Wijdan Al-Ahmadi | Biomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wijdan Al-Ahmadi | Biomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Associate scientest, King Faisal specialist hospital and research center, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Wijdan Al-Ahmadi is a seasoned researcher with over 20 years of experience in biomedicine, focusing on cancer biology, immunology, and disease mechanisms. Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, she is a key member of the Molecular Biomedicine Research Department at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center. Her work spans diverse fields, including inflammatory diseases and cardiovascular research. Notably, in 2023, she contributed to a groundbreaking experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting her ability to conduct research in extreme environments. Dr. Al-Ahmadi has demonstrated leadership through her work as an educator, mentoring students at various academic levels. Her contributions continue to push the boundaries of biomedicine, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies and personalized medicine approaches.

Profile

Education

Dr. Wijdan Al-Ahmadi holds a Ph.D. in Bioscience from Cardiff University (2015–2019), where she focused on cancer and immunology research. She also earned a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from King Saud University (1994–1998). Her academic journey has equipped her with advanced expertise in molecular biology, cancer research, and biomedical sciences. Dr. Al-Ahmadi’s educational foundation is complemented by her extensive hands-on experience in laboratory settings, which has enabled her to contribute to numerous pioneering studies. Through her formal education and continuous professional development, she has maintained a passion for unraveling disease mechanisms and enhancing health outcomes through scientific innovation.

Experience

Dr. Al-Ahmadi’s career spans over two decades in the field of biomedicine. She currently serves as an Associate Scientist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, where she leads advanced research projects in cancer biology and immunology. Prior to this, she was a Post-doctoral Fellow (2020–2023), focusing on cancer and inflammatory disease mechanisms. Dr. Al-Ahmadi’s experience includes roles as a Research Assistant (2007–2015) and a Research Technician (2002–2006), where she was deeply involved in cancer research and molecular biology assays. She has also mentored Ph.D., master’s, and undergraduate students throughout her career. Her research has had significant impact both in clinical settings and in experimental fields, including innovative studies aboard the ISS in 2023, demonstrating her versatility in different research environments.

Research Focus

Dr. Wijdan Al-Ahmadi’s research is focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of diseases, particularly cancer, inflammatory disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. She is dedicated to uncovering how specific genetic mutations and signaling pathways contribute to disease progression, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets for better patient outcomes. Dr. Al-Ahmadi’s work in space science is also notable, having contributed to microgravity research aboard the ISS, exploring how human physiology and disease processes respond in space. Her findings not only have applications for space health but also provide critical insights that can benefit human health on Earth. She is driven by the potential of personalized medicine and therapeutic interventions that address the root causes of disease.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Pro-atherogenic actions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 serine 727 phosphorylation in LDL receptor deficient mice via modulation of plaque inflammation. 🧬🔬
  2. Protective effects of a unique combination of nutritionally active ingredients on risk factors and gene expression associated with atherosclerosis in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. 🥗🧪
  3. Posttranscriptional control of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 expression in cancer cells. 🧑‍🔬🦠
  4. miR-29a inhibition normalizes HuR over-expression and aberrant AU-rich mRNA stability in invasive cancer. 🧬💡
  5. The RNA-binding zinc-finger protein tristetraprolin regulates AU-rich mRNAs involved in breast cancer-related processes. 🔬💥
  6. Alternative polyadenylation variants of the RNA binding protein, HuR: abundance, role of AU-rich elements and auto-Regulation. 🧬📊
  7. Cloning-free regulated monitoring of reporter and gene expression. 🧬🧑‍🔬
  8. RNase L downmodulation of the RNA-binding protein, HuR, and cellular growth. 🔬🧑‍🔬
  9. Bioinformatics and experimental derivation of an efficient hybrid 3′ untranslated region and use in expression active linear DNA with minimum poly(A) region. 💻🧬
  10. Expedient liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection for montelukast sodium in micro-samples of plasma. 🧪💉

 

 

 

Margherita Sisto | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Margherita Sisto | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Professor, University of Bari, Italy

Prof. Sisto Margherita is a distinguished Full Professor of Human Anatomy at the University of Bari, Italy, with a strong background in human and experimental morphology. Her research spans immunology, molecular biology, and autoimmune diseases, particularly focusing on Sjögren’s syndrome and fibrotic disorders. With an academic career dedicated to teaching and research, Prof. Sisto collaborates internationally with several prestigious institutions, contributing to advancements in autoimmune pathophysiology. Her work has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory diseases, inflammation, and immune responses.

Profile

Education

Prof. Sisto graduated cum laude in Biological Sciences from the University of Bari in 1997, followed by a Ph.D. in Human and Experimental Morphology in 1999. She also specialized in “Biology of Human and Animal Reproduction” and became board-certified as a Biologist in 1998. Throughout her academic journey, Prof. Sisto has demonstrated a dedication to advancing the fields of molecular immunology and human anatomy, shaping her impressive career in academia and research.

Experience

Prof. Sisto’s career spans several roles at the University of Bari, Italy, including researcher and adjunct professor. Since 2003, she has taught Human Anatomy across a variety of programs, such as Medicine, Nursing, and Biomedical Laboratory Techniques. She has supervised numerous graduate and postgraduate students and contributed significantly to Ph.D. programs in applied morphobiology and cellular sciences. Since 2019, Prof. Sisto has held the position of Full Professor of Human Anatomy, cementing her influence in academic leadership and education.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Sisto has received several accolades for her research. Notably, in 2011, she won the MD Honors Research Award with a $10,000 grant for her project on “The NF-kB Pathway as a Potential Target for Autoimmune Disease Therapy.” Additionally, she has been awarded multiple research grants, including funding from M.U.R.S.T and the Italian Ministry for Research and Higher Education. Her work is frequently recognized by scientific societies, and she is an active peer reviewer for several prestigious journals.

Research Focus

Prof. Sisto’s research primarily focuses on the molecular immunology of autoimmune diseases, particularly Sjögren’s syndrome. She investigates the role of autoantibodies in disease pathogenesis, explores immune regulation in autoimmunity, and studies inflammation’s impact on chronic diseases. Her work on macrophage and granulocyte activity, including their polarization and apoptosis, aims to uncover novel therapeutic strategies for autoimmune and fibrotic diseases. Prof. Sisto is at the forefront of research on emerging molecular therapies targeting inflammation and autoimmune disorders.

Publication Top Notes

  • Epigenetic Modulations of Non-Coding RNAs: A Novel Therapeutic Perspective in Sjögren’s Syndrome 🧬
  • Molecular Mechanism in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Fibrosis 🔬
  • Epigenetic Regulation of EMP/EMT-Dependent Fibrosis 🧬
  • Targeting Interleukin-17 as a Novel Treatment Option for Fibrotic Diseases 💉
  • Interleukin-23 Involved in Fibrotic Autoimmune Diseases: New Discoveries 🧫
  • Immune and Non-Immune Inflammatory Cells Involved in Autoimmune Fibrosis: New Discoveries 🩺
  • Towards a Unified Approach in Autoimmune Fibrotic Signalling Pathways 🔍
  • Molecular Mechanisms Linking Inflammation to Autoimmunity in Sjögren’s Syndrome: Identification of New Targets 💡
  • Diseases of the Salivary Glands-Part II 🦷
  • The Expression of Follistatin-like 1 Protein Is Associated with the Activation of the EMT Program in Sjögren’s Syndrome 🧪