Dr. Ibrahim Musa | Molecular Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Prince Abubakar Audu University | Nigeria

Dr. Ibrahim Musa is a Molecular Physiologist with a PhD in Molecular Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham, UK, where his doctoral research focused on the molecular function and stability of MuRF1 in skeletal muscle using CRISPR/Cas9 and retroviral applications. He has over four years of research experience in ubiquitin biology, target validation, cellular biology, and molecular mechanisms, with expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing and primary human skeletal muscle culture. As a Research Assistant at the Cellular Health and Metabolism Facility, University of Birmingham, he screened novel drug compounds for mitochondrial dysfunction and optimized dose-response assays in human myoblasts. Dr. Musa has also served as a Lecturer and Researcher in Human Physiology at Kogi State University, Nigeria, for a decade, where he has designed curricula, delivered undergraduate and MBBS lectures, supervised laboratory sessions, and coordinated departmental seminars. His research contributions are published in reputable journals, with an h-index of X, over Y documents, and more than Z citations indexed in Scopus/Google Scholar. He has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the TETFund Doctoral Scholarship (£99,960) and multiple travel awards from the Physiological Society and University of Birmingham, underscoring his growing impact in molecular physiology and biomedical research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications:

Gant, H., Ghimire, N., Min, K., Musa, I., Ashraf, M., & Lawan, A. (2024). Impact of the quadriceps angle on health and injury risk in female athletes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(12), 1547.

Musa, I., et al. (2025). MuRF1 partners with TRIM72 E3 ligases to impair insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. FASEB Journal. (Accepted; preprint available at bioRxiv).

Nishimura, Y., Chunthorng-Orn, J., Lord, S., Musa, I., Dawson, P., Holm, L., & Lai, Y. C. (2022). Ubiquitin E3 ligase Atrogin-1 protein is regulated via the rapamycin-sensitive mTOR-S6K1 signalling pathway in C2C12 muscle cells. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 323(1), C215–C225.

Nishimura, Y., Musa, I., Holm, L., & Lai, Y. C. (2021). Recent advances in measuring and understanding the regulation of exercise-mediated protein degradation in skeletal muscle. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 321(2), C276–C287.

Seabright, A. P., Fine, N. H. F., Barlow, J. P., Lord, S. O., Musa, I., Gray, A., Bryant, J., Banzhaf, M., Lavery, G. G., Hardie, D. G., Hodson, D. J., Philp, A., & Lai, Y. C. (2020). AMPK activation induces mitophagy and promotes mitochondrial fission while activating TBK1 in a PINK1-Parkin independent manner. The FASEB Journal, 34(11), 14416–14433.

Prof. Dr. Srinivas Ayyadevara | Cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and CAVHS (GRECC), United States

Dr. Srinivas Ayyadevara is a distinguished Research Health Scientist and Professor whose impactful work in aging, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular research has spanned over two decades. Currently serving at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Dr. Ayyadevara is known for his pioneering studies on protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular stress responses. His multidisciplinary background in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology has enabled him to address critical questions in age-related diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. His career is marked by an exceptional publication record, strong federal research contributions, and a long-standing commitment to mentoring and collaboration. With a proven track record in translational science, Dr. Ayyadevara exemplifies the qualities sought in a top-tier biomedical researcher and continues to make significant contributions to the health and longevity of aging populations.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

Extensive Research Portfolio:
Dr. Ayyadevara has a prolific track record of peer-reviewed publications across high-impact journals in fields of aging, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular biology, and molecular mechanisms of disease.
Innovative Contributions:
His studies have pioneered understanding of protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagic failure, and pharmacological interventions for Alzheimer’s and age-related pathologies. His recent contributions using neural-network analysis and systems biology approaches are particularly cutting-edge.
Multidisciplinary Expertise:
With formal education in genetics, chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology, and research spanning model organisms to human data, Dr. Ayyadevara’s versatility is a hallmark of modern biomedical research excellence.
Translational Impact:
His work addresses major public health concerns (e.g., Alzheimer’s, heart disease, aging), with findings that could directly impact therapeutic strategies, particularly for aging populations and veterans.
Longevity of Research Commitment:
Over two decades of continuous research experience, including long-term federal service with the VA system, reflects sustained productivity and dedication.
Collaborative Leadership:
He co-authors with multidisciplinary teams, mentors junior scientists, and contributes to community-building within aging and biomedical research.

Areas for Improvement:

Principal Investigator Leadership Visibility:
While Dr. Ayyadevara contributes significantly to many studies, increased leadership as the sole or lead PI on large federal grants or multi-center collaborations would further highlight his independent research stature.
Recognition and Awards:
Despite an exceptional track record, public awards, keynote lectures, or national recognition (e.g., from NIH, VA, or gerontological societies) appear underreported. Greater visibility in these areas could bolster his profile.
Patent/Technology Translation:
The available information does not indicate patent filings or commercialization of findings. Highlighting translational milestones may strengthen his profile for broader impact assessments.

Education:

Dr. Srinivas Ayyadevara’s educational journey began in India, where he earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Botany, Chemistry, and Biochemistry (1985) and an M.Sc. in Genetics (1987) from Osmania University. He later pursued an M.Sc. in Chemistry at Louisiana Tech University in the U.S. (1993), before completing his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (1999). His diverse educational background reflects a robust foundation in life sciences, integrating classical genetics with modern molecular biology. This solid academic preparation has greatly informed his experimental approaches in biogerontology and neurodegeneration. His transition from plant and microbial studies to mammalian and human-focused research reflects a clear trajectory toward translational science aimed at combating aging and disease. This interdisciplinary and international academic training positions him well for leadership in cutting-edge biomedical research.

Experience:

Dr. Ayyadevara has over 25 years of biomedical research experience, including more than 17 years as a Research Health Scientist at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. Since 2008, he has held this GS-13 level position, contributing to VA research in aging and neurodegeneration. As of July 2025, he serves as a Professor in the Department of Geriatrics at UAMS, following his role as an Associate Professor. His career includes hands-on lab leadership, collaboration with clinical investigators, and senior authorship of high-impact publications. He has led or co-led numerous translational studies involving Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular aging, proteomics, and mitochondrial function. Dr. Ayyadevara’s work frequently bridges basic science with clinical relevance, making tangible contributions to veteran health and public aging research. He is a trusted mentor and team leader whose experience spans model organisms, human tissue studies, and molecular interventions aimed at extending healthspan.

Research Focus:

Dr. Srinivas Ayyadevara’s research centers on understanding the molecular underpinnings of aging and age-associated diseases, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein aggregation. He employs model organisms like C. elegans, as well as human and mouse models, to study mechanisms of cellular stress, proteostasis, and genetic resilience to aging. A recurring theme in his work is the role of protein crosslinking and mitochondrial signaling in neurodegenerative and cardiac pathologies. His group is recognized for developing novel tools like the Leave-One-Out-Analysis (LOOA) to study protein interactions in aggregates and identifying actionable targets for drug development. Recently, he has investigated how common pharmaceuticals like ezetimibe and TDZD analogs reduce pathological aggregation. His research merges systems biology, proteomics, and pharmacological screening—offering promising therapeutic avenues for age-related diseases.

Publications Top Notes:

Mitochondria in aging and age-associated diseases – Mitochondrion, 2025
Altered protein homeostasis in cardiovascular diseases contributes to Alzheimer’s-like neuropathology – Basic Res Cardiol, 2025
Ezetimibe reduces Alzheimer’s risk by targeting 14-3-3G::Hexokinase interaction – Aging Biol, 2024
Model systems reveal pathways to reduce cryoprotectant toxicity – Cryobiology, 2024
LOOA: A web tool for protein interaction prediction in aggregation studies – Bioinformation, 2024
Neural-network analysis identifies drug targets in Alzheimer’s amyloid interactome – iScience, 2023
Small molecules rescue ApoE4-induced autophagy failure in Alzheimer’s disease – Commun Biol, 2024
Heart attack increases ER stress and aggregation in heart and brain – Mol Cell Biochem, 2023
TDZD analogs improve neurodegeneration models and extend lifespan in C. elegans – Pharmaceuticals, 2023
Proteomic analysis of ischemic heart and exosome modulation – Biochem Biophys Rep, 2023

Conclusion:

Dr. Srinivas Ayyadevara is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His consistent, high-impact research over the years, especially in aging, neurodegeneration, and systems biology, combined with his commitment to veteran health and translational outcomes, makes him an outstanding candidate. With a few enhancements in national visibility and leadership designation, his already strong profile could rise to the top tier of internationally recognized researchers.

Ibrahim Musa | Molecular Physiology | Best Researcher Award