Subodh Kumar | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Subodh Kumar | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Subodh Kumar | Texas Tech Univesrity Health Sciences Center El Paso | United States

Dr. Subodh Kumar is an Assistant Professor in Molecular and Translational Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), El Paso. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from PGIMER, India, and postdoctoral training in Neurobiology at TTUHSC, his work is rooted in understanding neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). He has significantly contributed to identifying synapse-localized microRNAs and their mechanistic roles in AD pathology. Dr. Kumar is the recipient of the prestigious NIH K99/R00 Career Development Award and the Marsh Foundation Research Award. His translational research spans biomarker discovery, synaptic dysfunction, and multi-omics analysis. As a corresponding author on several high-impact publications, Dr. Kumar has developed miRNA-based therapeutic strategies and diagnostics. He serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and holds memberships in several professional neuroscience organizations. His ongoing research aims to translate molecular findings into innovative treatments for AD.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths For The Award:

  1. Cutting-edge Research in Alzheimer’s Disease 🧠🧬: Dr. Kumar’s multi-omics and miRNA-focused studies provide novel insights into synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease—an area with significant global impact and scientific relevance.

  2. High-impact Publications 📚: His work has appeared in top-tier journals such as Molecular Psychiatry, NPJ Genomic Medicine, Redox Biology, and Human Molecular Genetics—a testament to research quality and scientific contribution.

  3. Leadership & Innovation 🧪: He is the corresponding author on many publications, highlighting leadership in collaborative research. His pioneering discovery of miRNAs like miR-455-3p and miR-502-3p as biomarkers has translational potential.

  4. Consistent Funding & Recognition 💰🏆: Secured prestigious awards like the NIH K99/R00 and Marsh Foundation Research Award, showing trust and acknowledgment from the scientific community.

  5. Mentorship & Editorial Involvement ✏️: Active as an Associate Editor and likely mentoring younger researchers, showcasing academic service and leadership.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Global Collaboration 🌍: Though his current work is impactful, forming more global or cross-institutional collaborations could increase the international visibility of his research.

  2. Public Science Communication 📢: There’s little mention of science outreach or public education; engaging with broader audiences could amplify his societal impact.

  3. Commercialization & Patents: While one patent is listed, further steps toward translational research or biotech partnerships could accelerate clinical applications.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Kumar began his academic journey at CCS University, Meerut, India, where he earned a B.S. in Biology (2004) and an M.S. in Biotechnology (2005). He pursued his doctoral studies at the prestigious Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where he earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in 2014. His graduate research centered on liver-specific miRNAs in hepatitis C. He further expanded his expertise during a comprehensive postdoctoral training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Lubbock, from 2015 to 2021, focusing on neurobiology and Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms. His advanced education combined molecular biology, genomics, and translational neuroscience, laying a solid foundation for his innovative contributions to AD research. Dr. Kumar’s academic training has uniquely equipped him to explore complex disease pathways, develop miRNA-based biomarkers, and use multi-omics approaches for therapeutic target discovery in neurodegeneration.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Subodh Kumar has nearly two decades of research and academic experience spanning molecular biology, neuroscience, and translational medicine. Currently an Assistant Professor at TTUHSC El Paso (2022–Present), he previously served as a Research Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Fellow at TTUHSC Lubbock (2015–2022). His early career included roles as a Senior and Junior Research Fellow at ICMR, India, and as a tutor in Biotechnology. He has mentored multiple students and leads independent NIH-funded research investigating microRNA roles in Alzheimer’s disease. Notably, his pioneering studies on synapse-localized miRNAs and multi-omics integration have shed light on novel targets and mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis. He has also worked on liver-related miRNAs and their biomarker potential during hepatitis C virus infections. With a well-rounded profile combining teaching, laboratory research, and grant writing, Dr. Kumar’s experience reflects strong leadership in collaborative, interdisciplinary, and translational research.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Kumar has received numerous accolades throughout his career, highlighting both his scientific excellence and research impact. Most notably, he was awarded the NIH NIA K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award in 2020, supporting his pioneering work on microRNA in Alzheimer’s disease. In 2024, he received the Marsh Foundation Research Award at TTUHSC El Paso. His presentations and posters have been recognized at institutional and national levels, including the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 14th Annual Research Symposium (2022) and the Best Poster Award at the Healthy Aging and Dementia Symposium (2018). He has also received competitive fellowships and travel awards from prestigious Indian agencies such as CSIR and ICMR, including an International Travel Award and GATE fellowship. These honors reflect Dr. Kumar’s sustained excellence in translational neuroscience, innovation in biomarker discovery, and leadership in Alzheimer’s disease research.

🧬 Research Focus:

Dr. Subodh Kumar’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with particular emphasis on synapse-localized microRNAs (miRNAs). His lab explores how deregulated miRNAs like miR-501-3p, miR-502-3p, and miR-455-3p affect synaptic protein expression, GABAergic function, and mitochondrial dynamics. Dr. Kumar integrates multi-omics approaches—including transcriptomics, proteomics, and miRNA sequencing—on human brain-derived synaptosomes to uncover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. His group also uses lentiviral vector systems and stereotaxic injections in mouse models to manipulate miRNA expression in vivo. These findings help clarify miRNA-mRNA-protein interactions in AD progression. Dr. Kumar also explores the diagnostic potential of miRNAs using patient-derived samples (CSF, serum, fibroblasts). His research bridges basic neuroscience with clinical translation, aiming to develop miRNA-based therapeutics and non-invasive diagnostic panels for early AD detection. His work holds promise in reshaping our understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

📚 Publication Titles Top Notes:

  1. 🧠 Integrated multi-omics analyses of synaptosomes revealed synapse-associated novel targets in Alzheimer’s disease (Molecular Psychiatry, 2025)

  2. 🧬 MiRNA-501-3p and MiRNA-502-3p: a promising biomarker panel for Alzheimer’s disease (Clinical and Translational Medicine, 2025)

  3. 🧩 MicroRNA-502-3p Modulates the GABA A Subunits, Synaptic Proteins, and Mitochondrial Morphology in Hippocampal Neurons (Molecular Neurobiology, 2025)

  4. 🔬 MicroRNA-502-3p regulates GABAergic synapse function in hippocampal neurons (Neural Regeneration Research, 2024)

  5. 🧠 Synaptosome microRNAs regulate synapse functions in Alzheimer’s disease (NPJ Genomic Medicine, 2022)

  6. 🧪 MicroRNA-455-3p improves synaptic, cognitive functions and extends lifespan: relevance to Alzheimer’s disease (Redox Biology, 2021)

  7. 🧠 Novel MicroRNA-455-3p and its protective effects against abnormal APP processing and amyloid beta toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease (BBA, 2019)

  8. 🧬 MicroRNA-455-3p as a potential biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease: an update (Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2018)

  9. 🧪 MicroRNA-455-3p as a potential peripheral biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease (Human Molecular Genetics, 2017)

  10. 🧫 Crosstalk between microRNA-122 and FOX family genes in HepG2 cells (Exp Biology & Medicine, 2017)

📌 Conclusion:

Dr. Subodh Kumar is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research on microRNAs in neurodegeneration is groundbreaking, well-funded, and internationally recognized. With a robust publication record, academic leadership, and translational potential, he exemplifies the caliber expected of this distinction. Strategic enhancements in international outreach and translational ventures would further elevate his global impact.

Muhammad Asim | Neuronal Cell Biology | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Muhammad Asim | Neuronal Cell Biology | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Muhammad Asim | Nanjing Agriculture University | China

Asim Muhammad is a dedicated researcher in animal genetics, currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction at Nanjing Agricultural University, China. Born in Pakistan on June 1, 1998, he is multilingual—fluent in English, Pashtu, Urdu, and Chinese. Asim is currently affiliated with the Key Laboratory of Swine Science, where his research focuses on transcriptomics, alternative polyadenylation, and gene expression regulation in pigs. He has co-authored multiple high-impact scientific papers, reflecting his growing contributions to the field. With a strong foundation in zoology and hands-on experience in molecular biology and animal breeding techniques, Asim has proven himself to be a promising young scientist. His international exposure, solid academic background, and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding candidate for future academic and research opportunities. He exemplifies interdisciplinary collaboration and a passion for advancing animal science.

Publication profile:

Scopus

 

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Academic Excellence & International Training
    Asim Muhammad has demonstrated strong academic performance through a BS in Zoology and ongoing Master’s studies in Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction at Nanjing Agricultural University—one of China’s top agricultural institutions. His selection for a fully-funded China Scholarship Council (CSC) award confirms his academic merit.

  2. Research Productivity & Publications
    He has co-authored four peer-reviewed scientific papers in reputed international journals such as the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules and International Journal of Molecular Science. His research spans transcriptomics, non-coding RNAs, and SNPs in animal behavior, all of which are highly relevant to modern agricultural biotechnology.

  3. Multidisciplinary Skills
    His work reflects a strong grasp of molecular biology, computational biology (RNA-seq, polyadenylation, LincRNAs), and applied genetics in livestock science, aligning with the award’s focus on promising young researchers in biological and agricultural sciences.

  4. Global Research Environment
    Trained in an international and collaborative setting in China, he brings cross-cultural scientific collaboration experience, essential for emerging global leaders in science.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Lead Authorship Opportunities
    All current publications list Asim as a co-author, not the first or corresponding author. For further academic distinction, gaining lead authorship on future research outputs would strengthen his individual scientific identity.

  2. Conference Presentations and Visibility
    There’s no mention of scientific conference participation or oral/poster presentations, which are vital for demonstrating communication skills and engaging with the global research community.

  3. Independent Research Projects
    While his collaborative research is commendable, developing independent research ideas or grant applications would further establish his potential as a principal investigator or academic leader.

🎓 Education:

Asim Muhammad began his academic journey at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, KPK, Pakistan, where he earned a BS in Zoology (2016–2021). During his undergraduate studies, he developed a strong interest in genetics and animal biology, which laid the foundation for his current research. In 2022, Asim enrolled at Nanjing Agricultural University in Jiangsu, China, to pursue a Master’s degree in Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction. Here, he is affiliated with the prestigious Key Laboratory of Swine Science, where he conducts cutting-edge research in transcriptomics and molecular breeding. His academic path reflects a solid blend of biological sciences and applied genetics, bridging theoretical understanding with practical application in livestock improvement. Backed by competitive scholarships and international mentorship, his education equips him with the skills and scientific acumen to contribute significantly to animal biotechnology and genomic research globally.

🧪 Experience:

Asim Muhammad has gained valuable research experience in molecular biology, transcriptomic analysis, and genetic evaluation during his Master’s studies at Nanjing Agricultural University. Working under seasoned mentors at the Key Laboratory of Swine Science, Asim has contributed to four peer-reviewed research articles focused on reproductive biology and genetic markers in pigs. His experience encompasses RNA sequencing, alternative polyadenylation analysis, and non-coding RNA research, showcasing his capability in high-throughput genomic data analysis. He has co-authored scientific publications in internationally recognized journals such as International Journal of Biological Macromolecules and Journal of Animals. Through these projects, Asim has developed expertise in software tools and bioinformatics platforms used in genetic research. His collaborative work with international researchers reflects his team spirit, commitment to research integrity, and drive to address real-world problems in livestock genetics and animal behavior.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Asim Muhammad has been recognized for his academic performance and research potential through several prestigious awards. During his undergraduate studies at Abdul Wali Khan University, he received the HEC Need-Based Scholarship (2016–2021), a merit- and need-based honor conferred by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission. In 2016–2017, he was also a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Laptop Award, part of a national program promoting digital literacy among top-performing students. For his graduate studies in China, Asim was awarded the CSC (China Scholarship Council) Full Scholarship (2022–2025)—a competitive and fully-funded scholarship supporting outstanding international students. These honors reflect both his academic excellence and his potential to contribute to global research. Each award has empowered Asim to expand his horizons, participate in international research collaborations, and remain dedicated to scientific discovery in animal genetics and reproduction.

🔬 Research Focus:

Asim Muhammad’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms regulating reproduction and behavior in pigs, particularly through transcriptomic analysis of reproductive tissues. He explores alternative polyadenylation, long intergenic non-coding RNAs (LincRNAs), and SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that influence traits such as estrus expression and post-weaning aggression. His current projects involve analyzing RNA-seq data from various pig tissues to identify key regulatory genes and non-coding RNAs, aiming to enhance breeding strategies and livestock welfare. Asim’s interdisciplinary approach bridges classical animal breeding with molecular genetics, offering innovative insights into improving reproductive efficiency in swine. His focus aligns closely with sustainable agriculture and livestock genomics, contributing to precision breeding technologies. This research not only advances animal science but also addresses broader challenges in food security and animal health, making him a valuable asset in the field of agricultural biotechnology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🐖📊 Characterization and analysis of transcriptomes of multiple tissues from estrus and diestrus in pigs – Int. J. Biol. Macromol., 2023

  2. 🧬🐷 Deciphering Estrus Expression in Gilts: The Role of Alternative Polyadenylation and LincRNAs – Journal of Animals, 2024

  3. 🧠🧬 Integrated Transcriptomic Analysis of Vulva and Vagina Explores LincRNAs and APA in Estrus Expression – 2024

  4. 🐽⚠️ A Functional SNP in the 3’UTR of Porcine JARID2 Gene Linked to Aggression Post-Weaning – Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2024

  5. 🍐🧪 A Critical Review on Pear Fruit’s Polyphenols and Chlorogenic Acid: Composition, Bioavailability, and Pharmacological Potential – Review Article

🧾 Conclusion: 

Asim Muhammad presents a strong and compelling case for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His academic performance, scientific output, and international research exposure make him a worthy candidate. Although he is in the early stages of his research career, his publication record and contribution to complex genetic studies in swine reproduction and behavior reflect a high potential for future innovation and leadership in agricultural science. With increased visibility and independent research outputs, Asim is poised to become a valuable contributor to the field. Therefore, he is well-suited for this award and would benefit significantly from the recognition and support it provides.