Alexis Gautreau | Collective Cell Migration | Excellence in Research Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Alexis Gautreau | Collective Cell Migration | Excellence in Research Award

Ecole Polytechnique | France

Alexis M. Gautreau is an internationally recognized cell biologist whose research centers on the molecular mechanisms governing cytoskeleton organization and cell morphogenesis. As Principal Investigator of the “Cytoskeleton and Cell Morphogenesis” team within the Research Unit Structural Biology of the Cell (UMR7654 CNRS/Ecole Polytechnique), his work investigates how actin networks are dynamically assembled and coordinated to drive essential processes such as membrane protrusion, cell migration, and tissue architecture. His group has been particularly influential in elucidating the functions of multiprotein complexes regulating actin nucleation, cytoskeletal remodeling, and mechanotransduction in normal and pathological contexts, including cancer progression.

Since establishing his research team in 2008, he has played a central role in advancing structural and functional analyses of actin-regulatory factors, contributing to a deeper understanding of how cytoskeletal dynamics shape cell behavior. His scientific leadership includes serving as Research Director at CNRS, Professor at Ecole Polytechnique, Chair of the Biology Department, and elected member of the bureau of the French Society for Cell Biology. He has coordinated international collaborations, notably an International Associated Laboratory with cancer research institutes in Russia, and has contributed to high-level teaching on the actin cytoskeleton, cancer mechanisms, and precision medicine. His work has been recognized through distinctions such as the Fondation ARC “Distinguished Team” Prize and a Visiting Professorship at the MechanoBiology Institute, NUS.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications: 

Krause, M., Gautreau, A., & others. (2014). Steering cell migration: Lamellipodium dynamics and the regulation of directional persistence. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 15(9), 577–590.

Derivery, E., Sousa, C., Gautier, J. J., Lombard, B., Loew, D., Gautreau, A., & others. (2009). The Arp2/3 activator WASH controls the fission of endosomes through a large multiprotein complex. Developmental Cell, 17(5), 712–723.

Fievet, B. T., Gautreau, A., Roy, C., Del Maestro, L., Mangeat, P., Louvard, D., & others. (2004). Phosphoinositide binding and phosphorylation act sequentially in the activation mechanism of ezrin. The Journal of Cell Biology, 164(5), 653–659.

Gorelik, R., & Gautreau, A. (2014). Quantitative and unbiased analysis of directional persistence in cell migration. Nature Protocols, 9(8), 1931–1943.

Crepaldi, T., Gautreau, A., Comoglio, P. M., Louvard, D., & Arpin, M. (1997). Ezrin is an effector of hepatocyte growth factor–mediated migration and morphogenesis in epithelial cells. The Journal of Cell Biology, 138(2), 423–434.

Gautreau, A., Poullet, P., Louvard, D., & Arpin, M. (1999). Ezrin, a plasma membrane–microfilament linker, signals cell survival through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 96(13), 7300–7305.

Ng, T., Parsons, M., Hughes, W. E., Monypenny, J., Zicha, D., Gautreau, A., & others. (2001). Ezrin is a downstream effector of trafficking PKC–integrin complexes involved in the control of cell motility. The EMBO Journal.

Gautreau, A., Louvard, D., & Arpin, M. (2000). Morphogenic effects of ezrin require a phosphorylation-induced transition from oligomers to monomers at the plasma membrane. The Journal of Cell Biology, 150(1), 193–204.

Novikov, N. M., Zolotaryova, S. Y., Gautreau, A. M., & Denisov, E. V. (2021). Mutational drivers of cancer cell migration and invasion. British Journal of Cancer, 124(1), 102–114.

Pujuguet, P., Del Maestro, L., Gautreau, A., Louvard, D., & Arpin, M. (2003). Ezrin regulates E-cadherin-dependent adherens junction assembly through Rac1 activation. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 14(5), 2181–2191.

Nuray Gamze Yoruk | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuray Gamze Yoruk | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuray Gamze Yoruk | Dokuz Eylül University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuray Gamze Yörük is a seasoned academic in the field of food hygiene, safety, and veterinary sciences. A graduate of Selçuk University, she currently serves at Dokuz Eylül University. With a strong background in veterinary public health, she has combined expertise in microbiology, food safety systems, halal accreditation, and laboratory quality standards. Her career is marked by a robust integration of teaching, research, and consultancy, particularly focusing on risk-based food microbiology and molecular techniques. Dr. Yörük is highly active in international academic networks and frequently contributes to scientific forums and symposiums. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and consistently engages in professional development activities, including AI integration in education, biosafety, and ISO standard training. Her proactive involvement in quality assurance and accreditation processes, both nationally and internationally, underscores her leadership in elevating standards in food and veterinary sciences. She also holds multiple international researcher IDs, enhancing her academic visibility.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Education:

Assoc. Prof. Nuray Gamze Yörük began her academic journey in Veterinary Medicine at Selçuk University, where she earned her undergraduate degree from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Driven by a keen interest in food safety and public health, she pursued a Doctorate in Food Hygiene and Technology at the same university. Her education emphasized microbiological food safety, molecular diagnostic tools, and public health risk assessment. Throughout her academic development, she has continuously built her expertise in ISO standards, laboratory accreditation, and food pathogens. In addition to formal degrees, Dr. Yörük has actively sought out high-level certifications and international training programs to deepen her knowledge in quality management systems, halal standards, and risk-based laboratory assessments. Her educational foundation is solidified with numerous certificates related to food safety, environmental monitoring, and advanced molecular analysis—making her an interdisciplinary expert who bridges veterinary sciences with applied food technology and quality systems.

Experience:

Dr. Nuray Gamze Yörük has over 20 years of academic and professional experience spanning food hygiene, microbiological risk analysis, and laboratory quality assurance. Currently an Associate Professor at Dokuz Eylül University, she has taught and supervised students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, contributing significantly to education in veterinary and food sciences. Her experience also includes consulting for Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK), Helal Accreditation Agency (HAK), and involvement in ISO 17025, 17043, and 17034 standard training and audits. She has participated in numerous national and international conferences, sharing insights on food safety, microbial risk control, and environmental monitoring. A regular attendee of technical workshops and accreditation seminars, she is also involved in quality enhancement projects. Her work on molecular food analysis and biosafety has led to meaningful improvements in diagnostic capabilities in food laboratories. With her deep knowledge and leadership in food technology, she contributes both academically and professionally to industry standards.

Awards and Honors:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuray Gamze Yörük’s dedication to quality assurance, food safety, and academic excellence has earned her recognition from prestigious institutions. Though formal awards are not explicitly listed in the provided data, her career is marked by notable invitations to speak, lead trainings, and participate as an expert auditor in both national and international forums, such as TÜRKAK, HELAL Accreditation, and BfR-Summer Academy in Germany. Her expertise has led to repeated involvement in high-profile accreditation and standardization projects, serving as a trusted professional in food and microbiology laboratories. She has been part of elite training events, including courses by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, and has contributed to critical initiatives like the DECBLAUM Food Safety Symposium and YÖKAK Accreditation Programs. Her active engagement in continuous professional development, coupled with internationally cited publications, positions her as a top contender for awards in food hygiene and scientific research excellence.

Research Focus:

Dr. Nuray Gamze Yörük’s research is primarily focused on food safety, microbial risk assessment, and molecular diagnostics in the food industry. Her work bridges veterinary public health with innovative food technology, including analysis techniques such as real-time PCR, RT-PCR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (ORBITRAP). She is particularly interested in the identification of foodborne pathogens, species authenticity, and risk-based microbiological control in dairy and meat products. Her research extends into halal food verification, foodborne infections, and biological activities of natural additives such as Aloe vera. With multiple peer-reviewed articles published in top-tier journals, she also explores the comparative efficacy of diagnostic methods and contributes to improving analytical accuracy and environmental monitoring protocols. Through a quality-driven approach, she aims to enhance food control systems and public health outcomes by supporting laboratory competence and global food safety standards. Her multidisciplinary focus makes her a valuable contributor to food science innovation.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. A comparison of bovine and porcine species in foods containing animal gelatin with RT-PCR and Q-Exactive ORBITRAP device – European Food Research and Technology

  2. Analysis of biological activities of Aloe vera gel and extract used as the potential use in natural food additives – Revista Científica de la Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias

  3. GC/MS evaluation of the composition of the Aloe vera gel and extract – FOOD CHEMISTRY:X

  4. A comparison of ELISA and real-time PCR kits for meat species identification analysis – European Food Research and Technology

  5. Kantitatif mikrobiyolojik analizlerde ölçüm belirsizliği hesaplanmasında farklı yaklaşımların karşılaştırılması – Gıda

  6. Gıda ve yem mikrobiyoloji laboratuvarlarında seçilmiş riskler ile risk kaynaklarına ilişkin kontrol mekanizmaları – Etlik Veteriner Mikrobiyoloji Dergisi

  7. Determination of the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and Enterobactericeae count in ice creams and infant formulas – Advanced in Food Sciences

  8. Most probable number technique in Escherichia coli count using ISO 16649-3, ISO 7251, and rapid test enumeration device (TEMPO EC) methods in milk and dairy products – Journal of Food Safety

  9. Control of fermented sausage, salami, sausage, and hamburger meatballs produced in meat production facilities applying the ISO Food Security System for food pathogens – Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Assoc. Prof. Nuray Gamze Yörük represents an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her deep specialization in food microbiology, her long-standing commitment to quality management and accreditation, and her consistent record of publications and trainings exemplify a career dedicated to scientific excellence and impact. She stands out not only for what she has accomplished but also for the sustained relevance and societal value of her work, making her a strong contender for this prestigious recognition.

Moara Lemos | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Moara Lemos | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Moara Lemos, UFRJ/CENABIO, Brazil

Dr. Moara Lemos is a Brazilian parasitologist and structural biologist known for her expertise in protozoology, especially focusing on trypanosomatids. Born in Carmo do Rio Claro, Brazil, she earned her PhD in Microbiology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Her work bridges advanced imaging technologies, such as cryo-electron tomography, with molecular parasitology, exploring host-parasite interactions in fish and amphibians. Currently based at Institut Pasteur and UFRJ, she leads cutting-edge projects in cellular ultrastructure, nanobiotechnology, and the molecular characterization of parasites. She has received multiple research scholarships and international recognition through high-impact publications and awards. A highly collaborative scientist, Dr. Lemos has contributed significantly to parasitology, cryo-microscopy, and biomedicine, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Expertise in Parasitology and Cell Biology

    • Specialized in protozoology, with deep research in Trypanosoma species affecting both aquatic vertebrates and humans.

    • Combines taxonomy, ultrastructure, phylogeny, and host-parasite interactions, contributing significantly to neglected areas in parasitology.

  2. Cutting-edge Methodological Proficiency

    • Strong command over electron microscopy, including cryo-electron tomography, FIB-SEM, and correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM).

    • Her techniques are pivotal in advancing the 3D visualization of cellular and viral structures, which is particularly impactful in infectious disease research.

  3. Translational Research Impact

    • Active participation in COVID-19-related structural virology, aiming to guide vaccine and therapeutic development.

    • Current projects focus on flagellar biogenesis, nanobiomaterials, and telepathology, integrating basic science with clinical relevance.

  4. Collaborative and International Research Network

    • Collaboration with prestigious institutions such as the Institut Pasteur, João Lobo Antunes Institute, EMBO, and CBPF.

    • Involved in multidisciplinary teams with researchers like Dorit Hanein and Philippe Bastin, increasing the credibility and reach of her research.

  5. Recognized Scientific Output

    • Publications in high-impact journals like Nature Communications, Journal of Cell Biology, *

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

While her qualifications are substantial, a few areas could further elevate her candidacy:

  1. Greater Independent Leadership on High-Profile Projects

    • While she is a co-author on several collaborative works, leading more first-author or corresponding-author publications in top-tier journals would further establish her scientific independence.

  2. Increased Outreach or Policy Engagement

    • Expanding her influence beyond academic research—e.g., contributing to national or international policy on parasitic diseases, public health, or biodiversity conservation—could broaden impact.

  3. Clearer Documentation of Teaching/Mentorship Impact

    • While the CV lists student supervision (MSc, PhD), a dedicated summary on mentorship outcomes (e.g., students’ careers, theses supervised) would strengthen the case.

  4. Visibility in International Conferences as Speaker

    • More keynote/plenary presentations or chairing roles at major international meetings would reinforce her leadership in the field.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Lemos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), where she also completed a Master’s degree in Zoology. She earned her PhD in Science (Microbiology) from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), with a dissertation on the taxonomy and host-parasite interactions of trypanosomes in Brazilian fish. Her postgraduate journey continued with multiple postdoctoral fellowships at institutions like the Institut Pasteur (France), CBPF (Brazil), and UFRJ, specializing in parasitology, biotechnology, and cryo-electron microscopy. She also pursued extensive complementary training in microscopy, cryo-ET, and molecular biology through EMBO and SBMM courses. Her education reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation combining zoology, microbiology, biotechnology, and imaging technologies—crucial for investigating infectious diseases at a cellular and molecular level.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Lemos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), where she also completed a Master’s degree in Zoology. She earned her PhD in Science (Microbiology) from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), with a dissertation on the taxonomy and host-parasite interactions of trypanosomes in Brazilian fish. Her postgraduate journey continued with multiple postdoctoral fellowships at institutions like the Institut Pasteur (France), CBPF (Brazil), and UFRJ, specializing in parasitology, biotechnology, and cryo-electron microscopy. She also pursued extensive complementary training in microscopy, cryo-ET, and molecular biology through EMBO and SBMM courses. Her education reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation combining zoology, microbiology, biotechnology, and imaging technologies—crucial for investigating infectious diseases at a cellular and molecular level.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Moara Lemos has received numerous accolades throughout her career. She won the Best Poster Presentation at the Institut Pasteur and the VIII International Symposium of Fish Parasites, along with the Best Oral Presentation Award at Sembio 2007. She was also recognized at the IV Annual Meeting of the National Institute of Science and Technology in Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB). She has been a scholarship holder from multiple funding bodies, including CNPq, CAPES, FAPERJ, and FAPEMIG, for her postgraduate and postdoctoral research. In addition, she contributed to groundbreaking studies published in Nature Communications, Journal of Cell Biology, and American Journal of Human Genetics, earning visibility in high-impact journals. These honors highlight her impactful contributions to biomedical research, particularly in parasitology and cryo-structural biology.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Lemos focuses on parasitic protozoa, especially trypanosomes, examining their ultrastructure, taxonomy, host-parasite dynamics, and intraflagellar transport mechanisms. She employs advanced imaging technologies, including cryo-electron tomography, to study the 3D cellular architecture of infectious organisms like Trypanosoma cruzi. Her research expands to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, developing cryo-microscopy workflows to analyze virus-antibody interactions. She also explores nanobiomaterials’ interactions with eukaryotic cells, combining cell biology, structural biology, and electron microscopy. Current projects include implementing telemicroscopy in Brazil’s public health system (SUS) and developing AI tools for pathology imaging. Her goal is not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to translate findings into public health and ecological conservation strategies. Dr. Lemos’ integrative and technological approach to biology makes her research highly innovative and socially relevant.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 Advances, challenges, and applications of cryo‐electron tomography workflows for three‐dimensional cellular imaging of infectious pathogens – Journal of Microscopy (2025)

  2. 🧪 Novel ACE2 nanoparticles universally block SARS-CoV-2 variants in the human respiratory tract – bioRxiv (2022)

  3. 🔬 Morphological control enables nanometer-scale dissection of cell-cell signaling complexes – Nature Communications (2022)

  4. 🧬 Timing and original features of flagellum assembly in trypanosomes during development in the tsetse fly – Parasites & Vectors (2020)

  5. 🐸 Caracterização morfológica e morfométrica dos tripanossomas de anuros do Centro-Oeste brasileiro – Revista Brasileira de Zoociências (2019)

  6. 🧫 Biallelic Mutations in LRRC56…Cause Mucociliary Clearance and Laterality Defects – American Journal of Human Genetics (2018)

  7. 🧭 Bidirectional intraflagellar transport is restricted to two sets of microtubule doublets in the trypanosome flagellum – Journal of Cell Biology (2018)

  8. 📗 Contribuição ao estudo da biologia dos Tripanossomas de Anuros neotropicais – Thesis, UFJF (2017)

🏁 Conclusion: 

Dr. Moara Lemos demonstrates a rare combination of technical excellence, innovative research, international collaboration, and consistent productivity in fields that have both scientific importance and global health relevance. Her research in trypanosome biology, electron microscopy, and pathogen-cell interaction is critical for both basic science and applied biomedical research.