Flavia Neto de Jesus | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus, Texas A&M University, United States

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus is a passionate research scientist with a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of São Paulo and over a decade of experience in preclinical and translational research. She specializes in inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), vascular physiology, and lymphatic system disorders, particularly in the context of arthritis and cancer. Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in Canada, Dr. de Jesus has developed extensive skills in molecular biology, vascular imaging, and functional assays. Her multidisciplinary research contributes to advancing knowledge in immunopathology, lymphatic remodeling, and endothelial function. Widely published and recognized in her field, she has received awards for her scientific contributions and actively mentors students and collaborates across diverse research teams. Her work bridges pharmacological mechanisms with clinically relevant models, demonstrating both scientific rigor and innovation.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Originality & Scientific Merit:
    Dr. de Jesus’s work on lymphatic physiology, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species stands out for its mechanistic depth and translational relevance. Her findings related to NOX inhibition, acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation, and lymphatic hyperactivity in arthritis present novel therapeutic insights.

  2. High-Impact Publications:
    Published in respected journals such as PNAS, Life Sciences, Antioxidants, Biomolecules, and Microcirculation, her research demonstrates a consistent track record of scientific excellence.

  3. Award-Winning Contribution:
    The 2023 Travel Award from the Lymphatic Forum for a detailed vascular-laboratory-based study highlights peer recognition and confirms the value of her contributions to lymphatic research.

  4. Advanced Methodology:
    She applies cutting-edge techniques in animal models, functional vascular assessments, and molecular biology—key components that strengthen the scientific rigor of her articles.

  5. Interdisciplinary Relevance:
    Her research links vascular biology, immunology, and pharmacology, adding significant value across disciplines including rheumatology, oncology, and metabolic disease.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Pending Publications:
    A few of her strongest recent manuscripts are still under review or in preparation. Their final publication would bolster her visibility and add further weight to her candidacy.

  2. Broader International Outreach:
    While her collaborations are robust, engaging more with international institutions beyond North and South America could further amplify the global impact of her work.

  3. Clear Highlight of Novelty in Abstracts:
    While the research is rich in content, abstracts and titles could more clearly emphasize novelty and real-world implications to stand out for award nominations.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus earned her PhD in Pharmacology from the University of São Paulo, one of Brazil’s premier institutions for biomedical research. During her graduate studies (2011–2019), she focused on vascular biology and inflammation, developing deep expertise in endothelial dysfunction, nitric oxide signaling, and lymphatic-arterial cross-regulation. Her early academic journey included foundational studies in biology and pharmacological techniques, enriched by rigorous laboratory practice and collaborative research. To complement her ethical and methodological framework, she completed the TCPS2 training (Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans) in 2024 in Calgary, Canada. This has enabled her to work seamlessly in both Brazilian and Canadian research environments. Her education reflects a strong grounding in both experimental and translational science, empowering her to contribute meaningfully to complex biomedical challenges.

🧪 Professional Experience:

Since April 2019, Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus has been working as a Postdoctoral Researcher focusing on inflammation-related mechanisms in arthritis, fibrosis, and cancer-associated lymphatic changes. Her role encompasses designing and executing in vivo studies, molecular biology experiments, and vascular function assessments. She leads laboratory operations, supervises student researchers, and contributes significantly to manuscript development and conference presentations. Her contributions to the field include pioneering insights into lymphatic dysfunction, ROS involvement in vascular remodeling, and endothelial channel regulation. With over a decade in pharmacological research, Dr. de Jesus has cultivated a rich portfolio of publications and collaborations across interdisciplinary teams. Her experience reflects a strong command over both experimental methodology and collaborative science, making her a valuable contributor in both academic and applied research settings.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus has been recognized for her significant contributions to lymphatic system research. Notably, she received the Travel Award in 2023 from the Lymphatic Forum Conference for her impactful abstract: “Decreased contraction frequency by NOX inhibition and ACh-mediated vasodilation in hyperactive popliteal afferent lymphatic vessels in a TNFα-induced spontaneous arthritis mouse model.” This award acknowledged her advanced understanding of vascular and immune interplay in chronic inflammation. Additionally, she has participated in prestigious international conferences, such as the 19th World Congress of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, where her work on NOS and NOX regulation in lymphatics was presented. These honors reflect her growing recognition within the vascular biology and pharmacology communities, underscoring her potential as a leader in translational immunovascular research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. de Jesus’s research focuses on the interplay between inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction—especially within the context of the lymphatic system. Her work investigates how reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide signaling, and molecular pathways like NADH oxidase (NOX) and endothelin (ET) regulate lymphatic vessel contractility and remodeling. Her current postdoctoral work explores lymph node immunobiology, arthritis models, and cancer-lymphatic interactions using sophisticated in vivo and molecular approaches. She integrates vascular physiology with immunology, seeking to unravel how inflammation alters lymphatic transport, immune cell trafficking, and endothelial responses. Her studies often leverage genetically modified mouse models and combine functional assays with histological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses. Dr. de Jesus’s research offers novel insights into pathophysiological processes underlying chronic diseases such as arthritis, fibrosis, and cancer, positioning her at the forefront of lymphovascular research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

📖 Hyperactive popliteal lymphatic vessels require activation of NADH oxidase (NOX) and endothelin (ET) pathways in arthritic mice (In prep)
📖 Microbiota is dispensable for lymphatic vessel hyperactivity in the TNFΔARE/+ mouse model – Arthritis Rheumatology (Under revision)
📖 Dysregulated lymphatic remodeling promotes immunopathology during non-healing cutaneous leishmaniasis – Cell Press (Under review)
📖 Presence of dysfunctional soluble guanylate cyclase in mesenteric arteries from periodontitis rats – European J. of Pharmacology (2025)
📖 Flow-dependent regulation of mesenteric lymphatic vessels via TRPV4 activation – Microcirculation (2023)
📖 Increased contractile activity and dilation of lymphatic vessels in TNF-α-overexpressing arthritic mice – Life Sciences (2023)
📖 Lymph-derived chemokines drive neutrophil infiltration in lymph nodes post-S. aureus infection – PNAS (2022)
📖 Nutraceutical mix modulates gene expression in Type-2 Diabetes Obesity Model – Antioxidants (2022)
📖 AP39-induced vasorelaxation in mouse mesenteric arteries – Biomolecules (2022)
📖 Leukotriene receptor antagonist reduces bone loss in periodontitis – Journal of Periodontology (2021)
📖 Endothelial dysfunction in periodontitis involves NO and COX-2 products – Archives of Oral Biology (2016)
📖 Beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate improve swimming performance – Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism (2013)

📝 Conclusion:

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus is highly suitable for the Best Research Article Award. Her article on NOX inhibition and ACh-mediated vasodilation in hyperactive lymphatic vessels offers a novel mechanistic insight into the vascular pathology of inflammatory arthritis, an area with significant unmet clinical need. Her work is original, methodologically rigorous, and impactful within the field of lymphatic and vascular biology. Given her award-winning presentation, peer-reviewed track record, and interdisciplinary research value, she is a strong candidate deserving of recognition.

Liquan Huang | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Liquan Huang | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Liquan Huang , Zhejiang University – Zijingang Campus , China

Liquan Huang is a distinguished molecular biologist specializing in taste transduction and chemosensory research. He completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Yale University in 1996 under Dr. Michael Lerner and pursued postdoctoral training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York University. With extensive experience in molecular physiology, Dr. Huang has made significant contributions to sensory perception and signaling pathways. Currently, he serves at Zhejiang University, China, where he leads groundbreaking research on G-protein signaling and taste receptor mechanisms. His work has been widely published in top-tier journals, influencing the fields of neuroscience and molecular biology. Dr. Huang has mentored several postdoctoral researchers and contributed to organizing international scientific conferences. His research on sensory transduction has broad applications, including food sciences and human health. His dedication to advancing scientific knowledge makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Contributions – Dr. Liquan Huang has an impressive publication record in high-impact journals such as Nature Neuroscience, Journal of Neuroscience, eLife, and PLoS Genetics. His work spans molecular biology, neurophysiology, taste receptor studies, and virology, showing a broad impact in multiple scientific disciplines.

  2. Significant Scientific Impact – His research on taste receptors, G-protein signaling, and environmental viromes has contributed significantly to the understanding of molecular signaling pathways, sensory biology, and viral ecology. His discoveries, such as the pseudogenization of sweet receptors in cats and the role of Gγ13 in inflammation resolution, have broad implications.

  3. Funding and Recognitions – Dr. Huang has received multiple fellowships and research grants, including the Morley R. Kare Fellowship and Small Research Grant Program Award, demonstrating sustained recognition and funding for his work.

  4. Mentorship and Training – Having trained multiple postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, he has contributed to the scientific community by fostering new talent in molecular biology and neuroscience.

  5. International Collaborations and Professional Affiliations – As a member of esteemed organizations like the New York Academy of Sciences, Association for Chemoreception Sciences, and Society for Neuroscience, and as an organizer of major scientific meetings, he has actively contributed to the global research community.

  6. Recent Cutting-Edge Research – His recent work on environmental viromes, the evolution of human pathogenic RNA viruses, and G-protein-mediated inflammation resolution shows his ability to evolve with emerging research trends.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Diversity of Funding Sources – While Dr. Huang has received multiple research grants, expanding his funding from diverse international sources and large-scale collaborative grants could further support high-impact research.

  2. Broader Public Engagement – Increased engagement in public science communication, industry collaborations, and policy-making could enhance his influence beyond academia.

  3. Interdisciplinary Expansion – While his research is already multidisciplinary, extending collaborations into areas such as AI-driven bioinformatics, synthetic biology, or applied therapeutics could amplify the translational impact of his work.

Education:

Dr. Liquan Huang has a strong academic background in biology and molecular sciences. He obtained his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Yale University in 1996, where he was mentored by Dr. Michael Lerner. Prior to this, he earned an M.Ph. in Biology from Yale University in 1993. His foundational training in cell biology and anatomy began at New York Medical College in 1991. These rigorous academic pursuits equipped him with expertise in molecular and cellular mechanisms, particularly in sensory and chemosensory research. His education laid the groundwork for his later advancements in taste receptor studies and G-protein signaling pathways. His tenure at these prestigious institutions provided him with a strong theoretical and experimental foundation, allowing him to excel in interdisciplinary research. His academic excellence was further recognized through fellowships at Yale University and New York Medical College, highlighting his commitment to scientific innovation.

Experience:

Dr. Liquan Huang has an extensive research and academic career spanning over three decades. He began his career as an Assistant Researcher at the Institute of Genetics, Academia Sinica, China (1987–1990). Following his doctoral studies, he pursued postdoctoral research at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York University (1996–2000) under Dr. Robert F. Margolskee. He later became an Instructor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine (2000–2002). Currently, he is a researcher and faculty member at Zhejiang University, leading studies in molecular physiology and taste transduction. Dr. Huang has also trained multiple postdoctoral fellows and collaborated on high-impact research. His expertise in sensory biology has led to numerous publications and organizing roles in international conferences. His contributions to neuroscience, molecular biology, and sensory perception establish him as a leading figure in the field.

Awards and Honors:

🏅 Morley R. Kare Fellowship (2004–2006) – Recognized for excellence in chemosensory research.
🎖 Small Research Grant Program Award (R03 DC05154) (2002–2005) – Supported research on molecular taste mechanisms.
🏆 Individual National Research Service Award (F32DC00310) (1998–2000) – Awarded for outstanding postdoctoral research contributions.
🥇 Institutional National Research Service Award (T32DA07135) (1997–1998) – Recognized for research excellence in molecular biology.
🎓 Yale University Fellowship (1991–1996) – Prestigious scholarship for Ph.D. studies in Molecular Biology.
🎖 New York Medical College Fellowship (1991) – Awarded for academic excellence in cell biology training.

Research Focus:

🔬 Taste Transduction & Chemosensory Signaling – Investigating molecular mechanisms of taste receptor activation.
🧬 G-Protein Signaling Pathways – Studying Gγ13 subunit’s role in sensory processing and inflammation resolution.
🦠 Virology & Environmental Microbiology – Exploring deep-sea RNA viromes and their evolutionary significance.
🩺 Biomedical Applications – Examining taste receptor implications in human health and disease.
🍽 Food Science & Peptidomics – Identifying bioactive peptides with taste-modulating properties.

Publications Top Notes📚:

1️⃣ Gγ13 colocalizes with gustducin in taste receptor cells – Nature Neuroscience 🧠
2️⃣ Tas1r3 encodes a new taste receptor – Nature Genetics 🧬
3️⃣ Transient receptor potential channel in taste receptor cells – Nature Neuroscience ⚡
4️⃣ G protein subunit G13 in retinal ON bipolar cells – Journal of Comparative Neurology 👁
5️⃣ Polymorphisms in Tas1r3 gene affect saccharin preference – Journal of Neuroscience 🧪
6️⃣ Cats’ indifference toward sugar due to receptor pseudogenization – PLoS Genetics 🐱
7️⃣ Voltage-gated chloride channel in taste bud cells – Journal of Biological Chemistry 🌊
8️⃣ Human taste: peripheral anatomy & transduction – Advances in Otorhinolaryngology 👅
9️⃣ Interferon pathways activated in taste bud cells – Journal of Neuroscience 🦠
🔟 Bitter peptides activate human bitter receptors – Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 🍵

Conclusion:

Dr. Liquan Huang’s extensive contributions to molecular biology, neuroscience, and virology, combined with his mentorship, international collaborations, and leadership in scientific meetings, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While there is always room for growth in funding diversification and interdisciplinary expansion, his body of work demonstrates excellence and innovation in his field.

Felicia ANTOHE | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

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Dr. Felicia ANTOHE | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

Dr. Felicia ANTOHE , Inst. Cellular Biology and Pathology NS , Romania

Dr. Felicia Antohe is the Head of the Proteomics Department at the Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology, Romanian Academy. With a background in cellular biology and biophysics, she has contributed significantly to biomedical research, particularly in vascular endothelium, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and immune disorders. She has received multiple prestigious awards and conducted pioneering research, especially on the transcytosis of macromolecules in endothelial cells. As a PhD advisor, she mentors young researchers, having guided 12 PhD students to date. Dr. Antohe is an internationally recognized expert with extensive experience in immunology, cell biology, and proteomics.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Felicia Antohe stands out as an exceptional candidate for the Research for Molecular Cell Biology Award due to her extensive academic and research achievements. As Head of the Proteomics Department at the Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology, Romanian Academy, her leadership in pioneering research in endothelial cell biology and vascular pathologies has been transformative. Dr. Antohe’s strong academic background, with a Master’s in Biophysics and a PhD in Cellular Biology, complements her robust research portfolio. With over 170 scientific papers, 90 of which are indexed in Web of Science, she is recognized for her contributions to molecular mechanisms in diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and immune disorders. Furthermore, her work on monoclonal antibodies and proteomics has had a significant impact on both scientific and clinical advancements.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Antohe’s research is highly regarded, there is potential for greater integration of her research with cutting-edge technologies in bioinformatics and computational biology. This could further expand her work on proteomics and molecular mechanisms. Additionally, there is an opportunity for broader outreach to apply her findings in practical therapeutic contexts through collaborations with pharmaceutical companies or clinical trials. Expanding her influence in translational research could have a larger impact on public health, especially in diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.

Education:

Dr. Felicia Antohe holds a Master’s degree in Biophysics from the University of Bucharest (1977). She completed her PhD in Cellular Biology at the Romanian Academy’s Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology (1994). In addition to her formal education, she has been a PhD coordinator since 2000 and has contributed significantly to research training at national and international levels. Her work blends theoretical knowledge with cutting-edge lab techniques in molecular biology, proteomics, and immunology.

Experience:

Dr. Antohe’s research experience spans numerous roles. She is currently the Principal Investigator and Member of the Scientific Council at the Romanian Academy’s Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology. She has also worked as a visiting scientist at prestigious institutions like McGill University, University of Alberta, and Max Planck Institute. She has coordinated over 44 research projects, including national and international grants, and is actively involved in multiple collaborative research efforts across Europe and beyond. Her leadership in cell biology and proteomics is widely recognized.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Antohe has received numerous awards, including the EURESCO Prize (2001), the BIO-RAD Laboratories Prize for valuable research (2002), and the Romanian Academy Emil Racovita Prize (1991). She has also won multiple international recognitions for her scientific contributions, such as the Best Poster award at the “8th International Conference on Vascular Endothelium” (2005), and various fellowships and grants from organizations like COST and the European Science Foundation.

Research Focus:

Dr. Antohe’s research focuses on endothelial cell biology, particularly transcytosis, endocytosis, and cell receptor mechanisms in both health and disease. She investigates the bio-pathology of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and immune disorders, with particular attention to the transport of macromolecules across vascular cells. Her work also explores the role of monoclonal antibodies as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. She applies proteomic techniques to study endothelial cell function, aiming to understand vascular biology at molecular and cellular levels.

Publications Top Notes:

  • The MHC class I-related receptor, FcRn, plays an essential role in the maternofetal transfer of γ-globulin in humans 📄
  • Functional expression of the MHC class I-related receptor, FcRn, in endothelial cells of mice 📄
  • Transcytosis of plasma macromolecules in endothelial cells: a cell biological survey 📄
  • Expression of functionally active FcRn and the differentiated bidirectional transport of IgG in human placental endothelial cells 📄
  • Analytical techniques for multiplex analysis of protein biomarkers 📄
  • Functional ultrastructure of the vascular endothelium: changes in various pathologies 📄
  • Effect of enoxaparin on high glucose-induced activation of endothelial cells 📄
  • Albumin-binding proteins function in the receptor-mediated binding and transcytosis of albumin across cultured endothelial cells 📄
  • Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Romania: A Six-Month Survey 📄
  • Establishment of a pure vascular endothelial cell line from human placenta 📄

Conclusion:

Dr. Felicia Antohe is an outstanding researcher whose work has greatly advanced our understanding of endothelial cell biology, molecular transport, and disease mechanisms. Her combination of technical expertise, leadership in multiple high-impact research projects, and numerous prestigious awards positions her as an ideal candidate for the Research for Molecular Cell Biology Award. While there is always room to expand her research applications, her contributions to science are already substantial and impactful.