Ashraf Rangrez | Molecular Cardiology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ashraf Rangrez | Molecular Cardiology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ashraf Rangrez, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Ashraf Yusuf Rangrez is a leading cardiovascular and molecular biology researcher currently serving as Senior Group Leader at the Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany. With a deep commitment to translational science, Dr. Rangrez’s work intersects molecular cardiology, autophagy, chromatin remodeling, and host-microbiome interactions. He completed his PhD in Biotechnology in 2011 and earned his Habilitation in 2018 at Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel. His extensive publication record in top-tier journals and innovative contributions to heart failure and cardiac remodeling research have earned him numerous accolades, including travel grants from the American Heart Association and a DAAD Fellowship. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he successfully established his research lab in Heidelberg. His work is paving the way for novel molecular diagnostics and therapies in cardiovascular medicine.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar 

Scopus

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📚 Outstanding Publication Record:

    • Published in high-impact journals such as Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (IF 52.7), Nature Communications (IF 15.7), Circulation (IF 37.8), and Cell Metabolism (IF 17.565).

    • Demonstrates consistent scholarly productivity with first-author and corresponding-author roles in several major publications.

  2. 🔬 Cutting-Edge Research Themes:

    • His work bridges molecular cardiology, ubiquitin signaling, chromatin remodeling, and host-microbiome interactions, which are critical frontiers in precision medicine and cardiovascular disease.

    • Recent contributions on TRIM24, FYCO1, and HectD3 show clear translational relevance for heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy.

  3. 🧪 Leadership & Resilience:

    • Successfully established and led a research group during the COVID-19 pandemic despite massive logistical setbacks—a mark of determination and leadership.

    • Currently holds the role of Senior Group Leader at the prestigious University Hospital of Heidelberg, overseeing multiple projects and mentoring young researchers.

  4. 🎖 Academic Recognition:

    • Recipient of Young Investigator Awards from both the American Heart Association and Basic Cardiovascular Society.

    • Awarded a DAAD Fellowship, indicating international recognition of academic excellence early in his career.

  5. 🌍 Interdisciplinary and International Exposure:

    • PhD collaboration between India and Germany through a DAAD Sandwich Fellowship shows global collaboration and a diverse academic background.

    • Actively collaborates with renowned scientists across Europe and North America.

📌 Areas for Improvement:

📣 Expand International Visibility:

Participation as keynote speaker or chair in more global symposia could further cement his thought leadership role.
Greater involvement in editorial boards or as a guest editor for top journals would strengthen his academic influence.
💼 Strengthen Industry Partnerships:

Increased collaboration with biotech/pharma industries could help translate some of his molecular discoveries into clinical or commercial therapies.
📊 Grant Funding Scale-up:

While he leads group-level projects, targeting larger European or Horizon Europe consortia could amplify his lab’s impact and resources.

 

🎓 Education:

Dr. Rangrez holds a PhD in Biotechnology (2011), conducted jointly at the National Centre for Cell Science (India) and Technical University of Berlin (Germany) under a prestigious DAAD Sandwich Fellowship. His doctoral work focused on microbial biotechnology and gene expression profiling. In 2018, he obtained his Habilitation and Venia Legendi in Molecular Medicine at Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Norbert Frey. This qualification marked his academic independence and enabled him to lecture at the university level. His multidisciplinary academic formation bridges life sciences, translational medicine, and molecular cardiology, forming a strong foundation for his current cardiovascular and molecular research endeavors.

💼 Professional Experience:

Currently a Senior Group Leader at University Hospital Heidelberg’s Department of Cardiology, Dr. Rangrez leads research at the interface of cardiac biology and systems medicine. He has previously conducted postdoctoral research in molecular cardiology and worked with key figures in cardiovascular medicine, including Prof. Norbert Frey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he overcame logistical and infrastructural hurdles to establish a fully operational laboratory, demonstrating high resilience and leadership. His responsibilities include mentoring junior researchers, managing complex scientific collaborations, and leading grant-funded projects. Dr. Rangrez’s experience spans over a decade and includes cutting-edge research in chromatin remodeling, cardiac hypertrophy, autophagy, and the microbiome. His career is marked by a deep commitment to translational science and a consistent trajectory of scientific excellence.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Rangrez’s research centers on cardiac remodeling, heart failure, chromatin regulation, autophagy, and the microbiome’s role in cardiovascular disease. His group investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis using integrative multi-omics, imaging, and animal models. A major theme of his work is understanding ubiquitin ligases and TRIM proteins in heart disease and exploring how chromatin remodelers like TRIM24 affect gene expression and calcium signaling in cardiomyocytes. Recently, he has expanded into host-microbiome interactions and their influence on cardiovascular health, paving the way for novel diagnostics and personalized medicine. His interdisciplinary approach blends molecular biology, systems medicine, and clinical cardiology. His group also explores exercise-induced regeneration in aging hearts and mechanistic studies on gene-environment interactions in heart failure progression.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

🧬 TRIM24 regulates chromatin remodeling and calcium dynamics in cardiomyocytes – Cell Commun Signal (2025)
🧭 A cross-study transcriptional patient map of heart failure defines conserved multicellular coordination – Nat Comm (2025)
🧫 A systematic framework for understanding the microbiome in human health and disease – STTT (2024)
🏃‍♂️ Restoration of Cardiomyogenesis in Aged Mouse Hearts by Voluntary Exercise – Circulation (2022)
🔁 FYCO1 regulates cardiomyocyte autophagy and prevents heart failure in vivo – JACC BTS (2021)
🛡️ The E3 ubiquitin ligase HectD3 attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and inflammation – Commun Biol (2020)
⚖️ TRIM24 promotes and TRIM32 inhibits cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via dysbindin regulation – J Biol Chem (2017)
💓 Myoscape controls cardiac calcium cycling via L-type Ca2+ channel regulation – Nat Comm (2016)
🚨 Dysbindin is a potent inducer of RhoA-SRF-mediated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy – J Cell Biol (2013)
🧪 Adiponutrin functions as a nutritionally regulated LPA acyltransferase – Cell Metab (2012)

🧾 Conclusion:

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Ashraf Yusuf Rangrez stands out as a dedicated, innovative, and resilient researcher whose work has had substantial influence on cardiovascular science, especially in the areas of cardiac remodeling, chromatin biology, and autophagy. He combines academic rigor, leadership under pressure, and translational impact. Given his exceptional publication record, international collaborations, and scientific contributions to cardiac and molecular medicine, he is an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

 

 

Naoki Harada | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Naoki Harada | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Naoki Harada, Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan

Naoki Harada is an Associate Professor at Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan, with extensive expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, endocrinology, and nutrition. He earned his Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Osaka Prefecture University in 2007. Over the past two decades, Harada has made significant contributions to understanding the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underpinning metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes. His research, characterized by high citation impact (H-index of 25), centers on pancreatic β-cell function and metabolic regulation. He has published 77 peer-reviewed articles and holds a patent related to therapeutic interventions. Harada has collaborated with leading scientists like Professors Hiroshi Inui and Ryoichi Yamaji, strengthening his academic footprint in both national and international circles. A member of multiple scientific societies, Harada continues to influence the field through impactful research, industry collaboration, and educational leadership.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Consistent Research Output

    • 77 peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals (SCI, Scopus).

    • Recent high-impact studies published in Journal of Biological Chemistry, Scientific Reports, and FASEB BioAdvances.

    • Active research profile with an H-index of 25 and over 1,785 citations.

  2. Innovative Scientific Contributions

    • Identified REDD2 as a novel therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes—bridging basic research with translational medicine.

    • Works across disciplines such as molecular biology, endocrinology, and nutritional biochemistry.

  3. Project Leadership & Industry Engagement

    • Led or participated in 14 major research projects.

    • 5 consultancy/industry-based projects, reflecting application-oriented research.

  4. Academic and Collaborative Network

    • Strong academic collaborations with Professors Hiroshi Inui and Ryoichi Yamaji.

    • Member of prestigious scientific societies (e.g., Japanese Biochemical Society, Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Science).

  5. Scientific Versatility

    • Contributions span fundamental mechanisms (e.g., oxidative stress, insulin signaling) to dietary interventions (e.g., mogrol, oleamide).

    • Demonstrates ability to bridge molecular insights with systemic physiological outcomes.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Visibility and Engagement

    • Expanding participation in international conferences and editorial boards could elevate his global scientific standing.

    • Pursuing cross-border collaborations would further enrich the translational value of his work.

  2. Commercialization and Patent Activity

    • While one patent is noted, increased focus on intellectual property development and biomedical commercialization could further validate his applied research strength.

  3. Outreach and Communication

    • More active public science communication (e.g., webinars, policy advocacy, media coverage) would amplify the societal impact of his research.

🎓 Education:

Naoki Harada received his Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan, in September 2007. His doctoral studies laid the foundation for his interdisciplinary research in molecular biology, biochemistry, and endocrinology. Harada’s academic path was driven by a keen interest in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation, particularly in relation to glucose homeostasis and pancreatic function. His education provided him with a solid grounding in experimental techniques, critical thinking, and scientific communication, which have become hallmarks of his later work. The institution, known for excellence in biosciences, enabled Harada to cultivate a strong research acumen. His academic training was complemented by exposure to applied research, linking basic science with clinical and nutritional applications—an approach that he has continued to emphasize throughout his career. His strong educational background plays a pivotal role in his current research endeavors and professional development.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Naoki Harada began his academic career in 2008 as an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University. He was promoted to Lecturer in 2015, and subsequently to Associate Professor in 2019. Since 2022, he has served as Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University. Harada has consistently combined teaching with intensive research, mentoring graduate students while advancing his lab’s focus on metabolic diseases and endocrine physiology. His experience includes leading 14 research projects, consulting on 5 industry-linked nutrition initiatives, and co-authoring over 75 scientific papers. His experience reflects a blend of academic leadership, scientific innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Notably, Harada’s role in identifying REDD2 as a therapeutic target exemplifies his contribution to translational science. He maintains strong academic partnerships and actively contributes to several professional societies, making him a respected figure in Japan’s scientific community.

🔬 Research Focus:

Naoki Harada’s research is at the intersection of molecular biology, endocrinology, and nutrition science, with a particular focus on pancreatic β-cell physiology and glucose metabolism. He investigates how oxidative stress, hormonal signals, and metabolic regulators influence insulin secretion and β-cell viability. One of his pivotal contributions is identifying the REDD2 gene as a negative regulator of β-cell function, offering novel therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes mellitus. His studies also explore nutrient-sensing pathways, G-protein-coupled receptors, and hormonal modulation of energy metabolism. Harada’s recent work delves into the effects of dietary compounds like mogrol and oleamide on metabolic health, linking molecular mechanisms to real-world dietary interventions. His ability to bridge bench science with clinical and nutritional applications sets his research apart. Through collaborations with leading experts and high-impact publications, Harada continues to advance knowledge in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧬 REDD2 confers pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in high-fat diet-fed mice – Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2025

  • 🦷 Androgens suppress ST3GAL1/4, modulating mucin glycosylation and microbiota in mice – Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2025

  • 🍟 CRTC1 in MC4R cells regulates dietary fat intake – FASEB BioAdvances, 2024

  • 💉 Insulin reduces ER stress-induced apoptosis in INS-1 β-cells – Physiological Reports, 2024

  • 🍬 Mogrol activates GPBAR1 and insulin secretion, alleviates hyperglycemia – Scientific Reports, 2024

  • 🔥 Androgen receptor suppresses β-adrenoceptor-mediated thermogenesis – Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2022

  • 🏥 Age-dependent sex differences in NAFLD in TSOD and db/db mice – PLOS ONE, 2022

  • 🐭 Dietary oleamide attenuates obesity in caged mice – Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2022

  • 🌿 Curcumin targets GPR55 receptor – npj Science of Food, 2022

  • 💪 Oleamide rescues muscle atrophy in small-caged mice – British Journal of Nutrition, 2021

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Naoki Harada demonstrates a clear trajectory of research excellence, grounded in scientific rigor and driven by impactful biomedical questions. His ability to identify molecular mechanisms (e.g., REDD2’s role in β-cell dysfunction) and propose therapeutic directions sets him apart as a leading academic in metabolic disease research. His publication record, industry collaborations, and professional memberships underscore a mature and influential academic career.

Guannan Ma | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Guannan Ma | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Guannan Ma , Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Digital Technology in Medical Diagnostics , China

Guannan Ma is a seasoned biomedical researcher and medical manager based in Beijing, China, with over a decade of experience in molecular biology, genomics, and clinical research. He currently works at DIAN Gene Co., Ltd., where he leads clinical research projects, scientific writing, and patent development. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for translational medicine, he bridges laboratory research and real-world applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. His background includes extensive collaboration with national R&D initiatives and hospital systems, reflecting his ability to manage interdisciplinary projects and mentor junior scientists. Guannan is the co-author of over 15 peer-reviewed SCI papers and multiple patents in the fields of gene editing, DNA data storage, and cancer biology. Fluent in both English and Chinese, he is also certified in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ensuring ethical and high-quality research standards. His contributions mark him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📚 Extensive Publication Record

    • Over 15 SCI-indexed publications in top-tier journals such as Redox Biology, Advanced Science, and Genomics Proteomics Bioinformatics with a cumulative impact factor exceeding 60.

  2. 🔬 Interdisciplinary Research Expertise

    • Proven proficiency in multi-omics, CRISPR, genetic engineering, clinical research, and data analysis. His work spans microbiology, genomics, and translational medicine.

  3. 💡 Innovation & Intellectual Property

    • Multiple patents, including breakthrough innovations in DNA storage and cancer biomarker regulation, highlighting strong translational value and originality.

  4. 🌍 International and National Project Leadership

    • Key contributor to national R&D projects (e.g., DNA storage, microbiota gene adaptation) and cross-institutional collaborations.

  5. 📈 Clinical Impact & GCP Certification

    • Designs and executes clinical research supporting product development, demonstrating clear real-world applications.

  6. 👥 Mentorship and Team Leadership

    • Has supervised students, trained staff, and coordinated multicenter studies—showing strong leadership and collaborative aptitude.

🛠 Areas for Improvement:

  1. 🌐 Broader International Exposure

    • While Guannan has studied abroad, further global collaborations or fellowships (e.g., Horizon Europe, NIH, or WHO research programs) could enhance his international recognition.

  2. 📣 Science Communication & Outreach

    • Increasing science communication efforts (e.g., webinars, social media, TEDx talks) would help raise visibility of his research beyond academic audiences.

  3. 🔄 Continuous Skill Upgrading

    • Pursuing cutting-edge training in AI-based bioinformatics or clinical trial informatics could keep his expertise aligned with rapidly evolving biomedical tools.

🎓 Education:

Guannan Ma holds a Master of Science degree in Marine Science and Engineering from Tianjin University of Science and Technology (2012–2015), complemented by a year as a visiting Master’s student at Ghent University, Belgium (2014–2015). This dual exposure to domestic and international academic environments provided him with a robust interdisciplinary foundation. At Tianjin University, he developed a solid grasp of molecular biology, environmental genomics, and research methodologies, while his time at Ghent University enriched his perspective on global scientific standards and collaborative innovation. These academic experiences not only honed his technical expertise but also shaped his strong commitment to academic excellence and scientific rigor. His education played a crucial role in shaping his current research path, which integrates cutting-edge biotechnology, clinical research, and bioinformatics, and laid the groundwork for his involvement in high-impact national and international scientific projects.

💼 Experience:

Guannan Ma brings 10 years of diverse research and clinical project experience. Currently, as Medical Manager at DIAN Gene Co., Ltd. (since June 2022), he leads clinical study design, publication development, academic training, and patent filing. Prior to this, he spent over seven years (2015–2022) at the Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he contributed to national research grants, supervised students, and mastered technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, ELISA, and mouse modeling. His work also included managing large-scale omics data and integrating microbiome, genetic, and metabolomic research. Across both roles, Guannan has demonstrated exceptional project leadership, technical fluency, and collaborative engagement across multi-disciplinary teams. His work has resulted in 15 high-impact SCI publications and multiple innovations in molecular diagnostics, microbial resistance, and gene therapy. With deep roots in both academia and industry, he exemplifies a rare blend of scientific depth, clinical insight, and leadership potential.

🔬 Research Focus:

Guannan Ma’s research focuses on the intersection of molecular biology, genomics, microbiome science, and clinical translation. His core areas include multi-omics data integration (genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics), gene editing (CRISPR-Cas9), and the development of diagnostic tools using advanced sequencing technologies such as Nanopore. He is particularly interested in antimicrobial resistance, host-pathogen interactions, and precision medicine strategies for diseases like cancer and infectious disorders. His recent contributions at DIAN Gene Co., Ltd. include initiating and leading clinical trials to support product indications, conducting systematic literature reviews, and ensuring the scientific integrity of marketing content. Guannan’s patent portfolio spans DNA data storage systems and microRNA-mediated cancer pathways, reflecting his commitment to high-impact innovation. He also supports scientific communication through English/Chinese academic writing and staff training. His work bridges scientific discovery and clinical application, driving forward patient-centered solutions rooted in cutting-edge genomics and biotechnology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧫 Redox imbalance in disease: Role of redox biology in clinical research – Redox Biology, 2024

  2. 👶 Exploring biomarkers in pediatric diagnostics – Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2025

  3. 💊 Pharmacogenomics in personalized medicine – Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, 2024

  4. 🧪 Nanomaterials and biomedical advancements – Advanced Science, 2024

  5. 🦠 Candida auris strain characterization from bloodstream infections – Clinics, 2024

  6. 🧬 Probiotics in elderly pneumonia patients: Gut flora insights – Medicine, 2023

  7. 🔍 Digital twin systems for high-precision optical engineering – Preprints.org, 2023

  8. 🎵 Music therapy effectiveness in ASD children: Meta-analysis – Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2022

  9. 💾 DNA data storage: Encoding-decoding techniques overview – CCF Trans. on High Performance Computing, 2022

  10. 🧫 Genomic epidemiology of resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains – Genomics Proteomics Bioinformatics, 2022

🧾 Conclusion:

Guannan Ma is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His balanced combination of scientific depth, innovation, and applied clinical relevance stands out. With a publication history that demonstrates both quality and breadth, contributions to national innovation priorities, and a proven track record of mentorship and teamwork, he embodies the qualities of a high-impact, future-forward researcher. By extending his global footprint and amplifying public engagement, Guannan Ma has the potential to become a key thought leader in life sciences and medical biotechnology.