Flavia Neto de Jesus | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus, Texas A&M University, United States

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus is a passionate research scientist with a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of São Paulo and over a decade of experience in preclinical and translational research. She specializes in inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), vascular physiology, and lymphatic system disorders, particularly in the context of arthritis and cancer. Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in Canada, Dr. de Jesus has developed extensive skills in molecular biology, vascular imaging, and functional assays. Her multidisciplinary research contributes to advancing knowledge in immunopathology, lymphatic remodeling, and endothelial function. Widely published and recognized in her field, she has received awards for her scientific contributions and actively mentors students and collaborates across diverse research teams. Her work bridges pharmacological mechanisms with clinically relevant models, demonstrating both scientific rigor and innovation.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Originality & Scientific Merit:
    Dr. de Jesus’s work on lymphatic physiology, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species stands out for its mechanistic depth and translational relevance. Her findings related to NOX inhibition, acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation, and lymphatic hyperactivity in arthritis present novel therapeutic insights.

  2. High-Impact Publications:
    Published in respected journals such as PNAS, Life Sciences, Antioxidants, Biomolecules, and Microcirculation, her research demonstrates a consistent track record of scientific excellence.

  3. Award-Winning Contribution:
    The 2023 Travel Award from the Lymphatic Forum for a detailed vascular-laboratory-based study highlights peer recognition and confirms the value of her contributions to lymphatic research.

  4. Advanced Methodology:
    She applies cutting-edge techniques in animal models, functional vascular assessments, and molecular biology—key components that strengthen the scientific rigor of her articles.

  5. Interdisciplinary Relevance:
    Her research links vascular biology, immunology, and pharmacology, adding significant value across disciplines including rheumatology, oncology, and metabolic disease.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Pending Publications:
    A few of her strongest recent manuscripts are still under review or in preparation. Their final publication would bolster her visibility and add further weight to her candidacy.

  2. Broader International Outreach:
    While her collaborations are robust, engaging more with international institutions beyond North and South America could further amplify the global impact of her work.

  3. Clear Highlight of Novelty in Abstracts:
    While the research is rich in content, abstracts and titles could more clearly emphasize novelty and real-world implications to stand out for award nominations.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus earned her PhD in Pharmacology from the University of São Paulo, one of Brazil’s premier institutions for biomedical research. During her graduate studies (2011–2019), she focused on vascular biology and inflammation, developing deep expertise in endothelial dysfunction, nitric oxide signaling, and lymphatic-arterial cross-regulation. Her early academic journey included foundational studies in biology and pharmacological techniques, enriched by rigorous laboratory practice and collaborative research. To complement her ethical and methodological framework, she completed the TCPS2 training (Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans) in 2024 in Calgary, Canada. This has enabled her to work seamlessly in both Brazilian and Canadian research environments. Her education reflects a strong grounding in both experimental and translational science, empowering her to contribute meaningfully to complex biomedical challenges.

🧪 Professional Experience:

Since April 2019, Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus has been working as a Postdoctoral Researcher focusing on inflammation-related mechanisms in arthritis, fibrosis, and cancer-associated lymphatic changes. Her role encompasses designing and executing in vivo studies, molecular biology experiments, and vascular function assessments. She leads laboratory operations, supervises student researchers, and contributes significantly to manuscript development and conference presentations. Her contributions to the field include pioneering insights into lymphatic dysfunction, ROS involvement in vascular remodeling, and endothelial channel regulation. With over a decade in pharmacological research, Dr. de Jesus has cultivated a rich portfolio of publications and collaborations across interdisciplinary teams. Her experience reflects a strong command over both experimental methodology and collaborative science, making her a valuable contributor in both academic and applied research settings.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus has been recognized for her significant contributions to lymphatic system research. Notably, she received the Travel Award in 2023 from the Lymphatic Forum Conference for her impactful abstract: “Decreased contraction frequency by NOX inhibition and ACh-mediated vasodilation in hyperactive popliteal afferent lymphatic vessels in a TNFα-induced spontaneous arthritis mouse model.” This award acknowledged her advanced understanding of vascular and immune interplay in chronic inflammation. Additionally, she has participated in prestigious international conferences, such as the 19th World Congress of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, where her work on NOS and NOX regulation in lymphatics was presented. These honors reflect her growing recognition within the vascular biology and pharmacology communities, underscoring her potential as a leader in translational immunovascular research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. de Jesus’s research focuses on the interplay between inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction—especially within the context of the lymphatic system. Her work investigates how reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide signaling, and molecular pathways like NADH oxidase (NOX) and endothelin (ET) regulate lymphatic vessel contractility and remodeling. Her current postdoctoral work explores lymph node immunobiology, arthritis models, and cancer-lymphatic interactions using sophisticated in vivo and molecular approaches. She integrates vascular physiology with immunology, seeking to unravel how inflammation alters lymphatic transport, immune cell trafficking, and endothelial responses. Her studies often leverage genetically modified mouse models and combine functional assays with histological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses. Dr. de Jesus’s research offers novel insights into pathophysiological processes underlying chronic diseases such as arthritis, fibrosis, and cancer, positioning her at the forefront of lymphovascular research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

📖 Hyperactive popliteal lymphatic vessels require activation of NADH oxidase (NOX) and endothelin (ET) pathways in arthritic mice (In prep)
📖 Microbiota is dispensable for lymphatic vessel hyperactivity in the TNFΔARE/+ mouse modelArthritis Rheumatology (Under revision)
📖 Dysregulated lymphatic remodeling promotes immunopathology during non-healing cutaneous leishmaniasisCell Press (Under review)
📖 Presence of dysfunctional soluble guanylate cyclase in mesenteric arteries from periodontitis ratsEuropean J. of Pharmacology (2025)
📖 Flow-dependent regulation of mesenteric lymphatic vessels via TRPV4 activationMicrocirculation (2023)
📖 Increased contractile activity and dilation of lymphatic vessels in TNF-α-overexpressing arthritic miceLife Sciences (2023)
📖 Lymph-derived chemokines drive neutrophil infiltration in lymph nodes post-S. aureus infectionPNAS (2022)
📖 Nutraceutical mix modulates gene expression in Type-2 Diabetes Obesity ModelAntioxidants (2022)
📖 AP39-induced vasorelaxation in mouse mesenteric arteriesBiomolecules (2022)
📖 Leukotriene receptor antagonist reduces bone loss in periodontitisJournal of Periodontology (2021)
📖 Endothelial dysfunction in periodontitis involves NO and COX-2 productsArchives of Oral Biology (2016)
📖 Beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate improve swimming performanceApplied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism (2013)

📝 Conclusion:

Dr. Flavia Neto de Jesus is highly suitable for the Best Research Article Award. Her article on NOX inhibition and ACh-mediated vasodilation in hyperactive lymphatic vessels offers a novel mechanistic insight into the vascular pathology of inflammatory arthritis, an area with significant unmet clinical need. Her work is original, methodologically rigorous, and impactful within the field of lymphatic and vascular biology. Given her award-winning presentation, peer-reviewed track record, and interdisciplinary research value, she is a strong candidate deserving of recognition.

Felicia ANTOHE | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

Dr. Felicia ANTOHE | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Molecular Cell Biology Award

Dr. Felicia ANTOHE , Inst. Cellular Biology and Pathology NS , Romania

Dr. Felicia Antohe is the Head of the Proteomics Department at the Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology, Romanian Academy. With a background in cellular biology and biophysics, she has contributed significantly to biomedical research, particularly in vascular endothelium, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and immune disorders. She has received multiple prestigious awards and conducted pioneering research, especially on the transcytosis of macromolecules in endothelial cells. As a PhD advisor, she mentors young researchers, having guided 12 PhD students to date. Dr. Antohe is an internationally recognized expert with extensive experience in immunology, cell biology, and proteomics.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Felicia Antohe stands out as an exceptional candidate for the Research for Molecular Cell Biology Award due to her extensive academic and research achievements. As Head of the Proteomics Department at the Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology, Romanian Academy, her leadership in pioneering research in endothelial cell biology and vascular pathologies has been transformative. Dr. Antohe’s strong academic background, with a Master’s in Biophysics and a PhD in Cellular Biology, complements her robust research portfolio. With over 170 scientific papers, 90 of which are indexed in Web of Science, she is recognized for her contributions to molecular mechanisms in diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and immune disorders. Furthermore, her work on monoclonal antibodies and proteomics has had a significant impact on both scientific and clinical advancements.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Antohe’s research is highly regarded, there is potential for greater integration of her research with cutting-edge technologies in bioinformatics and computational biology. This could further expand her work on proteomics and molecular mechanisms. Additionally, there is an opportunity for broader outreach to apply her findings in practical therapeutic contexts through collaborations with pharmaceutical companies or clinical trials. Expanding her influence in translational research could have a larger impact on public health, especially in diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.

Education:

Dr. Felicia Antohe holds a Master’s degree in Biophysics from the University of Bucharest (1977). She completed her PhD in Cellular Biology at the Romanian Academy’s Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology (1994). In addition to her formal education, she has been a PhD coordinator since 2000 and has contributed significantly to research training at national and international levels. Her work blends theoretical knowledge with cutting-edge lab techniques in molecular biology, proteomics, and immunology.

Experience:

Dr. Antohe’s research experience spans numerous roles. She is currently the Principal Investigator and Member of the Scientific Council at the Romanian Academy’s Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology. She has also worked as a visiting scientist at prestigious institutions like McGill University, University of Alberta, and Max Planck Institute. She has coordinated over 44 research projects, including national and international grants, and is actively involved in multiple collaborative research efforts across Europe and beyond. Her leadership in cell biology and proteomics is widely recognized.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Antohe has received numerous awards, including the EURESCO Prize (2001), the BIO-RAD Laboratories Prize for valuable research (2002), and the Romanian Academy Emil Racovita Prize (1991). She has also won multiple international recognitions for her scientific contributions, such as the Best Poster award at the “8th International Conference on Vascular Endothelium” (2005), and various fellowships and grants from organizations like COST and the European Science Foundation.

Research Focus:

Dr. Antohe’s research focuses on endothelial cell biology, particularly transcytosis, endocytosis, and cell receptor mechanisms in both health and disease. She investigates the bio-pathology of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and immune disorders, with particular attention to the transport of macromolecules across vascular cells. Her work also explores the role of monoclonal antibodies as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. She applies proteomic techniques to study endothelial cell function, aiming to understand vascular biology at molecular and cellular levels.

Publications Top Notes:

  • The MHC class I-related receptor, FcRn, plays an essential role in the maternofetal transfer of γ-globulin in humans 📄
  • Functional expression of the MHC class I-related receptor, FcRn, in endothelial cells of mice 📄
  • Transcytosis of plasma macromolecules in endothelial cells: a cell biological survey 📄
  • Expression of functionally active FcRn and the differentiated bidirectional transport of IgG in human placental endothelial cells 📄
  • Analytical techniques for multiplex analysis of protein biomarkers 📄
  • Functional ultrastructure of the vascular endothelium: changes in various pathologies 📄
  • Effect of enoxaparin on high glucose-induced activation of endothelial cells 📄
  • Albumin-binding proteins function in the receptor-mediated binding and transcytosis of albumin across cultured endothelial cells 📄
  • Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Romania: A Six-Month Survey 📄
  • Establishment of a pure vascular endothelial cell line from human placenta 📄

Conclusion:

Dr. Felicia Antohe is an outstanding researcher whose work has greatly advanced our understanding of endothelial cell biology, molecular transport, and disease mechanisms. Her combination of technical expertise, leadership in multiple high-impact research projects, and numerous prestigious awards positions her as an ideal candidate for the Research for Molecular Cell Biology Award. While there is always room to expand her research applications, her contributions to science are already substantial and impactful.