Julien Olivet | Epigenetics | Young Scientist Award

Dr.Julien Olivet | Epigenetics | Young Scientist Award

Dr Julien Olivet Rega Institute/KU Leuven Belgium

Julien Olivet is an exceptional candidate for the Young Scientist Award due to his innovative research in structural and chemical biology, leadership in managing research projects, and significant international recognition. His technical expertise, particularly in cryo-EM and drug discovery, stands out. Additionally, his commitment to teaching and science outreach is commendable. To strengthen his candidacy, he could emphasize the real-world impact of his research and diversify his research topics and publications. Overall, Julienā€™s achievements and contributions make him a highly deserving nominee for the award.

Publication profile

scholar

šŸŽ“ Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Bioinformatics and ModelingUniversitĆ© de LiĆØge, Belgium (2015-2021)Thesis: Selective disruption of histone deacetylase complexes by small-molecule inhibitors.MSc in Chemistry of Life and NanomaterialsUniversitĆ© de Namur, Belgium (2013-2015)Thesis: Synthesis of alginate/SiO2-TiO2 hybrid material for cell encapsulation.BSc in ChemistryFacultĆ©s Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix, Namur, Belgium (2009-2013).High School Diploma in Mathematics, Sciences Institut Notre-Dame de Loverval, Belgium (2003-2009).

šŸ”¬ Research Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow, KU Leuven (09/2021-present),Focus: Cryo-EM structures of SIN3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) complexes, managing collaborations, drug design.Visiting Senior Scientist, UniversitĆ© de LiĆØge (09/2021-present)Focus: Inhibitors of SIN3 protein in HDAC complexes, drug screening, spin-off development.PhD Research Fellow, UniversitĆ© de LiĆØge (01/2021-06/2021)Focus: Small molecule screening pipelines, virus-host interactions.Visiting FRS-FNRS/WBI PhD Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School (11/2015-12/2020)
Focus: Chemical genetic selections, protein interaction assays.

šŸ† Honours and Awards

NSFC-FWO Collaboration Project Award (2024-2025),Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Belgium.McKinsey & Company Scientific Award (2022)EUR 5000.Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) European Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022-2024),EUR 191760.Best Oral Presentation Award (2019)Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, USA.

Publication

  • Maximizing binary interactome mapping with a minimal number of assays
    • Authors: SG Choi, J Olivet, P Cassonnet, PO Vidalain, K Luck, L Lambourne, …
    • Year: 2019
  • The HTLV-1 viral oncoproteins Tax and HBZ reprogram the cellular mRNA splicing landscape
    • Authors: C Vandermeulen, T Oā€™Grady, J Wayet, B Galvan, S Maseko, M Cherkaoui, …
    • Year: 2021
  • Alternative glycosylation controls endoplasmic reticulum dynamics and tubular extension in mammalian cells
    • Authors: D Kerselidou, BS Dohai, DR Nelson, S Daakour, N De Cock, …
    • Year: 2021
  • A systematic approach to identify host targets and rapidly deliver broad-spectrum antivirals
    • Authors: J Olivet, SB Maseko, AN Volkov, K Salehi-Ashtiani, K Das, …
    • Year: 2022
  • AI-guided pipeline for proteinā€“protein interaction drug discovery identifies a SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor
    • Authors: P Trepte, C Secker, J Olivet, J Blavier, S Kostova, SB Maseko, I Minia, …
    • Year: 2024
  • Identification of small molecule antivirals against HTLV-1 by targeting the hDLG1-Tax-1 protein-protein interaction
    • Authors: SB Maseko, Y Brammerloo, I Van Molle, A Sogues, C Martin, C Gorgulla, …
    • Year: 2023
  • A quantitative mapping approach to identify direct interactions within complexomes
    • Authors: P Trepte, C Secker, SG Choi, J Olivet, ES Ramos, P Cassonnet, S Golusik, …
    • Year: 2021
  • Expanding the HDAC druggable landscape beyond enzymatic activity
    • Authors: J Olivet, SG Choi, S Sierra, TM O’Grady, M de la Fuente Revenga, F Laval, …
    • Year: 2023
  • Interactome and structural basis for targeting the human T-cell leukemia virus Tax oncoprotein
    • Authors: SB Maseko, I Van Molle, K Blibek, C Gorgulla, J Olivet, J Blavier, …
    • Year: 2021
  • The viral oncoproteins Tax and HBZ reprogram the cellular mRNA splicing landscape
    • Authors: C Vandermeulen, T Oā€™Grady, B Galvan, M Cherkaoui, A Desbuleux, …
    • Year: 2021
  • Structural basis for targeting the human T-cell leukemia virus Tax oncoprotein and syntenin-1 interaction using a small molecule
    • Authors: SB Maseko, I Van Molle, K Blibek, C Gorgulla, J Olivet, J Blavier, …
    • Year: 2021
  • Selective disruption of histone deacetylase complexes by small-molecule inhibitors of protein interactions
    • Author: J Olivet
    • Year: 2021

 

šŸ… Conclusion

Julien Olivet is a strong candidate for the Young Scientist Award due to his outstanding research achievements, leadership skills, and contributions to the scientific community. His innovative work in cryo-EM and drug discovery, combined with his active role in mentoring and outreach, aligns well with the criteria for the award. Addressing the areas for improvement, particularly in demonstrating the broader impact of his research and expanding his publication portfolio, could further solidify his candidacy.

Somayeh Hashemi Sheikhshabani | Human Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Somayeh Hashemi Sheikhshabani | Human Genetics | Best Researcher Award

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«Profile Summary

I am a highly skilled researcher specializing in Medical Genetics with a focus on Cancer Biology, Cancer Drug Resistance, Noncoding RNAs, Computational Biology, and Genetics of Rare Diseases. With a Ph.D. from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, and a strong background in Cellular and Molecular Biology, I’ve conducted extensive research on genetic analysis of male infertility, identification of genes involved in various cancers, and prediction of regulatory networks using bioinformatics tools. Proficient in a wide range of experimental techniques and software applications, I am dedicated to advancing knowledge in genetics and contributing to the development of innovative therapies.

 

šŸŒ Professional Profiles

Education šŸ“š

PhD in Medical Genetics Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran September 23, 2019 ā€“ October 7, 2023 PhD Thesis: Genetic investigation of non-obstructive azoospermia families with cytogenetic and molecular genetic tests, and determining the relationship between genetic and clinical findings of patients.M.Sc. in Cellular and Molecular Biology National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran September 23, 2010 ā€“ October 27, 2012 Master Thesis: Alkaloid extract of Peganum harmala L. seed on the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes involved in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in cancer cells.B.Sc. in Molecular Genetics Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran September 23, 2005 ā€“ October 7, 2009

Research Interests šŸ”¬

  • Cancer Biology
  • Cancer Drug Resistance
  • Noncoding RNAs
  • Computational Biology
  • Genetics of Rare Diseases

Research Projects šŸ§¬

Genetic analysis of male infertility in a family using Whole Exome Sequencing. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)In silico prediction of non-coding RNA-gene regulatory network in primary gonad failure defects. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)In silico identification of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms of azoospermia genes. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)In silico prediction of coagulation system functional polymorphisms. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)Identification of genes involved in Imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)Genetic analysis of families with non-obstructive azoospermia by Whole Exome Sequencing. (Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)Genetic investigation of infertility in an Iranian family with infertility in both sexes. (Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2023)Prediction of tissue-specific inflammatory LncRNAs in COVID-19 patients. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2021-2024)Identification of inflammatory miRNAs associated with COVID-19 and determination of their potential target genes using bioinformatics tools. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2021-2023)Identification of genes involved in the development of chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2021-2024)Identification of common polymorphisms in the host antioxidant pathway against viruses and prediction of their effects. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2021-2024)Identification of genes involved in the development of chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2021-2023)Investigation of the effect of oleuropein on miR-125b and miR-34a expression in ovarian cancer cell lines. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2019-2020)Investigation of the effect of oleuropein on miR-181b and miR-21 expression in breast cancer cell line. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2019-2020)Investigation of the effect of oleuropein on the expression of genes involved in apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cell line. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2019-2020)Study of the effect of nanoparticles containing altretiamine and arstin on ferroptosis in ovarian cancer cell line. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2016-2020)Study of the effect of nanoparticles containing altretamine on ferroptosis-apoptosis in ovarian cancer cell line. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2018-2019)Genetic etiology determination of non-syndromic hearing loss families using Whole Exome Sequencing. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2018-2019)

Skills šŸ› ļø

A. Experimental Techniques:Human cell cultureMTT assay (Drugs, Natural products, Nanoparticles)DNA and RNA extractionApoptosis assayROS assayElectrophoresisQuantitative PCRConventional PCRSonicationNanodropKaryotypingSanger sequencingWhole exome sequencingB. Software Ability:Various microRNA databases (TargetScan, miRBase, miRWalk, etc.)Various lncRNA databases (starBase, LncBase, etc.)Pathway databases (KEGG, WikiPathways, Reactome)Variant prediction tools (SIFT, Mutation Taster, Polyphen, CADD, etc.)Genome browsers (NCBI, Ensembl, UCSC)Primer design software and tools (AlleleID, Primer3, Oligo 7, etc.)Sequence analysis software (QIAGEN CLC Genomics Workbench, Mutation Surveyor, FinchTV, etc.)STRINGDBCytoscapeGene RunnerGenome expression databases (GEO, GTEx, etc.)

Workshops šŸ“š

 

  • Various workshops covering topics such as predicting LncRNAs, the role of biological systems in cancer, electronic resource investigation, Next Generation sequencing, molecular techniques, article writing, PCR, and bioinformatics.

šŸ“šTop Noted Publication

  1. Title: The effect of oleuropein on apoptotic pathway regulators in breast cancer cells
    • Journal: European Journal of Pharmacology
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 886
    • Pages: 173509
    • Citations: 43

 

  1. Title: Peganum harmala L.ā€™s anti-growth effect on a breast cancer cell line
    • Journal: Biotechnology reports
    • Year: 2015
    • Volume: 8
    • Pages: 138-143
    • Citations: 39

 

  1. Title: Oleuropein reduces cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer by targeting apoptotic pathway regulators
    • Journal: Life Sciences
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 278
    • Pages: 119525
    • Citations: 26

 

  1. Title: Growth inhibitory impact of Peganum harmala L. on two breast cancer cell lines
    • Journal: Iranian journal of biotechnology
    • Year: 2014
    • Volume: 12
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 8-14
    • Citations: 23

 

  1. Title: The impact of oleuropein on miRNAs regulating cell death signaling pathway in human cervical cancer cells
    • Journal: Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 71
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 61-71
    • Citations: 1

 

  1. Title: In Silico Prediction of Functional SNPs Interrupting Antioxidant Defense Genes in Relation to COVID-19 Progression
    • Journal: Biochemical Genetics
    • Year: 2024
    • Pages: 1-27

 

  1. Title: Meta-analysis of microarray data to determine gene indicators involved in the cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer
    • Journal: Cancer Reports
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 12
    • Pages: e1884

Flavia | Molecular Biology | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Flavia| Molecular Biology | Young Scientist Award

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«Profile Summary

Flavia Scoyni is a highly accomplished researcher in molecular medicine, specializing in non-coding RNAs and their role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and ischemic stroke. With a Ph.D. from the University of Eastern Finland under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Programme, Flavia has extensive experience in experimental techniques such as scRNA-seq, FACS, and animal modeling. Their work has been published in prestigious journals and recognized with numerous grants and fellowships. Flavia’s expertise in molecular biology, cell culture, and animal work, coupled with a strong track record of securing research funding, positions them as a valuable asset in the field of translational medicine.

šŸŒ Professional Profiles

šŸŽ“Education:

Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland Duration: Dec 2017 – Feb 2024 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Programme in Genetics and Mechanisms in Translational Medicine (GENOMMED) Advisor: Prof. Tarja Malm Dissertation: “Unlocking the potential of non-coding RNAs in regulating neurodegeneration – a glimpse into Alzheimerā€™s disease and ischemic stroke pathophysiology.” Ph.D. secondment Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Duration: Sept 2018 – Feb 201 Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Thomas B. Hansen Funded by Saastamoinen Foundation travel grant FELASA accreditationUniversity of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland May 2017 Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) Certificate in laboratory animal science for EU Functions A/D MSc in Molecular Biology “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy Duration: Oct 2013 – Dec 2015 Master Degree in Molecular Biology Graduated magna cum laude (110/110 cum laude) Advisor: Prof. Alessandro Fatica Thesis title: “Identification of new transcriptional targets of p30 C/EBPĪ± transcription factor isoform in acute myeloid leukemia” MSc in Genetics University Paris-Diderot VII, Paris, France Duration: Oct 2013 – June 2015 BSc in Biotechnology “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy Duration: Oct 2010 – July 2013 Bachelor degree in Biotechnology Graduated magna cum laude (110/110 cum laude) Advisor: Prof. Carlo Presutti Thesis title: “The role of the mir-200 family in the regulation of the expression of AP1 transcriptional factor”

šŸ”¬Research Experience:

Early stage researcher Professor Tarja Malm University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences Jan 2017 ā€“ Dec 2017 Investigated the role of microRNAs in phagocytic microglia isolated from adult Alzheimerā€™s mice. Developed techniques including ex-vivo FACS, low input RNA extraction, cloning, qPCR, and protocol for transfection for hard-to-transfect cell lines. Conducted animal procedures to harvest brain samples or acutely isolate adult microglia. Erasmus traineeship Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark Oct 2016 – June 2016 Developed a transgenic stable cell line for long non-coding RNAs. Applied techniques such as cloning of long inserts, lentiviral vector production, and stable cell line development. Master thesis Professor Alessandro Fatica “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy June 2014 – Dec 2015 Investigated the regulation of the long non-coding RNA UCA1 mediated by C/EBPĪ± transcription factor in the K562 lymphoblast cell line. Applied techniques including ChIP, cloning, RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, WB, transfection, CRISPR-Cas9, and stable cell line development. Master Internship Professor Giuseppe Macino “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy Sept 2013 – March 2014 Studied microRNAs inducing epigenetic modifications in mammals.Applied techniques such as ChIP, cloning, mutagenesis, RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, WB, CRISPR-Cas9, and stable cell line development. Bachelor thesis Professor Carlo Presutti “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy Oct 2012 – July 2013 Investigated the role of the miR-200a family in regulating c-JUN transcription factor expression. Utilized techniques including cloning, mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, and cell line culture.

šŸ’» Technical Skills:

Molecular biology techniques such as scRNA-seq, RNA-seq, FACS, cloning, RT-qPCR, WB, lentiviral vectors generation. Cell culture techniques including neuronal culture, primary microglial culture, transduction, transfection, and stable cell line development. Animal work including FELASA A/D certification, maintenance, and breeding of transgenic mouse models, animal procedures, and tamoxifen-induced recombination. Statistical analysis, basic Python, and R.

šŸ†Fellowships, Awards, and Honors:

  • Secured total grants of 99.000ā‚¬ during Ph.D., including grants from Pavo Nuermen Foundation, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Kuopio University Foundation, and others.

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ« Teaching Experience:

  • Mentored a Ph.D. student and post-graduate student, and supervised five master’s thesis students during the Ph.D. program.

šŸ“šTop Noted Publication

  1. ciRS-7 and miR-7 regulate ischemia-induced neuronal death via glutamatergic signaling
    • Journal: Cell Reports
    • Year: 2024-03
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113862
    • Contributors: Flavia Scoyni; Valeriia Sitnikova; Luca Giudice; Paula Korhonen; Davide M. Trevisan; Ana Hernandez de Sande; Mireia Gomez-Budia; Raisa Giniatullina; Irene F. Ugidos; Hiramani Dhungana et al.

 

  1. Alzheimer’s disease-induced phagocytic microglia express a specific profile of coding and non-coding RNAs
    • Journal: Alzheimer’s & Dementia
    • Year: 2024-02
    • DOI: 10.1002/alz.13502
    • Contributors: Flavia Scoyni; Luca Giudice; Mari-Anna VƤƤnƤnen; Nicholas Downes; Paula Korhonen; Xin Yi Choo; Nelli-Noora VƤlimƤki; Petri MƤkinen; Nea Korvenlaita; Annemieke J Rozemuller et al.

 

  1. ciRS-7 and miR-7 regulate ischemia induced neuronal death via glutamatergic signaling
    • Journal: Preprint
    • Year: 2023-01-24
    • DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.24.525136
    • Contributors: Flavia Scoyni; Valeriia Sitnikova; Luca Giudice; Paula Korhonen; Davide M Trevisan; Ana Hernandez de Sande; Mireia Gomez-Budia; Raisa Giniatullina; Irene F Ugidos; Hiramani Dhungana et al.

 

  1. Intracerebral overexpression of miR-669c is protective in mouse ischemic stroke model by targeting MyD88 and inducing alternative microglial/macrophage activation
    • Journal: Journal of Neuroinflammation
    • Year: 2020
    • DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01870-w
    • Contributors: Kolosowska, N.; Gotkiewicz, M.; Dhungana, H.; Giudice, L.; Giugno, R.; Box, D.; Huuskonen, M.T.; Korhonen, P.; Scoyni, F.; Kanninen, K.M. et al.

 

  1. PSEN1Ī”E9, APPswe, and APOE4 Confer Disparate Phenotypes in Human iPSC-Derived Microglia
    • Journal: Stem Cell Reports
    • Year: 2019
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.08.004
    • Contributors: Konttinen, H.; Cabral-da-Silva, M.E.C.; Ohtonen, S.; Wojciechowski, S.; Shakirzyanova, A.; Caligola, S.; Giugno, R.; Ishchenko, Y.; HernĆ”ndez, D.; Fazaludeen, M.F. et al.