Ahmet Kor | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kor | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kor , aksaray university training and research hospital , Turkey

Dr. Ahmet Kor is an associate professor at the Department of Rheumatology, Aksaray Education and Research Hospital, Turkey. With a profound expertise in rheumatology, he has made significant contributions to biomarker-based research in various rheumatological diseases. Dr. Kor is well-known for his pioneering work in understanding the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and interstitial lung disease, as well as his research on small vessel vasculitis and renal estrogen receptors. His work is highly regarded for its originality and depth in the study of biomarkers and disease mechanisms. Dr. Kor’s academic journey has seen him publish numerous journal articles, collaborate with global researchers, and gain recognition in the field. He is committed to advancing rheumatology research and improving clinical outcomes for patients with autoimmune diseases.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Ahmet Kor’s impressive body of work in rheumatology, particularly his focus on biomarkers, places him as an ideal candidate for the β€œBest Researcher Award.” He has contributed significantly to understanding complex mechanisms in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and primary SjΓΆgren’s syndrome. Notably, his pioneering research into the relationship between RA and interstitial lung disease, as well as his exploration of estrogen receptors in small vessel vasculitis, has opened new avenues for diagnostics and treatment. With a remarkable publication record, Dr. Kor has demonstrated both depth and breadth in his research, having published 17 peer-reviewed articles in SCI-indexed journals. His research also bridges the gap between clinical practice and scientific exploration, which enhances its relevance. His ability to identify novel biomarkers like netrin-1 in various diseases showcases his innovative thinking and commitment to advancing rheumatology.

Areas for Improvements:

While Dr. Kor’s research is highly impactful, expanding the focus of his work to include larger-scale clinical trials could provide additional validation of his findings in broader populations. Furthermore, enhancing collaborations with research institutions worldwide could increase the global applicability of his discoveries. A more extensive exploration into therapeutic implications of his findings may also contribute significantly to clinical advancements.

Education:

Dr. Ahmet Kor completed his medical degree (MD) at a prestigious university in Turkey, focusing on the field of rheumatology. He then pursued specialized training and completed his residency in internal medicine before further refining his expertise in rheumatology. His educational background allowed him to develop a deep understanding of autoimmune diseases, particularly their biomarkers and disease progression. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Kor has engaged in continuous education and research, publishing books and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles. His research interests have evolved into studying the molecular mechanisms underlying rheumatological diseases, contributing valuable knowledge to both the academic and clinical communities. Dr. Kor’s educational foundation combined with his professional training has solidified his status as a leading expert in rheumatology, and he continues to inspire students and colleagues alike through his work and teachings.

Experience:

Dr. Ahmet Kor has significant experience in both clinical practice and academic research in rheumatology. He currently holds the position of associate professor at Aksaray Education and Research Hospital in Turkey, where he leads a team of researchers in exploring biomarker-based studies for rheumatological diseases. Over the years, Dr. Kor has worked extensively in clinical settings, diagnosing and treating various autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and small vessel vasculitis. His extensive research portfolio spans multiple domains, from interstitial lung diseases to novel biomarkers for autoimmune diseases. Dr. Kor has been involved in consulting for the pharmaceutical industry and collaborated with other research institutions globally. His experience extends beyond clinical practice, as he actively contributes to scientific journals, editorial roles, and academic committees. His ability to bridge research with clinical application allows him to make lasting contributions to the field of rheumatology.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ahmet Kor’s research focuses on the exploration of biomarkers in rheumatology, particularly in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and small vessel vasculitis. His work aims to identify novel biomarkers that can predict disease progression, diagnose early-stage diseases, and guide therapeutic interventions. He has made significant discoveries regarding the relationship between RA-associated interstitial lung disease and netrin-1 levels, as well as the connection between small vessel vasculitis and renal estrogen receptors. Additionally, Dr. Kor’s research delves into the molecular mechanisms of disease, such as the thiol/disulfide balance in psoriatic arthritis and the potential role of estrogen receptors in primary SjΓΆgren’s syndrome. His studies are instrumental in advancing personalized medicine in rheumatology, with the aim of improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes. Through his interdisciplinary research, Dr. Kor seeks to make impactful contributions to the understanding of autoimmune diseases and their biomarkers.

Publications Top Notes:

  • Urinary Total Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Rheumatoid Patients πŸ”¬πŸ§¬

  • Does Eta Protein Differentiate Rheumatoid Arthritis from Psoriatic Arthritis? πŸ€”πŸ’‰

  • Renal Tubular Estrogen ß Receptors in Small Vessel Vasculitis πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬πŸ”¬

  • Thiol/Disulfide Balance in Psoriatic Arthritis πŸ§ͺ🧬

  • Ensemble Learning and Feature Selection in Diagnosis of Low Back Pain πŸ’»πŸ©Ί

  • Serum Netrin-1 Level in Rheumatoid Arthritis πŸ§ͺπŸ”¬

  • Estrogen Receptor ß in Minor Salivary Glands of Primary SjΓΆgren’s Syndrome πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬πŸ’‰

  • Serum Netrin-1 as a Potential Biomarker for Diabetic Peripheral Artery Disease πŸ©ΈπŸ’‰

  • 14-3-3Ξ· Proteins in Primary SjΓΆgren Syndrome πŸ§¬πŸ’‘

Conclusion:

Dr. Ahmet Kor is a distinguished researcher whose contributions to the field of rheumatology, particularly in biomarker-based studies, make him highly deserving of the β€œBest Researcher Award.” His innovative approach to understanding complex autoimmune diseases, combined with his extensive publications and collaborations, reflects his dedication to improving patient care and advancing the scientific understanding of rheumatology. His research offers significant potential for future breakthroughs, making him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious award.

Gary Chan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gary Chan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gary Chan , SUNY Upstate Medical University , United States

Dr. Gary Ching-Tao Chan is a distinguished professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY. He completed his Ph.D. in Immunology at the University of Alberta, Canada, under the supervision of Dr. Larry J. Guilbert. Dr. Chan’s research expertise lies in viral immunology, particularly in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and dengue virus (DENV). He has a robust research portfolio with numerous contributions to the field, focusing on viral-host interactions and immune modulation. His work has led to groundbreaking discoveries in HCMV pathogenesis, including viral modulation of autophagy and cell signaling pathways. Dr. Chan has held academic appointments at prestigious institutions, including Louisiana State University Health Science Center, where he contributed significantly to advancing viral immunology. His commitment to research excellence is reflected in his impactful publications and active grant support.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Prolific Research Contributions: Dr. Gary Chan has made significant contributions to the field of microbiology, particularly in the understanding of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and its complex interactions with the immune system. His work has been consistently published in top-tier peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Virology, Antiviral Research, and mBio, highlighting his influence in virology.

  2. Innovative and High-Impact Research: Dr. Chan’s research addresses fundamental aspects of viral pathogenesis, focusing on viral-host interactions, immune modulation, and viral replication. His innovative exploration into the molecular mechanisms of HCMV, such as the modulation of mTORC1 and the role of host transcription factors like HSF1, is groundbreaking and provides valuable insights for potential therapeutic strategies. His studies have also demonstrated significant contributions in understanding how viruses, including HCMV and Dengue virus, alter host cell signaling pathways, making his work crucial in antiviral research.

  3. Successful Grant Support: Dr. Chan has received substantial funding for his research, including multiple NIH R01 grants. His current projects, such as targeting the nuclear HSF1 for anti-HCMV strategies, are promising avenues for the development of novel antiviral therapies, further solidifying his standing as a leading researcher in his field.

  4. Recognition by Peers and Journals: His work has been widely recognized by peers in the field, as evidenced by the Journal of Virology Editor’s Pick in 2024 and the Journal of Virology Spotlight Article of Significant Interest in 2020. These accolades underline the impact and relevance of his research.

  5. Mentorship and Academic Leadership: As a Professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Dr. Chan contributes significantly to the academic and professional development of students and colleagues alike. His role in shaping the next generation of researchers, combined with his leadership in the field, highlights his commitment to advancing science.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Impact Across Other Virus Families: While Dr. Chan’s research on HCMV is groundbreaking, exploring the broader spectrum of viral infections, including RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2, could expand his impact across viral disease research. By diversifying his focus, he could address other significant public health threats, further enhancing the breadth of his research.

  2. Increased Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Although Dr. Chan has successfully collaborated with various experts in the field of virology, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers from fields such as bioinformatics, computational biology, and structural biology could accelerate the development of novel antiviral therapies and improve the understanding of viral mechanisms.

  3. Public Engagement and Communication: Dr. Chan’s impactful research is highly technical, and while it has contributed to the scientific community, increased efforts in communicating his findings to the broader public could help in promoting awareness of viral infections and their treatment. Public engagement through media, outreach programs, or collaborative projects with health organizations could amplify his work’s societal impact.

Education:

Dr. Gary Chan earned his Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, from 1999 to 2005. His doctoral research focused on β€œHuman cytomegalovirus-induced trophoblast apoptosis,” under the mentorship of Dr. Larry J. Guilbert in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Following his Ph.D., Dr. Chan pursued postdoctoral training at Louisiana State University Health Science Center (2006–2011) in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Yurochko, his postdoctoral research expanded his expertise in virology and immune modulation. Dr. Chan’s extensive academic background, coupled with his training in cutting-edge viral immunology, has laid the foundation for his pioneering work on viral-host interactions, particularly with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), contributing to novel therapeutic strategies.

Experience:

Dr. Gary Chan is a Professor at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, a role he has held since 2023. Prior to this, he was an Associate Professor at the same department from 2018 to 2023. Dr. Chan has a wealth of experience in virology and immunology, with a focus on human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and dengue virus (DENV). He has been instrumental in advancing research on the molecular mechanisms of viral infections and their impact on the host immune system. Dr. Chan’s academic journey includes several years of postdoctoral training at Louisiana State University, where he contributed to significant findings in viral replication and immune responses. With a comprehensive background in molecular virology, cell biology, and immunology, Dr. Chan is recognized for his expertise in viral pathogenesis and therapeutic research.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Gary Chan has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for his research excellence. In 2024, his publication, Human cytomegalovirus modulates mTORC1 to redirect protein translation within quiescently infected monocytes, was selected as an Editor’s Pick by the Journal of Virology. Additionally, his article on HCMV-induced autophagy preventing necroptosis of infected monocytes was featured as a Spotlight Article of Significant Interest in 2020. His innovative research has earned him continuous recognition within the virology community, including numerous peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Chan’s research contributions have also attracted substantial NIH grant support, including an R01 from the NIAID, to explore novel anti-HCMV strategies targeting nuclear HSF1. His scholarly achievements, including the successful funding of multi-year research projects, underscore his dedication to advancing our understanding of viral diseases and their immune modulation.

Research Focus:

Dr. Gary Chan’s research primarily focuses on viral immunology, specifically human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and dengue virus (DENV). His work explores how these viruses manipulate host cellular processes, such as signaling pathways and immune responses, to promote viral replication and persistence. One of his major research areas is investigating the interactions between HCMV and monocytes, particularly how the virus modulates autophagy and apoptosis to avoid immune detection and promote its survival. Additionally, Dr. Chan’s research delves into the role of host transcription factors, such as HSF1, in regulating viral replication. His innovative work also involves creating bioswitches through protein and DNA engineering to combat HCMV. Through these projects, Dr. Chan aims to identify novel therapeutic targets to limit viral infections and improve antiviral strategies. His work is pivotal in advancing the understanding of how viral infections impact the host immune system and contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Targeting HSF1 prevents HCMV replication 🦠

  2. DENV infection induces differential immunotranscriptomic profiles 🦟

  3. B cell receptor enhancement of dengue virus infection 🧬

  4. Virion-associated US28 modulates Akt activity in monocytes πŸ’‰

  5. The harms of promoting the leak lab hypothesis for SARS-CoV-2 🧫

  6. HCMV modulates mTORC1 in infected monocytes πŸ’ͺ

  7. Virology – The path forward πŸ”¬

  8. Inhibition of SIRT2 promotes HCMV-infected monocyte death βš”οΈ

  9. Virology under the Microscope – A call for rational discourse πŸ“š

  10. Modulation of host cell signaling in HCMV latency πŸ§ͺ

Conclusion:

Dr. Gary Ching-Tao Chan is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to the field of virology, particularly in the area of human cytomegalovirus and its interaction with the immune system. His innovative research has shaped the understanding of viral pathogenesis, leading to potential therapeutic breakthroughs. With significant funding, prestigious recognition, and a strong academic presence, Dr. Chan continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. While there are opportunities for expansion into other viral research areas and greater public outreach, his accomplishments make him a leading figure in microbiology and an excellent candidate for this award.