Ingrid Tatiana Erazo | Molecular Biology | Molecular Biology Contribution Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Dr. Ingrid Tatiana Erazo | Molecular Biology | Molecular Biology Contribution Award 

Scientific Research Lead | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | United States

Dr. Ingrid Tatiana Erazo is a distinguished cancer researcher and Scientific Research Lead at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) with extensive experience in translational oncology. She earned her PhD Summa Cum Laude in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where she pioneered research on the ERK5 signaling pathway. Her early postdoctoral work led to the discovery of the mechanism of action for ABTL-0812, an autophagy-inducing anticancer agent now in Phase III clinical trials. Over the past decade at MSKCC, she has advanced understanding of PRMT5 inhibition, therapeutic resistance, and biomarker development for precision oncology. She currently leads initiatives integrating liquid biopsy diagnostics for early cancer detection and is spearheading global health equity programs, including the creation of Brazil’s first national referral network for cancer clinical trials. Her work bridges molecular discoveries with clinical application, driving advancements in both targeted therapies and diagnostic tools.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Erazo earned her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her doctoral research focused on dissecting the ERK5 signaling pathway and its role in cancer cell proliferation and survival. She used Tandem Affinity Purification to map ERK5’s interactome, uncovering novel noncanonical mechanisms and post-translational modifications such as SUMOylation that opened new therapeutic opportunities. Collaborating with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard, she co-developed potent and selective ERK5 inhibitors, providing valuable pharmacological tools for cancer research. Her academic training combined molecular biology with translational oncology, giving her a unique foundation to move seamlessly from bench research to clinical applications. She also pursued advanced training in biomarker discovery and molecular diagnostics, enabling her to contribute to projects that merge fundamental discoveries with practical solutions for cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment optimization in a variety of clinical contexts.

Experience

Dr. Erazo’s professional career spans more than 20 completed research projects and leadership in multiple ongoing studies, covering molecular oncology, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic resistance. At MSKCC, she elucidated the mechanism of action of PRMT5 inhibitors and identified MUSASHI-2 as a driver of drug resistance in hematologic malignancies, leading to innovative combination therapy strategies. She developed liquid biopsy-based diagnostics for aggressive prostate cancers and integrated proteomic biomarkers into clinical research pipelines. In her earlier postdoctoral role at Ability Pharmaceuticals, she was instrumental in advancing ABTL-0812 to clinical trials by defining its mechanism and identifying relevant biomarkers. She has partnered with global pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Biodesix Inc., and Guardant Health. Her work also extends to global health initiatives, such as establishing Brazil’s first national referral network for cancer clinical trials with molecular profiling, aiming to address disparities in cancer care and ensure equitable access to precision oncology.

Research Interest

Dr. Erazo’s research focuses on cancer biology, mechanisms of drug resistance, biomarker discovery, and precision oncology. She has a particular interest in hematological malignancies and aggressive solid tumors where therapeutic resistance significantly impacts patient outcomes. Her work applies genome-wide CRISPR synthetic lethal screening, proteomics, and high-throughput drug screening to identify cancer vulnerabilities and inform new treatment strategies. She is advancing diagnostic methods through liquid biopsy technology, enabling early and non-invasive tumor detection and monitoring, with a focus on neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Dr. Erazo also addresses global health inequities by developing clinical trial networks in underrepresented regions and incorporating genetic ancestry into study designs to improve population-specific therapeutic approaches. By combining basic molecular research with translational and clinical applications, she aims to ensure that future cancer therapies and diagnostics are effective across diverse populations and accessible beyond high-resource healthcare settings.

Awards

Dr. Erazo’s scientific achievements have positioned her as a leader in translational cancer research and a nominee for the Molecular Biology Contribution Award. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on ERK5 signaling, the clinical biomarker development for ABTL-0812, and the identification of MUSASHI-2 as a therapeutic resistance driver. Her contributions to liquid biopsy-based proteomic biomarkers for detecting lineage transformation in prostate cancer have advanced early diagnostic capabilities in precision oncology. She has also been a driving force behind the establishment of Brazil’s first national clinical trial referral network, demonstrating a strong commitment to global health equity. Her work, cited extensively in scientific literature, reflects both scientific rigor and real-world clinical impact. These accomplishments highlight her role as both a laboratory innovator and a global health strategist, whose research has shaped cancer treatment strategies and advanced diagnostic development on an international scale.

Top Noted Publications

Dr. Erazo has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, including Annals of Oncology, Nature Communications, Autophagy, and Clinical Cancer Research. Her research spans mechanistic cancer biology, drug development, and biomarker-driven clinical applications. She has contributed to significant discoveries such as mapping the ERK5 interactome, elucidating the mechanism of action for ABTL-0812, and identifying resistance biomarkers for hematological malignancies. Her publications often emerge from collaborative projects that integrate molecular biology, pharmacology, and clinical trial data, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach to advancing oncology research. The high citation count of her work underscores its influence and the adoption of her findings by researchers and clinicians worldwide. Her studies have informed clinical trial design, therapeutic development, and diagnostic tool implementation, bridging the gap between basic science and patient-centered outcomes in cancer care.

Selected Publications (Single-Line Format)

Title: Erazo T, et al. The new antitumor drug ABTL0812 induces ER stress-mediated cytotoxic autophagy by increasing dihydroceramide levels
Journal: Nature Communications
Cited by 312

Title: Erazo T, et al. Inhibition of PRMT5 in lymphomas overcomes therapeutic resistance via MUSASHI-2 modulation
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research
Cited by 145

Title: Erazo T, et al. ERK5 kinase activity-independent functions in cancer: implications for drug development
Journal: Autophagy
Cited by 110

Title: Erazo T, et al. Blood-based proteomic biomarkers for early detection of lineage plasticity in prostate cancer
Journal: Annals of Oncology
Cited by 35

Title: Erazo T, et al. High-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs for novel therapeutic combinations in lymphoma
Journal: Molecular Oncology
Cited by 28

Conclusion

Dr. Ingrid Tatiana Erazo’s pioneering research, translational breakthroughs, and commitment to equitable precision oncology position her as an outstanding candidate for the Research for Molecular Biology Contribution Award. Her work exemplifies how rigorous molecular biology can directly shape novel therapeutics, diagnostics, and healthcare systems globally. Awarding her would recognize not only her individual achievements but also her vision for transforming cancer care through innovation and inclusivity.

 

Guoyin Liu | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Guoyin Liu | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award 

Attending physician and associate professor, at Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.

Dr. Guoyin Liu is an accomplished attending physician and associate professor at Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, renowned for his expertise in orthopedics, inflammatory signaling, and regenerative medicine. Holding a PhD from Nanjing Medical University, he specializes in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) molecular chaperones such as GRP78/Bip and their role in critical orthopedic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic wounds, and periprosthetic osteolysis. Beyond molecular research, he pioneers innovative treatments like extracorporeal shock wave therapy, needle-knife therapy, and restorative laminoplasty techniques for spinal reconstruction. His translational research bridges basic science with clinical applications, contributing to novel interventions for musculoskeletal disorders. With an impressive portfolio of high-impact publications, key research grants, patents, and editorial board memberships, Dr. Liu exemplifies a commitment to advancing orthopedic science and patient care. His innovative contributions continue to shape the future of orthopedic diagnostics and treatments, fostering breakthroughs in bone regeneration and inflammatory disease management.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education 

Dr. Liu completed his PhD at Nanjing Medical University, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory bone loss and tissue degeneration. His academic foundation integrates basic medical sciences, clinical orthopedics, and bioengineering approaches, enabling him to investigate complex orthopedic diseases at the cellular and molecular levels. During his training, he mastered advanced experimental techniques, including finite element biomechanical analysis, tissue engineering methodologies, and translational clinical trials. Dr. Liu expanded his academic horizon through specialized workshops in regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal biomechanics, and immunomodulation therapies. His education laid the groundwork for his pioneering research on GRP78/Bip signaling pathways in chronic musculoskeletal diseases. By blending clinical insights with experimental rigor, he has become a leading voice in developing innovative therapies for orthopedic patients. His educational journey reflects a seamless integration of theory and practice, empowering him to address both clinical challenges and fundamental biomedical questions with cutting-edge research approaches.

💼 Experience 

With over 15 years of combined clinical and research experience, Dr. Guoyin Liu has established himself as a leading expert in orthopedic surgery, translational research, and regenerative medicine. As an Attending Physician and Associate Professor at Jinling Hospital, he manages complex cases such as spinal deformities, chronic joint diseases, and osteolytic conditions. His academic tenure includes supervising multidisciplinary research projects funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China and provincial grants focusing on inflammatory pathways and bone regeneration. He has innovated surgical techniques like restorative laminoplasty with miniplate fixation, which has improved postoperative spinal stability and patient recovery outcomes. His extensive clinical experience is complemented by editorial board appointments in reputed international journals, reflecting his scientific leadership. Dr. Liu’s dual role as a clinician and researcher enables him to directly translate benchside discoveries into bedside applications, ensuring tangible benefits for patients suffering from chronic orthopedic disorders.

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Liu’s research is centered on cellular stress responses and inflammatory pathways in orthopedic diseases, with a special focus on endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperones (GRP78/Bip) and their dual intracellular and extracellular roles. He investigates how particle-induced osteolysis, rheumatoid arthritis, and intervertebral disc degeneration are driven by inflammatory cascades, aiming to develop targeted molecular therapies. Another significant area of his research explores chemical chaperones like 4-Phenylbutyrate, which mitigate ER stress and improve bone regeneration. Dr. Liu also advances biomechanical engineering solutions, analyzing finite element models to improve spinal fixation techniques. Additionally, he integrates shockwave therapy, corticosteroid injections, and minimally invasive interventions for managing chronic orthopedic pain. His translational approach bridges basic science, bioengineering, and clinical orthopedics, leading to innovative strategies that reduce surgical complications and improve musculoskeletal repair. Through his research, Dr. Liu aims to redefine the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bone and joint diseases in aging populations.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

Dr. Liu has received numerous academic and clinical recognitions for his groundbreaking work in orthopedics. He was honored with the Third Prize for Military Science & Technology Progress for elucidating the TIM3 signaling pathway in osteoarthritis during military training-related injuries. Additionally, he received the Third Award for Nanjing Science & Technology Progress for identifying the role of recombinant BMP-1 in periprosthetic osteolysis. His work has been consistently supported by prestigious national grants, including multiple NSFC-funded projects totaling over ¥2 million, demonstrating the significance and impact of his research. Beyond awards, his appointment to editorial boards of leading orthopedic and bioengineering journals highlights his global recognition in the field. Dr. Liu’s innovative surgical methods, such as restorative laminoplasty with H-shaped miniplates, have been acknowledged as transformative in spinal reconstruction. These accolades collectively recognize his outstanding contribution to orthopedic research, surgical innovation, and patient care.

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Liu’s publications span orthopedic biomechanics, inflammatory pathways, and regenerative medicine, widely cited in the global research community. Key works include:

🛠️ Biomechanical Stability of Miniplates in Restorative Laminoplasty

Title: Comparative Biomechanical Stability of the Fixation of Different Miniplates in Restorative Laminoplasty after Laminectomy: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Guoyin Liu, Weiqian Huang, Nannan Leng, Peng He, Xin Li, Muliang Lin, Zhonghua Lian, Yong Wang, Jianmin Chen, Weihua Cai
Journal: Bioengineering (Basel)
Year / Volume / Issue: 2024; 11(5):519
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050519 PubMed+15MDPI+15ResearchGate+15
Highlights: Used a finite element model (L2–L4) to compare H‑shaped, L‑shaped, and two‑hole miniplates. The H‑shaped design showed superior stability, especially in axial rotation and flexion/extension PubMedMDPI.

Biomechanical Reconstruction of the Posterior Complex in Laminoplasty

Title: Biomechanical evaluation of reconstruction of the posterior complex in restorative laminoplasty with miniplates
Authors: Jianmin Chen, Guoyin Liu, Tianyi Bao, Yuansheng Xu, Hu Luo, Yu Wu, Dawei Cai, Feng Qin, Jianning Zhao
Journal: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Year / Volume / Article: 2023; 24(1):298
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06380-3 PubMedOUCI
Highlights: Cadaveric 3D-printed L4 models under static/dynamic loading. H‑shaped miniplates outperformed L‑shaped and two-hole systems, preventing lamina collapse or plate breakage PubMedResearchGate.

Macrophage Apoptosis Pathways in Periprosthetic Osteolysis

Title: Apoptotic pathways of macrophages within osteolytic interface membrane in periprosthetic osteolysis
Journal: APMIS
Year: 2017
Details: Demonstrates that wear particles at implant interfaces accelerate macrophage apoptosis via ER-stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which exacerbates osteolysis PubMedPhysiology Journals.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Osteolysis

Title: Endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways within the osteolytic periosteum and interface membrane in particle-induced osteolysis
Authors: Guoyin Liu, Naicheng Liu, Yuansheng Xu, Yunfan Ti, Jiangning Chen, Jianmin Chen, Junfeng Zhang, Jianning Zhao
Journal: Cell and Tissue Research
Year / Issue / Pages: 2016 Feb; 363(2):427–447
DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2205-9 PubMedSpringerLink
Highlights: Particle debris induces ER stress in macrophages, triggering IRE1α, GRP78/BiP, NF‑κB pathways, elevating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF‑α, IL‑1β, IL‑6). 4‑PBA effectively reduced ER-stress and osteolysis in murine models .

Conclusion

Dr. Guoyin Liu’s outstanding contributions to orthopedic research, innovative therapies, and patented medical devices make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work bridges basic molecular research with clinical applications, significantly improving diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of complex musculoskeletal disorders.