Darya Novopashina | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Citation Awards

Darya Novopashina | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS | Russia

Dr. Darya Novopashina, Ph.D., is a senior researcher at the Laboratory of RNA Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, where she has built a distinguished career in nucleic acid chemistry and bioorganic research. Her scientific work spans the design, synthesis, and functional exploration of modified oligoribonucleotides, with early contributions focused on creating conjugates of chemically altered RNA fragments for targeted gene expression inhibition. Over the years, she has advanced this foundation by investigating hybrid structures formed between nucleic acid fragments and carbon nanotubes, offering new insights into nanobiotechnology and molecular detection technologies. She has also developed innovative fluorescent oligonucleotide probes aimed at improving the sensitivity and specificity of nucleic acid detection methods. Currently, her research centers on engineering modified guide RNAs for CRISPR/Cas9 systems, where she has contributed to the development of light- and small-molecule–regulatable genome-editing platforms that enhance precision, control, and versatility in genetic manipulation. Through her work, Dr. Novopashina has become a key contributor to the evolution of RNA-based tools in molecular biology, enabling improvements in gene regulation, diagnostic capabilities, and therapeutic strategies. With a publication record exceeding 60 scientific papers, she is recognized for her consistent contributions to the fields of chemical biology, RNA modification, and genome-engineering technologies.

Profile: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Gavrilova, A. A., Kuznetsova, A. A., Novopashina, D. S., Zheng, C., Sun, Q., & Kuznetsov, N. A. (2025).
Biochemical characterization of R-loop degradation by chloroplast-localized RNase H1 from Arabidopsis thaliana. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(22),

Kamzeeva, P., Shepelev, N., Zabbarova, V., Brylev, V., Chistov, A., Ryazantsev, D., Kot, E., Novopashina, D., Rubtsova, M., & Aralov, A. (2025).
Structural characterization of DDX23 5′ UTR regulatory elements and their targeting by LNA-modified antisense oligonucleotides. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(22),

Dolzhikova, O., Meschaninova, M., Endutkin, A., Golyshev, V., Vorobyeva, M., & Novopashina, D. (2024).
Design of theophylline binding guide RNA for allosteric regulation of CRISPR/Cas9 system [Preprint]. Preprints.

Sakovina, L., Vokhtantsev, I., Akhmetova, E., Vorobyeva, M., Vorobjev, P., Zharkov, D. O., & Novopashina, D. (2024).
Photocleavable guide crRNAs for a light-controllable CRISPR/Cas9 system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(22),

 Kuznetsova, A. A., Kosarev, I. A., Timofeyeva, N. A., Novopashina, D. S., & Kuznetsov, N. A. (2024).
Kinetic features of degradation of R-loops by RNase H1 from Escherichia coli. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(22),

Mohamed Taha | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Citation Awards

Mohamed Taha | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr Mohamed Taha, National Research Center, Egypt

Dr. Mohamed Taha is a distinguished biophysicist and molecular biologist 🧬 with over 20 years of academic and research experience across Egypt, Germany, and the USA 🌍. He earned his Ph.D. in Natural Sciences (Biology) from Heinrich-Heine University, Germany 🇩🇪, under a DAAD scholarship, achieving Magna Cum Laude honors 🎓. His multidisciplinary expertise spans biochemistry, neurodegeneration, proteomics, and gene editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 🔬. Dr. Taha has led innovative research projects on oxidative stress and Alzheimer’s disease 🧠, protein networks related to Fragile X syndrome, and molecular biomarkers for autism. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the National Research Centre in Cairo 🏛️, he also served as a lecturer at Ain Shams University 📚. With an impressive track record of international collaborations, publications in high-impact journals, and cutting-edge research methods, Dr. Taha exemplifies excellence in scientific inquiry, mentorship, and translational medicine. His dedication to innovation makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award 🥇.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education 

Dr. Mohamed Taha holds a Ph.D. in Biology (Natural Sciences) from the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany 🇩🇪 (2009–2014), graduating with Magna Cum Laude distinction 🎓. His doctoral research, supported by the prestigious DAAD scholarship 🏅, focused on the protein network of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein. He earned an M.Sc. in Biophysics from Ain Shams University, Cairo 🇪🇬 (2003–2007), where he studied gene expression in hearing-impaired children 🧬. Prior to that, he completed his B.Sc. in Biophysics from the same university (1997–2001), graduating with high honors 📘. His diverse educational background combines advanced training in molecular biology, proteomics, biochemistry, and biophysics 🔬. This academic foundation has propelled Dr. Taha into the forefront of international biomedical research and has enabled him to work across multidisciplinary scientific domains with depth and innovation 🧠🔍.

Experience 

Dr. Mohamed Taha brings a rich tapestry of research and teaching experience across international institutions 🌐. Since 2017, he has served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National Research Centre in Cairo 🏛️, where he leads projects on oxidative stress in neurodegeneration and low-dose radiotherapy in Alzheimer’s treatment 🧠. From 2015 to 2017, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the NIH in Bethesda, USA 🇺🇸, focusing on proteomic analyses of nuclear pore proteins 🧪. He also worked at Heinrich-Heine University, Germany 🇩🇪 (2014–2015), researching protein networks in Fragile X syndrome. Earlier, he contributed as a lecturer at Ain Shams University (2018–2021) 📚 and as a research assistant and assistant researcher at the National Research Centre (2003–2009). His hands-on lab experience spans molecular cloning, gene editing (CRISPR), microscopy, chromatography, and biophysical techniques, alongside strong teaching and mentoring roles 🔬👨‍🏫.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Taha has an impressive academic journey, starting with a DAAD Scholarship (2009–2014) that provided full funding for his Ph.D. at Heinrich-Heine University, Germany, where he graduated magna cum laude for his exceptional research in biology. He furthered his career with a tenure-track position as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Research Centre in Cairo, followed by an NIH Postdoc Fellowship in the USA (2015–2017). During this time, he also mentored NIH summer students, earning recognition for his guidance. Dr. Taha served as a University Lecturer at Ain Shams University, teaching undergraduate biotechnology from 2018 to 2021. His contributions to neurobiology, proteomics, and molecular diagnostics have earned him a nomination for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to research and mentoring, coupled with his global academic recognition, showcases his commitment to advancing the scientific community, making him a deserving candidate for further honors and accolades. 🌍🧬📚

Research Focus

Dr. Mohamed Taha’s research bridges molecular biology, neurodegeneration, and proteomics 🧬🧠. His Ph.D. work provided novel insights into Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), a key regulator of neuronal function and synaptic plasticity 💡. At NIH, he advanced proteomic approaches to analyze nuclear pore protein modifications during mitosis 🧫. Currently, he investigates oxidative stress and low-dose radiotherapy as therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s 🧠⚡. He also explores genetic and biochemical markers in autism and viral diseases. His methodologies span CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, FPLC protein purification, and real-time PCR 🔍. With a focus on translational research and early biomarker discovery, Dr. Taha’s work aims to bridge the gap between lab innovations and clinical applications, addressing unmet medical needs and contributing significantly to precision medicine 🌟🧪.

Publication Top Notes

  • Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein Protein and Its Multifunctionality: From Cytosol to Nucleolus and Back (Biomolecules, 2024)

  • 🦠 In Vitro Assessment of a Natural Monoterpene as an Antiviral Compound against Low Pathogenic Human Coronavirus 229E (Egypt. J. Chem., 2024)

  • 🔄 Physical Interaction between ERas and Arginase-1 in Quiescent Hepatic Stellate Cells (Cells, 2022)

  • 🧪 Telomere Length and Glutathione Level as Potential Biomarkers for Autism (J Psychi Res Rev Rep, 2021)

  • 🔗 Uncovering Multiple Protein Interaction Networks Linked to Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FEBS J., 2020)

  • 🛡️ FMRP Protects Against TNF-Mediated Cell Death and Liver Injury (Gut, 2020)

  • 📍 Subcellular Localization Reveals Direct Interaction of FMRP with Nucleolin (Manuscript)