Fabiana Tortora | Cancer | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Fabiana Tortora | Cancer | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Fabiana Tortora is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB-ABT), CNR, Naples, Italy. With expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry, her research focuses on protein interactors of long non-coding RNAs in bladder cancer and their therapeutic potential. She has presented at numerous international conferences and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Tortora’s work bridges molecular mechanisms and clinical applications, contributing to advancements in cancer research and environmental biochemistry.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences: University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (2019). Master’s Degree in Biology (LM-6): University of Naples “Federico II” (2016), graduated 110 cum laude. Undergraduate Training: Specialization in molecular biochemistry and precision medicine. Academic projects focused on antioxidant assays, DNA/RNA analysis, and apoptosis markers.

🧑‍🏫 Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow: AIRC-funded project on bladder cancer, IGB-ABT, CNR (2023-2026). Research Grant Recipient: IBP Institute, CNR, Naples (2020-2022). Visiting Scientist: Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt (2021). Internship: University of Tübingen, Germany (2018); Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (2016). Expertise in cell cultures, protein purification, FACS, and PCR.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Ph.D. Excellence: University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (2019).  Awarded 2022 AIRC Postdoctoral Fellowship for cancer research. Recognized for outstanding research presentations at international conferences. Cum Laude distinction for Master’s degree in Biology.

🔬 Research Focus

Bladder Cancer: Investigating long non-coding RNAs (uc.8+) and their diagnostic/therapeutic potential. Molecular Biochemistry: Protein-DNA/RNA interactions and apoptosis mechanisms. Antioxidant Research: Protective effects of hydroxytyrosol in oxidative stress and mercury detoxification. Techniques: In silico docking, cell/tissue cultures, ROS assays, and enzymatic kinetics.

🏆Conclusion 

Dr. Tortora’s academic rigor, technical proficiency, and impactful research contributions make her a strong contender for the Women Researcher Award. Her work addresses critical biomedical challenges, such as cancer diagnostics and environmental toxicology, underscoring her relevance in both clinical and ecological contexts. By broadening her collaborations and enhancing publication impact, Dr. Tortora can further solidify her position as a leading researcher. She exemplifies excellence in research and is well-suited for recognition through this prestigious award.

📚Publications 

  • Prediction of Pesticide Interactions with Proteins Involved in Human Reproduction by Using a Virtual Screening Approach: A Case Study of Famoxadone Binding CRBP-III and Izumo
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Guerrera, V., Lettieri, G., Febbraio, F., Piscopo, M.

 

  • Emerging RNA-Based Therapeutic and Diagnostic Options: Recent Advances and Future Challenges in Genitourinary Cancers
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Tortora, F., La Civita, E., Trivedi, P., Terracciano, D., Cimmino, A.

 

  • CD33 rs2455069 SNP: Correlation with Alzheimer’s Disease and Hypothesis of Functional Role
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Rendina, A., Angiolillo, A., Febbraio, F., Vitale, E.

 

  • Effects of long non-coding RNAs on androgen signaling pathways in genitourinary malignancies
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Calin, G.A., Cimmino, A.

 

  • Liquid biopsy biomarkers in urine: A route towards molecular diagnosis and personalized medicine of bladder cancer
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Ferro, M., La Civita, E., Liotti, A., Cimmino, A., Terracciano, D.

 

  • Novel insights into mercury effects on hemoglobin and membrane proteins in human erythrocytes
    • Year: 2020
    • Authors: Piscopo, M., Notariale, R., Tortora, F., Palumbo, G., Manna, C.

 

  • Hydroxytyrosol decreases phosphatidylserine exposure and inhibits suicidal death induced by lysophosphatidic acid in human erythrocytes
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Notariale, R., Lang, F., Manna, C.

 

  • Phenol-rich feijoa sellowiana (Pineapple guava) extracts protect human red blood cells from mercury-induced cellular toxicity
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Notariale, R., Maresca, V., Piscopo, M., Manna, C.

 

  • Comparative analysis of the effects of olive oil hydroxytyrosol and its 5-S-lipoyl conjugate in protecting human erythrocytes from mercury toxicity
    • Year: 2018
    • Authors: Officioso, A., Panzella, L., Tortora, F., Napolitano, A., Manna, C.

 

Angelika Długosz-Pokorska | cancer research | Women Researcher Award

 Dr. Angelika Długosz-Pokorska | cancer research |Women Researcher Award

 Dr at Medical University of Łódź,  Poland

A dedicated researcher and project leader at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, with expertise in pharmacological characterization and anticancer drug development. As Principal Investigator and Co-investigator, led projects funded by prestigious grants like OPUS and SONATA, focusing on opioid peptide analogs and alpha-methylidene-delta-lactones. Supervising international student exchanges and engaging in expert activities, workshops, and editorial work. Recognized with numerous awards for scientific excellence, including Rector’s Awards and IF=8.638 for publication series on opioid mimetics and glutathione peroxidase. Committed to advancing medical science through innovative research and academic leadership.

Profile

  1. Scopus

 

  1. Orcid

📜 Employment History:

Research Associate (2017-present) Medical University of Lodz, Poland; Faculty of Medicine. Co-investigator (2016-2021)
Project: Rational design and pharmacological characterization of chimeric cyclic opioid peptide analogs targeting multiple receptors
Grant: OPUS 9, project ID 2015/17/B/ST5/00153. Principal Investigator (2016-2021) Project: Analysis of the anticancer activity of new synthetic alpha-methylidene-delta-lactones in selected cell lines Grant: SONATA, project ID 2015/17/D/NZ3/02226. Supervisor, Project Manager, and Principal Investigator (2018-present) Project: Analysis of the anticancer activity and molecular mechanism of action of new hybrid molecules containing uracil skeleton with an exo-cyclic methylene group Grant: PRELUDIUM13, project ID UMO-2017/25/N/NZ3/01039

📚 Short Research Training:

University of Rouen, France (2014) Laboratoire de Neuropsychopharmacologie Expérimentale

🌍 Activities:

  • Expert Activity/Reviewer (2024)
    Platform: Qeios
  • International Student Exchanges and ERASMUS Supervision (2024)
    Engaging in initiatives and participating in European Union programs, overseeing ERASMUS students.
  • Participation in Scientific Workshops and Research Teams (2024)
    Engaging in workshops aimed at exchanging experiences, self-improvement, and organization.
  • Editorial Work (2023-present)
    Journal: Reviewer for Breast Cancer-Tokyo, ISSN 1340-6868, eISSN 1880-4233.

🏆 Awards and Distinctions:

2022: First-level Special Award for Outstanding Didactic Work by Academic Teachers Medical University of Lodz.

2020: Team Distinction from the Faculty of Chemistry Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz Second-degree scientific award for a series of publications titled: ‘Investigation of the Anticancer Properties of Synthetic Analogues of Compounds Isolated from Plants’. (Impact Factor – 8.034). Polish Intelligent Development Award – Nomination.

2019: Investigation of Anticancer Activity of Synthetic Analogues of Methylenolactones”, IF=4.026PTBioch Bursary Scholarship 44th FEBS Congress “From Molecules to Living Systems”. Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz Second Prize for Publication: ‘Synthetic Analogues of Coumarin as Novel Agents with Anticancer Activity’. (Impact Factor = 4.173). Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz Team Second award for Publication Series:

2017: Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz First Prize for Publication Series: “Synthesis and Investigation of Biological Activity of Opioid Mimetics and Glutathione Peroxidase”. (IF=8.638). Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz Team First Prize for Publication Series: “Anticancer Properties of Novel Synthetic Dicoumarins”. (IF=6.221) “Investigation of Anticancer Activity of Sesquiterpene Lactones”. (IF=4.994)

2016: Rector’s Award Medical University of Lodz First Prize for Publication Series: “Anticancer Properties of Novel Synthetic Lactones in Combination with Known Anticancer Drugs”. (IF = 8.835)

Publications Top Notes 📝

  • Title: Synthesis of New Chiral β-Carbonyl Selenides with Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity Evaluation-Part I
    • Authors: Laskowska, A., Pacuła-Miszewska, A.J., Obieziurska-Fabisiak, M., et al.
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 17
    • Pages: 1–15
    • Summary: This study focuses on the synthesis of new chiral β-carbonyl selenides and evaluates their antioxidant and anticancer activities, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic agents.

 

  • Title: New Uracil Analog with Exocyclic Methylidene Group Can Reverse Resistance to Taxol in MCF7 Cancer Cells
    • Authors: Długosz-Pokorska, A., Perlikowska, R., Janecki, T., et al.
    • Journal: Biologics: Targets and Therapy
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Pages: 69–83
    • Summary: This article presents a novel uracil analog with potential to reverse resistance to Taxol in MCF7 cancer cells, indicating its promising role as an anticancer agent.

 

  • Title: New Uracil Analog- U-359 can Reverse Resistance to Taxol in MCF-7 cancer cells
    • Authors: Długosz-Pokorska, A., Perlikowska, R., Janecki, T., et al.
    • Journal: Acta Biochimica Polonica
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 70
    • Pages: 56
    • Summary: This study explores another uracil analog’s potential to reverse resistance to Taxol in MCF-7 cancer cells, indicating a promising avenue for further research.

 

  • Title: The Influence of Long Carbon Chains on the Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties of N-Substituted Benzisoselenazolones and Corresponding Diselenides
    • Authors: Pacuła-Miszewska, A.J., Obieziurska-Fabisiak, M., Jastrzębska, A., et al.
    • Journal: Pharmaceuticals
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 16
    • Pages: 1–11
    • Summary: This research investigates the impact of long carbon chains on the antioxidant and anticancer properties of N-substituted benzisoselenazolones and corresponding diselenides, providing valuable insights into structure-activity relationships.

 

  • Title: Attachment of Chiral Functional Groups to Modify the Activity of New GPx Mimetics
    • Authors: Laskowska, A., Pacuła-Miszewska, A., Długosz-Pokorska, A., et al.
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 16
    • Pages: 1–14
    • Summary: This study explores the modification of GPx mimetics’ activity through the attachment of chiral functional groups, offering potential strategies for enhancing therapeutic effects.