Shoba D | Genetics and Genomics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shoba D | Genetics and Genomics | Best Researcher Award

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | India

Dr. D. Shoba has made significant research contributions in plant breeding and genetics with a strong focus on rice, black gram, and groundnut improvement. Her Google Scholar record shows an h-index of 15, i-10 index of 19, and a total of over 740 citations, reflecting a high level of research influence and sustained scholarly impact. She has authored numerous national and international publications in reputed journals such as Euphytica, Legume Research, Rice (Springer), and Plant Science Today. Her innovations include the development of herbicide-tolerant rice mutant HTM N22 (Robin mutant) and black gram varieties KKM 1 and VBN 12, along with several mung bean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV)-resistant lines. She has also designed a weed remover machine certified by the Patent Office of India and contributed to breeder seed production in rice and pulses to enhance seed security and productivity. Her collaborative research with IRRI Philippines, IIRR Hyderabad, and ICMR Hyderabad underscores international partnerships. Through these advancements, Dr. Shoba has demonstrated leadership in sustainable crop development, molecular breeding, and genetic diversity analysis, strengthening the link between scientific innovation and agricultural resilience.

Featured Publications

Shoba, D., Manivannan, N., Vindhiyavarman, P., & Nigam, S. N. (2012). SSR markers associated for late leaf spot disease resistance by bulked segregant analysis in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Euphytica, 188(2), 265–272.

Shoba, D., Raveendran, M., Manonmani, S., Utharasu, S., Dhivyapriya, D., Subhasini, G., Ramchandar, S., Valarmathi, R., Grover, N., Gopala Krishnan, S., Singh, A. K., Jayaswal, P., Kale, P., Ramkumar, M. K., Amitha Mithra, S. V., Mohapatra, T., Singh, K., Sarla, N., Sheshshayee, M. S., … Sharma, R. P. (2017). Development and genetic characterization of a novel herbicide (Imazethapyr) tolerant mutant in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Rice, 10(1), 10.

Shoba, D., Vijayan, R., Robin, S., Manivannan, N., Iyanar, K., Arunachalam, P., Nadarajan, N., Arumugam Pillai, M., & Geetha, S. (2019). Assessment of genetic diversity in aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm using PCA and cluster analysis. Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 10(3), 1095–1104.

Shoba, D., Manivannan, N., & Vindhiyavarman, P. (2009). Studies on variability, heritability and genetic advance in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 1, 74–77.

Shoba, D., Manivannan, N., & Vindhiyavarman, P. (2012). Correlation and path coefficient analysis in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Madras Agricultural Journal, 99(1–3), 18–20.

Analisa Difeo | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Analisa Difeo | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Michigan | United States

Dr. Analisa Difeo’s extensive scientific portfolio demonstrates a robust record of impactful contributions to cancer biology, reflected in her h-index of 37, 84 documents, and 4693 citations. Her research primarily explores the molecular mechanisms driving ovarian and gynecological cancers, focusing on microRNA regulation, tumor stemness, and chemoresistance. She has authored and co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, including publications in leading journals such as Cancer Research, Nature Communications, Cancer Cell, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. Her studies on miR-181a signaling, PP2A activation, and tumor immune response have provided innovative translational insights and laid the foundation for therapeutic strategies targeting ovarian cancer recurrence. Beyond her publications, Dr. Difeo has received multiple competitive research grants from the NIH, DoD, and major foundations, supporting her leadership in precision oncology. She also holds patents related to cancer biomarkers and therapeutic compositions, underscoring her commitment to clinical impact and innovation. With sustained funding, high citation impact, and significant scholarly output, her record establishes a strong foundation for leadership in translational cancer research and mentorship in molecular oncology

Featured Publications

Avelar, R. A., Gupta, R., Carvette, G., da Veiga Leprevost, F., Colina, J., Teitel, J., Nesvizhskii, A., O’Connor, C., Hatzoglou, M., & Difeo, A. (2024, March 28). Integrated stress response plasticity governs normal cell adaptation to chronic stress via the PP2A–TFE3–ATF4 pathway [Preprint].

Lee, R. T., Yang, P., Alahmadi, A., McQuade, J., Yuan, E., Difeo, A., Narla, G., & Kaseb, A. (2021). Mistletoe extract Viscum Fraxini-2 for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A case series. Case Reports in Oncology, 14(2), 729–738.

Nagaraj, A. B., Knarr, M., Sekhar, S., Connor, R. S., Joseph, P., Kovalenko, O., Fleming, A., Surti, A., Nurmemmedov, E., Beltrame, L., et al. (2021). The miR-181a–SFRP4 axis regulates Wnt activation to drive stemness and platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. Cancer Research, 81(16), 4081–4095.

Huvila, J., Cochrane, D. R., Ta, M., Chow, C., Greening, K., Leung, S., Karnezis, A. N., Difeo, A., & Huntsman, D. G. (2021, November). STING pathway expression in low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary: An unexpected therapeutic opportunity? The Journal of Pathology: Clinical Research, 7(6), 537–547.

O’Connor, C. M., Leonard, D., Wiredja, D., Avelar, R. A., Wang, Z., Schlatzer, D., Bryson, B., Tokala, E., Taylor, S. E., Upadhyay, A., et al. (2020). Inactivation of PP2A by a recurrent mutation drives resistance to MEK inhibitors. Oncogene, 39(9), 1832–1847

Marius Sipping | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Marius Sipping | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Slovak Academy of Sciences | Slovakia

Dr. Marius Sipping is a postdoctoral researcher at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, specializing in biochemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology. His work focuses on the exploration and characterization of bioactive natural compounds with therapeutic potential against cancer, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. With 10 peer-reviewed journal publications and one authored book, his research has significantly contributed to the understanding of polysaccharide-rich fractions from Ganoderma resinaceum and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-metastatic properties. He has completed five major research projects that integrate molecular biology and translational pharmacology. His citation records reflect his growing global impact, with an h-index of 6 on ResearchGate, 3 on Web of Science. These indices underscore his citation influence and scientific reach within the biomedical research community. His international collaborations with researchers across Africa, India, Slovakia, Italy, and France have advanced translational applications of natural compounds for cancer and inflammatory disease therapeutics. His interdisciplinary expertise in immunopharmacology, cancer biology, and phytomedicine demonstrates a strong commitment to developing innovative nano-delivery systems and data-driven therapeutic strategies, positioning him as a rising contributor to global life science research.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research ID

Featured Publications

Sipping, M., Thakur, D., Singh, B., Njamen, D., & Mukherjee, S. Polysaccharide extract of Ganoderma resinaceum restricts breast cancer progression in vitro by intervening in epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stemness. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia.

Sipping, M., Sathish Kumar, T., & Kamdem, N. Scientific investigation on antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic effects and TLC bioautography of Terminalia schimperiania stem bark extracts. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine.

Kamga Silihe, K., Defo Mbou, W., Ngo Pambe, J. C., Kenmogne, L. V., Fotso Maptouom, L., Sipping, M. T. K., Zingue, S., & Njamen, D. Comparative anticancer effects of Annona muricata Linn (Annonaceae) leaves and fruits on DMBA-induced breast cancer in female rats. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 23, 4073.

Nana Tchoupang, E., Yadji, V., Wangbara, J. B., Sipping, M. T. K., Zingue, S., Njamen, D., & Mutalik, S. In vitro and in vivo antiproliferative actions of Solanum gilo Raddi (Solanaceae) fruit extract on breast tissues. Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2022, 6834626.

Kamga Silihe, K., Zingue, S., Sipping, M. T. K., Busuioc Cazanevscaia, A., Dediu Botezatu, A. V., Njamen, D., & Dinica, R. M. The antioxidant potential of Ficus umbellata Vahl (Moraceae) that accelerates in vitro and the in vivo anti-inflammatory protective effects. Applied Sciences, 12(18), 9070

Meijing Piao | Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Meijing Piao | Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Jeju National University | China

Dr. Meijing Piao is a Research Professor at Jeju National University’s Jeju Natural Medicine Research Center, specializing in the study of environmental pollutants such as fine particulate matter, ultraviolet radiation, and nanoparticles, focusing on their molecular mechanisms and oxidative stress–related effects on the human body. Her work also explores the physiological activities of natural products and their defense mechanisms against oxidative damage. She has authored 163 SCI-indexed publications, including 39 as first author and 124 as co-author, accumulating 4,985 citations according to Web of Science. Her research excellence has been recognized globally, ranking among the “Top 2% of Scientists in the World” by Stanford University and Elsevier. Two of her highly cited papers include one on silver nanoparticles’ cytotoxicity in human hepatocytes, cited 585 times, and another on the skin damage caused by ultrafine particulate matter, cited 271 times. Her research outcomes have also led to seven patent applications and substantial contributions to the field of environmental toxicology and natural product pharmacology. With 15 completed and one ongoing research project funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea, her work demonstrates strong continuity, impact, and innovation, significantly advancing knowledge in life science and toxicological research.

Featured Publications

Piao, M. J., Kang, K. A., Lee, I. K., Kim, H. S., Kim, S., Choi, J. Y., Choi, J., & Hyun, J. W. (2011). Silver nanoparticles induce oxidative cell damage in human liver cells through inhibition of reduced glutathione and induction of mitochondria-involved apoptosis. Toxicology Letters, 201(1), 92–100.

Piao, M. J., Ahn, M. J., Kang, K. A., Ryu, Y. S., Hyun, Y. J., Shilnikova, K., Zhen, A. X., et al. (2018). Particulate matter 2.5 damages skin cells by inducing oxidative stress, subcellular organelle dysfunction, and apoptosis. Archives of Toxicology, 92(6), 2077–2091.

Zhang, R., Piao, M. J., Kim, K. C., Kim, A. D., Choi, J. Y., Choi, J., & Hyun, J. W. (2012). Endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling is involved in silver nanoparticles-induced apoptosis. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 44(1), 224–232.

Kim, K. C., Kang, K. A., Zhang, R., Piao, M. J., Kim, G. Y., Kang, M. Y., Lee, S. J., Lee, N. H., et al. (2010). Up-regulation of Nrf2-mediated heme oxygenase-1 expression by eckol, a phlorotannin compound, through activation of Erk and PI3K/Akt. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 42(2), 297–305.

Kang, K. A., Piao, M. J., Ryu, Y. S., Hyun, Y. J., Park, J. E., Shilnikova, K., Zhen, A. X., et al. (2017). Luteolin induces apoptotic cell death via antioxidant activity in human colon cancer cells. International Journal of Oncology, 51(4), 1169–1178.