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.

Irena Roterman | Protein structure | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Irena Roterman | Protein structure | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Irena Roterman , Jagiellonian University – Medical College , Poland

Irena Roterman-Konieczna is a distinguished biochemist specializing in bioinformatics and protein structure. With a PhD in biochemistry from the Nicolaus Copernicus Medical Academy Krakow, she has held significant academic positions, including Professor of Medical Sciences at Jagiellonian University. Irena is recognized for her innovative contributions, particularly the fuzzy oil drop model, which emphasizes environmental influence on protein folding. She has published extensively, contributing to the understanding of protein dynamics and interactions. As a committed educator, she has guided numerous PhD students and served as the Chief Editor for the journal Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems. Her work continues to impact the fields of protein folding, membrane proteins, and systems biology.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

Irena Roterman-Konieczna’s extensive academic background and innovative contributions to the field of bioinformatics and protein structure make her an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering work on the fuzzy oil drop model has provided critical insights into the environmental influences on protein folding. With a prolific publication record of 149 articles, she has consistently advanced the understanding of protein dynamics, particularly in membrane proteins and chaperonins. Additionally, her role as Chief Editor of the journal Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems demonstrates her leadership in the scientific community. Her commitment to mentoring future researchers is evident through her advisory work with 15 PhD students, ensuring the continued growth of the field.

Areas for Improvement

While Irena’s contributions to theoretical models are significant, there may be opportunities to further integrate experimental validation into her research. Collaborating with experimentalists could enhance the practical applications of her models, particularly in understanding real-world protein behavior. Additionally, increasing outreach to interdisciplinary fields could broaden the impact of her research on medicine and biotechnology.

Education

Irena Roterman-Konieczna completed her basic education in theoretical chemistry at Jagiellonian University in 1974. She earned her PhD in biochemistry in 1984, focusing on the structure of the recombinant IgG hinge region at the Nicolaus Copernicus Medical Academy in Krakow. Following her doctoral studies, Irena undertook postdoctoral research at Cornell University from 1987 to 1989 in Harold A. Scheraga’s group, where she analyzed force fields in molecular modeling programs like Amber and Charmm. In 1994, she achieved habilitation in biochemistry at Jagiellonian University’s Faculty of Biotechnology and later attained the title of Professor of Medical Sciences in 2004. This strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for her extensive research and contributions to the field of biochemistry and bioinformatics.

Experience

Irena Roterman-Konieczna has a robust academic and research background spanning several decades. She has held key academic positions at Jagiellonian University, where she is currently a Professor of Medical Sciences. Irena’s postdoctoral research at Cornell University deepened her expertise in molecular modeling and protein interactions. Throughout her career, she has authored numerous publications and books, significantly advancing the understanding of protein folding and structure. As Chief Editor of the journal Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems from 2005 to 2020, she played a vital role in disseminating research in the field. Additionally, she has supervised 15 PhD students, fostering the next generation of researchers. Irena’s collaborative efforts and advisory roles in various projects highlight her commitment to scientific advancement and education in biochemistry and bioinformatics.

Research Focus

Irena Roterman-Konieczna’s research centers on bioinformatics, particularly in understanding protein structure and dynamics. Her innovative fuzzy oil drop model explores the role of environmental factors in protein folding, proposing that external force fields influence hydrophobic core formation and overall structure. Irena investigates the effects of membrane environments on protein behavior, examining how hydrophobic factors can alter folding dynamics. Her work also delves into chaperonins and their role in facilitating proper protein folding under varying conditions. Additionally, she explores domain-swapping structures and their implications for complex formation in proteins. Irena’s research emphasizes the necessity of simulating external force fields in computational protein folding, integrating both internal and external interactions. Her contributions to systems biology and the development of quantitative models for protein behavior continue to advance the field, making significant impacts in both theoretical and practical applications.

Publications Top Notes

  • Chameleon Sequences─Structural Effects in Proteins Characterized by Hydrophobicity Disorder 🌊
  • Transmembrane proteins—Different anchoring systems ⚓
  • External Force Field for Protein Folding in Chaperonins─Potential Application in In Silico Protein Folding 💻
  • Structural features of Prussian Blue-related iron complex FeT of activity to peroxidate unsaturated fatty acids 🔬
  • Domain swapping: a mathematical model for quantitative assessment of structural effects 📊
  • Editorial: Structure and function of trans-membrane proteins 🧬
  • Model of the external force field for the protein folding process—the role of prefoldin 🌐
  • Role of environmental specificity in CASP results 📈
  • Ab initio protein structure prediction: the necessary presence of external force field as it is delivered by Hsp40 chaperone 🔍
  • Secondary structure in polymorphic forms of alpha-synuclein amyloids 🧪

Conclusion

Irena Roterman-Konieczna’s innovative research, leadership in academia, and dedication to mentorship position her as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her groundbreaking work in bioinformatics not only advances scientific understanding but also lays the groundwork for future discoveries in protein dynamics and interactions. Recognizing her contributions would not only honor her achievements but also inspire ongoing research in the field.