Esmaa Bouhamida | Molecular and Cellular Biology | Cell Biology Research Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Esmaa Bouhamida | Molecular and Cellular Biology | Cell Biology Research Award

Fondazione Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata (VIMM) | Italy

The candidate’s research centers on understanding how mitochondrial signaling, hypoxia-responsive pathways, and cell-cycle regulatory networks collectively influence cardiac regeneration and cardiovascular disease. Their work investigates how hypoxia-inducible factors, particularly HIF-1α, modulate mitochondrial function during ischemic injury, with the broader goal of identifying mechanisms that could restore or enhance the regenerative potential of adult cardiac tissue. Through advanced molecular and cellular approaches, their studies explore how metabolic rewiring, mitochondrial stress responses, and oxygen-sensing pathways govern cardiomyocyte survival, proliferation, and reprogramming.

Building on expertise in molecular biology, signal transduction, and genetics, the researcher has expanded their focus to include the interplay between mitochondrial homeostasis and protein-quality control mechanisms in muscle tissues. Their postdoctoral work examines signaling pathways that regulate proteostasis and their impact on muscle integrity under physiological and pathological conditions. This integrated approach bridges cardiac regeneration, mitochondrial dynamics, and muscle biology, enabling the identification of therapeutic targets relevant to heart failure, ischemia, and degenerative muscle disorders.

Their long-term vision is to develop interventions that combine mitochondrial modulation, gene therapy, and cellular reprogramming strategies to promote tissue repair and functional recovery in cardiovascular disease. Their contributions have been recognized through competitive scientific evaluations at international cardiovascular and stem-cell research forums.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

Bouhamida, E., Vadakke-Madathil, S., Mathiyalagan, P., Ranjan, A. K., Khan, A., Sherman, M. P., & others. (2025). Single nucleus transcriptomics supports a role for CCNA2-induced human adult cardiomyocyte cytokinesis. bioRxiv.

Bouhamida, E., Vadakke-Madathil, S., Mathiyalagan, P., Ranjan, A. K., Sherman, M. P., & others. (2025). Cyclin A2 induces cytokinesis in human adult cardiomyocytes and drives reprogramming in mice. npj Regenerative Medicine, 10(1), 47.

Wan Wan Lin | Inflammation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Wan Wan Lin | Inflammation | Best Researcher Award

Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, NTU | Taiwan

Dr. Wan-Wan Lin is a leading researcher in the fields of pharmacology and immunology, with a strong focus on cellular signaling and innate immune mechanisms. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of signal transduction pathways and their regulation of inflammation and cell death. She has made notable contributions to the study of pattern recognition receptors, inflammasomes, and cytokine-mediated immune responses, particularly in the context of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. Dr. Lin’s research explores how mitochondrial dynamics and redox balance influence inflammatory signaling and programmed cell death, providing key insights into the molecular basis of immune regulation and inflammatory diseases. Her studies have also shed light on the crosstalk between cellular stress responses and immune activation, offering potential therapeutic targets for controlling excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Recognized for her excellence in research, Dr. Lin has received multiple national awards and continues to contribute to the advancement of pharmacological sciences through her editorial and academic roles. Her integrative approach bridges pharmacology, immunology, and cell biology, driving innovations in the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation and innate immunity.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications:

Lin, W.-W., Lee, C.-Y., Tsai, M.-C., & Tsaur, M.-L. (1985). Pharmacological study on angusticeps-type toxins from mamba snake venoms. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 233, 491–498.

Lin, W.-W., Chang, P.-L., Lee, C.-Y., & Joubert, F. J. (1987). Pharmacological study on phospholipases A₂ isolated from Naja mossambica mossambica venom. Proceedings of the National Science Council, Republic of China B, 11, 155–163.

Lin, W.-W., Lee, C.-Y., & Burnett, J. W. (1988). Effect of sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) venom on isolated rat aorta. Toxicon, 26, 1209–1212.

Chiou, S.-H., Lin, W.-W., & Chang, W.-P. (1989). Sequence characterization of venom toxins from Thailand cobra. International Journal of Peptide and Protein Research, 34, 148–152.

Lee, C.-Y., Lin, W.-W., Chen, Y.-M., & Lee, S.-Y. (1989). Is direct cardiotoxicity the primary cause of death following intravenous injection of the basic phospholipase A₂ from Naja nigricollis venom? Acta Physiologica et Pharmacologica Latinoamericana, 39, 383–391.

Lee, C.-Y., & Lin, W.-W. (1989). Two subtypes of acetylcholinesterase isoenzymes distinguishable by Angusticeps-type toxin F7. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Comparative Pharmacology and Toxicology, 92, 279–281.

Lin, W.-W., Lee, C.-Y., & Chuang, D.-M. (1989). Cross-desensitization of endothelin- and sarafotoxin-induced phosphoinositide turnover in neurons. European Journal of Pharmacology, 166, 581–582.

Lin, W.-W., Chen, Y.-M., Lee, S.-Y., Nishio, H., Kimura, T., Sakakibara, S., & Lee, C.-Y. (1990). Cardiovascular effects of two disulfide analogues of sarafotoxin S6b. Toxicon, 28, 911–923.

Lin, W.-W., Lee, C.-Y., Yasumoto, T., & Chuang, D.-M. (1990). Maitotoxin induces phosphoinositide turnover and modulates glutamatergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor function in cultured cerebellar neurons. Journal of Neurochemistry, 55, 1563–1568.

Lin, W.-W., & Lee, C.-Y. (1990). Biphasic effects of endothelin in the guinea-pig ileum. European Journal of Pharmacology, 176, 57–62.

Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Jianli GAO | Mitochondrial Function Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jianli GAO , School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University , China

Professor Jian-Li Gao is a distinguished researcher in Immunology and Tumor Pharmacology at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU), China. With a solid academic background in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, she has carved a unique path by integrating traditional practices with modern biomedical research. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Macau and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, she returned to ZCMU, where she now serves as a Professor and Director of the CTMP editorial office. She also holds the title of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine. Known for her impactful studies on thymic immunity, mitochondrial transfer, and age-related immune degeneration, Prof. Gao has authored numerous high-impact papers and led several nationally funded projects. Her dedication, scientific acumen, and leadership make her an ideal candidate for recognition as a top-tier researcher.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📚 Extensive Publication Record

    • Published high-impact research in top-tier journals like Phytomedicine, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Molecules, and Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

    • Topics span immunosenescence, mitochondrial transfer, alopecia regeneration, and TCM pharmacology—an excellent multidisciplinary focus.

  2. 🔬 Innovative Research Focus

    • Focuses on cutting-edge topics like tunneling nanotube-mediated mitochondrial transfer and immune rejuvenation—a unique and relevant field in aging and cancer research.

    • Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern immunology and pharmacology shows her ability to bridge ancient knowledge with new technologies.

  3. 🌍 International Exposure

    • Completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, demonstrating global collaboration and adaptability in high-caliber environments.

  4. 🎓 Academic and Editorial Leadership

    • Editor-in-Chief of a peer-reviewed journal and Editorial Board Member of Scientific Reports.

    • Director of CTMP editorial office and a key figure in shaping academic publishing within her university.

  5. 💡 Research Funding Success

    • Principal Investigator of multiple NSFC-funded projects (highly competitive in China), totaling over ¥1,000,000 in research grants.

  6. 🧑‍🏫 Academic Career Progression

    • Rapid professional growth from Assistant Professor to Full Professor in under 10 years—shows high competence, leadership, and recognition by peers.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. 🏅 Documentation of Individual Honors/Awards

    • While her academic and publishing roles speak volumes, a clearer list of individual recognitions, national awards, or innovation prizes would strengthen the case further.

  2. 🌐 Global Research Collaborations

    • Though she has worked internationally, further multi-country clinical collaborations or EU/NIH projects would expand her global footprint.

  3. 🗣 Public Engagement & Outreach

    • Amplifying her presence through conferences, workshops, and keynote speeches, particularly internationally, could further solidify her status as a global thought leader.

🎓 Educational Background:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao pursued her academic training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge medical research. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (2003) from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU). She continued her studies at the University of Macau, earning a Master’s degree in Chinese Medicinal Science (2005) and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (2009) from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences. Her doctoral work focused on cellular mechanisms and immune pharmacology, laying the foundation for her future research career. Her education uniquely positioned her to investigate immune regulation through both modern biomedical techniques and the traditional principles of Chinese medicine. The fusion of these approaches underpins her scientific contributions and helps advance integrative medical research both in China and internationally.

💼 Professional Experience: 

Prof. Gao has over 14 years of experience in academic research and teaching at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Starting as an Assistant Professor (2011–2013), she was promoted to Associate Professor (2013–2018) and has held the title of Professor since 2019. Her international exposure includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, where she deepened her expertise in tumor pharmacology and immunology. Prof. Gao currently directs the CTMP English Editorial Office at ZCMU and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of a leading Chinese medicine journal. She also contributes as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and a young editorial board member for Chinese Medicine. Throughout her tenure, she has led numerous national research projects, mentored students, and facilitated cross-disciplinary collaborations. Her trajectory reflects a consistent pattern of academic growth, leadership, and contribution to the global scientific community.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Though specific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided information, Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s numerous appointments and leadership roles are strong indicators of her recognition in the academic field. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Application of Chinese Medicine, a prestigious role typically reserved for top researchers in the discipline. Her role as Director of the CTMP editorial office and her inclusion as a Board Member of Scientific Reports and Young Editorial Board Member for Chinese Medicine signal national and international acknowledgment of her scientific contributions. She has also successfully led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, a competitive funding body in China, which highlights her research’s credibility and impact. These honors collectively reflect her excellence in scientific innovation, editorial leadership, and her commitment to advancing Chinese and integrative medicine.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Jian-Li Gao’s research centers on thymic immune senescence, mitochondrial transfer, and the pharmacological effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on immune system regulation. She explores how compounds such as Epimedin C, Thymosin β15, and Ligustilide can delay thymus degeneration, enhance mitochondrial functionality, and promote immune resilience—especially in contexts such as menopause, aging, and cancer. Her work bridges the gap between TCM and modern molecular biology, applying cell biology techniques to understand how herbal extracts affect immune cell signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and tissue repair. A unique aspect of her work is the use of mitochondrial transfer via tunneling nanotubes, a cutting-edge concept in immunopharmacology. With a holistic approach, she aims to uncover therapeutic strategies rooted in TCM that are evidence-based and translational. Her research has major implications in autoimmune diseases, aging, regenerative medicine, and oncology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📖 Epimedin C promotes mitochondrial transfer and delays thymus atrophy in 4-VCD induced mimetic-menopausal mice – Phytomedicine, 2025

  2. 📖 Dermal T cell immunity and key regulatory signaling pathways: Implications in immune-mediated alopecia and hair regeneration – Genes & Diseases, 2025

  3. 📖 Linderae Radix extract attenuates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway – Phytomedicine, 2024

  4. 📖 Ligustilide prevents thymic immune senescence by regulating Thymosin β15-dependent spatial distribution of thymic epithelial cells – Phytomedicine, 2024

  5. 📖 Thymosin β4 regulates the differentiation of thymocytes by controlling the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer – IJMS, 2024

  6. 📖 Th22 is the effector cell of Thymosin β15-induced hair regeneration in mice – Inflammation and Regeneration, 2024

  7. 📖 Ruyong Formula improves thymus function of CUMS-stimulated breast cancer mice – Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024

  8. 📖 Age-related hearing loss and its potential drug candidates: a systematic review – Chinese Medicine, 2023

  9. 📖 Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with nose-to-brain drug delivery of natural drugs – J. Exp. & Clin. App. of Chinese Medicine, 2023

  10. 📖 Thymosin α1 and its role in viral infectious diseases: Mechanism and clinical application – Molecules, 2023

📝 Conclusion:

Professor Jian-Li Gao is highly deserving and exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. Her research is innovative, translational, and impactful, particularly in the intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern immunology. She has demonstrated consistent academic excellence, leadership in editorial work, and obtained national-level competitive funding.