Dr. Naoki Harada | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Naoki Harada, Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan

Naoki Harada is an Associate Professor at Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan, with extensive expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, endocrinology, and nutrition. He earned his Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Osaka Prefecture University in 2007. Over the past two decades, Harada has made significant contributions to understanding the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underpinning metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes. His research, characterized by high citation impact (H-index of 25), centers on pancreatic β-cell function and metabolic regulation. He has published 77 peer-reviewed articles and holds a patent related to therapeutic interventions. Harada has collaborated with leading scientists like Professors Hiroshi Inui and Ryoichi Yamaji, strengthening his academic footprint in both national and international circles. A member of multiple scientific societies, Harada continues to influence the field through impactful research, industry collaboration, and educational leadership.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

Consistent Research Output
- 77 peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals (SCI, Scopus).
- Recent high-impact studies published in Journal of Biological Chemistry, Scientific Reports, and FASEB BioAdvances.
- Active research profile with an H-index of 25 and over 1,785 citations.
Innovative Scientific Contributions
- Identified REDD2 as a novel therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes—bridging basic research with translational medicine.
- Works across disciplines such as molecular biology, endocrinology, and nutritional biochemistry.
Project Leadership & Industry Engagement
- Led or participated in 14 major research projects.
- 5 consultancy/industry-based projects, reflecting application-oriented research.
Academic and Collaborative Network
- Strong academic collaborations with Professors Hiroshi Inui and Ryoichi Yamaji.
- Member of prestigious scientific societies (e.g., Japanese Biochemical Society, Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Science).
Scientific Versatility
- Contributions span fundamental mechanisms (e.g., oxidative stress, insulin signaling) to dietary interventions (e.g., mogrol, oleamide).
- Demonstrates ability to bridge molecular insights with systemic physiological outcomes.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

International Visibility and Engagement
- Expanding participation in international conferences and editorial boards could elevate his global scientific standing.
- Pursuing cross-border collaborations would further enrich the translational value of his work.
Commercialization and Patent Activity
- While one patent is noted, increased focus on intellectual property development and biomedical commercialization could further validate his applied research strength.
Outreach and Communication
- More active public science communication (e.g., webinars, policy advocacy, media coverage) would amplify the societal impact of his research.

🎓 Education:

Naoki Harada received his Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan, in September 2007. His doctoral studies laid the foundation for his interdisciplinary research in molecular biology, biochemistry, and endocrinology. Harada’s academic path was driven by a keen interest in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation, particularly in relation to glucose homeostasis and pancreatic function. His education provided him with a solid grounding in experimental techniques, critical thinking, and scientific communication, which have become hallmarks of his later work. The institution, known for excellence in biosciences, enabled Harada to cultivate a strong research acumen. His academic training was complemented by exposure to applied research, linking basic science with clinical and nutritional applications—an approach that he has continued to emphasize throughout his career. His strong educational background plays a pivotal role in his current research endeavors and professional development.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Naoki Harada began his academic career in 2008 as an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University. He was promoted to Lecturer in 2015, and subsequently to Associate Professor in 2019. Since 2022, he has served as Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University. Harada has consistently combined teaching with intensive research, mentoring graduate students while advancing his lab’s focus on metabolic diseases and endocrine physiology. His experience includes leading 14 research projects, consulting on 5 industry-linked nutrition initiatives, and co-authoring over 75 scientific papers. His experience reflects a blend of academic leadership, scientific innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Notably, Harada’s role in identifying REDD2 as a therapeutic target exemplifies his contribution to translational science. He maintains strong academic partnerships and actively contributes to several professional societies, making him a respected figure in Japan’s scientific community.

🔬 Research Focus:

Naoki Harada’s research is at the intersection of molecular biology, endocrinology, and nutrition science, with a particular focus on pancreatic β-cell physiology and glucose metabolism. He investigates how oxidative stress, hormonal signals, and metabolic regulators influence insulin secretion and β-cell viability. One of his pivotal contributions is identifying the REDD2 gene as a negative regulator of β-cell function, offering novel therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes mellitus. His studies also explore nutrient-sensing pathways, G-protein-coupled receptors, and hormonal modulation of energy metabolism. Harada’s recent work delves into the effects of dietary compounds like mogrol and oleamide on metabolic health, linking molecular mechanisms to real-world dietary interventions. His ability to bridge bench science with clinical and nutritional applications sets his research apart. Through collaborations with leading experts and high-impact publications, Harada continues to advance knowledge in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

🧬 REDD2 confers pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in high-fat diet-fed mice – Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2025
🦷 Androgens suppress ST3GAL1/4, modulating mucin glycosylation and microbiota in mice – Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2025
🍟 CRTC1 in MC4R cells regulates dietary fat intake – FASEB BioAdvances, 2024
💉 Insulin reduces ER stress-induced apoptosis in INS-1 β-cells – Physiological Reports, 2024
🍬 Mogrol activates GPBAR1 and insulin secretion, alleviates hyperglycemia – Scientific Reports, 2024
🔥 Androgen receptor suppresses β-adrenoceptor-mediated thermogenesis – Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2022
🏥 Age-dependent sex differences in NAFLD in TSOD and db/db mice – PLOS ONE, 2022
🐭 Dietary oleamide attenuates obesity in caged mice – Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2022
🌿 Curcumin targets GPR55 receptor – npj Science of Food, 2022
💪 Oleamide rescues muscle atrophy in small-caged mice – British Journal of Nutrition, 2021

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Naoki Harada demonstrates a clear trajectory of research excellence, grounded in scientific rigor and driven by impactful biomedical questions. His ability to identify molecular mechanisms (e.g., REDD2’s role in β-cell dysfunction) and propose therapeutic directions sets him apart as a leading academic in metabolic disease research. His publication record, industry collaborations, and professional memberships underscore a mature and influential academic career.

Prof. Irena Roterman , Jagiellonian University – Medical College , Poland

Irena Roterman-Konieczna is a distinguished biochemist specializing in bioinformatics and protein structure. With a PhD in biochemistry from the Nicolaus Copernicus Medical Academy Krakow, she has held significant academic positions, including Professor of Medical Sciences at Jagiellonian University. Irena is recognized for her innovative contributions, particularly the fuzzy oil drop model, which emphasizes environmental influence on protein folding. She has published extensively, contributing to the understanding of protein dynamics and interactions. As a committed educator, she has guided numerous PhD students and served as the Chief Editor for the journal Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems. Her work continues to impact the fields of protein folding, membrane proteins, and systems biology.

Strengths for the Award

Irena Roterman-Konieczna’s extensive academic background and innovative contributions to the field of bioinformatics and protein structure make her an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering work on the fuzzy oil drop model has provided critical insights into the environmental influences on protein folding. With a prolific publication record of 149 articles, she has consistently advanced the understanding of protein dynamics, particularly in membrane proteins and chaperonins. Additionally, her role as Chief Editor of the journal Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems demonstrates her leadership in the scientific community. Her commitment to mentoring future researchers is evident through her advisory work with 15 PhD students, ensuring the continued growth of the field.

Areas for Improvement

While Irena’s contributions to theoretical models are significant, there may be opportunities to further integrate experimental validation into her research. Collaborating with experimentalists could enhance the practical applications of her models, particularly in understanding real-world protein behavior. Additionally, increasing outreach to interdisciplinary fields could broaden the impact of her research on medicine and biotechnology.

Education

Irena Roterman-Konieczna completed her basic education in theoretical chemistry at Jagiellonian University in 1974. She earned her PhD in biochemistry in 1984, focusing on the structure of the recombinant IgG hinge region at the Nicolaus Copernicus Medical Academy in Krakow. Following her doctoral studies, Irena undertook postdoctoral research at Cornell University from 1987 to 1989 in Harold A. Scheraga’s group, where she analyzed force fields in molecular modeling programs like Amber and Charmm. In 1994, she achieved habilitation in biochemistry at Jagiellonian University’s Faculty of Biotechnology and later attained the title of Professor of Medical Sciences in 2004. This strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for her extensive research and contributions to the field of biochemistry and bioinformatics.

Experience

Irena Roterman-Konieczna has a robust academic and research background spanning several decades. She has held key academic positions at Jagiellonian University, where she is currently a Professor of Medical Sciences. Irena’s postdoctoral research at Cornell University deepened her expertise in molecular modeling and protein interactions. Throughout her career, she has authored numerous publications and books, significantly advancing the understanding of protein folding and structure. As Chief Editor of the journal Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems from 2005 to 2020, she played a vital role in disseminating research in the field. Additionally, she has supervised 15 PhD students, fostering the next generation of researchers. Irena’s collaborative efforts and advisory roles in various projects highlight her commitment to scientific advancement and education in biochemistry and bioinformatics.

Research Focus

Irena Roterman-Konieczna’s research centers on bioinformatics, particularly in understanding protein structure and dynamics. Her innovative fuzzy oil drop model explores the role of environmental factors in protein folding, proposing that external force fields influence hydrophobic core formation and overall structure. Irena investigates the effects of membrane environments on protein behavior, examining how hydrophobic factors can alter folding dynamics. Her work also delves into chaperonins and their role in facilitating proper protein folding under varying conditions. Additionally, she explores domain-swapping structures and their implications for complex formation in proteins. Irena’s research emphasizes the necessity of simulating external force fields in computational protein folding, integrating both internal and external interactions. Her contributions to systems biology and the development of quantitative models for protein behavior continue to advance the field, making significant impacts in both theoretical and practical applications.

Publications Top Notes

Chameleon Sequences─Structural Effects in Proteins Characterized by Hydrophobicity Disorder 🌊

Transmembrane proteins—Different anchoring systems ⚓

External Force Field for Protein Folding in Chaperonins─Potential Application in In Silico Protein Folding 💻

Structural features of Prussian Blue-related iron complex FeT of activity to peroxidate unsaturated fatty acids 🔬

Domain swapping: a mathematical model for quantitative assessment of structural effects 📊

Editorial: Structure and function of trans-membrane proteins 🧬

Model of the external force field for the protein folding process—the role of prefoldin 🌐

Role of environmental specificity in CASP results 📈

Ab initio protein structure prediction: the necessary presence of external force field as it is delivered by Hsp40 chaperone 🔍

Secondary structure in polymorphic forms of alpha-synuclein amyloids 🧪

Conclusion

Irena Roterman-Konieczna’s innovative research, leadership in academia, and dedication to mentorship position her as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her groundbreaking work in bioinformatics not only advances scientific understanding but also lays the groundwork for future discoveries in protein dynamics and interactions. Recognizing her contributions would not only honor her achievements but also inspire ongoing research in the field.

Naoki Harada | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award