrane fusion assay. PLoS ONE, 13(10), e0206365. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206365

Yang, E., Arvin, A. M., & Oliver, S. L. (2017). The glycoprotein B cytoplasmic domain lysine cluster is critical for varicella-zoster virus cell-cell fusion regulation and infection. Journal of Virology, 91(4), e01707-16. https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.01707-16

Waldemar Debinski | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Waldemar Debinski | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Wake Forest School of Medicine | United States

Dr. Waldemar Debinski, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished neuroscientist and cancer researcher recognized for his pioneering work in brain tumor biology and targeted molecular therapies. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive the development and progression of malignant brain tumors, with a particular emphasis on gliomas. Dr. Debinski has significantly contributed to the development of novel targeted therapeutics, including receptor-directed cytotoxins and biologics designed to selectively eliminate tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues. His investigations bridge molecular oncology, translational science, and clinical application, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with brain cancers. Throughout his career, he has integrated insights from physiology, molecular biology, and pharmacology to develop translational approaches that move from laboratory discovery to clinical implementation. His extensive research has advanced the understanding of tumor-specific receptors and intracellular signaling pathways, contributing to innovative strategies in cancer immunotherapy and precision medicine. Dr. Debinski’s work exemplifies the integration of basic and clinical research toward the development of next-generation treatments for central nervous system malignancies, positioning him as a leading figure in neuro-oncology and translational cancer research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Wocial, B., Januszewicz, W., Siedlecki, J., Feltynowski, T., & Debinski, W. (1982). Alterations in plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase and catecholamine concentrations during surgical removal of pheochromocytoma. Endocrinologie, 79, 131–139.

Debinski, W., & Wocial, B. (1982). Various aspects of sodium metabolism in hypertension [in Polish]. Polski Tygodnik Lekarski, 37, 1339–1342.

Ignatowska-Świtalska, H., Debinski, W., & Chojnowski, K. (1983). The role of certain hormonal factors in arterial hypertension [in Polish]. Materia Medica Polona, 15, 74–86.

Wasawska, T., Feltynowski, T., Majewska, Z., Januszewicz, W., Sobolewska-Karwowska, A., Wocial, B., & Debinski, W. (1984). Pheochromocytoma: Description of two cases with an unusual clinical picture [in Polish]. Polski Tygodnik Lekarski, 39, 261–263.

Czarkowski, M., & Debinski, W. (1984). Sodium and primary arterial hypertension [in Polish] (Review). Kardiologia Polska, 27, 967–976.

Wocial, B., Debinski, W., Jablonska-Skwicinska, E., Feltynowski, T., Chodakowska, J., Kozakowska, E., & Januszewicz, W. (1984). Sodium content of erythrocytes in patients with arterial hypertension [in Polish]. Polski Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej, 72, 167–174.

Garcia, R., Debinski, W., Gutkowska, J., Kuchel, O., Thibault, G., Genest, J., & Cantin, M. (1985). Gluco- and mineralocorticoids may regulate the natriuretic effect and the synthesis and release of atrial natriuretic factor by the rat atria in vivo. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 131, 806–814.

Debinski, W., Kuchel, O., Garcia, R., Buu, N. T., Racz, K., Cantin, M., & Genest, J. (1986). Atrial natriuretic factor inhibits sympathetic activity in one-kidney, one-clip hypertension in the rat. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 181, 173–177.

Debinski, W., Kuchel, O., Buu, N. T., Garcia, R., Cantin, M., & Genest, J. (1986). Involvement of the adrenal glands in the action of the atrial natriuretic factor. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 181, 318–324.

Debinski, W., Gutkowska, J., Kuchel, O., Racz, K., Buu, N. T., Cantin, M., & Genest, J. (1986). ANF-like peptide(s) in the peripheral autonomic nervous system. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 134, 279–284.

Elena Pradedova | Redox Systems of the Plant Cell Vacuole | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Elena Pradedova | Redox Systems of the Plant Cell Vacuole | Best Researcher Award

Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences | Russia

Dr. Elena Vladimirovna Pradedova is a distinguished plant physiologist and biochemist whose research has significantly advanced the understanding of vacuolar function in plant cells. Her pioneering studies revealed that the plant cell vacuole, previously considered a passive compartment, plays an active and crucial role in cellular defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stressors. She conducted the first comprehensive investigation into vacuolar antioxidant enzymes, identifying and characterizing the activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate oxidase, and alcohol dehydrogenase within the vacuole. Her work also led to the first determination of the vacuolar redox potential, offering vital insights into intracellular redox homeostasis. Focusing on proton pumps, active sugar transport across the vacuolar membrane, and the vacuole’s redox systems, her research bridges molecular, biochemical, and physiological approaches to elucidate plant stress responses. Through her publications in respected journals such as Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Biochemistry (Moscow), and the Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, she has contributed valuable knowledge on reactive oxygen species generation, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and detoxification pathways in plant cells. Her findings highlight the vacuole’s essential protective and regulatory roles, transforming the conceptual understanding of plant cell biology and its adaptive responses to environmental challenges.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Pradedova, E. V. (2021). Redox systems of the plant cell vacuole compared to redox systems of other subcellular structures. [Review].

Pradedova, E. V. (2021). Redox systems of the plant cell vacuole. [Review].

Pradedova, E. V. (2021, Conference paper). Effects of biotic factor on antioxidant defense system of vacuoles of red beetroot cells. [Conference presentation, Open Access].

Pradedova, E. V. (2021). Glutathione system is a detoxification mechanism of herbicides in vacuoles and plastids of red beetroot cells. Siberian Journal of Life Sciences and Agriculture. [Open Access].

Mohamed Dammak | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Mohamed Dammak | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Academic Researcher Award

Faculty of Sciences of Sfax | Tunisia

Professor Mohamed Dammak is a distinguished researcher in the field of chemistry, recognized for his significant contributions to materials science, solid-state chemistry, and nanomaterials. His research primarily focuses on the synthesis, structural characterization, and optical properties of functional materials, including luminescent phosphors, glass ceramics, and doped oxide systems. He has extensively investigated rare-earth-doped materials for photonic and optoelectronic applications, contributing valuable insights into energy transfer mechanisms and material stability under various conditions. Professor Dammak’s scholarly output includes numerous publications in high-impact journals indexed in SCI and Scopus, reflecting his consistent pursuit of scientific excellence. With over 1,100 citations and an h-index of 17, his work has had a measurable influence on contemporary research in materials chemistry. He has also participated in national and international research collaborations, enhancing cross-disciplinary approaches to the development of advanced materials with optical and structural functionalities. Through his academic leadership and commitment to innovation, Professor Dammak continues to advance the understanding and application of inorganic and functional materials, bridging the gap between fundamental research and technological development in the field of chemistry.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Dammak, M.*, Abdelmoula, N., Cheikhrouhou-Koubaa, W., & Cheikhrouhou, A. (2021). Short-range magnetic behavior in manganites La₀.₉₃K₀.₀₇Mn₁₋ₓCuₓO₃ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.09) above the Curie temperature. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 54(32), 325002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6463/ac015c

 

Antoine Tamsa Arfao | Antimicrobial Efficacy | Innovative Research Award

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Prof. Antoine Tamsa Arfao | Antimicrobial Efficacy | Innovative Research Award

University of Yaounde 1 | Cameroon

Dr. Antoine Tamsa Arfao’s research focuses on water and environmental microbiology with a strong emphasis on the ecological dynamics of aquatic systems and sustainable water management. His work investigates the bacteriological and physicochemical quality of diverse aquatic ecosystems, assessing how environmental factors and pollutants influence microbial communities and ecosystem health. A significant part of his research explores the impact of antibiotics and other physicochemical variables on bacterial populations, contributing to understanding microbial resistance mechanisms in aquatic environments. Additionally, his studies advance the development and optimization of water treatment processes aimed at effective disinfection and decontamination. Through experimental and analytical approaches, his research contributes to identifying environmental risks, improving water quality assessment methods, and designing innovative biotechnological solutions for maintaining ecosystem integrity. His contributions help bridge fundamental microbiological insights with applied environmental management, promoting strategies for cleaner and safer aquatic resources.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Tamsa Arfao, A., Njoya Manouore, A., Tchakonté, S., Onana, F. M., Ngo Hei, A., Yogne Poutoum, Y., Nana, P. A., & Nola, M. (2025). Wastewater and urban waterways as hotspots for multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Cleaner Water, 4, 100164.

Tchakonté, S., Nana, P.-A., Tuékam, R. K., Koji, E., Nyamsi Tchatcho, N. L., Tamsa Arfao, A., & Onana, M. F. (2025). Salinity affects the dispersal pattern of the freshwater invasive snail Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 (Gastropoda: Physidae) in an anthropogenically affected river-estuary catchment. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science.

Tamatcho Kweyang, B. P., Njiawouo, M. N. N., Eheth, J. S., Ngoupayou, S. N., Fadimatou, A., Sanoussi, M., Gondio, B. S. F. A., Onana, F. M., & Tamsa Arfao, A. (2025). Wastewater from social housing networks as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant Vibrio: Phenotypic identification and seasonal variability in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 17(8), 590–610.

Fadimatou, A., Tamsa Arfao, A., Ewoti, O. V. N., Onana, F. M., Fokouong, B. H. T., Njoya, A. M., Fodouop, R. T., Etame, G. E., El Hajjaji, S., & Nola, M. (2024). Effect of Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila on some abiotic properties of water stored in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Advances in Microbiology, 14, 663–677.

Koji, E., Nana, P. A., Tchakonté, S., Onana, F. M., Tamsa Arfao, A., Belengfe, S. C., Ekwa, R. M., Kweya, O. E. W., & Nola, M. (2024). Population dynamics of planktonic and symbiotic Vibrio spp. associated with the freshwater invasive snail Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae) in Wouri estuary (Douala, Cameroon). Limnologica, 109, 126211.

Tchakonté, S., Koji, E., Nyamsi, N. L. T., Nana, P.-A., Tuekam, R. K., Tamsa Arfao, A., Onana, M. F., & Ajeagah, G. A. (2024). First use of Chironomid Pupal Exuvial Technique in freshwater biomonitoring in Cameroon: Ecological aspect and morphological description of Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera). Limnologica, 109, 126212.

Djappa, C. E. T., Onana, F. M., Tamsa Arfao, A., Metsopkeng, C. S., Alex, M. M. A., Laurent, S., Henoumont, C., Fouotsa, H., Mkounga, P., & Nkengfack, E. A. (2024). Cultivability of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of hydroethanolic extracts of Lantana camara stems and leaves: Importance of bioactive compounds in the cellular inhibition process. Scientific African, 26, e02373.

Tong Ming Liu | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Tong Ming Liu |  Stem Cell Research | 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.