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.

Romain Villéger | Host-bacteria interactions | Cell Metabolism Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assist. Prof. Dr. Romain Villéger | Host-bacteria interactions | Cell Metabolism Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Romain Villéger , Université de Poitiers , France

Dr. Romain Villéger is an Assistant Professor at the University of Poitiers, France, in the Ecology & Biology of Interactions (EBI) lab, within the Microorganisms-Hosts-Environments (MHE) team. With a Ph.D. from the University of Limoges, his work explores the intricate interactions between probiotics and host cells. He has held postdoctoral positions at the University of Bordeaux and the University of Texas Medical Branch, USA, focusing on microbiota-host relationships and metabolomics. Dr. Villéger’s research aims to unravel the role of bacterial interactions, particularly in the context of gastrointestinal health, microbiota, and cancer. His research has led to significant advancements in understanding microbial pathogenesis, including the effects of probiotics and endocrine disruptors on host cell metabolism. A dedicated researcher, he has contributed to numerous scientific publications and currently leads several high-impact projects on bacteria-host interactions.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Expertise in Metabolomics: Dr. Romain Villéger’s extensive work in metabolomics, especially in the context of host-bacteria interactions, positions him as a strong candidate for the Cell Metabolism Award. His research on bacterial influence on host cellular metabolism and gut microbiota interactions contributes significantly to the field of cellular metabolism.
  2. Innovative Research Contributions: His research, particularly on the metabolic changes during amoeba-Legionella interactions, showcases a novel approach to understanding microbial pathogenesis. By identifying metabolic vulnerabilities in pathogens, his work has the potential for therapeutic applications, thus addressing fundamental questions in cell metabolism.
  3. Multidisciplinary Approach: Dr. Villéger combines microbiology, immunology, and metabolomics, which enriches his contributions to cellular metabolism. His research is collaborative, evidenced by numerous projects across different institutions and fields, indicating a broad and innovative approach to the subject.
  4. Publications and Impact: He has a strong publication record, with numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals (19 publications), with high visibility in top-tier journals such as British Journal of Cancer, Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, and Environmental Microbiology Reports. This demonstrates his influence and impact in the scientific community.
  5. Research Leadership: As the principal investigator of multiple projects, including those on the effects of phthalates on gut microbiota and cancer development, Dr. Villéger has demonstrated leadership in advancing scientific knowledge in areas that intersect with cell metabolism, host-microbe interactions, and metabolic changes in disease.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Clinical Translation: While his research shows deep insights into fundamental mechanisms, further work on translating these findings into practical clinical applications or therapeutic interventions would strengthen his impact in applied cellular metabolism.
  2. Interdisciplinary Team Development: While Dr. Villéger collaborates with many renowned researchers, fostering additional interdisciplinary partnerships could enrich his research by incorporating diverse techniques and perspectives from fields like drug development or personalized medicine.
  3. Expanding Metabolomic Toolkits: His research could benefit from exploring emerging and cutting-edge techniques in metabolomics, like single-cell analysis or multi-omics approaches, to gain deeper insights into cellular metabolism at the individual cell level.

Education:

Dr. Villéger completed his Ph.D. at the University of Limoges, where his thesis focused on the interactions between probiotics and host cells. His postdoctoral work spans institutions in France, the USA, and beyond, each contributing valuable insights into microbial-host dynamics and cellular microbiology. At the University of Bordeaux, he developed metabolomic approaches using GC/MS to study microbiota interactions. Later, at the University of Texas Medical Branch, he delved deeper into the effects of probiotics on intestinal homeostasis. Further postdoctoral experiences at the University of Clermont Auvergne involved examining the relationship between E. coli and colorectal cancer. Through these experiences, Dr. Villéger has gained expertise in microbiota research, cell biology, and metabolic analysis, providing a foundation for his ongoing work in the field. His education has provided a strong interdisciplinary framework, integrating microbiology, molecular biology, and toxicology into his research.

Experience:

Dr. Villéger has accumulated extensive experience in both academic and research settings. After earning his Ph.D. in 2014, he completed several postdoctoral positions, with notable work at the University of Bordeaux, where he pioneered metabolomics techniques for microbiota research. His tenure at the University of Texas Medical Branch expanded his focus to the effects of probiotics on intestinal homeostasis. Additionally, his work at the University of Clermont Auvergne involved exploring the connection between microbial interactions and cancer. Since joining the University of Poitiers in 2020 as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Villéger has led several research projects, including investigating the impact of endocrine disruptors on colorectal cancer development. He is also a leader in metabolomics and microbial pathogenesis, with a particular focus on bacteria-host interactions and microbiota modulation. His research has contributed to numerous publications and collaborations with institutions worldwide, showcasing his ability to manage complex research projects.

Research Focus:

Dr. Villéger’s research primarily focuses on bacteria-host interactions, gut microbiota, and cellular microbiology, with a special interest in how microbial populations affect host metabolism. His work integrates metabolomics, a powerful tool for studying metabolic processes, to better understand microbial influence on host cells. Dr. Villéger’s recent studies explore the role of oxidative stress in microbial infections, including Legionella pneumophila’s subversion of host immune defenses during infection. He has also investigated the impact of endocrine disruptors on microbial virulence, providing insights into the potential links between environmental factors and microbial pathogenesis. His contributions to understanding the microbiota-gut-brain axis, particularly in the context of colorectal cancer, emphasize the metabolic changes induced by bacterial interactions. Dr. Villéger’s research aims to identify biomarkers for disease and therapeutic interventions, with a broader goal of advancing precision medicine through a better understanding of the cellular and metabolic processes that underlie microbial-host dynamics.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Legionella pneumophila subverts the antioxidant defenses of its amoeba host Acanthamoeba castellanii 💥🦠
  2. Increased Activity of MAPKAPK2 within Mesenchymal Cells as a Target for Inflammation-Associated Fibrosis in Crohn’s Disease 🔬🧬
  3. Exposure to endocrine disruptors promotes biofilm formation and contributes to increased virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 💧🦠
  4. Loss of alcohol dehydrogenase 1B in cancer-associated fibroblasts: contribution to the increase of tumor-promoting IL-6 in colon cancer 🧬🦠
  5. Effect of endocrine disruptors on bacterial virulence 🌿🧪
  6. Proteomic analysis of Acanthamoeba castellanii response to Legionella pneumophila infection 🔬🦠
  7. Disruption of retinol-mediated IL-6 expression in colon cancer-associated fibroblasts: new perspectives on the role of vitamin A metabolism 🧬🍊
  8. Microbiota medicine: towards clinical revolution 🌍💊
  9. Deletion of cystathionine-γ-lyase in bone marrow-derived cells promotes colitis-associated carcinogenesis 🔬🦠
  10. Prebiotic Isomaltooligosaccharide Provides an Advantageous Fitness to the Probiotic Bacillus subtilis CU1 🍞🦠

Conclusion:

Dr. Romain Villéger is a highly qualified candidate for the Cell Metabolism Award. His research contributions in understanding microbial influence on cellular metabolism and gut health, combined with his innovative approach to metabolomics, make him stand out in the field. His work bridges basic science and potential clinical applications, positioning him as a key figure in the ongoing exploration of microbial and metabolic influences on host physiology. With some expansion into clinical applications and further exploration of new metabolomics techniques, his contributions could significantly impact both scientific knowledge and medical practice.