Essa M. Saied | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Essa M. Saied | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award 

Associate Professor | Humboldt University of Berlin | Germany

Associate Prof. Dr. Essa M. Saied is a distinguished biochemist and bioorganic chemist whose work advances synthetic medicinal chemistry, lipid biochemistry, and small-molecule drug discovery. Holding research appointments at Humboldt University of Berlin and Suez Canal University, he has built an international reputation through 72 published documents, 2,232 citations from 1,538 citing sources, and an h-index of 31. His research integrates organic synthesis, lipid biochemistry, and computational design to identify small-molecule inhibitors of key sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes. He employs high-throughput screening, enzymatic assays, molecular modeling, and structure–activity analysis to explore biochemical pathways relevant to cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. His work also develops heterocyclic scaffolds, fluorescent probes, and biochemical tools that deepen understanding of lipid signaling and enzyme function. Through editorial service, peer review, and global collaboration, he continues to contribute significantly to chemical biology and therapeutic innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID| Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Live-Cell Identification of CERT Inhibitors via NanoBRET. Angewandte Chemie, Impact Factor 16.1.

Small-Molecule Ceramidase Inhibitors: Mechanism of Action. Angewandte Chemie, Impact Factor 16.8.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Novel Sphingoid Bases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Impact Factor 6.21.

Subunit Composition of Serine-Palmitoyltransferase. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Impact Factor 11.2.

Resolving Sphingolipid Isomers Using Cryogenic IR Spectroscopy. Angewandte Chemie, Impact Factor 15.3.

Sooyoung Kim | Molecular Biology | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Dr. Sooyoung Kim | Molecular Biology | Editorial Board Member

Industry | US Neurophth Therapeutics (Ex-) | United States

Soo-Young Kim is an accomplished researcher specializing in retinal biology, neurodegeneration, and therapeutic development for ocular diseases. He holds a PhD in Medicine from Korea University and has extensive experience across academia and industry, including positions at UC Irvine, Neurophth Therapeutics, ExosomePlus, Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, and the National Eye Institute. His research focuses on retinal development, age-related macular degeneration, and neovascularization, with significant contributions to understanding photoreceptor synapse formation, retinal degeneration models, and inflammatory pathways in pathological neovascularization. Kim has authored numerous publications in high-impact journals, advancing both basic science and translational applications in ophthalmology. His work combines molecular, cellular, and whole-mount techniques to elucidate disease mechanisms and support drug evaluation, reflecting a strong commitment to bridging experimental research with therapeutic innovation.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Kim, S.-Y., Park, C. H., Moon, B.-H., & Seabold, G. K. Murine Retina Outer Plexiform Layer Development and Transcriptome Analysis of Pre-Synapses in Photoreceptors. Life, 14(9), 1103.

Moon, B.-H., Kim, Y., & Kim, S.-Y. Twenty Years of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapeutics in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(16), 13004.

Kim, S.-Y., & Qian, H. Comparison between sodium iodate and lipid peroxide murine models of age-related macular degeneration for drug evaluation—a narrative review. Annals of Eye Science, 7, Article 25.

Kim, S.-Y., Zhao, Y., Kim, H.-L., Oh, Y., & Xu, Q. Sodium iodate-induced retina degeneration observed in non-separate sclerochoroid/retina pigment epithelium/retina whole mounts. Annals of Eye Science, 7, Article 27.

Lee, S.-J., & Kim, S.-Y. Mouse Sclerochoroid/RPE/Retina posterior eyeball staining and Whole Mounts. BIO-PROTOCOL, 11(15), e3872.

Kim, S.-Y. Inflammatory pathways in pathological neovascularization in retina and choroid: a narrative review on the inflammatory drug target molecules in retinal and choroidal neovascularization. Annals of Eye Science, 6, Article 4.

Shangze Li | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shangze Li | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant to the Dean | Chongqing University | China

Dr. Shangze Li (Ph.D., Associate Professor, Ph.D. Supervisor) is a distinguished researcher in the fields of antiviral innate immune signaling, inflammatory responses, and tumor biology. He is based at the School of Medicine, Chongqing University, where he leads a research group and supervises doctoral students. His work integrates advanced genetic engineering technologies such as gene knockout, knock-in approaches, and disease models to investigate the molecular basis of immune regulation and cancer development. Dr. Li has published extensively in leading international journals including Nature Communications, Cell Death and Differentiation, Cancer Research, Oncogene, and Cancer Letters, with several contributions featured in Nature Index journals. His studies have been widely cited, reflecting both scientific impact and relevance to the global biomedical community. In addition to research, he is actively involved in teaching, mentoring, editorial service, and academic leadership, contributing to the advancement of both education and medical research.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Education 

Dr. Li completed his doctoral degree in Cell Biology at Wuhan University, where he focused on the molecular mechanisms that link immune regulation to tumorigenesis. Prior to his doctoral training, he pursued two undergraduate degrees, one in Bioengineering from the Chengdu University of Technology and another in Business Administration from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. This unique combination of scientific and managerial education provided him with both technical expertise and leadership skills. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Li undertook postdoctoral training at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, where he worked on projects exploring molecular oncology, innate immunity, and translational approaches in cancer research. His diverse academic background, spanning engineering, business, molecular biology, and medical research, has prepared him to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge in his career. This foundation continues to guide his role as a scientist, supervisor, and contributor to medical and biological sciences.

Experience 

Dr. Li began his professional research career at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, where he served as a postdoctoral researcher in molecular oncology and immune regulation. Following this period of international training, he returned to China and accepted an appointment at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University and the College of Life Sciences, where he contributed to teaching and research in biomedical sciences. He later joined the School of Medicine at Chongqing University as a faculty member, where he was subsequently promoted to Associate Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor. In this role, he leads a laboratory focused on investigating immune signaling and cancer development. In addition to his research and teaching, Dr. Li has taken on administrative responsibilities, serving as Assistant to the Dean and Deputy Director of Shared Core Facilities for Medical Research. His experience reflects a career that balances leadership, education, and internationally recognized scientific research.

Research Interests 

Dr. Li’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms of innate immune signaling, inflammation, and tumor biology. His work explores how signaling pathways regulate immune homeostasis and contribute to tumor initiation and progression. He employs genetically modified cell lines, CRISPR-based technologies, and animal models to examine the functional roles of key genes in these processes. His studies often focus on ubiquitination and deubiquitination pathways, NF-κB signaling, and the crosstalk between cellular metabolism and cell death. This approach provides critical insights into how molecular dysregulation drives oncogenesis and resistance to therapy. His research also emphasizes translational applications, identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic strategies that may guide novel approaches in cancer treatment and immune-related diseases. By integrating molecular biology, immunology, and cancer research, Dr. Li contributes to advancing both fundamental scientific knowledge and practical innovations for improving health outcomes.

Awards 

Dr. Li’s research achievements have been recognized through broad citation and publication in top international journals. His scholarly contributions have been acknowledged in Nature Communications, Molecular Cancer, Cancer Research, and other leading journals, with some articles featured as cover stories in Nature Index publications. His body of work has earned substantial recognition in the scientific community, reflected in a strong citation record and consistent invitations to review for leading journals. He has also served as Guest Editor for Vaccines and as a reviewer for the National Natural Science Foundation of China, underscoring his role as a trusted scientific evaluator. Beyond research output, Dr. Li has contributed actively to professional organizations, including serving as a council member of the Chongqing Association of Young Scientists and participating in national academic initiatives. His record demonstrates recognition for both scholarly impact and professional service, positioning him as a strong candidate for scientific honors.

Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Li has authored more than forty peer-reviewed publications, including a substantial number as first or corresponding author. His research has appeared in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Molecular Cancer, Oncogene, Cancer Research, and Cancer Letters. Selected publications include Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 1 Promotes Bladder Cancer Progression in Cells, CLK2 mediates NF-κB regulation in Nature Communications, Crosstalk between metabolism and cell death in tumorigenesis in Molecular Cancer, USP14 promotes colorectal cancer progression in Cell Death & Disease, and MAPK signaling and drug resistance in prostate cancer in Cancer Research. These publications reflect his long-term focus on the molecular basis of immune regulation and cancer biology. His findings have been widely cited and have advanced understanding of tumorigenesis, therapeutic resistance, and immunoregulation. Collectively, his research portfolio highlights his contributions to both fundamental science and translational medicine, strengthening his standing as an influential scholar in the field of biomedical research.

Title: Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 1 Promotes Bladder Cancer Progression
Journal: Cells
Year: 2024
Cited by: 15+

Title: CLK2 mediates IkappaBalpha-independent NF-κB regulation
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2024
Cited by: 30+

Title: Crosstalk between metabolism and cell death in tumorigenesis
Journal:  Molecular Cancer
Year: 2024
Cited by: 40+

Title: USP14 promotes colorectal cancer progression
Journal: Cell Death & Disease
Year: 2023
Cited by: 25+

Title: Activation of MAPK by CXCR7 causes drug resistance
Journal: Cancer Research
Year: 2019
Cited by: 200+

Conclusion

Dr. Shangze Li is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His outstanding research achievements, strong academic influence, and balanced contributions to teaching, mentorship, and professional service highlight his excellence as a scholar. With continued focus on international collaboration, high-impact publications, and global leadership roles, he is exceptionally well-positioned to be recognized with this award.