Alla Mitrofanova | Lipid Signaling Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Alla Mitrofanova | Lipid Signaling Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alla Mitrofanova | University of Miami | United States

Dr. Alla Mitrofanova is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, specializing in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying kidney diseases. Holding dual citizenship in the United States and Russia, she has a robust international academic background and a solid reputation in nephrology research. Dr. Mitrofanova has significantly contributed to understanding podocyte biology and renal lipid metabolism. With a Ph.D. in Human Physiology and postdoctoral training in Molecular Biology, she has collaborated with leading scientists in the field and is a co-author of high-impact publications. Her academic journey reflects a blend of rigorous scientific training, innovation, and commitment to mentorship. A recognized member of various research consortia, she brings both clinical relevance and basic science rigor to her work, particularly in diabetic kidney disease and transplant nephrology. Her efforts position her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. 🔬 High-Impact Research Focus:

    • Strong emphasis on podocyte biology, diabetic kidney disease, and glomerular disorders, which are critical areas in nephrology research.

    • Research addresses fundamental disease mechanisms (lipid dysmetabolism, ER stress, pyroptosis), showing translational potential for therapy.

  2. 📚 Prolific and High-Quality Publications:

    • Authored/co-authored 10+ peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals like Nature Reviews Nephrology, Kidney International, eLife, and Frontiers in Immunology.

    • Publications include commentaries, reviews, and original research, showcasing versatility.

  3. 🤝 Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Approach:

    • Works closely with globally recognized scientists such as Dr. Alessia Fornoni and Dr. George Burke.

    • Participates in cross-functional teams that bridge molecular science with clinical nephrology.

  4. 📈 Career Progression & Mentorship:

    • Rapid academic progression from Research Instructor to Research Assistant Professor.

    • Member of formal mentoring committees and contributes to the development of junior researchers.

  5. 📖 Author of Book Chapter:

    • Co-authored a chapter in Current Progress in Nephrology, reinforcing subject matter expertise.

🔄 Areas for Improvement:

  1. 💼 Independent Funding Leadership:

    • While research involvement is significant, leading grants as Principal Investigator (PI) would strengthen her portfolio and independence.

  2. 🌍 International Visibility:

    • Encouraged to expand international presence through invited lectures, keynote talks, and scientific panels.

  3. 🧭 Broader Research Footprint:

    • Future work could benefit from involvement in large-scale clinical trials, or application of findings to diverse patient populations.

  4. 🧪 Innovation in Techniques:

    • Introduction of new methods (e.g., single-cell omics, AI-driven histopathology) could further enhance impact.

📘 Education:

Dr. Mitrofanova completed her undergraduate degree in Biology (B.S., 2006) and a Master’s in Human Physiology (M.S., 2008) at Saint Petersburg State University, Russia. She earned her Ph.D. in Human Physiology in 2011 from the same institution, where she focused on cellular stress responses. To expand her expertise, she pursued postdoctoral training at the prestigious Schemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, focusing on Molecular Biology (2011–2013). This education provided her with interdisciplinary expertise spanning physiology, molecular biology, and disease pathophysiology. Her academic training integrates European rigor with international research exposure, laying a strong foundation for her scientific pursuits. Throughout her education, Dr. Mitrofanova has demonstrated excellence in both experimental design and translational relevance, which she continues to leverage in her current roles in the U.S.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Mitrofanova currently serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Since 2020, she has progressively advanced from a Research Instructor to her current rank, where she leads and contributes to multidisciplinary projects in nephrology. Her career began in academia and research institutions in Russia before transitioning to the U.S. She has worked closely with world-renowned mentors including Dr. Alessia Fornoni and Dr. George Burke. Her research has garnered substantial peer-reviewed publications, and she actively contributes to translational nephrology through collaborative and independent studies. Additionally, she plays a role in mentoring early-career researchers. Her deep involvement in both experimental and clinical nephrology research makes her a valuable asset to her department and a credible candidate for recognition in the scientific community.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Mitrofanova’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms of chronic kidney diseases, particularly diabetic nephropathy and glomerular diseases. A primary area of focus is podocyte biology, including the roles of lipid metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and immune regulation in kidney pathology. Her work on SMPDL3b, ABCA1, and oxysterol-binding proteins has shed light on key pathways linking lipid dysregulation to proteinuria and CKD progression. She is also engaged in transplant nephrology, using transplantation models to study disease recurrence. Dr. Mitrofanova has been instrumental in decoupling proteinuria from CKD progression and identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Her research bridges basic science with clinical application, aiming to identify precision therapies for kidney disease patients. The integration of advanced molecular biology tools and translational approaches highlights the innovative and impactful nature of her work in nephrology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 SMPDL3b in Podocytes: Decoupling Proteinuria from CKD Progression in Experimental Alport Syndrome – Kidney International, 2025

  2. 🔬 Oxysterol-binding protein like 7 deficiency leads to ER stress-mediated apoptosis in podocytes and proteinuria – AJP Renal, 2024

  3. 🧠 Role of immune podocyte in glomerular diseases – Cells, 2024

  4. 🧫 Transplantation: platform to study recurrence of disease – Frontiers in Immunology, 2024

  5. 💡 The finer points of podocyte sphingolipid metabolism in diabetic kidney disease – Scientific Archives, 2023

  6. 💊 Management of Lupus Nephritis: New Treatment and Updated Guidelines – Kidney360, 2023

  7. 🔄 Renal lipid dysmetabolism in chronic kidney disease – Nature Reviews Nephrology, 2023

  8. 🧪 The podocyte: glomerular sentinel at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity – Frontiers in Immunology, 2023

  9. ⚙️ ABCA1 deficiency contributes to podocyte pyroptosis priming via APE1/IRF1 axis – Scientific Reports, 2023

  10. 🌿 Empagliflozin reduces renal lipotoxicity in experimental Alport syndrome – eLife, 2023

📝 Conclusion:

Dr. Alla Mitrofanova exhibits outstanding scientific productivity, depth in nephrology research, and a strong academic trajectory. Her contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of podocyte pathophysiology and kidney disease mechanisms. With continued focus on independent leadership and global engagement, she has the potential to emerge as a key innovator in the field.

Kewalin Inthanon | Lipid Signaling Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Kewalin Inthanon | Lipid Signaling Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kewalin Inthanon , Thammasat University , Thailand

Dr. Kewalin Inthanon is an Assistant Professor at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Science and Technology in Lampang, Thailand. With a robust academic background, he holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Chiang Mai University and an M.Phil. in Clinical Neuroscience from the University of Cambridge. His expertise is in biotechnology, biochemistry, and the application of natural products and biomaterials to cellular and molecular research. Dr. Inthanon has contributed extensively to the study of cell cultures, oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and the effects of plant extracts, drugs, and biomaterials on cellular functions. His academic career is complemented by numerous research publications and successful research projects focusing on advancing the therapeutic potential of natural compounds and biocompatible materials. As a recognized researcher with notable expertise, he has become an influential figure in the fields of cellular biology and biotechnology.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

  1. Expertise and Research Focus: Dr. Inthanon has specialized expertise in biochemistry, biotechnology, and the integration of natural products with biomaterials. His research into cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and cellular responses to plant extracts, drugs, and biomaterials demonstrates a profound commitment to addressing both fundamental and applied scientific problems. His focus on stem cells, cancer cells, and natural compounds, particularly in the context of human cell cultures, is highly relevant to cutting-edge biotechnology.

  2. Publication Record: Dr. Inthanon’s extensive publication record includes high-impact journal articles in reputable journals like Scientific Reports, Chemistry of Natural Compounds, and Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology. His papers are well-cited, and he has co-authored several influential studies on the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of plant-derived compounds and biomaterials.

  3. Academic and Research Leadership: As an academic lecturer at Thammasat University and a postdoctoral researcher at Chiang Mai University, Dr. Inthanon demonstrates leadership in guiding the next generation of scientists. His involvement in multiple research projects and the administration of a major phytochemical analysis and bioactivity study on Dillenia indica L. shows his proactive approach to research development.

  4. Innovation and Collaborative Approach: Dr. Inthanon is an excellent collaborator, as seen in his contributions to multi-author publications and his involvement in collaborative projects across different research fields, such as bioengineering, cell culture systems, and plant-derived natural products. This collaborative nature reflects his ability to contribute effectively to both local and international scientific communities.

  5. Peer Review and Recognition: His participation as a peer reviewer for journals such as Food Science & Nutrition and Exploration of BioMat-X further underscores his credibility and recognition within the research community.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Expansion of Interdisciplinary Research: While Dr. Inthanon has done well in integrating natural products with biomaterials and biotechnology, further expansion into interdisciplinary research involving fields such as nanotechnology, synthetic biology, or environmental biotechnology could open up new avenues for innovation.

  2. Increased Public Outreach: Engaging in more public outreach or science communication could help Dr. Inthanon bridge the gap between academic research and broader societal impacts. This could involve more public lectures, writing for popular science outlets, or working with non-academic stakeholders (such as the pharmaceutical industry) to translate research into practical applications.

  3. Development of Commercializable Products: While Dr. Inthanon has demonstrated strong research on natural compounds and biomaterials, focusing on the development of commercializable biotechnological products, such as drugs or health supplements, could further highlight his potential for impactful, real-world applications.

Education:

Dr. Kewalin Inthanon completed his Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Master of Science (MSc) in Biology at Chiang Mai University, Thailand, where he developed a solid foundation in biological sciences. He later pursued an M.Phil. in Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, UK, which furthered his understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying diseases and therapies. Dr. Inthanon earned his Ph.D. in Biology from Chiang Mai University in 2015, specializing in biotechnology and biochemistry, with a focus on human and animal cell culture systems. His diverse educational background has enabled him to combine basic biological research with applied studies in the biomedical and biotechnological fields. Dr. Inthanon’s interdisciplinary education and training make him well-equipped to investigate the molecular and cellular effects of biomaterials, natural products, and therapies, making significant contributions to the field of cell biology and tissue engineering.

Experience:

Dr. Kewalin Inthanon has extensive experience as an academic lecturer at the Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Lampang Campus, Thailand, since 2016. His academic work involves teaching and guiding students in the fields of biotechnology and biochemistry. Prior to his current role, Dr. Inthanon completed a postdoctoral fellowship in biomaterial and tissue engineering at Chiang Mai University from 2015 to 2016. This experience enabled him to specialize in bioengineering, stem cell research, and cellular responses to biomaterial scaffolds. His involvement in various collaborative research projects further honed his skills in experimental design and analysis, leading to numerous peer-reviewed publications. Additionally, Dr. Inthanon has played an essential role in managing and supervising projects focused on the development of natural products and biocompatible materials for therapeutic applications. His expertise in cell culture techniques, biomaterials, and natural products makes him a valuable asset to the research community.

Research Focus:

Dr. Kewalin Inthanon’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of biotechnology, biochemistry, and natural product science. His work explores the effects of plant extracts, drugs, natural compounds, and biomaterials on human cell cultures, including stem cells and cancer cells. He is particularly interested in the cellular responses to oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, cellular senescence, and the modulation of gene expression in the context of disease prevention and treatment. Dr. Inthanon’s research aims to unravel complex signaling pathways and the molecular mechanisms that underlie cellular activities when exposed to various bioactive substances. This research is particularly relevant in the fields of cancer therapy, aging, and regenerative medicine, where the therapeutic potential of natural products can provide novel approaches to disease treatment. Additionally, his work on biomaterials, especially in tissue engineering, emphasizes creating biocompatible scaffolds to support cellular growth and differentiation in medical applications.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Regulation of adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism by novel synthetic chromenes exploring anti-obesity and broader therapeutic potential 🧬💪

  2. Cytotoxic Constituents of the Fruits of Garcinia schomburgkiana 🍊💥

  3. Collagen‐cellulose‐poly (l‐lactide) scaffold by electrospinning and plasma‐assisting fabrication for bone tissue engineering applications 🦴🔬

  4. Phytochemical Profiles and Anticancer Effects of Calophyllum inophyllum L. Extract Relating to Reactive Oxygen Species Modulation on Patient-Derived Cells from Breast and Lung Cancers 🌿🦠

  5. In vitro assessment of antioxidant and anti-aging properties of ethanol extracts from Amaranthus dubius, Perilla frutescens (L.) britton, and Phyllanthus emblica 🌱⏳

  6. Identification of highly potent α-glucosidase inhibitors from Garcinia schomburgkiana and molecular docking studies 🧪🧠

  7. Sequencerelated amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular marker: DNA fingerprinting studying on economic and agricultural earthworms in North of Thailand 🧬🐍

  8. Chemical Constituents of the Stem Bark of Bombax ceiba 🌳🔬

  9. Intrinsic Cellular Responses of Human Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells Influenced by O2-Plasma-Modified and Unmodified Surface of Alkaline-Hydrolyzed 2D and 3D PCL Scaffolds 🔬⚙️

  10. Kluai Hom-Thong, biofermented solution, effective microorganism, banana, disease resistance 💡

Conclusion

Dr. Kewalin Inthanon is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His innovative approach to research, combined with his impressive publication record, leadership in academia, and interdisciplinary expertise, make him an exceptional candidate. His focus on biotechnology, biochemistry, and natural products holds significant potential for advancing therapeutic and scientific advancements, particularly in the areas of aging, cancer, and stem cell research.