Josefina Patricia Fernandez Moreno | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Josefina Patricia Fernandez Moreno | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Cordoba | Spain

Dr. Josefina Patricia Fernández Moreno is a plant biologist and biotechnologist whose research focuses on crop improvement through molecular, physiological, and biochemical approaches. Her work explores the genetic and metabolic regulation of bioactive compounds and stress responses in plants. During her master’s research, she investigated the functional role of the Sl-MYB12 transcription factor in the biosynthesis of polyphenols in tomato fruit using Virus-Induced Gene Silencing, contributing to the understanding of secondary metabolism regulation. Her current collaborations involve elucidating the role of ethylene signaling, particularly the EIN3 transcription factor, in early nodulation processes of Medicago truncatula, aiming to improve nitrogen-fixing efficiency. Additionally, she contributes to a comprehensive review on glycine betaine’s multifaceted roles in plant defense, emphasizing its influence on abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in crops. Beyond her academic contributions, she has applied her expertise in biotechnology as an adviser for an agricultural start-up focused on in-vitro culture and specialized metabolite production. Her research integrates molecular biology, plant physiology, and biotechnology to develop sustainable strategies for enhancing crop resilience and productivity under environmental stress conditions.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Yaschenko, A. E., Fenech-Torres, M., Zhao, C., Neubauer, M., Brumos, J., Davis, H., Marchi, A. J., Concannon, R., Keren, A., Levitsky, V., Ascencio-Ibanez, J. T., Goldshmidt, A., Zemlyanskaya, E., Alonso, J. M., & Stepanova, A. N. (2025). EBSnew, a robust synthetic reporter for monitoring ethylene responses in plants. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 0, 1–19. Müller, S., Stegmann, T., Adema, K., Holmer, R., van Seters, A., van Velzen, R., Kulikova, O., Wijsman, T., Klein, J., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Stepanova, A. N., Alonso, J. M., Franssen, H., Larrainzar, E., van Zeijl, A., & Kohlen, W. (2025). Spatiotemporal dynamics of ethylene biosynthesis shape infection and nodule initiation in Medicago truncatula. Plant Cell. (Submitted).

Balakireva, A. V., Karataeva, T. A., Karampelias, M., Mitiouchkina, T. Y., Morozov, V. V., Macháček, J., Shakhova, E. S., Perfilov, M. M., Belozerova, O. A., Palkina, K. A., Drazna, N., Vondrakova, Z., Kalachova, T., Fleiss, A., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Alonso, J. M., Stepanova, A. N., Fakhranurova, L. I., Markina, N. M., … Sarkisyan, K. S. (2025). Non-invasive imaging of salicylic and jasmonic acid activities in planta. Nature Communications. (Submitted).

Biswal, A. K., Banasiak, A., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Mitra, M., Harholt, J., Derba-Maceluch, M., Majda, M., Kushwah, S., Kumar, V., Abreu, I., Sivan, P., Pattathil, S., Immerzeel, P., Gorzsás, A., Moritz, T., Hahn, M. G., Scheller, H. V., Aharoni, A., & Mellerowicz, E. J. (2025).* Cuticle deposition in the leaf epidermal cells depends on integrity of homogalacturonan. iScience, 25, 113963.

Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Yaschenko, A. E., Neubauer, M., Marchi, A. J., Zhao, C., Alonso, J. M., & Stepanova, A. N. (2024). A rapid and scalable approach to build synthetic repetitive hormone-responsive promoters.

Chao He | Cell Wall Glycosylation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Chao He | Cell Wall Glycosylation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chao He | Anhui University’s School of Life Sciences | China

Dr. Chao He is an accomplished Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, China. With a robust background in structural biology and enzymology, his research explores the intersection of microbiology, structural biology, and biotechnology. A Ph.D. graduate from the University of Science and Technology of China, he specializes in carbohydrate-active enzymes and their applications in health and industry. Dr. He has led significant projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and provincial science agencies. His work elucidates catalytic mechanisms and structural features of glycosyltransferases and glycoside hydrolases, with applications in gut microbiota research and industrial polysaccharide processing. He has authored 17 first/corresponding-author publications in top-tier journals including Nature Synthesis, PNAS, and Angewandte Chemie. His contributions position him as a leading figure in enzymology-driven biotechnological innovation.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Chao He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Southeast University, where he developed a solid foundation in molecular and cellular biology. Motivated to delve deeper into life sciences, he pursued his Ph.D. in Structural Biology at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). During his doctoral training, he honed his skills in protein structure analysis, enzyme mechanism elucidation, and X-ray crystallography. His education provided him with cross-disciplinary expertise, combining engineering principles with biological systems. This unique academic blend laid the groundwork for his current research in enzyme discovery and rational design. Dr. He’s academic record reflects his commitment to scientific excellence, critical thinking, and innovation, with early exposure to both theoretical and applied aspects of biomedical sciences—a synergy that continues to inform his research today.

Experience:

Dr. Chao He joined Anhui University as a Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences and was promoted to Associate Professor. Over the past decade, he has led innovative research in enzymology, focusing on glycosyltransferases and hydrolases involved in carbohydrate metabolism. As principal investigator, he manages an NSFC General Program grant, investigating Bacteroides-mediated degradation of polysaccharides, along with multiple provincial-level grants. His lab conducts both basic and applied research, ranging from structural characterization to biocatalytic engineering. Dr. He has extensive experience in high-resolution crystallography, enzyme kinetics, and polysaccharide bioprocessing. He has published 17 high-impact papers and serves as a mentor to graduate and undergraduate students. With a strong academic and technical background, Dr. He is a recognized contributor to the field of molecular enzymology and a reliable collaborator within the broader scientific community.

Research Focus:

Dr. Chao He’s research focuses on understanding the structure-function relationships of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), including glycoside hydrolases and glycosyltransferases. He aims to reveal how microbial systems—particularly gut-associated Bacteroides—degrade complex polysaccharides using polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs). His team employs structural biology tools (e.g., X-ray crystallography) and biochemical assays to uncover catalytic mechanisms and binding specificities. This work has major implications in both basic biology and industrial biotechnology, such as the rational engineering of enzymes for improved substrate specificity and thermal stability. Applications include bioconversion of polysaccharides, synthesis of oligosaccharides for prebiotics, and enzyme-based biocatalysis. Dr. He’s integrative approach bridges enzymology, microbiome science, and bioengineering, aligning with global needs in food science, health, and sustainable materials. His research supports enzyme discovery pipelines and contributes to understanding host-microbe interactions via carbohydrate metabolism, thus representing a frontier area in molecular life sciences.

Publications Top Notes: 

  • Biocatalytic enantioselective γ-C–H lactonization of aliphatic carboxylic acids – Nature Synthesis, 2023

  • Specific hydrolysis of curdlan with a novel glycoside hydrolase family 128 β-1,3-endoglucanase containing a carbohydrate-binding module – Carbohydrate Polymers, 2021

  •  Structural basis for histone H3K4me3 recognition by the N-terminal domain of the PHD finger protein Spp1 – Biochemical Journal, 2019

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Chao He exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier academic researcher whose work contributes significantly to the understanding and application of carbohydrate-active enzymes. His ability to combine structural biology with biotechnology showcases both scientific depth and interdisciplinary innovation. Although there is scope for increasing his outreach and collaborative engagements, his current achievements and research leadership make him a compelling nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His trajectory reflects a researcher who is not only productive and impactful but also poised for continued growth and international recognition.

Lijuan Deng | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

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Mrs. Lijuan Deng | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

Mrs. Lijuan Deng , Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery , China

Lijuan Deng is a passionate graduate student researcher at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery in China, specializing in the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases. Her scientific curiosity centers on gene regulation, signaling pathways, and metabolic dysregulation in disease progression, particularly metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). Her translational approach blends experimental models and bioinformatics to bridge basic science and therapeutic innovation. Lijuan has already co-authored a publication in The FASEB Journal, identifying CDKN1A as a key regulator in MASLD. She is also the inventor of a patent-pending technique for nascent RNA labeling in extracellular vesicles. Through collaborations with clinical researchers and a solid foundation in molecular biology techniques, she is positioning herself as a rising talent in cell biology. Her work promises to advance understanding and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research: Lijuan Deng has significantly contributed to the understanding of MASLD (Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) by identifying CDKN1A as a key regulatory gene through integrated transcriptomic analysis and experimental validation.

  2. Translational Focus: Her research bridges molecular biology and clinical application, enhancing its impact in drug discovery and disease diagnostics.

  3. Publication Record: She is the first author of a peer-reviewed article published in The FASEB Journal (SCI-indexed), showcasing her ability to conduct and communicate high-quality research.

  4. Patent Innovation: She holds a pending patent for a novel method involving nascent RNA labeling in extracellular vesicles, showing her drive toward technological advancement and biomedical innovation.

  5. Collaborative Approach: Active collaboration with the Department of Endocrinology at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital reflects strong interdisciplinary and clinical integration.

🧩 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Expanded Publication Portfolio: Increasing the number of peer-reviewed articles will strengthen her academic visibility and impact.

  2. Professional Networking: Engagement in international cell biology societies or conferences and obtaining professional memberships can support broader recognition and growth.

  3. Editorial/Leadership Roles: Participation in editorial boards, review panels, or student leadership roles can enrich her professional development profile.

🎓 Education:

Lijuan Deng is currently pursuing her graduate studies in molecular biology at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, where she focuses on translational biomedical research. Her academic foundation includes advanced coursework in biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cellular signaling. Through structured academic training, she has acquired proficiency in modern laboratory methods, including RNA sequencing, qPCR, western blotting, and exosome analysis. Her education emphasizes critical thinking and scientific rigor, enabling her to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret biological outcomes. She regularly participates in academic seminars, journal clubs, and collaborative workshops to refine her scientific acumen. Her thesis research is centered around identifying novel molecular targets in MASLD, a field gaining global relevance. Lijuan’s education is not only shaping her technical capabilities but also nurturing her ambition to contribute to impactful, real-world medical solutions through cell biology research.

💼 Experience:

Lijuan Deng has gained extensive laboratory experience as a graduate student researcher at the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery. Her hands-on work includes both cellular and animal models, with a strong focus on metabolic disease mechanisms. She played a key role in identifying CDKN1A as a potential MASLD progression factor, combining transcriptomic data analysis with molecular validation. Additionally, she has worked on exosome-based biomarker discovery and developed a patent-pending method for nascent RNA labeling. She collaborates with the Department of Endocrinology at Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, providing a clinical dimension to her work. Though early in her career, her contributions to translational research are already making an impact. She is skilled in molecular biology, gene expression profiling, and therapeutic target screening. Her research experience has been shaped by interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific publications, and the ambition to innovate within the field of molecular cell biology.

🧬 Research Focus:

Lijuan Deng’s research is primarily focused on the molecular underpinnings of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), a key manifestation of metabolic syndrome. She investigates how dysregulated genes, signaling networks, and lipid metabolism contribute to disease initiation and progression. A major highlight of her work is identifying CDKN1A as a potential risk factor in MASLD using integrated bioinformatics and experimental techniques. Additionally, she explores the utility of extracellular vesicles as carriers of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic molecules. Her patent-pending work involves a novel method for labeling nascent RNA within exosomes, opening possibilities for tracking dynamic RNA communication in disease contexts. Her research strategy merges molecular biology with disease modeling, aiming to bridge laboratory discoveries with potential therapeutic strategies. Through strong collaborations and a translational research outlook, Lijuan is dedicated to uncovering actionable insights that can inform drug development for complex metabolic disorders.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧾 “Identification of CDKN1A as a potential key risk factor in MASLD progression.” – The FASEB Journal, 2025. DOI: 10.1096/fj.202402942R

🧾 Conclusion:

Lijuan Deng stands out as an emerging researcher with strong foundations in molecular cell biology and a clear orientation toward translational science. Her innovative work in MASLD, combined with an SCI publication and a pending patent, make her a highly suitable and promising candidate for the Molecular Cell Biology Award. While she is in the early stages of her career, her achievements thus far indicate substantial potential for future contributions to the field.