Sweta Nair | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Sweta Nair | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

PhD Scholar, at NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN REPRODUCTIVE AND CHILD HEALTH, India.

Sweta Nair is a dedicated PhD Scholar at the National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), Mumbai, India. Her research focuses on epigenetics and the male contribution to preeclampsia, aiming to identify sperm-based methylation biomarkers that can help predict pregnancy risks. With a strong academic background in biotechnology, she has gained hands-on research experience at prestigious institutions, including the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences. Sweta has authored several peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and newsletters, with her work recognized through awards like the RK Laumas Young Scientist Award. Passionate about reproductive health, she continues to make significant contributions to understanding epigenetic influences on pregnancy outcomes.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Sweta Nair holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biotechnology from Banasthali University, Rajasthan, India, where she developed a foundation in molecular biology and genetic research. She then pursued an M.Sc. in Biotechnology at Amity University, Noida, India, refining her expertise in advanced biotechnological applications. During her academic journey, she undertook multiple research training programs, including a dissertation at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, and a summer training at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, New Delhi. These experiences enriched her knowledge in clinical and molecular research, ultimately leading to her PhD at NIRRCH, Mumbai, where she focuses on epigenetic modifications in spermatozoa linked to preeclampsia.

Experience 🏅

Sweta Nair has extensive research experience, having worked as a Junior Research Fellow at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Her role involved molecular and epigenetic analysis, preparing her for advanced research in reproductive health. She also served as a dissertation trainee at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, where she conducted specialized studies on liver diseases. Her summer training at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital exposed her to clinical research methodologies. Currently, as a PhD scholar at NIRRCH, Mumbai, she investigates male factor contributions to preeclampsia, utilizing molecular epigenetics to identify biomarkers that could enhance pregnancy prognostication.

Research Interests 🔬

Sweta Nair’s primary research interest lies in epigenetics, particularly in male reproductive health and pregnancy complications. Her PhD research focuses on identifying aberrant methylation patterns in spermatozoa from preeclamptic couples, aiming to develop sperm-based biomarkers for early detection of pregnancy risks. She is also interested in molecular diagnostics, reproductive genetics, and personalized medicine, exploring epigenetic modifications that impact embryonic development. Her work contributes to a growing recognition of the male factor’s role in pregnancy disorders, paving the way for therapeutic interventions and precision medicine approaches in reproductive healthcare.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Sweta Nair has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to reproductive and epigenetic research. She has received:

  • RK Laumas Young Scientist Award for her innovative research on epigenetics and preeclampsia.
  • Extraordinary Poster Award, acknowledging her outstanding presentation skills and research findings.

These accolades highlight her dedication to scientific excellence, reinforcing her impact in the field of reproductive health and genetics.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Sweta Nair has contributed to several high-impact journals and book chapters. Below are her key publications with hyperlinks:

  • Nair S., et al. (2024). Aberrant methylation of imprinted genes in spermatozoa from preeclamptic couples. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. Read HereCited by 6 articles.
  • Mohan S.*, et al. (2023). Male epigenetic contribution in pregnancy complications. Epigenetics & Human Health. Read HereCited by 4 articles.
  • Mohan S.*, et al. (2022). DNA methylation markers for reproductive disorders. Journal of Epigenetic Research. Read HereCited by 5 articles.
  • Nair S., et al. (2021). Histone modifications in male infertility: A review. Andrology & Reproduction. Read HereCited by 3 articles.
  • Book Chapter (2020). Epigenetics and Reproduction: New Frontiers. Springer. Read Here.
  • Newsletter Article (2019). Emerging trends in male reproductive health. Indian Journal of Reproductive Medicine. Read Here.

Conclusion

Sweta Nair is an emerging researcher with a strong academic foundation, a unique research focus, and notable achievements in reproductive health. However, to compete for a Best Researcher Award, she may need to strengthen her profile with higher citation impact, collaborative projects, and industry linkages. Based on her current achievements, she would be highly suitable for an Early-Career Researcher or Young Scientist Award, but for Best Researcher, additional contributions might be needed.

Jaebong Kim| Molecular and Cellular Biology| Best Researcher Award

Prof Jaebong Kim| Molecular and Cellular Biology| Best Researcher Award

 

I am a doctorate junior investigator, hired under the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) individual call for scientific employment 2017 (CEECIND/02201/2017). I graduated in Biology from the University of Coimbra (UC) in 2007 and completed a master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from UC in 2008, scoring 18 out of 20. I obtained my Ph.D. in Cellular Biology from UC in 2013, achieving the highest distinction: Summa cum laude. In 2015, I was awarded a science management fellowship, and from 2016 to 2019, I received a national post-doc fellowship from FCT.

Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

ACADEMIC EDUCATION:

  • 1985: B.S. Agricultural Chemistry, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, Korea. 1987: M.S. Agricultural Chemistry, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, Korea. 1994: Ph.D. Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD., USA. 1999: Post Doctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Biochemical Physiology, NCI, Frederick, USA

APPOINTMENTS AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

1983-1984: Army service, Taegu, Korea. 1985-1987: Teaching Assistant, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, Korea. 1988-1990: Teaching Assistant, University of Maryland, College Park, MD., USA. 1990-1994: Research Assistant, University of Maryland, College Park, MD., USA. 1994-1999: Post Doctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Biochemical Physiology, NCI, Frederick, USA. 1999-2003: Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University. 2003-2007: Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University. 2008-present: Professor, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University. 2012-2018: Chief Professor of Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Hallym University. 2015-2016: Section Chief of Korean Society for Xenopus Meeting, Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology. 2015-2020: Dean of Graduate School, College of Medicine, Hallym University.

RESEARCH FIELDS AND INTERESTS

Dr. Kim has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry. He obtained his B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Chemistry from Kyungpook National University, Korea, and later earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland, USA. Following his doctoral studies, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Laboratory of Biochemical Physiology, NCI, Frederick. Dr. Kim’s research focuses on signal transduction and transcriptional regulation mechanisms involved in early vertebrate development, with particular interest in the roles of BMP-4, FGF, and Activin pathways.

PROJECTS (2016-present):

  • National Research Foundation of Korea [2016R1D1A1B02008770]: Coordinated Molecular Network between Key Signaling Pathways vs Primary Response Gene Expression and Fate Determination in Early Vertebrate Development. Principal Investigator. 49,750,000 won/yr (2016-2024). National Research Foundation of Korea [2021M3H9A1097557]: Research Resource Center of Xenopus. Principal Investigator. 100,000,000 won/yr (2021-2026). National Research Foundation of Korea [2021R1A4A1027355]: The laboratory for brain circulatory system. Participant as a Basic Research Laboratory Fund. 100,000,000 won/yr (2021-2024). National Research Foundation of Korea [2016M3A9B8914057]: Research Resource Center of Xenopus for Embryo Development, Cell Differentiation and Disease Gene Targeted Mutants. Principal Investigator. 100,000,000 won/yr (2016-2021). National Research Foundation of Korea [2018M3C7A1056285]: Studies on neural migration defect as a novel cause of dementia disorders using in utero electroporation and functional gene network characterization. Principal Investigator. 84,164,000 won/yr (2018-2022)

Publications

  • Xbra modulates the activity of linker region phosphorylated Smad1 during Xenopus development
    Kumar S, Umair Z, Kumar V, Goutam RS, Park S, Lee U, Kim J. Sci Rep. 2024 Apr 18;14(1):8922. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-59299-7.

 

  • Cdx1 and Gsc distinctly regulate the transcription of BMP4 target gene ventx3.2 by directly binding to the proximal promoter region in Xenopus gastrulae
    Goutam RS, Kumar V, Lee U, Kim J. Mol Cells. 2024 Apr;47(4):100058. doi: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100058. Epub 2024 Mar 23.

 

  • Sizzled (frzb3) physically interacts with non-canonical Wnt ligands to inhibit gastrulation cell movement
    Yoon J, Kumar S, Lee H, Rehman ZU, Park S, Lee U, Kim J. Mol Cells. 2024 May 15:100068. doi: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100068. Online ahead of print.

 

  • Deup1 Expression Interferes with Multiciliated Differentiation
    Shin M, Lee J, Lee H, Kumar V, Kim J, Park S. Mol Cells. 2023 Dec 31;46(12):746-756.

 

  • Exploring the Structural and Functional Diversity among FGF Signals: A Comparative Study of Human, Mouse, and Xenopus FGF Ligands in Embryonic Development and Cancer Pathogenesis
    Goutam RS, Kumar V, Lee U, Kim J. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Apr 20;24(8):7556.

 

  • Two Homeobox Transcription Factors, Goosecoid and Ventx1.1, Oppositely Regulate Chordin Transcription in Xenopus Gastrula Embryos
    Kumar V, Umair Z, Lee U, Kim J. Cells. 2023 Mar 11;12(6):874.

 

  • Oxidative stress in cerebrovascular disease and associated diseases
    Kumar V, Bishayee K, Park S, Lee U, Kim J. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Feb 17;14:1124419.

 

  • Editorial: Molecular mechanisms in neural development, related disorders, and therapeutic treatments
    Kumar V, Bishayee K, Kim J. Front Mol Neurosci. 2023 Jan 13;16:1135491.

 

  • FOXO3a Mediates Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) via Transcriptional Activation of MRE11, BRCA1, BRIP1, and RAD50
    Inci G, Warkad MS, Kang BG, Lee NK, Suh HW, Lim SS, Kim J, Kim SC, Lee JY. Molecules. 2022 Dec 6;27(23):8623.

 

  • Bmp4 Synexpression Gene, Sizzled, Transcription Is Collectively Modulated by Smad1 and Ventx1.1/Ventx2.1 in Early Xenopus Embryos
    Rehman ZU, Tayyaba F, Lee U, Kim J. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Nov 1;23(21):13335.

 

  • Reversing the HDAC-inhibitor mediated metabolic escape in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma
    Bishayee K, Nazim UM, Kumar V, Kang J, Kim J, Huh SO, Sadra A. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Jun;150:113032.

 

  • Ventx Family and Its Functional Similarities with Nanog: Involvement in Embryonic Development and Cancer Progression
    Kumar S, Kumar V, Li W, Kim J. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 1;23(5):2741.

 

  • Bmp Signal Gradient Modulates Convergent Cell Movement via Xarhgef3.2 during Gastrulation of Xenopus Embryos
    Yoon J, Kumar V, Goutam RS, Kim SC, Park S, Lee U, Kim J. Cells. 2021 Dec 24;11(1):44.

 

  • The Organizer and Its Signaling in Embryonic Development
    Kumar V, Park S, Lee U, Kim J. J Dev Biol. 2021 Nov 1;9(4):47.

 

  • Goosecoid Controls Neuroectoderm Specification via Dual Circuits of Direct Repression and Indirect Stimulation in Xenopus Embryos
    Umair Z, Kumar V, Goutam RS, Kumar S, Lee U, Kim J. Mol Cells. 2021 Oct 31;44(10):723-735.