Hikari Okada | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Hikari Okada | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Kanazawa University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences | Japan

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Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Hikari Okada's academic journey began with a Pharm.D. from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Hokuriku University, Japan, in 2007. His early interest in pharmaceutical sciences led him to pursue a Master's degree in Molecular Biology at the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan, which he completed in 2009. He further honed his expertise by obtaining a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the same institution in 2013.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Okada's professional career started as a Research Associate in the Department of Gastroenterology at the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University. From 2013 to 2015, he worked as a VHFJ fellow and continued his research in the same department as an AMED fellow from 2016 to 2018. He was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine for Longevity at the Graduate School of Medical Sciences in 2019. Since 2022, Dr. Okada has been serving as an Associate Professor in Information-Based Medicine Development at the same institution.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Okada's research primarily focuses on molecular biology, gastroenterology, and integrative medicine. His significant contributions include the study of molecular mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cancer stem cells, and hepatitis B and C viruses. His work on the role of Mint3 in triple-negative breast cancer and the involvement of endothelial lipase in hepatitis B virus infection has been widely recognized. Dr. Okada has published extensively, with numerous papers in high-impact journals, highlighting his commitment to advancing medical science.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Dr. Okada has received several prestigious awards. In 2013, he was honored with the 11th Takayasu Award for Best Article and the 26th Taisyo Toyama Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to medical research.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Okada's research has had a significant impact on the fields of molecular biology and gastroenterology. His work on cancer stem cells and viral infections has paved the way for new therapeutic approaches and improved understanding of disease mechanisms. His contributions have influenced both clinical practices and ongoing research in these areas.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Okada's legacy is marked by his dedication to research and education. His pioneering work in molecular biology and gastroenterology continues to inspire new generations of scientists and researchers. As an Associate Professor, he is actively involved in mentoring young researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. Dr. Okada's future contributions are expected to further advance our understanding of complex diseases and lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

 

Notable Publications

Lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated DOCK11-siRNA efficiently reduces hepatitis B virus cccDNA level in infected mice 2024

Mint3-depletion-induced energy stress sensitizes triple-negative breast cancer to chemotherapy via HSF1 inactivation 2023

Beta-Hydroxyisovaleryl-Shikonin Eradicates Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-Positive Liver Cancer Stem Cells by Suppressing dUTP Pyrophosphatase Expression 2023

Functional involvement of endothelial lipase in hepatitis B virus infection 2023 (2)

Identification of a Transmembrane Protein Involved in Shear Stress Signaling and Hepatocarcinogenesis After a Sustained Virological Response to Hepatitis C Virus 2023 (3)

 

 

Mary-Ann Mbong Angie | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Mary-Ann Mbong Angie | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Yaounde I | Cameroon

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Mary-Ann Mbong Angie's academic journey began with her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, specializing in Food Biochemistry, at the University of Yaounde I. She furthered her studies with a Master's equivalent (DEA) and a Maîtrise in Biochemistry, focusing on Food Biochemistry. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the same institution, where she delved into nutritional biochemistry.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Angie's professional career is deeply rooted in academia. She started as a part-time lecturer at the University of Yaounde I while conducting research at the Laboratory of Nutrition and Nutritional Biochemistry. Over the years, she progressed to roles such as Lecturer and Senior Lecturer, contributing significantly to the Department of Biochemistry. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor in Biochemistry at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Angie is an expert in functional foods for managing non-communicable diseases, nutritional epidemiology, and food biochemistry. Her research focuses on valorizing Cameroonian foods for disease management, particularly in standardizing extracts for selling as food supplements. She evaluates the efficacy of these supplements in combating oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Angie's contributions to academia and research have earned her notable recognition. She received the Feminine Academic Excellence Award from the Ministry of Higher Education, Cameroon, and was honored with the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Research Grant at Yale School of Medicine. Additionally, she was awarded the Eugen Ionescu Doctoral Research Scholarship at the Oncologic Institute, Cluj Napoca, Romania.

Impact and Influence

Through her teaching and research, Dr. Angie has made a significant impact on her students and the scientific community. Her expertise in biochemistry, coupled with her fluency in multiple languages, has allowed her to collaborate with diverse teams globally. Her research on functional foods and nutritional epidemiology has the potential to improve public health, particularly in Cameroon and Africa.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Angie's legacy lies in her dedication to serving her community through education and research. Her efforts in promoting Cameroonian foods for health benefits and her contributions to understanding the link between nutrition and disease will continue to shape the future of biochemistry and nutritional science. As she continues her academic journey, Dr. Angie aims to further her impact by expanding her research and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Notable Publications

Phytochemical characterization and assessment of antitumor activity of the aqueous extract of Acmella caulirhiza in female Wistar rats induced by 7,12 dimethylbenz (a) anthracene 2024 

The ethanolic extract of Aframomum angustifolium seeds protects against tamoxifen-induced side effects in rats with breast cancer 2023

The effects of Dyglomera Ⓡ (dichrostachys glomerata extract) on body fat percentage and body weight: a randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 2023

Sub-acute toxicity study of the aqueous extract from leaves and flowers of Acmella caulirhiza on female albino Wistar rats 2023 (1)

Malnutrition, Eating Habits, Food Consumption, and Risk Factors of Malnutrition among Students at the University of Maroua, Cameroon 2022 (2)