Kercia Cruz | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kercia Cruz | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Bahia | Brazil

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Kercia Cruz began her academic journey with a degree in Biological Sciences from Universidade Federal da Bahia in 2014. She furthered her studies with a master’s in Biotechnology in Health and Investigative Medicine from Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, graduating in 2017. Her research during this period focused on leishmaniasis and the role of macrophages in infection. She then pursued a Ph.D. in Biotechnology in Health and Investigative Medicine at Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, completing it in 2023. Her doctoral research centered on the development of nanomedicines for treating leishmaniasis, particularly focusing on the protein translocator HSP90.

Professional Endeavors 🔬

Dr. Cruz has worked extensively in the field of general biology with a specialization in leishmaniasis and macrophage infections. Her professional experience includes positions at Universidade Federal da Bahia and Centro Universitário SENAI CIMATEC, where she has contributed significantly to research and education. Her roles involved working on projects related to the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles and the molecular mechanisms of leishmaniasis. She has also participated in various internships and short-term research activities across Brazil and Portugal. 🌍

Contributions and Research Focus 🧫

Dr. Cruz’s research primarily focuses on leishmaniasis, particularly the use of nanomedicines and the role of protein translocators like HSP90 in combating infection. She has been involved in several research projects exploring the potential of nanoparticle-based therapies for leishmaniasis and other infectious diseases. Her work also includes studying the molecular and cellular aspects of macrophage interactions with pathogens, contributing to the development of innovative treatment strategies. 🧪

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Dr. Cruz has received notable recognition for her research contributions. In 2022, she was awarded an honorable mention for her work on polymeric nanoparticles containing amphotericin B at Embrapa. Additionally, she received a commendation in 2020 for her ongoing doctoral thesis from the Program of Postgraduate Studies in Biotechnology in Health and Investigative Medicine at Fiocruz. These accolades highlight her significant impact in her field. 🏆

Impact and Influence 🌟

Dr. Cruz’s research has advanced the understanding of leishmaniasis and the potential of nanomedicines in treating this disease. Her work on nanomedicine and protein translocators has provided valuable insights into innovative treatment approaches, potentially improving patient outcomes and contributing to global health solutions. Her contributions have influenced both academic research and practical applications in biotechnology. 🌐

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Looking forward, Dr. Cruz aims to continue her work on developing novel therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases. Her future research will likely focus on expanding the use of nanomedicines and exploring new avenues in molecular biology to address pressing health challenges. Her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and improving treatment options ensures that her legacy will continue to benefit the field of biotechnology and beyond.

 

Publications 📚


  • 📝Intraperitoneal Administration of 17-DMAG as an Effective Treatment against Leishmania braziliensis Infection in BALB/c Mice: A Preclinical Study
    • Authors: Kercia P. Cruz, Antonio L. O. A. Petersen, Marina F. Amorim, Alan G. S. F. Pinho, Luana C. Palma, Diana A. S. Dantas, Mariana R. G. Silveira, Carine S. A. Silva, Ana Luiza J. Cordeiro, Izabella G. Oliveira, Gabriella B. Pita, Bianca C. A. Souza, Gilberto C. Bomfim, Cláudia I. Brodskyn, Deborah B. M. Fraga, Isadora S. Lima, Maria B. R. De_Santana, Helena M. P. Teixeira, Juliana P. B. De_Menezes, Washington L. C. Santos
    • Journal: Pathogens
    • Year: 2024

  • 📝Development and Characterization of PLGA Nanoparticles Containing 17-DMAG, an Hsp90 Inhibitor
    • Authors: Kercia P. Cruz, Beatriz F. C. Patricio, Vinícius C. Pires, Marina F. Amorim, Alan G. S. F. Pinho, Helenita C. Quadros, Diana A. S. Dantas, Marcelo H. C. Chaves, Fabio R. Formiga, Helvécio V. A. Rocha, Patrícia S. T. Veras
    • Journal: Frontiers in Chemistry
    • Year: 2021

  • 📝Microbiologia no cotidiano: proposta de ensino por investigação de baixo custo
    • Authors: K. P. Cruz, G. L. Nery, A. A. D. Reboucás, P. R. Dantas-Silva, J. S. Cruz, C. G. S. Andrade, R. M. L. Rahimy
    • Journal: Atas de Ciências da Saúde
    • Year: 2019

  • 📝In vitro evaluation of the anti-leishmanial activity and toxicity of PK11195
    • Authors: C. E. S. Guedes, B. R. S. Dias, A. L. O. A. Petersen, Kercia P. Cruz, N. J. Almeida, D. R. Andrade, J. P. B. Menezes, V. M. Borges, P. S. T. Veras
    • Journal: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
    • Year: 2018

 

 

Guangqing Yu | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Guangqing Yu | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Henan Agricultural University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Guangqing Yu began her academic journey at Henan Normal University, where she majored in aquaculture and earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture. Her interest in genetics led him to pursue a Ph.D. at the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Here, she specialized in genetics, focusing on the mechanisms of fish immune and developmental responses, laying a strong foundation for her future research.

Professional Endeavors

As an Associate Professor at Henan Agricultural University, Dr. Yu has been actively involved in both teaching and research. Her professional endeavors are marked by her leadership in various research projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Project and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation's general project. She has successfully secured funding for these projects, emphasizing her capability to lead significant research initiatives.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Yu's research primarily uses zebrafish as a model organism to investigate the molecular mechanisms of fish immune responses and development. Her notable contributions include elucidating the role of epigenetic modifications in fish innate immunity against viruses and embryonic development. She has also studied the biological functions of NEDD8 and its impact on the development of ovaries and secondary sexual characteristics in zebrafish. Her findings have been published in prestigious journals such as Development, Journal of Immunology, and Frontiers in Immunology.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Yu's work has garnered recognition in the scientific community. Her research on NEDD8 and its enhancement of Hippo signaling by mediating YAP1 neddylation has been highly  respected. Additionally, her participation in the Major Research Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China further underscores her contributions to the field.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Yu's research has significantly advanced the understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms in fish. Her work on epigenetic modifications and their roles in immunity and development has broad implications, influencing both academic research and practical applications in aquaculture and fisheries management. Her studies on NEDD8 and androgen receptor hyperactivation have opened new avenues for understanding genetic regulation in vertebrates.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Yu's ongoing research projects and her active role in national research programs highlight her dedication to advancing the field of genetics. With multiple patents in process and numerous publications in high-impact journals, she continues to make significant contributions to molecular biology and genetics. Her future work is expected to further elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying fish biology, impacting both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

Notable Publications

NEDD8 enhances Hippo signaling by mediating YAP1 neddylation 2024

Zebrafish spop promotes ubiquitination and degradation of mavs to suppress antiviral response via the lysosomal pathway 2024 (1)

Deletion of prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing enzyme 3 (phd3) in zebrafish facilitates hypoxia tolerance 2023 (1)