Xiao Li | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Xiao Li | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Northwest A&F University | China

 Xiao Li is an Associate Professor at the College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northwest A & F University. His research focuses on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle and adipose tissue development, with significant implications for the livestock industry. His studies explore the roles of noncoding RNAs, epigenetic pathways, and the interactions between skeletal myofibers and intramuscular adipocytes to enhance pig growth and pork quality.

Profile👤

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards🎗️

  • Outstanding Research Contributions – Xiao Li has a strong research focus on skeletal muscle and adipose tissue development, with particular interest in epigenetic and genetic mechanisms regulating myogenesis, adipogenesis, and lipogenesis. These areas have significant implications in both livestock industries and human health.

  • High-Impact Publications – Xiao Li has 19+ publications in renowned journals like the American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Animal Biotechnology, and Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica. These papers demonstrate substantial contributions to muscle biology, adipogenesis, and epigenetic regulation.

  • Interdisciplinary Research Impact – Xiao Li’s work bridges animal science, genetics, and nutrition, contributing to both fundamental research and practical applications in improving pig growth and meat quality.

  • International Collaborations & Experience – Xiao Li has collaborated with leading global institutions, including Virginia Tech, Cornell University, and Washington State University, showcasing a strong international research network.

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. (2005-2011) – Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University
  • Joint Ph.D. (2009-2010) – Laboratory of Muscle Biology, Virginia Tech
  • Visiting Scholar (2010-2011) – Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University

Experience 🎓🌐

  • Lecturer (2012-2018) – College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northwest A & F University
  • Visiting Scholar (2017-2018) – Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University
  • Associate Professor (2018-present) – College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Northwest A & F University

Research Interests On Biological Sciences 🌿

  • The role and mechanisms of noncoding RNAs in myogenesis, adipogenesis, and lipogenesis
  • Epigenetic pathways mediating maternal/paternal programming in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue development
  • The cross-talk between skeletal myofibers and intramuscular adipocytes
  • Nutritional strategies to enhance pig growth and improve pork quality

Awards 🏆

Xiao Li has been recognized for his contributions to the field of animal physiology and genetics through various academic and research awards. His work has received funding and accolades from prestigious institutions supporting advancements in livestock research.

Publications 📚

  1. Screening of lncRNA profiles during intramuscular adipogenic differentiation in longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus muscles in pigs

    • Authors: Yanru Yue, Zihao Ge, Zhicheng Guo, Yuhe Wang, Gongshe Yang, Shiduo Sun, Xiao Li
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2176319
  2. Effects of maternal supplementation of fish oil during late gestation and lactation on growth performance, fecal microbiota structure and post-weaning diarrhoea of offspring piglets

    • Authors: Peiyuan Han, Zhaohui Du, Xiaowei Liu, Junyi You, Xin’e Shi, Shiduo Sun, Gongshe Yang, Xiao Li
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522003981
  3. Rosiglitazone-induced PPARγ activation promotes intramuscular adipocyte adipogenesis of pig

    • Authors: Zhaolu Wang, Youlei Li, Lingling Wu, Yuan Guo, Gongshe Yang, Xiao Li, Xin’e Shi
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2206872
  4. Effect of fermented corn–soybean meal on carcass and meat quality of grower‐finisher pigs

    • Authors: Junfeng Lu, Qichun Han, Shaoying Wang, Zhaolu Wang, Xiao Li, Jianhong Hu, Gongshe Yang, Lei Wang, Xin’e Shi
    • Publication Year: 2021
    • DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13444
  5. MiR-370 enhances cell cycle and represses lipid accumulation in porcine adipocytes

  6. Triptolide enhances lipolysis of adipocytes by enhancing ATGL transcription via upregulation of p53

    • Authors: Xiaoyu Wang, Meixue Xu, Ying Peng, Qimuge Naren, Yanting Xu, Xin Wang, Gongshe Yang, Xin’E Shi, Xiao Li
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6779
  7. Elevated miR-10a-5p facilitates cell cycle and restrains adipogenic differentiation via targeting Map2k6 and Fasn, respectively

    • Authors: Xiaoyu Wang, Huifang Zhang, Meixue Xu, Xin’E Shi, Gongshe Yang, Shiduo Sun, Xiao Li
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmaa111
  8. Morus nigra L. leaves improve the meat quality in finishing pigs

    • Authors: Lujie Fan, Ying Peng, Dan Wu, Jianhong Hu, Xin’E Shi, Gongshe Yang, Xiao Li
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13439
  9. Screening of lncRNA Profiles During Intramuscular Adipogenic Differentiation in Longissimus Dorsi and Semitendinosus Muscles in Pigs

    • Authors: Xiaoyu Wang, Ying Peng, Meixue Xu, Xiaochang Chen, Gongshe Yang, Xin’e Shi, Xiao Li
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-55654/v1
  10. The long noncoding RNA MyHC IIA/X-AS contributes to skeletal muscle myogenesis and maintains the fast fiber phenotype

  • Authors: Mingle Dou, Ying Yao, Lu Ma, Xiaoyu Wang, Xin’e Shi, Gongshe Yang, Xiao Li
  • Publication Year: 2020
  • DOI: 10.1074/jbc.RA119.010498

Conclusion 🔍

Xiao Li’s research has significantly contributed to understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms regulating muscle and fat development in livestock. His work enhances knowledge in animal science and provides practical applications for improving meat quality and agricultural productivity. His continued efforts in noncoding RNA, epigenetics, and nutritional strategies will help advance the field and benefit both academia and the livestock industry.

Diamanto Kouniaki | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Diamanto Kouniaki | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Biologist, Ph.D | Immunology-Histocompatibility Dept.Evangelismos Hospital | Greece

Dr. Diamanto Kouniaki, a dedicated biologist and researcher, serves in the Immunology-Histocompatibility Department of Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece. With a profound interest in histocompatibility, immunogenetics, and transplantation science, she has significantly contributed to the advancement of research and clinical practices in these fields. Her career reflects a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in the scientific community.

Profile

Orcid

Strenghts for the Awards

  1. Extensive Academic and Professional Background:
    • Dr. Kouniaki has a robust educational foundation, including a PhD in Medicine with a focus on immunogenetics, demonstrating expertise in a highly specialized field.
    • The honorary ESHI diploma and international training highlight her proficiency and recognition in histocompatibility and immunogenetics.
  2. Significant Contributions to Research:
    • Publication Record:
      • 35 articles in international journals and 62 short papers in addition to numerous conference presentations (91 at international level).
      • Consistent engagement in research is evident from an h-index of 6, 124 citations, and a Research Interest Score of 58.7 on ResearchGate.
    • Multidisciplinary Focus:
      • Research spans critical areas such as transplantation, paternity testing, immunogenetics, and quality control, showcasing versatility.
  3. Recognition and Awards:
    • Honored with 8 awards and 13 invited lectures, reflecting recognition by peers in national and international platforms.
    • Active participation in 87 national and international congresses (including 17 first-author presentations) illustrates a commitment to disseminating research globally.
  4. Leadership and Collaborative Efforts:
    • Contributed to 6 thesis projects and served on organizing committees for 3 international congresses, showing leadership and mentorship.
  5. Practical and Clinical Impact:
    • Work in transplantation, immunogenetics, and quality control directly improves clinical outcomes, addressing critical medical challenges.

Education 🎓

  • BSc in Biology (1988-1993): National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
  • Advanced Training (2012): Specialization in HLA typing techniques and STR analysis for transplantation and paternity assessments at the Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics, Ulm, Germany.
  • PhD in Medicine (2013-2018): NKUA, with a thesis titled “Immunogenetics–two approaches in disputed paternity/maternity testing: HLA polymorphism vs STRs.”
  • Received the Honorary ESHI Diploma (2016) for specialization in histocompatibility and immunogenetics.

Experience 💼

Dr. Kouniaki has over two decades of experience, combining clinical expertise with groundbreaking research.

  • Immunogenetics Expertise: Ensuring compatibility for organ and bone marrow transplantations.
  • Paternity Testing: Conducting genetic analyses for familial relationships.
  • Quality Assurance: Active participant in quality control programs to uphold the highest testing standards.
    She has also contributed as a presenter, collaborator, and mentor at numerous national and international congresses, strengthening her professional reputation.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Kouniaki’s research focuses on advancing understanding and practices in:

  • Histocompatibility and Transplantation: Enhancing donor-recipient matching for solid organ and bone marrow transplants.
  • Immunogenetics and HLA: Investigating genetic markers and their roles in disease predisposition.
  • Paternity and Maternity Testing: Leveraging genetic tools for clinical and legal accuracy.
    Her work bridges the gap between clinical application and theoretical research, contributing to significant advancements in immunology.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Kouniaki has been honored with 8 prestigious awards in recognition of her impactful research and professional contributions. These accolades highlight her dedication to excellence in immunogenetics and transplantation science.

Publications 📚

1. Identification of the Novel HLA‐DQB1*03:01:01:69 Allele in a Candidate Bone Marrow Donor by Next Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15741
  • Citations: Not listed

2. Identification of the Novel HLA‐DQB1*05:02:01:19 Allele in a Candidate Bone Marrow Donor by Next Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Katerina Tarassi, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15740
  • Citations: Not listed

3. The Novel HLA‐DRB1*03:218N Allele, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing in a Greek Individual

  • Authors: Theofilos Athanassiades, Diamanto Kouniaki, Vasiliki Kitsiou, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15744
  • Citations: Not listed

4. A Novel HLA‐C07 Variant Allele, HLA‐C07:01:01:141, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Theofilos Athanassiades, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15687
  • Citations: Not listed

5. A Novel HLA‐DQB103 Variant Allele, HLA‐DQB103:01:01:64, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Vasiliki Kitsiou, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15705
  • Citations: Not listed

6. A Novel HLA‐DQB106 Variant Allele, HLA‐DQB106:02:01:40, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Katerina Tarassi, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15706
  • Citations: Not listed

7. Identification of the New Allele HLA‐C*04:01:01:186 in a Greek Individual Using Next Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Petros Mantzios, Theofilos Athanassiades, Diamanto Kouniaki, Vasiliki Kitsiou, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15569
  • Citations: Not listed

Conclusion 🤝

Dr. Diamanto Kouniaki’s career epitomizes a blend of clinical excellence and research innovation. Her dedication to histocompatibility, immunogenetics, and transplantation science has left an indelible mark on the global scientific community. Her achievements, fueled by her passion for science and quality assurance, continue to inspire and pave the way for future advancements in the field.