Sedigheh Gharbi | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sedigheh Gharbi | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sedigheh Gharbi | Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran | Iran

Assistant Prof. Dr. Sedigheh Gharbi is a dedicated Iranian biologist. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, specializing in molecular biology with a strong focus on non-coding RNAs and their roles in cancer and cardiac regeneration. With over a decade of academic and research experience, Dr. Gharbi has contributed extensively to understanding microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in disease mechanisms. She is recognized for her work on cardiomyocyte regeneration, cancer biology, and novel RNA regulatory networks. Dr. Gharbi has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, demonstrating her commitment to advancing biomedical research. Her research aims to translate molecular findings into potential therapeutic strategies, especially in oncology and regenerative medicine. She is also known for mentoring students and collaborating internationally to foster innovation in life sciences.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Sedigheh Gharbi completed her PhD in Molecular Biology at Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran. Her doctoral thesis focused on the microRNA expression profile alterations in serum and urine of sulfur mustard victims, under the supervision of Prof. Seyyed Javad Mowla. This work laid the foundation for her expertise in microRNAs and their diagnostic potential in toxicology and disease. Before her PhD, she earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Isfahan, where she conducted research on the mutational screening of the PIK3CA gene in breast cancer patients under Prof. Manoochehr Tavassoli. This early work sparked her interest in cancer genetics and molecular markers. Her education combined advanced molecular techniques with applied biomedical research, equipping her with the skills necessary for innovative studies in RNA biology and its implications in human diseases.

Experienc:

Since 2014, Dr. Gharbi has served as an Assistant Professor at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, where she lectures and leads research in molecular biology and cancer genetics. Her academic career is marked by active involvement in teaching, supervising graduate students, and securing research projects. She has a proven record in managing interdisciplinary studies focused on cardiomyocyte regeneration and RNA biology. Dr. Gharbi’s research experience spans molecular profiling of cancer biomarkers, non-coding RNA regulatory networks, and nanotechnology applications in drug delivery. She has collaborated with multiple research teams nationally and internationally, contributing to both fundamental science and translational medicine. Her role involves experimental design, bioinformatics analysis, and dissemination of findings through scientific publications and conferences. Dr. Gharbi’s experience in mentoring young scientists and publishing extensively positions her as a leader in her field.

Research Focus:

Dr. Gharbi’s primary research focus lies in the regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs—especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)—in disease pathogenesis and therapy. She investigates cardiomyocyte regeneration by exploring how lncRNAs influence cell cycle progression, aiming to improve heart repair after injury. In oncology, her research centers on the regulatory structure of E-cadherin and the involvement of non-coding RNAs in cancer progression and management. Additionally, Dr. Gharbi is dedicated to identifying novel miRNAs and elucidating their functions in cellular processes like apoptosis and proliferation. Her work integrates molecular biology techniques with bioinformatics to uncover RNA-based biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The intersection of nanotechnology and RNA therapeutics is another emerging area in her studies, aiming to optimize cancer treatment delivery systems. Overall, her research contributes to understanding complex gene regulation mechanisms and developing RNA-based precision medicine strategies.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Mir-542 As A Potential and Promising Therapeutic Target For HPV-Positive Cervical Cancers

  2. CircPAN3/miR-221/PTEN Axis and Apoptosis in Myocardial Infarction: Quercetin’s Regulatory Effects

  3. Controlled cytotoxicity of Ag-GO nanocomposite biosynthesized using black peel pomegranate extract against MCF-7 cell line

  4. Characterization of the first microRNA in human CDH1 that affects cell cycle and apoptosis and indicates breast cancers progression

  5. Curcumin loaded on graphene nanosheets induced cell death in mammospheres from MCF-7 and primary breast tumor cells

  6. Bioinformatics Prediction of microRNAs Regulating Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Cells

  7. Secondary toxic effect of graphene oxide and graphene quantum dots alters the expression of miR-21 and miR-29a in human cell lines

  8. Statins: Complex outcomes but increasingly helpful treatment options for patients

  9. Synthesis and characterization of d10 transition metal complexes in bulk and nano scales: DNA binding, molecular docking and anticancer activity against MCF-7 cell line

  10.  Quantification of circulating miR-517c-3p and miR-210-3p levels in preeclampsia

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Assistant Prof. Dr. Sedigheh Gharbi is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award based on her consistent track record of innovative, impactful research and academic contributions. Her focus on molecular biology, especially the regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs in cancer and cardiac regeneration, addresses some of the most challenging issues in contemporary biomedical science. Her extensive publication record in reputable journals reflects the quality and significance of her work. While there are opportunities for further enhancing her international collaborations, funding portfolio, and translational efforts, her current achievements already mark her as a leading researcher with great potential for continued contributions. Awarding her the Best Researcher Award would recognize her scientific excellence and encourage further advancements in her promising research career.

 

Sibel Elif Gultekin | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gultekin | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gultekin, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin is a renowned academic and clinician in Oral Pathology and Periodontology at Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, Türkiye. With over two decades of experience, she has significantly advanced molecular understanding of odontogenic tumors, HPV-induced oral lesions, and periodontal regeneration. Holding both DDS and Ph.D. degrees, she has led her department as Chair for 10 years and contributed globally as a visiting researcher and advisor. Her collaborations with institutions like the University of Cologne and UCSF reflect her international impact. She has published extensively in high-impact journals, authored books, and mentored numerous young researchers. Her dedication has been recognized through editorial appointments and professional society memberships. Prof. Gültekin’s translational research bridges pathology and clinical dentistry, making her a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Dual Specialization & Academic Leadership: Prof. Gültekin’s rare dual Ph.D. in Oral Pathology and Periodontology, along with her decade-long leadership as department chair, highlights deep academic and organizational expertise.

  2. High Research Output & Impact: With 96 publications, 50+ research projects, and citations exceeding 1300 (Google Scholar), her scholarly productivity and influence are clear. Her h-index across databases (14–17) confirms consistent academic contribution.

  3. Global Collaborations: Active collaborations with international centers like UCSF and University of Cologne underscore her role in global scientific advancement.

  4. Innovative Research Areas: She works at the forefront of molecular oncology, focusing on HPV-associated oral cancers, odontogenic tumors, and biomarkers like P16, VIM3, and PDCD4.

  5. Educational & Editorial Leadership: Served on scientific and editorial boards, symposiums, and advisory panels; she also authored 2 academic books and guided national congresses.

  6. Professional Societies: Active member of multiple esteemed societies (IAOP, ESP, EHNS, IADR), reflecting recognition in the international scientific community.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Clinical Translation Scaling: While her biomarker discoveries are notable, increasing efforts to lead translational clinical trials could accelerate therapeutic application.

  2. Policy Advocacy: Engaging more in international oral health policy or WHO-affiliated programs could amplify her impact beyond academia.

  3. Mentorship on Global Scale: Expanding formal international mentorship programs or fellowships could further cement her influence and legacy.

🎓 Education:

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin holds both DDS and Ph.D. degrees, specializing in Oral Pathology and Periodontology. She completed her undergraduate dental studies at Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, where she later pursued her doctoral studies. Her academic training extended beyond Türkiye through international fellowships and research placements, including the prestigious Department of Medicine and Stomatology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and the Institute for Pathology at the University of Cologne. Her educational journey is marked by an interdisciplinary approach, blending basic sciences and clinical applications. These robust academic foundations have positioned her as a global expert in oral cancer biomarkers, regenerative periodontology, and molecular pathology, nurturing future dentists and researchers through an integrative, evidence-based curriculum and global research exposure.

💼 Experience:

Prof. Dr. Gültekin has over 25 years of experience in dentistry, oral pathology, and periodontology. She has served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral Pathology at Gazi University, shaping both academic curricula and national diagnostic standards. Internationally, she collaborated with UCSF and the University of Cologne on pioneering projects in oral cancer and HPV research. Her clinical and academic background spans over 50 funded research projects, with 96 published papers in prestigious journals indexed by SCI, Scopus, and PubMed. She has contributed to oral health policy through editorial and advisory roles, including at journals like Journal of Oral Health Frontiers. Her expertise has guided scientific boards and symposia in Türkiye and beyond, particularly in head and neck pathology. She remains a sought-after consultant and reviewer, advocating for personalized medicine and molecular diagnostics in oral health.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms of oral diseases, particularly odontogenic tumors, oral epithelial dysplasia, and HPV-induced carcinomas. She has made key contributions in identifying biomarkers such as P16, PDCD4, VIM3, and CD8+ T-cell infiltrates, enhancing early diagnosis and prognosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Her research also explores microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, she has contributed to periodontal tissue regeneration studies and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. With over 1,300 citations and an h-index of 17 on Google Scholar, her impactful work bridges molecular science and clinical application. Collaborating with global experts in pathology, oncology, and molecular biology, Prof. Gültekin’s research not only contributes to academic literature but also informs clinical protocols and treatment pathways in modern dentistry and oral oncology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧬 Microsatellite Instability and Loss of Heterozygosity as Prognostic Markers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer, 2024)

  • 🧪 Efficiency of B-RAF-/MEK-inhibitors in B-RAF Mutated Ameloblastoma: Case Report and Review (Heliyon, 2023)

  • 🦷 Kişiselleştirilmiş Diş Hekimliği (ADO Klinik Bilimler Dergisi, 2023)

  • 🔍 Apoptosis Related PDCD4: Promising Novel Biomarker for Early Detection of Oral Cancer (ADO Klinik Bilimler Dergisi, 2022)

  • 🛡️ PD-L1 Expression and High CD8+ Lymphocyte Infiltrate Predict Outcome in Oropharyngeal SCC (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020)

🧾 Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin is a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering contributions in oral pathology, particularly in molecular diagnostics and HPV-related oral oncology, place her at the forefront of dental research. Her exceptional academic record, leadership, and dedication to collaborative and translational science make her a standout candidate who embodies the spirit of innovation, mentorship, and global impact.