Huai-Jen Tsai | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University | Taiwan

Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai is a distinguished molecular biologist whose research spans developmental biology, marine biotechnology, and gene transgenesis in aquatic organisms, with a particular focus on zebrafish and other finfish models. He has pioneered innovative sperm-mediated and electroporation-based gene transfer systems, enabling highly efficient transgenesis in finfish and shellfish, and has significantly advanced understanding of growth hormone regulation, gonadotropins, rhodopsins, and muscle-specific transcription factors, thereby contributing to both vertebrate developmental biology and aquaculture applications. Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai’s work bridges fundamental molecular biology and applied biotechnology, investigating molecular mechanisms regulating embryonic development, stress responses, and neural regeneration, including studies on ENDOU-mediated translation regulation and the role of extracellular proteins in promoting neurite outgrowth and spinal cord repair. He has authored 162 documents indexed in Scopus, which have been cited over 5,174 times by 4,191 publications, and he holds an h-index of 36, reflecting the high impact and wide recognition of his contributions in the scientific community. Throughout his career, Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai has received numerous prestigious awards, including the MOST Outstanding Research Award, Y. Z. Hsu Technology Invention Award for a patented zebrafish gene fragment, and multiple NSC Outstanding Research Awards, and he has served as principal investigator on numerous funded research projects. In addition, he contributes extensively as a reviewer and editorial board member for international journals. His research continues to integrate molecular genetics, developmental studies, and biotechnological innovation, establishing him as a leading authority in aquatic molecular genetics, transgenic technologies, and regenerative biology, and underscoring his influential role in advancing both basic science and translational applications in vertebrate and aquatic systems.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  • Lee, H.-C., Huang, Y.-H., Hsieh, C.-C., Ke, Y.-N., & Tsai, H.-J. (2025). ENDOU-1-induced cytoplasmic HnRNPA3 recognizes m6A methylation on the upstream reading frame of human CHOP transcripts to achieve maximal CHOP translation. Preprint.

  • Lee, B.-C., Tsai, J.-C., Huang, Y.-H., Wang, C.-C., Lee, H.-C., & Tsai, H.-J. (2024). The 419th aspartic acid of neural membrane protein enolase 2 is a key residue involved in axonal growth of motor neurons mediated by interaction between enolase 2 receptor and extracellular Pgk1 ligand. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(19), 10753.

  • Lee, H.-C., Chao, H.-T., Lee, S. Y.-H., Lin, C.-Y., & Tsai, H.-J. (2023). The upstream 1350~1250 nucleotide sequences of the human ENDOU-1 gene contain critical cis-elements responsible for upregulating its transcription during ER stress. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(24), 17393.

  • Zeng, C.-W., & Tsai, H.-J. (2023). The promising role of a zebrafish model employed in neural regeneration following a spinal cord injury. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(18), 13938.

  • Fu, C.-Y., Chen, H.-Y., Lin, C.-Y., Chen, S.-J., Sheu, J.-C., & Tsai, H.-J. (2023). Extracellular Pgk1 interacts with neural membrane protein enolase-2 to improve neurite outgrowth of motor neurons. Communications Biology, 6, 822.

Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural and Environmental Engineer in PhD thesis | Agroecology, INRAE, Institute Agro Dijon, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté | France

Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles is a dedicated agricultural and environmental engineer currently pursuing her PhD in Agroecology at UMR Agroecology, INRAE Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Dijon, France. Her research focuses on using multi-omic approaches to identify fungal metabolites with phytotoxic effects on the parasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa. Ana is passionate about agroecological solutions to tackle pressing agricultural and ecological challenges.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Awards

  • Research Expertise and Focus:
    • Her current PhD research on identifying fungal metabolites toxic to the parasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa showcases advanced knowledge in multi-omics approaches, with significant implications for sustainable agriculture and parasitic weed management.
    • Published impactful papers in high-quality journals such as Toxins, Pest Management Science, and Applied Energy. These publications highlight her proficiency in untargeted metabolomics, environmental management, and sustainable energy in agricultural systems.
  • Diverse Academic Background:
    • A strong foundation in agroecology, agricultural engineering, and multidisciplinary sciences, evidenced by her Master’s degree and engineering curriculum.
    • Hands-on experience with innovative research topics such as the effect of photovoltaic panels on agricultural systems and pollinator pressures in socio-ecological frameworks.

Education 🎓

Ana’s academic journey began with an intensive two-year preparation in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences at Sainte Geneviève High School in Versailles, France, where she graduated with honors. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Agroecology at the University Bourgogne Franche-Comté (2021–2023), while simultaneously completing a prestigious civil service agricultural engineering program at Agro Dijon.

Experience 📓

Ana has accumulated diverse research experience:

  • PhD Research (2023–present): Investigating phytotoxic fungal metabolites for parasitic weed control.
  • Research Internship (2023): Developed lab protocols to study fungal metabolites affecting Phelipanche ramosa.
  • Environmental Tool Development (2022–2023): Collaborated on a project to evaluate pressures on pollinators and create a dialogue tool for scientists and policymakers.
  • Solar Agriculture Research (2022): Explored plant growth under photovoltaic panels at the German Aerospace Center.
  • Educational Projects (2021–2022): Produced a teaching aid on precision agriculture and agroecology.

Research Interests On Genetics🔬

Ana’s primary research interests lie at the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and environmental science. She specializes in exploring the potential of fungal metabolites as natural herbicides, sustainable agricultural practices, and the integration of technology like photovoltaic systems in agroecology.

Awards 🏆

Ana’s academic and extracurricular excellence has been recognized through her participation in prestigious events, including:

  • Chemistry Olympiads (2017, 2019)
  • General Mathematics Competition (2018)
  • Biarritz International Dance Workshop
    She was also selected for the AnaEE France 2024 Summer School on machine learning ecology and presented her research at the 17th World Congress of Parasitic Plants in Japan (2024).

Publications 📚

  • “Image Analysis and Untargeted Metabolomics Reveal Potential Phytotoxins from Fusarium venenatum Against Major Parasitic Weed Phelipanche ramosa”
    • Authors: Ana Bendejacq Seychelles, Lisa Martinez, Anaïs Corréard, Jean Chrisologue Totozafy, Christian Steinberg, Jean-Bernard Pouvreau, Carole Reibel, Grégory Mouille, Samuel Mondy, Lucie Poulin, et al.
    • Publication Year: 2024 (December 10).
    • Citations: None yet, as it was recently published.
    • DOI: 10.3390/toxins16120531.
  • “Combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics to characterize and identify fungal metabolites phytotoxic to Phelipanche ramosa, a parasitic plant of crops”
    • Author: Ana Bendejacq Seychelles.
    • Publication Year: 2023 (November 28).
    • Citations: Not currently cited.
  • “Phytotoxic fungal secondary metabolites as herbicides”
    • Authors: Ana Bendejacq Seychelles, Stéphanie Gibot-Leclerc, Jean-Philippe Guillemin, Gregory Mouille, Christian Steinberg.
    • Publication Year: 2023 (October 4).
    • Citations: Available but unspecified.
    • DOI: 10.1002/ps.7813.

 

Conclusion 🌟

Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles embodies a blend of scientific rigor and passion for sustainability. With her diverse expertise in agroecology, research, and technology, she is poised to make significant contributions to the agricultural and environmental sectors.