Salma Abdelnasser | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Salma Abdelnasser | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at National Research Centre, Egypt

Dr. Salma Abdelnasser is an accomplished researcher with a PhD in Microbiology from Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Her expertise lies in the production and characterization of novel marine bacterial exopolysaccharides and their therapeutic potential, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. She has extensive technical skills, including the isolation and purification of bacterial strains, RNA isolation, real-time PCR, and advanced data analysis. Dr. Abdelnasser has held various positions at the National Research Center (NRC) in Cairo, ranging from Research Specialist to her current role as a Researcher. She has led significant research projects, including studies on the role of miRNAs and exopolysaccharides in hepatocellular carcinoma, and the purification and characterization of marine bacterial exopolysaccharides. Her research has been published in reputable journals, reflecting her contributions to the field of microbial biotechnology and cancer therapeutics.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Dr. Salma Abdelnasser is an accomplished academic with a Doctor of Philosophy in Science (PhD) specializing in Microbiology from the Faculty of Science at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. Her doctoral research focused on the “Production of Novel Marine Bacterial Exopolysaccharides: Their Effect on Immunological Response and Apoptotic Pathways for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” This thesis explored innovative approaches in microbiology, examining how marine bacterial exopolysaccharides can influence immune responses and apoptotic mechanisms in the context of liver cancer.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Salma Abdelnasser has held several key positions in the Microbial Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Division, at the National Research Center (NRC) in Cairo, Egypt. Since July 2018, she has been serving as a Researcher, where she continues to contribute to significant advancements in microbial biotechnology. Prior to this role, she was an Assistant Researcher from January 2016 to July 2018, demonstrating her growing expertise and dedication to her field. From August 2013 to January 2016, Dr. Abdelnasser worked as a Research Assistant, building her foundation in research methodologies and techniques. Her career at the NRC began as a Research Specialist, a position she held from January 2007 to August 2013. Throughout her tenure at the NRC, Dr. Abdelnasser has consistently shown a commitment to advancing genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Skills:

Dr. Salma Abdelnasser possesses a robust set of technical skills relevant to her field of expertise. She is proficient in the isolation and purification of bacterial strains from marine sediment through serial dilution and streak plate methods. Additionally, she has extensive experience in the production, isolation, and purification of bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs). Dr. Abdelnasser is skilled in identifying EPS-producing bacterial strains with high rates of cell death through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. She can assess the in vitro cytotoxicity of partially purified EPSs extracted from marine bacterial strains using in vitro cytotoxic assays. To confirm the proposed chemical structures of EPSs, she analyzes their infrared (IR) spectra, mass spectra, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) data. Dr. Abdelnasser is adept at isolating RNA and employing real-time PCR to assess the apoptotic activity of promising EPSs, followed by statistical analysis of the PCR data. Furthermore, she studies the pro-apoptotic effects of promising EPSs using the Human Apoptosis Antibody Array-Membrane (43 targets) ab134001 Kit (abcam® England) and is proficient in analyzing data from antibody arrays. These skills underscore Dr. Abdelnasser’s extensive expertise and capabilities in microbiological research and its applications.

Research:

Dr. Salma Abdelnasser has led several impactful research projects as a Principal Investigator. One of her notable projects is titled “Investigating the Role of miRNAs on Apoptotic and Angiogenic Pathways in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Treated with Bacillus sonorensis Exopolysaccharide (EPS-1),” which runs from 2022 to 2024 and is funded by the National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt (grant number: 13060123). This study aims to explore the potential synergistic effects of miRNA and EPS-1 on pro-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic genes. Hybrid anticancer drugs are emerging as promising therapeutic options that can effectively address the limitations of conventional anticancer drugs. This project seeks to demonstrate the positive role of combining miRNA and EPS-1 in modulating key genes involved in the development, progression, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Given that the expression of microRNAs is often altered in cancer cells, and that exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are gaining attention as a novel source for cancer treatment, this research holds significant potential for advancing cancer therapeutics.

 

📚Publications :

Publication: “Preventive potential of Bacillus sonorensis exopolysaccharide upon hepatocellular carcinoma and quantitation of tumor suppressor protein p53”

Authors: Abdelnasser, S.M., Ahmed, Y.M.

Journal: European Journal of Cancer Prevention

Year: 2022

Volume: 31(6), pp. 513–522

Citations: 0

Publication: “Human apoptosis antibody array-membranes studying the apoptotic effect of marine bacterial exopolysaccharides in HepG2 cells”

Authors: Abdelnasser, S., Yahya, S.M., Mohamed, W., Mahmoud, M., Asker, M.S.

Journal: Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics

Year: 2021

Volume: 17(1), pp. 38–45

Citations: 2

Publication: “Newly isolated marine bacterial exopolysaccharides enhance antitumor activity in HepG2 cells via affecting key apoptotic factors and activating toll-like receptors”

Authors: Yahya, S.M.M., Abdelnasser, S.M., Hamed, A.R., El Sayed, O.H., Asker, M.S.

Journal: Molecular Biology Reports

Year: 2019

Volume: 46(6), pp. 6231–6241

Citations: 17

Publication: “Antitumor exopolysaccharides derived from novel marine Bacillus: Isolation, characterization aspect and biological activity”

Authors: Abdelnasser, S.M., Yahya, S.M.M., Mohamed, W.F., Mahmoud, M.G., Gadallah, M.A.

Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

Year: 2017

Volume: 18(7), pp. 1847–1854

Citations: 33

Publication: “Differential effects of c-myc and ABCB1 silencing on reversing drug resistance in HepG2/Dox cells”

Authors: Yahya, S.M.M., Hamed, A.R., Emara, M., Abd-Ellatef, G.E.F., Abdelnasser, S.M.

Journal: Tumor Biology

Year: 2016

Volume: 37(5), pp. 5925–5932

Citations: 8

 

Ashish Kumar Singhi | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ashish Kumar Singhi | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, India

Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh is a distinguished professional in the field of nematology and agricultural research, renowned for his expertise and contributions. With a solid educational foundation including a Ph.D. in Nematology from ICAR – Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, he has garnered extensive experience and recognition in his field. Throughout his career, Dr. Singh has excelled in nematode biodiversity assessment, management under protected cultivation, and insect pest management. His research spans critical areas such as entomopathogenic nematodes, bacterial genomics, and the impact of fertilization on soil nematodes, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices and soil health management.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh has an extensive educational background in agricultural sciences with a strong focus on nematology. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Agriculture from UPAC, Varanasi, India, from 2008 to 2012. Following this, he pursued an M.Sc. in Nematology at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, India, from 2013 to 2015, specializing in plant pathology, plant biotechnology, and nematology. Dr. Singh further advanced his expertise by earning a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Nematology from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, India, between 2015 and 2021. During his doctoral studies, he worked on significant research projects including the evaluation of root knot nematode responsive promoters against important plant parasitic nematodes, and the draft genome of the seed gall nematode (Anguina tritici, Steinbuch, 1799). Dr. Singh possesses a diverse skill set encompassing nematology, plant pathology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. His research and academic pursuits highlight his commitment to advancing agricultural sciences and addressing critical issues in plant health and nematode management. With practical experience in agriculture and rural settings, Dr. Singh’s work contributes significantly to the understanding and management of plant parasitic nematodes. You can follow his professional updates and research activities on Twitter at @ashishnematode.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh has garnered substantial professional experience in various facets of agricultural research and nematode management. Since July 2022, he has been working as a Scientist (Senior Scale) at ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora. In this role, Dr. Singh focuses on nematode biodiversity assessment, nematode management under protected cultivation, insect pest management, and entomopathogenic nematodes. He also delves into bacterial genomics, white grub gut bacterial metagenomics, and the long-term impact of fertilization on soil nematodes, examining nematodes as indicators of soil health. Before his current position, from July 2018 to July 2022, Dr. Singh served as a Scientist at the same institution. His contributions during this period were crucial in advancing the understanding and management of nematodes and other related agricultural issues. In July 2018, Dr. Singh attended the 108th Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service (FOCARS) at the ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad. This three-month training program was designed to enhance the competencies of research management through various components and modules, equipping Dr. Singh with essential skills and knowledge for his scientific career. Dr. Singh’s professional journey reflects his dedication to improving agricultural practices and managing nematode-related challenges. His expertise and research continue to play a significant role in the field of agricultural science, particularly in the areas of nematode management and soil health.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh has received numerous awards and honors throughout his academic and professional career, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of nematology and agricultural research. In February 2022, he was honored with the “Best Oral Presentation” award by the Phytopathological Society of India, New Delhi. This recognition was for presenting a research paper at the National Symposium on “Recent Trends in Phytopathology to Address Emerging Challenges for Achieving Food Security.” His outstanding presentation highlighted his research’s relevance and impact in addressing phytopathological challenges. Dr. Singh also won the “First Prize” from the State Department of Uttarakhand for an institute tableau display on Republic Day, showcasing his commitment to community engagement and public education. In March 2022, he was recognized as the “Best Trainee” at a capacity-building workshop in Nematode taxonomy and a satellite symposium on Advances in Nematology, hosted by the Department of Zoology, CCS University, Meerut, in collaboration with DRDO. This award underscored his expertise and excellence in the specialized field of nematode taxonomy. His academic journey was marked by securing a “Junior Research Fellowship” from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, for pursuing an M.Sc. in Nematology from 2013 to 2015. He continued to excel by obtaining an “ICAR Senior Research Fellowship” from ICAR, New Delhi, for his Ph.D. studies in Nematology. Additionally, Dr. Singh was awarded the prestigious “IARI Meritorious Scholarship” from ICAR – Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, for his Ph.D. studies. Dr. Singh successfully passed the “National Eligibility Test (NET)” conducted by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi, further establishing his qualifications and readiness for a career in agricultural research. His research excellence was also recognized with the “Best Research Presentation Award” by the Nematological Society of India.

 

📚Publications :

Unveiling the Draft Genome of the Seed Gall Nematode, Anguina tritici: Insights and Analysis

Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology

Date: June 2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmpp.2024.102330

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh

A Draft Transcriptome Announcement of Anguina tritici

Journal: Journal of Nematology

Date: March 2024

DOI: 10.2478/jofnem-2024-0007

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh

Detection of Meloidogyne graminicola (RRKN) in Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayas

Journal: The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Date: August 2023

DOI: 10.56093/ijas.v93i7.135351

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh

Unravelling geospatial distribution and genetic diversity of greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) from Himalayan Region

Journal: Scientific Reports

Date: July 2023

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37781-y

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh

Collective effect of host delivered RNAi splicing factor and integrase gene on the reproductive potential of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)

Journal: The Pharma Innovation Journal

Date: May 2023

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh

Nematode Genome Announcement: A Draft Genome of Seed Gall Nematode, Anguina tritici

Journal: Journal of Nematology

Date: February 2023

DOI: 10.2478/jofnem-2023-0031

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh

Molecular characterization of necromenic nematode Pristionchus pacificus and associated bacteria: A new record

Journal:

Date: October 2022

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh

Chitosan and chitosan-based nanoparticles for eco-friendly management of plant diseases and insect pests: a concentric overview

Publication Type: Book Chapter

Book Title: Role of Chitosan and Chitosan-Based Nanomaterials in Plant Sciences

Date: 2022

DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-85391-0.00003-4

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh

Understanding the Relationship Between Pesticide Residue and Rhizospheric Process in Soil Ecosystems

Journal: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

Date: 2022

Volume: 10, Issue 2

Pages: 123-131

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh

Role of Plant-Associated Microbes in Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal Polluted Soils

Publication Type: Book Chapter

Book Title: Heavy Metal Toxicity in Plants

Date: November 2021

DOI: 10.1201/9781003155089-12

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh

Conferring root-knot nematode resistance via host-delivered RNAi-mediated silencing of four Mi-msp genes in Arabidopsis

Journal: Plant Science

Date: 2020

DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110592

EID: 2-s2.0-85087791294

Citations:

Authors: Ashish Kumar Singh