Sharada Mokkapati | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sharada Mokkapati | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sharada Mokkapati, The UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States

Dr. Sharada Mokkapati is an Assistant Professor of Urology (Research) at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, specializing in oncology, molecular biology, and gene therapy. With a PhD in Genetics from the University of Cologne, Germany (2007), Dr. Mokkapati has contributed significantly to bladder cancer research. She was a key team member in the first FDA-approved gene therapy for bladder cancer and has extensive experience with gene therapy vector development, RNA/DNA molecular techniques, and NextGen sequencing. Her research also includes the identification of miRNA biomarkers and the study of tumor metabolism in gene therapy responses. Dr. Mokkapati has received multiple awards, including the Dodie P. Hawn Fellowship and the Lennox K. Black International prize for excellence in medicine. She is also an adhoc reviewer for journals like BMC Cancer and has co-authored numerous influential publications on bladder cancer and cancer therapy.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Sharada Mokkapati earned her PhD in Genetics from the University of Cologne, Germany, in February 2007. Her academic journey has focused on genetic research, exploring complex biological systems to understand various genetic disorders. With a robust foundation in genetic principles, she has contributed significantly to the scientific community through research, publications, and collaborations. Dr. Mokkapati’s work has emphasized advancing knowledge in molecular genetics, genetic markers, and hereditary diseases, making a lasting impact on the field. Her dedication continues to inspire the next generation of genetic researchers. πŸŒ±πŸ“š

 

Professional Experience 🌟

Dr. Sharada Mokkapati has an extensive career in academia and research. Since 2020, she has served as an Assistant Professor in Urology (Research) at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Previously, she was an Instructor in Urology (Research) at the same institution from 2015 to 2020. Dr. Mokkapati’s academic journey began with a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Genetics at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center (2008-2015). Her early career includes graduate studies in Dermatology at the University of Cologne (2002-2007), and research roles at SPIC Science Foundation and Malladi Drugs & Pharmaceuticals in India. πŸ§¬πŸ”¬

 

 

Research Achievements πŸ§¬πŸ”¬

Dr. Sharada Mokkapati has made significant contributions to the field of oncology and gene therapy. She was a key team member in the development of the first FDA-approved gene therapy for bladder cancer. With extensive experience in oncology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and biomedical research, Dr. Mokkapati has developed and validated vectors for gene therapy. She is highly proficient in RNA, DNA, protein molecular techniques, biochemical assays, and NextGen sequencing. Additionally, Dr. Mokkapati excels in using both xenograft and genetically engineered mouse models for translational biology studies and managing research-related compliance and clinical trial databases. πŸ§ͺπŸ’‘

 

Awards and Honors πŸ…πŸŽ“

Dr. Sharada Mokkapati has been recognized with several prestigious awards throughout her career. She was honored with the “Dodie P. Hawn Fellowship in Genetics” at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Mokkapati also received the “Travel Award-Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine” for her contribution to the 12th International Symposium on Basement Membranes in Philadelphia. As a team member, she contributed to the technology transfer for amylase and tannase at SPIC Science Foundation, India. Additionally, she qualified the “National Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET)” and received the “Dr. T. Ramachandra Rao Memorial Gold Medal” for academic excellence in her Master’s studies. πŸ†πŸ§¬

 

 

Research Focus πŸ”¬πŸ’‘

Dr. Sharada Mokkapati’s research primarily focuses on oncology, molecular biology, and gene therapy in the context of bladder cancer. She has contributed extensively to the molecular profiling of bladder cancer, identifying relevant subtypes for biomarker discovery. Her work also includes the development and validation of gene therapy vectors, particularly in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Dr. Mokkapati is proficient in RNA/DNA/protein molecular techniques, biochemical analysis, and NextGen sequencing, using mouse models to address both basic biological and translational studies. Her efforts aim to integrate gene therapies into bladder cancer treatment paradigms. 🧬🧫🎯

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Molecular profiling of bladder cancer xenografts defines relevant molecular subtypes and provides a resource for biomarker discovery (2025) – Cited by 0 πŸ”¬πŸ“š
  • Integrating gene therapy into the treatment paradigm for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (2025) – Cited by 0 πŸ§¬πŸ’‘
  • Concomitant antihistamine administration improves survival outcomes in urothelial carcinoma treated with atezolizumab (2025) – Cited by 0 πŸ’ŠπŸ“ˆ
  • Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis identifies acute changes in the tumor microenvironment induced by interferon Ξ± gene therapy in a murine bladder cancer model (2024) – Cited by 0 πŸ§ͺ🧬
  • Interferon gene therapy with nadofaragene firadenovec for bladder cancer: from bench to approval (2023) – Cited by 7 πŸ₯πŸ”¬
  • The current status of gene therapy in bladder cancer (2023) – Cited by 8 πŸ“–πŸ”
  • Lentiviral interferon: A novel method for gene therapy in bladder cancer (2022) – Cited by 8 🧬πŸ§ͺ
  • Antiadenovirus Antibodies Predict Response Durability to Nadofaragene Firadenovec Therapy in BCG-unresponsive Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (2022) – Cited by 16 πŸ§ͺπŸ”¬
  • TCF21 promotes luminal-like differentiation and suppresses metastasis in bladder cancer (2020) – Cited by 7 🧬πŸ’₯
  • Generation of a novel mouse strain with conditional, cell-type specific, expression of DND1 (2019) – Cited by 2 πŸπŸ”¬

 

 

 

Hadi Alizadeh | Cancer stem cells | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hadi Alizadeh | Cancer stem cells | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Master Student, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran

Mr. Hadi Alizadeh is a Master’s graduate in Molecular Genetics from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, with a thesis on AGPAT3 gene and cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells. His research encompasses gene expression analysis, drug discovery, and epigenomic profiling, focusing on chemoresistance mechanisms in cancer. He has contributed to various publications and presented at international conferences. Skilled in PCR, RNA-seq, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics, he is proficient in machine learning and molecular dynamics. Hadi has been recognized for his academic excellence, ranking highly in national exams. He also has hands-on experience in medical genetics and as a teaching assistant. πŸ§¬πŸ’‰πŸ”¬

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Mr. Hadi Alizadeh completed his Master’s in Molecular Genetics at Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, from October 2021 to November 2023, achieving an impressive average of 18.2/20. His thesis, titled “Introduction of AGPAT3 gene as a regulator of cisplatin resistance in A2780 ovarian cancer cell line,” was supervised by Dr. Soltani. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Genetics from Islamic Azad University, North Tehran, from October 2016 to May 2020, with a strong academic performance, securing an average of 17.83/20. His solid educational background highlights his commitment to molecular genetics and cancer research. πŸ“šπŸ§¬

 

Research Experience

Mr. Hadi Alizadeh’s research experience includes significant work in molecular genetics and cancer research. For his Master’s thesis, he explored AGPAT3 gene as a regulator of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells, performing RNA-seq and various functional assays like RT-qPCR, western blotting, and apoptosis assays, revealing AGPAT3’s role in survival and cell cycle arrest under cisplatin treatment. He also studied the synergistic effect of dendrosomal nano-curcumin (DNC) with cisplatin in reducing cisplatin resistance. Additionally, he worked on epigenomic profiling of oxaliplatin-resistant HCT116 colorectal cancer cells and drug discovery targeting mTORC1 signaling. πŸ§¬πŸ’»

 

Honors & Awards πŸ†πŸŽ“

Mr. Hadi Alizadeh has demonstrated exceptional academic achievements throughout his career. In 2021, he ranked 18th out of nearly 10,000 participants in the national entrance exam for medical genetics in the healthcare system, showcasing his expertise and dedication. Additionally, he secured the 25th position among approximately 7,000 candidates in the national entrance exam for a Master’s program in genetics. These prestigious rankings highlight his strong academic foundation and passion for genetics research, setting the stage for his future contributions to the field. πŸŒŸπŸ“š

 

Professional Experience πŸ’ΌπŸ”¬

Mr. Hadi Alizadeh has gained valuable hands-on experience in various research and clinical settings. As a volunteer at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, he collected samples and performed RNA extraction for various projects. In his role as an apprentice at the Cytogenetic Lab, he conducted karyotyping as part of clinical genetic analyses, gaining key insights into genetic disorders. Additionally, as a Genetic Laboratory Technician prior to his Master’s, Mr. Alizadeh contributed to the COVID-19 response by performing RNA extraction and real-time PCR on samples, further honing his technical expertise in molecular genetics. πŸ§¬πŸ”¬

 

Research Focus

Mr. Hadi Alizadeh’s research primarily focuses on molecular genetics and cancer biology. His work explores the mechanisms of chemoresistance in cancer, particularly involving the mTORC1 signaling pathway and its role in platinum-based chemotherapy resistance. He also investigates the epigenomic and transcriptomic changes related to chemoresistance in colorectal cancer cells. His expertise extends to drug discovery, with a focus on molecular dynamics and virtual screening for targeting cancer resistance mechanisms. Alizadeh’s research contributes significantly to understanding cancer cell survival and potential therapeutic strategies. πŸ§¬πŸ’‰πŸ’‘

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Introduction of AGPAT3 gene as a regulator of cisplatin resistance in A2780 ovarian cancer
    cell line (under review after revision in PLOS ONE)
  • Β Phosphatidic acid as a cofactor of mTORC1 in platinum-based chemoresistance: Mechanisms
    and therapeutic potential (Review article) (Published)
  • Β Epigenomic and Transcriptomic Profiling of Oxaliplatin Resistant HCT116 Colorectal
    Cancer Cells Reveals Super-Enhancer-Driven Mechanisms of Chemoresistance
    (Bioinformatic article) (Revision in Scientific Reports)
  • Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms and Feature Selection Methods for Identifying
    Important Features of Expression Data (Manuscript preparation)
  • Bioinformatic Analysis to find drugs Inhibiting mTORC1 as a Phosphatidic AcidDisplacement Strategy (Manuscript preparation)
  • Β Comparison of Signaling Pathways and Genetic Modifications of Cancer Stem Cells with
    Normal Stem Cells (Review article) (ready to submit)

 

 

 

Ching-Chuan Kuo | Cancer Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ching-Chuan Kuo | Cancer Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ching-Chuan Kuo, National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan

πŸŽ“ Prof. Dr. Ching-Chuan Kuo earned her Ph.D. in food chemistry and nutraceutical functionality from National Taiwan University. She is an Investigator at the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) and a Professor at the Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University. πŸ”¬ Her research focuses on cancer biology, experimental therapeutics, precision medicine, and translational research. Key contributions include developing four cancer drug candidates that achieved US and Taiwan FDA IND approvals. πŸ“š Dr. Kuo has authored 108 SCI articles with 5,153 citations, an H-index of 48, and holds two patents. Her work has transformed cancer treatment and precision therapeutics. 🧬

 

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education Background πŸŽ“

Prof. Dr. Ching-Chuan Kuo completed her Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry and Natural Product Chemistry at the Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, from September 1995 to July 2001. 🌱 Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her distinguished career in cancer biology and experimental therapeutics, blending the fields of food chemistry and biotechnology. Her strong academic background in biochemistry and natural products has driven her groundbreaking work in drug discovery and cancer treatment. πŸ“˜ This education has been crucial in her continued success and innovations in translational medicine. 🧬

 

Professional Experience πŸ’Ό

Prof. Dr. Ching-Chuan Kuo has held various prestigious positions throughout her career. Since August 2022, she has been a jointly appointed Professor at the Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan. 🌱 In January 2022, she became an Investigator at the Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, NHRI, after serving as an Associate Investigator from 2013 to 2021. πŸ”¬ Dr. Kuo’s journey began in 2001 as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Division of Cancer Research, NHRI, followed by roles as a Research Associate and Assistant Investigator at the National Institute of Cancer Research. Her extensive career reflects her expertise and dedication to advancing cancer research. 🧬

 

Research Interests πŸ”¬

Prof. Dr. Ching-Chuan Kuo’s research focuses on several key areas within cancer biology. Her work involves the identification and validation of novel oncotargets, the development of clinically relevant tumor models, and the discovery of new anticancer drugs. πŸ’‘ She also explores cancer pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, aiming to improve cancer treatment. Her research extends to understanding chemo- and radio-resistance mechanisms and discovering strategies to overcome them. 🧬 Additionally, Prof. Kuo is deeply invested in precision medicine and translational research, seeking to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications to enhance cancer therapies. 🌱

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Cytotoxic triterpenes from the aerial roots of Ficus microcarpa – 259 citations, 2005 πŸ“šπŸƒ
  • BPR0L075, a novel synthetic indole compound with antimitotic activity in human cancer cells – 259 citations, 2004 πŸ§ͺπŸ’₯
  • Effects of drying and extrusion on colour, chemical composition, antioxidant activities and mitogenic response of sweet potatoes – 196 citations, 2009 πŸ πŸ”¬
  • 4-Ketopinoresinol, a novel naturally occurring ARE activator – 142 citations, 2012 🌱πŸ’ͺ
  • Salvinal, a novel microtubule inhibitor isolated from Salvia miltiorrhizae Bunge – 137 citations, 2004 πŸŒΏπŸ”¬
  • 2,2β€˜-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl Radical-Scavenging Active Components from Adlay – 137 citations, 2002 🌾πŸ§ͺ
  • Surface Ξ±-enolase promotes extracellular matrix degradation and tumor metastasis – 136 citations, 2013 πŸ§¬πŸ™οΈ
  • Antagonism of free-radical-induced damage of adlay seed – 111 citations, 2001 πŸŒ±πŸ”¬
  • Scaffold-hopping strategy: synthesis and biological evaluation of 5, 6-fused bicyclic heteroaromatics – 107 citations, 2011 πŸ§¬πŸ”¬
  • Synthesis and evaluation of 3-aroylindoles as anticancer agents – 107 citations, 2009 πŸ’ŠπŸ”¬
  • 7-Aroyl-aminoindoline-1-sulfonamides as a novel class of potent antitubulin agents – 106 citations, 2006 πŸ§ͺπŸ’‘
  • Four new 6-nor-5 (6β†’ 7) abeo-abietane type diterpenes from the bark of Taiwania cryptomerioides – 103 citations, 2005 πŸŒ²πŸ”¬

 

 

Ammu Kutty Radhakrishnan | Cancer Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ammu Kutty Radhakrishnan | Cancer Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ammu Kutty Radhakrishnan, Monash University Malaysia, Malaysia

 

Prof. Ammu Kutty Radhakrishnan is a distinguished immunologist with a PhD from the University of Cambridge (1994), an MSc in Biochemistry (1990), and a BSc (First Class Honours) from the University of Malaya (1987). Currently, a Professor of Immunology at Monash University Malaysia, she has over 25 years of academic leadership and research experience. Prof. Ammu specializes in immunotherapy and food as medicine research, serving as Head of this research strength. Her career spans significant roles at International Medical University and Oxford. She is a research consultant, active in COVID-19 vaccine efforts, and supervises PhD and MSc students. πŸŒΏπŸ§¬πŸ“š

 

Publication Profile

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Academic Excellence

Prof. Ammu Kutty Radhakrishnan has an exceptional academic background, with a PhD in Immunology from the University of Cambridge (1994) and degrees in Biochemistry from the University of Malaya. Her education forms a solid foundation for her expertise in immunology and biomedical sciences, contributing to her distinguished career.

Professional Experience

Prof. Radhakrishnan has held key roles, such as Professor at Monash University Malaysia and the International Medical University (IMU). Her leadership in academic programs, such as head of the Food as Medicine Research Strength and chief examiner roles, showcases her commitment to advancing education and research.

Research Contributions

Prof. Radhakrishnan has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, guiding 39 doctoral and 20 master’s research projects to completion. Her extensive research supervision experience highlights her dedication to fostering scientific inquiry and innovation. Additionally, her collaborative efforts with industry partners demonstrate her ability to apply research to real-world problems.

Conclusion

Prof. Ammu Kutty Radhakrishnan’s outstanding academic credentials, extensive research supervision, leadership roles, and global health contributions, she is an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work in immunology, biomedicine, and collaboration with industry partners demonstrates her excellence in both academic and applied research, making her a worthy contender for this prestigious recognition.

 

Publication Top Notes Β 

  • Protective effect of aqueous extract from Spirulina platensis against cell death induced by free radicals (2010) – 292 citations πŸ§ͺ
  • Human cell-adhesion molecule CD2 binds CD58 (LFA-3) with very low affinity and an extremely fast dissociation rate but does not bind CD48 or CD59 (1994) – 259 citations 🧬
  • Rind of the rambutan, Nephelium lappaceum, a potential source of natural antioxidants (2008) – 193 citations πŸ‡
  • Current concepts of neurodegenerative mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease (2018) – 176 citations 🧠
  • Bioactive Compounds: Natural Defense Against Cancer? (2019) – 169 citations 🌿
  • Protective mechanisms of flavonoids in Parkinson’s disease (2015) – 162 citations πŸ§‘β€βš•οΈ
  • Tocotrienol research: past into present (2012) – 157 citations 🌰
  • Standardised Mangifera indica extract is an ideal antioxidant (2009) – 149 citations πŸ₯­
  • Nose to brain delivery of rotigotine loaded chitosan nanoparticles in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and animal model of Parkinson’s disease (2020) – 128 citations πŸš€
  • Tocotrienol-rich fraction from palm oil affects gene expression in tumors resulting from MCF-7 cell inoculation in athymic mice (2004) – 126 citations 🧫
  • Rutin, a bioflavonoid antioxidant protects rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity (2013) – 124 citations πŸ§ͺ

 

Ken Kato | Oncology Award | Excellence in Research

Dr. Ken Kato | Oncology Award | Excellence in Research

Dr. Ken Kato, National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan

Dr. Ken Kato is a distinguished Japanese oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal and esophageal cancers. With a robust career at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo, he leads divisions in translational research and medical oncology πŸ₯. Holding both an M.D. and a Ph.D. from prestigious institutions πŸŽ“, Dr. Kato has a notable presence in clinical and research domains, with expertise in molecular targets and immunotherapy for cancer 🧬. His extensive publications in top medical journals highlight his dedication to advancing cancer treatment πŸ“š. Dr. Kato is also an active member of several professional societies worldwide 🌏.

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Kato earned his Ph.D. from Kyushu University in 2001 and his M.D. in 1995. He graduated from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health in 1989 πŸŽ“.

Research Focus

Dr. Ken Kato is a leading researcher in gastrointestinal and esophageal cancers, focusing primarily on early detection, treatment, and the molecular mechanisms of these malignancies 🧬. His work includes innovative studies on serum microRNAs for early gastric cancer detection, biomarkers for chemotherapy response, and the genetic underpinnings of cancer resistance πŸ“Š. He has explored the efficacy of various chemotherapeutic combinations, such as S-1 plus cisplatin for HER2-positive gastric cancer, and has investigated the impact of gene mutations in treatment outcomes πŸš‘. Dr. Kato’s research aims to advance precision medicine in oncology, improving patient survival and treatment efficacy 🌟.

Publication Top Notes

  • A novel combination of serum microRNAs for the detection of early gastric cancer – Abe, S., Matsuzaki, J., Sudo, K., … Saito, Y., Ochiya, T. Gastroenterological Endoscopy, 2021, 63(6), pp. 1310 πŸ“…, Cited by: 0 πŸ”
  • ZNF695 methylation predicts a response of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to definitive chemoradiotherapy – Takahashi, T., Yamahsita, S., Matsuda, Y., … Nagino, M., Ushijima, T. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 2015, 141(3), pp. 453–463 πŸ“…, Cited by: 21 πŸ“Š
  • Efficacy of S-1 plus cisplatin combination chemotherapy in patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer – Honma, Y., Shimada, Y., Takashima, A., … Sekine, S., Kushima, R. International Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2014, 19(5), pp. 863–870 πŸ“…, Cited by: 3 πŸ“ˆ
  • Clinicopathological features and prognostic roles of KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA and NRAS mutations in advanced gastric cancer – Takahashi, N., Yamada, Y., Taniguchi, H., … Hamaguchi, T., Shimada, Y. BMC Research Notes, 2014, 7(1), 271 πŸ“…, Cited by: 41 πŸ”¬
  • Clinical impact of c-MET expression and genetic mutational status in colorectal cancer patients after liver resection – Shoji, H., Yamada, Y., Taniguchi, H., … Hamaguchi, T., Shimada, Y. Cancer Science, 2014, 105(8), pp. 1002–1007 πŸ“…, Cited by: 24 🧬
  • Combined Assessment of Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Dual Color In Situ Hybridization and Immunohistochemistry with Downstream Gene Mutations in Prediction of Response to the Anti-EGFR Therapy for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer – Takahashi, N., Yamada, Y., Taniguchi, H., … Hamaguchi, T., Shimada, Y. Archives of Medical Research, 2014, 45(5), pp. 366–374 πŸ“…, Cited by: 7 πŸ”
  • A phase II study of nedaplatin and 5-fluorouracil in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: The Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) Trial (JCOG 9905-DI) – Kato, K., Muro, K., Ando, N., … Nagai, K., Kato, H. Esophagus, 2014, 11(3), pp. 183–188 πŸ“…, Cited by: 30 🩺
  • Survival prolongation after treatment failure of first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer: Combined analysis of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group Trials JCOG9205 and JCOG9912 – Takashima, A., Boku, N., Kato, K., … Shimada, Y., Ohtsu, A. Gastric Cancer, 2014, 17(3), pp. 522–528 πŸ“…, Cited by: 26 πŸ“Š
  • Biomarkers of reactive resistance and early disease progression during chemotherapy plus bevacizumab treatment for colorectal carcinoma – Hayashi, H., Arao, T., Matsumoto, K., … Nishio, K., Yamada, Y. Oncotarget, 2014, 5(9), pp. 2588–2595 πŸ“…, Cited by: 33 πŸ§ͺ
  • Feasibility of endoscopic mucosal resection as salvage treatment for patients with local failure after definitive chemoradiotherapy for stage IB, II, and III esophageal squamous cell cancer – Makazu, M., Kato, K., Takisawa, H., … Yamada, Y., Shimada, Y. Diseases of the Esophagus, 2014, 27(1), pp. 42–49 πŸ“…, Cited by: 31 🩹