Alma Burlingame | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Alma Burlingame | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Alma Burlingame , UCSF , United States

Alma L. Burlingame is a distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California, San Francisco. She has over five decades of experience in the fields of mass spectrometry, proteomics, and systems biology. With expertise in the identification and study of unknown proteins and post-translational modifications like phosphorylation, acetylation, and glycosylation, her work has contributed significantly to understanding protein dynamics. Dr. Burlingame has been a pioneer in proximity-biotin labeling for protein complex discovery and has earned widespread recognition for her interdisciplinary contributions to molecular biology and chemistry. Her long-standing collaboration with various international research institutions has fostered advancements in protein interaction and cellular signaling pathways, marking her as a leader in her field.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Contributions: Dr. Burlingame has made significant contributions to mass spectrometry, proteomics, and systems biology, especially in the development of new methodologies for protein analysis and post-translational modifications. Her work in identifying and studying unknown proteins and their modifications has broadened the scope of proteomics.

  2. Multidisciplinary Expertise: Her expertise spans across various fields including chemistry, physics, biological sciences, and medicine, demonstrating her versatility and depth of knowledge in complex scientific issues.

  3. Impact on the Scientific Community: Through her extensive publication record and influential research, Dr. Burlingame has advanced our understanding of protein dynamics, cell signaling, and the role of glycosylation and phosphorylation in health and disease.

  4. Leadership and Mentorship: Dr. Burlingame’s leadership roles, particularly as a co-chair of major international symposia, reflect her stature in the scientific community. Additionally, her mentorship of students and postdocs has helped shape the next generation of scientists in proteomics and systems biology.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Collaboration with Clinical Applications: While Dr. Burlingame’s research is foundational in proteomics, further expansion of collaborative work with clinical researchers could enhance the practical application of her discoveries, particularly in disease diagnosis and therapeutics.

  2. Public Outreach: Given the complexity of her research, efforts to communicate her findings to broader audiences could help bridge the gap between academic research and public understanding of the significance of proteomics in health.

Education:

Dr. Burlingame earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1959. She went on to complete her PhD in Chemistry and Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1962. She further honed her scientific expertise as a Guggenheim Fellow at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972, specializing in Physiological Chemistry. Over the years, Dr. Burlingame has continued to advance her education, conducting cutting-edge research in the realms of mass spectrometry, proteomics, and the study of post-translational modifications. Her rigorous academic background, combined with her groundbreaking work, has made her a respected figure in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Experience:

Dr. Burlingame has held several prominent positions throughout her distinguished career. She currently serves as a Professor of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California, San Francisco. She has also held significant roles such as a University Fellow at Hong Kong Baptist University and Professor of Biochemistry at University College London. Dr. Burlingame has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has been an elected Fellow since 1990. Her professional journey includes visiting professorships at leading institutions such as the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. Additionally, she has co-chaired major international symposia on mass spectrometry, enhancing her reputation in the global scientific community. Her leadership and influence in research have made her a pivotal figure in mass spectrometry and proteomics.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Burlingame has earned numerous prestigious honors throughout her career. In 2018, she was awarded the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for her long-standing contributions to scientific research. She was named a Fellow of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2022. Her significant achievements were further recognized when she received the MCP Lectureship Plenary Award at the Society for Glycobiology in 2013. Additionally, she was honored with the Achievement Award from the International Forum of Proteomics in 2012 for her impactful work in proteomics. Her longstanding contributions to the field of mass spectrometry have made her an internationally respected leader, and she continues to inspire future generations of scientists.

Research Focus:

Dr. Burlingame’s research focuses on mass spectrometry, proteomics, and systems biology, with a specific emphasis on protein sequencing, identification, and the dynamics of post-translational modifications (PTMs). She has made significant contributions to understanding the site-specific dynamics of PTMs like phosphorylation, acetylation, and glycosylation, and their roles in cell signaling and differentiation. Her group is particularly known for its work in proximity-biotin labeling, a technique used for protein complex discovery and interactomics. She has also studied the dynamic nature of proteins involved in cellular processes such as protein synthesis, cell signaling, and differentiation. By studying how PTMs influence cellular functions, Dr. Burlingame’s work helps to uncover mechanisms underlying diseases like cancer and neurological disorders. Her innovative approaches in mass spectrometry and proteomics continue to influence the understanding of complex biological systems.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Revealing nascent proteomics in signaling pathways and cell differentiation 🧬🔬

  2. Locally translated mTOR controls axonal local translation in nerve injury 🧠💥

  3. Mapping axon initial segment structure and function by multiplexed proximity biotinylation 🧬⚡

  4. Capture, release, and identification of newly synthesized proteins for improved profiling of functional translatomes 🔍🔬

  5. Endothelial-secreted Endocan activates PDGFRA and regulates vascularity and spatial phenotype in glioblastoma 💉🧠

  6. Functional screen identifies RBM42 as a mediator of oncogenic mRNA translation specificity 🧬🔍

  7. Phosphorylation-driven epichaperome assembly is a regulator of cellular adaptability and proliferation 🔑🧬

  8. TRIM46 Is Required for Microtubule Fasciculation In Vivo But Not Axon Specification or Axon Initial Segment Formation 🧠⚙️

  9. RAPIDASH: Tag-free enrichment of ribosome-associated proteins reveals composition dynamics in embryonic tissue, cancer cells, and macrophages 🧬📊

  10. Remodelling of the translatome controls diet and its impact on tumorigenesis 🥗🎯

Conclusion:

Dr. Alma Burlingame is undoubtedly a leading figure in the fields of mass spectrometry and proteomics. Her innovative research, mentorship, and contributions to the understanding of protein modifications and their implications for health make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work has had a profound and lasting impact on molecular biology, and she continues to be a driving force in scientific discovery.

 

 

 

Ranran Li | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ranran Li | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Ranran Li , Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , China

Dr. Ranran Li is an associate researcher at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in Shanghai, China. She earned her Ph.D. from the University Medical Center of Groningen, Netherlands, in 2015, before returning to Shanghai to focus on critical care medicine. Her research centers on sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Over the years, Dr. Li’s work has provided valuable insights into the role of metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications in regulating endothelial inflammation and coagulation during sepsis. She has published extensively in reputable journals and holds several patents. Her recent findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of sepsis and related complications, including endothelial dysfunction and organ injury.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Ranran Li is a distinguished researcher with notable expertise in the mechanisms of sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction. Her work in identifying the role of metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications in sepsis has been pivotal in advancing the understanding of vascular inflammation and coagulation during critical illness. Her research has led to several high-impact publications and patents, showcasing her contributions to the field. Furthermore, Dr. Li’s interdisciplinary approach, combining metabolic biology, cell signaling, and translational medicine, has provided valuable therapeutic targets for the treatment of sepsis and endothelial dysfunction. Her collaborations with international experts enhance her work’s impact and broaden the scope of her research.

Areas for Improvements:

While Dr. Li’s research has been extensive and groundbreaking, future improvements could include increased collaborations with industry partners to accelerate the translation of her findings into clinical therapies. Expanding her professional network through international collaborations in other areas of critical care medicine could also provide new perspectives and avenues for innovation. Additionally, engaging in larger-scale clinical studies might help further validate her findings in human models.

Education

Dr. Ranran Li obtained her Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the University Medical Center of Groningen, Netherlands, from 2011 to 2015. During her doctoral studies, she focused on the molecular mechanisms of sepsis and its impact on vascular endothelial dysfunction. Her Ph.D. research laid the foundation for her ongoing investigations into the pathophysiology of sepsis and endothelial injury. Following her Ph.D., she joined Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in 2016 as an associate researcher in the Department of Critical Care Medicine. Here, Dr. Li furthered her research into sepsis, vascular inflammation, and metabolic disorders. She has developed an expertise in endothelial dysfunction and coagulation, specifically in the context of sepsis-induced organ injuries. Dr. Li’s comprehensive academic training, both in Europe and China, has significantly contributed to her innovative research work and international collaborations.

Experience:

Dr. Ranran Li has been serving as an associate researcher at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, since 2016. Prior to this, she earned her Ph.D. from the University Medical Center of Groningen in the Netherlands, where she focused on sepsis and endothelial dysfunction. In her current position, Dr. Li has worked extensively on understanding the mechanisms underlying sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction, with a particular focus on metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications. Her work has provided critical insights into the role of fatty acid metabolism, insulin resistance, and histone modifications in regulating endothelial inflammation and coagulation activation in sepsis. Dr. Li’s research has led to multiple publications in high-impact journals and the filing of patents for innovative therapeutic approaches. She collaborates with leading researchers in the Netherlands and has contributed significantly to the understanding of vascular injury and its therapeutic targets in sepsis.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ranran Li’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction, with a particular emphasis on metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications. She has been exploring how fatty acid metabolism, glucose-lipid metabolism, and protein acetylation influence endothelial cells during sepsis, leading to organ injury. Her research has highlighted the role of metabolic shifts, including the activation of pathways like AMPK/PKA, in endothelial inflammation and coagulation activation. Dr. Li has also studied the role of histone modifications, including lactylation, in promoting endothelial ferroptosis and dysfunction during sepsis-induced lung injury. She has been pioneering the exploration of metabolic signaling pathways and their potential as therapeutic targets for managing sepsis-related endothelial damage. Her work aims to identify novel strategies to prevent or mitigate vascular injury in septic patients. Dr. Li’s findings have led to both patents and high-impact publications in critical care and translational medicine.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Shiyuan He et al., Fatty acid synthesis promotes mtDNA release via ETS1-mediated oligomerization of VDAC1 facilitating endothelial dysfunction in sepsis-induced lung injury 🧬🫁 Cell Death and Differentiation, 2025
  2. Ranran Li et al., ATP-citrate lyase controls endothelial gluco-lipogenic metabolism and vascular inflammation in sepsis-associated organ injury 💉🧪 Cell Death and Disease, 2023
  3. Jie Liu et al., Designed microchannel-based lipid nanoparticles encapsulated siRNA targeting gasdermin D for sepsis management via pulmonary delivery 🧬💉 Nano Today, 2025
  4. Fangchen Gong et al., H3K14la drives endothelial dysfunction in sepsis-induced ARDS by promoting SLC40A1/transferrin-mediated ferroptosis 🧬🔥 MedComm, 2025
  5. Jiayin Cui et al., Herbal-based Xuebijing injection ameliorated vascular endothelial dysfunction via inhibiting ACLY/MYB/RIG-I axis in sepsis-associated lung injury 🌱💊 Phytomedicine, 2025
  6. Shasha Lu et al., GDF15 ameliorates sepsis-induced lung injury via AMPK-mediated inhibition of glycolysis in alveolar macrophage 💨🧪 Respiratory Research, 2024
  7. Rui Tian et al., Shenfu injection ameliorates endotoxemia-associated endothelial dysfunction and organ injury via inhibiting PI3K/Akt-mediated glycolysis 💉🫀 Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024
  8. Yupeng Zhao et al., H3K18 lactylation-mediated VCAM1 expression promotes gastric cancer progression and metastasis via AKT-mTOR-CXCL1 axis 🎗️🧬 Biochemical Pharmacology, 2024
  9. Rui Tian et al., Metformin ameliorates endotoxemia-induced endothelial pro-inflammatory responses via AMPK-dependent mediation of HDAC5 and KLF2 💊💉 BBA-Molecular basis of disease, 2019
  10. Lei Pei et al., MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles alleviate sepsis-associated liver dysfunction by inhibiting macrophage glycolysis-mediated inflammatory response 🧬🩸 International Immunopharmacology, 2024

Conclusion:

Dr. Ranran Li is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her outstanding contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis-related endothelial dysfunction. Her innovative research has not only provided deep insights into the pathophysiology of sepsis but has also uncovered potential therapeutic targets for treating this devastating condition. Her exceptional track record of high-quality publications, patents, and collaborative research, combined with her dedication to advancing critical care medicine, makes her an excellent candidate for this prestigious award.