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

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.

Ester Tellone | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Ester Tellone | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Excellence in Research Award

University of Messina | Italy

Author Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Ester Tellone began her academic journey with a degree in Biological Sciences (1989) from the University of Messina, graduating with highest honors (110/110 cum laude). She followed this with a second degree in Natural Sciences (1996), again with top marks and a thesis on hemoglobin function in dolphins. Her early research was focused on environmental and marine biology, including dystrophic crises in lake ecosystems.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Tellone embarked on her academic career in 1990 as a Technical Officer at the University of Messina. In 2001, she was appointed as a confirmed researcher and later became an Associate Professor in Biochemistry (BIO/10) in 2018. Since January 2022, she holds the title of Full Professor in the Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Messina. She has taught various biochemistry courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has been involved in curriculum development, Ph.D. supervision, and departmental governance.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Tellone's research is centered on red blood cells (erythrocytes) as model systems. Key research themes include:

🧪 Red Blood Cells: Investigating erythrocytes as biosensors and drug delivery systems and exploring amyloid protein aggregation effects.

🧬 Hemoglobin Functionality: Analyzing structural-functional properties and oxygenation dynamics in hemoglobins.

🧫 Band 3 Protein Interactions: Studying its interplay with deoxyhemoglobin and glycolytic enzymes in metabolic regulation.

Her work employs advanced mathematical models and biochemical tools to unravel complex cellular mechanisms, especially oxidative stress, apoptosis, and environmental toxicity in marine and human systems.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Tellone’s excellence has been widely recognized:

🥇 She holds a National Scientific Qualification for Full Professor in General Biochemistry (BIO/10).

📚 She is the author of over 80 scientific articles indexed in Scopus/Web of Science and has contributed chapters to internationally published books.

🧑‍🏫 She has served as Scientific Coordinator for several major EU- and MIUR-funded projects, including INNOVAQUA, 4FRAILTY, ORTHO Line, and SAMOTHRACE.

She is a reviewer for high-impact journals such as Molecules, Journal of Functional Foods, and British Journal of Hematology, and serves on editorial boards of multiple international scientific journals.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Tellone’s research has made significant contributions in both basic and applied science:

🔬 Her studies on red blood cells and hemoglobin have advanced understanding of diseases like ALS, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.

🌱 Her environmental research has influenced biotechnological innovations in aquaculture, marine biology, and environmental biosensors.

👩‍🎓 As a mentor and Ph.D. supervisor, she has nurtured the careers of numerous researchers and students in the field of biochemistry.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Ester Tellone is a recognized thought leader in red blood cell biochemistry, environmental toxicology, and oxidative stress. Her work bridges molecular biology, environmental sciences, and medical biochemistry, creating interdisciplinary solutions for modern scientific challenges. With her continued involvement in international projects, editorial activities, and mentoring, her influence is set to grow further, shaping the next generation of biochemists and biomedical researchers.

Publications


📄 Exploring Tumor Cell–Platelet Biochemical Interactions by Dielectric Measurements of Blood: A Potential Target for Tumor Detection and Staging
Journal: Biology
Year: 2025 
Authors: Annamaria Russo, Ester Tellone, Francesco Farsaci


📄 Crosstalk Between Sickle Cell Disease and Ferroptosis
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2025 
Authors: Annamaria Russo, Giuseppe Tancredi Patanè, Antonella Calderaro, Davide Barreca, Ester Tellone, Stefano Putaggio


📄 Emerging Ferroptosis Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis: Neuroprotective Activity of Polyphenols
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2025 
Authors: Annamaria Russo, Stefano Putaggio, Ester Tellone, Antonella Calderaro, Santa Cirmi, Giuseppina Laganà, Silvana Ficarra, Davide Barreca, Giuseppe Tancredi Patanè


📄 Epicatechin Influence on Biochemical Modification of Human Erythrocyte Metabolism and Membrane Integrity
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2024 
Authors: Annamaria Russo, Giuseppe Tancredi Patanè, Giuseppina Laganà, Santa Cirmi, Silvana Ficarra, Davide Barreca, Elena Giunta, Ester Tellone, Stefano Putaggio


📄 Canine and Human Red Blood Cells: Biochemical Mechanisms for the Control of Heat Dissipation
Journal: Stresses
Year: 2024 
Authors: Annamaria Russo, Giuseppe Tancredi Patanè, Stefano Putaggio, Ester Tellone, Silvana Ficarra, Davide Barreca, Giuseppina Laganà