Judith Röske | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Women Research Award

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Mrs. Judith Röske | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Women Research Award

University of Luebeck | Germany

Mrs. Judith Röske is a dedicated researcher with a strong focus on molecular virology, antiviral drug discovery, and protease-targeted therapeutic development, contributing to 13 scientific publications across high-impact journals. Her work explores the binding behavior of small-molecule inhibitors to viral 3C proteases, including SARS-CoV-2, EV-D68, EV-A71, and HAV, as well as host proteases such as cathepsins and calpain-1. With expertise in photometry, nanoDSF, MST, and SPR, she has optimized methods for determining key biochemical parameters such as IC₅₀, Tm, and Kᴅ, enabling the effective screening of lead compounds for broad-spectrum antivirals. Her research further investigates RNA-binding mechanisms in HAV 3C protease, shedding light on dual-targeting strategies that may advance anti-picornaviral drug development. She has contributed to influential studies on SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors, including work on novel warhead chemistries, α-ketoamide derivatives, and diastereomeric optimization, reinforcing her impact in antiviral medicinal chemistry. Additionally, earlier contributions in transplant biology and liver preservation highlight her versatility in biochemical and molecular research. Through rigorous structural, kinetic, and biophysical analyses, her body of work adds valuable insight into protease inhibition and therapeutic innovation, supported by a growing citation record within the scientific community.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Theodoropoulou, M. A., El Kilani, H., Mantzourani, C., Jochmans, D., Neyts, J., Zhang, K., Röske, J., Kokotou, M. G., Hilgenfeld, R., & Kokotos, G. (2025). Thiazolyl 4-carboxylate ketone as a new warhead for a highly potent SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 25(11), 118436.

Akula, R. K., El Kilani, H., Metzen, A., Röske, J., Zhang, K., Göhl, M., Arisetti, N., Marsh, G. P., Maple, H. J., Cooper, M. S., et al. (2025). Structure-based optimization of pyridone α-ketoamides as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 68(1).

Cooper, M. S., Zhang, L., Ibrahim, M., Zhang, K., Sun, X., Röske, J., Göhl, M., Brönstrup, M., Cowell, J. K., Sauerhering, L., et al. (2022). Diastereomeric resolution yields highly potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

Bernard, V., Gebauer, N., Dinh, T., Stegemann, J., Feller, A. C., & Merz, H. (2014). Applicability of next-generation sequencing to decalcified formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia samples. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology.

Le Minh, K., Berger, A., Eipel, C., Kuhla, A., Minor, T., Stegemann, J., & Vollmar, B. (2011). Uncoupling protein-2 deficient mice are not protected against warm ischemia/reperfusion injury of the liver. Journal of Surgical Research, 167.

Stegemann, J., Hirner, A., Rauen, U., & Minor, T. (2010). Use of a new modified HTK solution for machine preservation of marginal liver grafts. Journal of Surgical Research.

Koetting, M., Stegemann, J., & Minor, T. (2010). Dopamine as additive to cold preservation solution improves postischemic integrity of the liver. Transplant International, 23.

Minor, T., Stegemann, J., Hirner, A., & Koetting, M. (2009). Impaired autophagic clearance after cold preservation of fatty livers correlates with tissue necrosis upon reperfusion and is reversed by hypothermic reconditioning. Liver Transplantation.

Stegemann, J., & Minor, T. (2009). Energy charge restoration, mitochondrial protection and reversal of preservation-induced liver injury by hypothermic oxygenation prior to reperfusion. Cryobiology.

Stegemann, J., Hirner, A., Rauen, U., & Minor, T. (2009). Gaseous oxygen persufflation or oxygenated machine perfusion with Custodiol-N for long-term preservation of ischemic rat livers? Cryobiology.

Le Minh, K., Kuhla, A., Abshagen, K., Minor, T., Stegemann, J., Ibrahim, S., Eipel, C., & Vollmar, B. (2009). Uncoupling protein-2 deficiency provides protection in a murine model of endotoxemic acute liver failure. Critical Care Medicine.

Manekeller, S., Seinsche, A., Stegemann, J., & Hirner, A. (2008). Optimising post-conditioning time of marginal donor livers. Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery.

Manekeller, S., Schuppius, A., Stegemann, J., Hirner, A., & Minor, T. (2007). Role of perfusion medium, oxygen and rheology for endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death after hypothermic machine preservation of the liver. Transplant International.

Giovanni Smaldone | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Giovanni Smaldone | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

IRCCS Synlab SDN | Italy

Dr. Giovanni Smaldone is a highly accomplished researcher whose work spans molecular biology, structural biochemistry, oncology, immunology, and advanced diagnostic technologies. With 1,037 citations, 83 published works, and an h-index of 18, his contributions reflect both productivity and strong scientific impact. His research integrates structural biology, NMR spectroscopy, molecular interactions, and translational oncology, with a particular emphasis on childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He has led and contributed to numerous funded research projects, including competitive grants focused on long non-coding RNAs, epigenetic markers, and the KCTD protein family in pediatric leukemia. His studies also extend into protein delivery systems, nanogels, cellular imaging, and biobank development for rare pediatric disorders. Dr. Smaldone’s recent publications highlight advancements in 3D refractive index tomography for leukemia cell analysis, targeted drug-delivery platforms, diagnostic biomarkers such as circular RNAs and LINC00958, and the structural mechanisms underlying KCTD–Cullin 3 interactions. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals across molecular sciences, biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and clinical research. Additionally, he has presented widely at national and international scientific conferences, contributing to knowledge dissemination in cellular biophysics, protein structure, pediatric oncology, and advanced molecular diagnostics.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Bianco, V., Pirone, D., Schiavo, M., Bianco, V., Miccio, L., Memmolo, P., Smaldone, G., Pecoraro, G., Altieri, F., Salvatore, M., et al. (2026). Quantitative mapping of leukemia cells and intracellular lipid droplets using 3D refractive index tomography in flow cytometry. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics.

Pizzella, M., Accardo, A., Mercurio, F. A., Sibillano, T., Gallo, E., Morelli, G., Smaldone, G., Giannini, C., Leone, M., Balasco, N., et al. (2025). Structural and functional characterization of self-assembling fragments identified from the transthyretin amyloid-like structure. Nanoscale.

Leone, I., Costabile, V., Smaldone, G., Franzese, M., Soricelli, A., & D’Agostino, A. (2025). Arthrospira platensis attenuates endothelial inflammation and monocyte activation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Gallo, E., Smaldone, G., Cimmino, L., Braile, M., Orlandella, F. M., Luciano, N., Accardo, A., & Salvatore, G. (2025). Fmoc-FF nanogel-mediated delivery of doxorubicin and curcumin in thyroid cancer cells. Pharmaceutics.

Balasco, N., Esposito, L., Smaldone, G., Salvatore, M., & Vitagliano, L. (2024). A comprehensive analysis of the structural recognition between KCTD proteins and Cullin 3. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Bianco, V., Wang, Z., Brancato, V., Coppola, L., Smaldone, G., D’Aiuto, M., Mossetti, G., Maffettone, P. L., Salvatore, M., & Ferraro, P. (2024). Adaptive space-time digital holography for imaging flow cytometry and tissue slide analysis. In Digital Holography and Three-Dimensional Imaging (DH 2024).

Coppola, L., Grimaldi, A. M., Sarnacchiaro, G., Di Fasano, M. S., Smaldone, G., & Salvatore, M. (2024). An overview of Synlab SDN Biobank’s quality control system. Scientific Reports.

De Martino, L., Mirabelli, P., Quaglietta, L., Ferrara, U. P., Picariello, S., De Gennaro, D. V., Aiello, M., Smaldone, G., Aliberti, F., Spennato, P., et al. (2024). Biobank for craniosynostosis and faciocraniosynostosis: A study protocol. Child’s Nervous System.

Bianco, V., Valentino, M., Pirone, D., Miccio, L., Memmolo, P., Brancato, V., Coppola, L., Smaldone, G., D’Aiuto, M., & Mossetti, G. (2024). Classifying breast cancer and fibroadenoma tissue biopsies using fractal biomarkers in Fourier ptychographic microscopy. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal.

De Martino, L., Mirabelli, P., Quaglietta, L., Ferrara, U. P., Picariello, S., De Gennaro, D. V., Aiello, M., Smaldone, G., Aliberti, F., Spennato, P., et al. (2024). Correction: Biobank for craniosynostosis and faciocraniosynostosis. Child’s Nervous System.

Gallo, E., Diaferia, C., Smaldone, G., Rosa, E., Pecoraro, G., Morelli, G., & Accardo, A. (2024). Fmoc-FF hydrogels and nanogels for improved and selective delivery of dexamethasone in leukemic cells. Scientific Reports.

Gallo, E., Diaferia, C., Smaldone, G., Rosa, E., Pecoraro, G., Morelli, G., & Accardo, A. (2024). Fmoc-FF hydrogels and nanogels for improved and selective delivery of dexamethasone in leukemic cells. Research Square.

Filomena, A., Smaldone, G., Ginevra, S., Santiago, N., Di Fasano, M. S., Peppino, M., Alessandra, C., Antonia, D. M., Giuliana, B., Rosanna, P., et al. (2024). Identification of a circular RNA isoform of WASHC2A as a prognostic factor for high-risk pediatric B-ALL. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.

Raymundo, J. R., Zhang, H., Smaldone, G., Zhu, W., Daly, K. E., Glennon, B. J., Pecoraro, G., Salvatore, M., Devine, W. A., Lo, C. W., et al. (2024). KCTD1/KCTD15 complexes control ectodermal and neural crest cell functions. Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Altieri, F., Buono, L., Lanzilli, M., Mirabelli, P., Cianflone, A., Beneduce, G., De Matteo, A., Parasole, R., Salvatore, M., & Smaldone, G. (2024). LINC00958 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Frontiers in Oncology.

Ridwan Salaam | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Editorial Board Member

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Mr. Ridwan Salaam | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Editorial Board Member

University of Ibadan | Nigeria

Author Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

🌟 Early Academic Pursuits

Ridwan Salaam’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to scientific excellence. His Bachelor’s degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) laid the foundation for his expertise in molecular genetics, with a thesis focused on the chromosomal studies of Arvicanthis niloticus. He graduated with a Second Class Upper degree, achieving a remarkable GPA of 4.19/5.0. Building on this, he pursued a Master’s degree at the University of Ibadan, earning a distinction (GPA: 6.2/7.0). His thesis investigated the antiplasmodial activity of phytocompounds using in silico pharmacology, supervised by esteemed scholars like Dr. Afolayan Funmilayo I.D.

🚀 Professional Endeavors

With hands-on research experience spanning academia and industry, Ridwan has excelled in roles such as Research Intern at Hackbio, Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Ibadan, and Research Assistant at OAU. He has mastered advanced bioinformatics tools, molecular docking, and statistical analysis, actively contributing to cancer and infectious disease studies. His contributions extend to mentoring students, conducting DNA extractions, and organizing independent research groups like the Computer-Aided Biological Research Group (COMBReG).

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Ridwan’s research spans Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics, Drug Discovery, and Immunotherapy, with an emphasis on cancer and infectious diseases. He has published extensively on computational drug discovery, molecular docking, and network pharmacology. Notable works include elucidating antiplasmodial mechanisms and exploring phytocompounds for cancer treatments. He has participated in groundbreaking projects, such as developing multipotent antivenom under the 2023 TETFUND National Research Fund.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Ridwan’s achievements have garnered national and international recognition. His certificate of commendation from Government Secondary School, Maina, acknowledges his teaching contributions, while multiple workshop certifications highlight his expertise in computer-aided drug design and vaccine development. His collaborative research efforts have been showcased at prestigious conferences like the Zoological Society of Nigeria Annual Conference and the International Conference on Scientific Research in Nigeria.

🌍 Impact and Influence

As a convener of COMBReG and a research team coordinator, Ridwan has demonstrated exceptional leadership by fostering collaborative environments and driving innovation. He has trained over 40 participants in bioinformatics and spearheaded projects addressing global health challenges like malaria and cancer. His ability to work across diverse cultural and professional backgrounds has solidified his reputation as a team player and mentor.

📜 Legacy and Future Contributions

Ridwan Salaam’s robust academic background and research endeavors position him as a trailblazer in molecular genetics and bioinformatics. His work not only addresses pressing global health issues but also inspires future generations of scientists. With ongoing research in computational drug discovery and molecular pathways, Ridwan’s contributions are poised to leave a lasting impact on the fields of cancer therapy and infectious disease treatment. His journey exemplifies the spirit of innovation and dedication, promising a legacy of transformative research.

 

Publications

📄 A Review of Selected Parasitic Plants in Nigeria: Converting Harms to Benefits

Authors: Funmilayo I. D. Afolayan, Ridwan A. Salaam, Ebenezer S. Oladokun, Samson D. Adesoye
Journal: Natural Therapy Advances
Year: 2024

📄 Antiplasmodial Mechanism of Lawsonia inermis: An In Silico-Based Investigation

Authors: Ridwan Abiodun Salaam, Funmilayo I. D. Afolayan
Journal: Infectious Diseases Research
Year: 2024

📄 In Silico Discovery of Potential Androgen Receptor and Cytochrome P450 17A1 Inhibitors from Camellia sinensis for Prostate Cancer Treatment

Authors: Ridwan Abiodun Salaam, Christopher Terseer Tarkaa, Rachael Pius Ebuh, Damilare Adebayo Olaniyi, Sayo Ebenezer Oladokun, Rodiat Omotola Sowemimo, Oluwaponmile Florence Ajayi, Olusola Abayomi Akangbe
Journal: Next Research
Year: 2024

📄 In Silico and In Vivo Evaluations of Multistage Antiplasmodial Potency and Toxicity Profiling of n-Hexadecanoic Acid Derived from Vernonia amygdalina

Authors: Funmilayo I. D. Afolayan, R. A. Odeyemi, Ridwan A. Salaam
Journal: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Year: 2024

📄 Elucidating the Molecular Targets of Curcuma longa for Breast Cancer Treatment Using Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Authors: Christopher Terseer Tarkaa, Damilare Adebayo Oyaniyi, Ridwan Abiodun Salaam, Rachael Pius Ebuh, Olusola Abayomi Akangbe, Sayo Ebenezer Oladokun, Rodiat Omotola Sowemimo, Oluwaponmile Florence Ajayi
Journal: Precision Medicine Research
Year: 2023