Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova | Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova | Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

Eurasian National University | Kazakhstan

Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova is an accomplished Assistant Professor at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, specializing in plant physiology and biochemistry. Her academic journey spans Kazakhstan, Israel, and Japan, where she has contributed significantly to the study of aldehyde oxidases and reactive carbonyl species. Dr. Nurbekova’s research has broad implications for improving plant resilience to abiotic stress and understanding molybdoenzymes’ role in detoxifying toxic compounds.

Professional profilešŸ‘¤

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Strengths for the AwardsāœØ

  • Diverse Research Experience: Zhadyrassyn has a solid background in biochemistry and plant physiology, with a focus on molybdoenzymes and reactive carbonyl species, which aligns with understanding biochemical pathways relevant to forensic investigations.
  • Interdisciplinary Projects: Her work on detoxification processes and environmental stress response could offer unique insights into forensic toxicology and environmental forensics.
  • International Collaborations: Collaborations with esteemed scientists like Prof. Moshe Sagi and Prof. Junichi Mano, along with internships across Israel, Japan, China, and Poland, showcase a global research perspective.
  • Research Output: Her publication record in high-impact journals and her role as a reviewer for the Journal of Agronomy reflects scientific credibility.
  • Technical Expertise: Proficiency in PCR, qRT-PCR, HPLC, Western blot, and enzyme assays ā€” techniques widely used in forensic labs ā€” is a notable asset.

Education šŸŽ“

  • PhD in Agriculture and Biotechnology (Plant Physiology) (2016-2021) ā€“ Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology (2012-2014) ā€“ L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan.
  • Bachelor in Biotechnology (2008-2012) ā€“ L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan.

Experience šŸ’¼

  • Assistant Professor (2024-Present) ā€“ L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan.
  • Senior Lecturer (2023-2024) ā€“ L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan.
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate (2021-2023) ā€“ Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
  • Junior Researcher (2014-2016) ā€“ L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan.

Research Interests On Biochemistry šŸ”¬

Dr. Nurbekova’s research focuses on:

  • Biochemistry and physiology of molybdoenzymes.
  • Reactive oxygen and carbonyl species in plant stress responses.
  • Aldehyde oxidases’ role in detoxifying carbonyl aldehydes.
  • Aquatic animal biochemistry, particularly molybdenum-cofactor in fish.

Awards šŸ†

  • Member of Plant Metal Society since 2022.
  • Recipient of multiple international research internships and collaborations.

Publications šŸ“š

  1. AAO2 impairment improves aldehyde detoxification by AAO3 in Arabidopsis leaves exposed to UVC or Rose Bengal

    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova, Sudhakar Srivastava, Nja Zai Du, Veronica TurečkovĆ”, Miroslav Strand, Rustem Omarov, Moshe Sagi
  2. Active O-acetylserine-(thiol) lyase A and B confer improved selenium resistance and degrade l-Cys and l-SeCys in Arabidopsis

    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Kurmanbayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Soltabayeva, A.; Oshanova, D.; Nurbekova, Z.; Srivastava, S.; Tiwari, P.; Dubey, A.K.; Sagi, M.
  3. Effect of Salinity and Nitrogen Fertilization Levels on Growth Parameters of Sarcocornia fruticosa, Salicornia brachiata, and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum

    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Sisay, T.A.; Nurbekova, Z.; Oshanova, D.; Dubey, A.K.; Khatri, K.; Mudgal, V.; Mudgal, A.; Neori, A.; Shpigel, M.; Srivastava, R.K.
  4. Ureides are accumulated similarly in response to UV-C irradiation and wounding in Arabidopsis leaves but are remobilized differently during recovery

    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Soltabayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Kurmanbayeva, A.; Oshanova, D.; Nurbekova, Z.; Srivastava, S.; Standing, D.; Sagi, M.
  5. Adenosine 5ā€² phosphosulfate reductase and sulfite oxidase regulate sulfite-induced water loss in Arabidopsis

    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Bekturova, A.; Oshanova, D.; Tiwari, P.; Nurbekova, Z.; Kurmanbayeva, A.; Soltabayeva, A.; Yarmolinsky, D.; Srivastava, S.; TureckovĆ”, V.; Strnad, M.
  6. Arabidopsis aldehyde oxidase 3, known to oxidize abscisic aldehyde to abscisic acid, protects leaves from aldehyde toxicity

    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Nurbekova, Z.; Srivastava, S.; Standing, D.; Kurmanbayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Soltabayeva, A.; Oshanova, D.; TurečkovĆ”, V.; Strand, M.; Biswas, M.S.
  7. Level of Sulfite Oxidase Activity Affects Sulfur and Carbon Metabolism in Arabidopsis

    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Oshanova, D.; Kurmanbayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Soltabayeva, A.; Nurbekova, Z.; Standing, D.; Dubey, A.K.; Sagi, M.
  8. Ureides are similarly accumulated in response to UV-C irradiation and wound but differently remobilized during recovery in Arabidopsis leaves

    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Soltabayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Kurmanbayeva, A.; Oshanova, D.; Nurbekova, Z.; Srivastava, S.; Standing, D.; Sagi, M.
  9. Impairment in O-acetylserine-(thiol) lyase A and B, but not C, confers higher selenate sensitivity and uncovers role for A, B and C as L-Cys and L-SeCys desulfhydrases in Arabidopsis

    • Year: 2020
    • Authors: Kurmanbayeva, A.; Bekturova, A.; Soltabayeva, A.; Srivastava, S.; Oshanova, D.; Nurbekova, Z.; Sagi, M.
  10. Differential influence of molybdenum and tungsten on the growth of barley seedlings and the activity of aldehyde oxidase under salinity

  • Year: 2018
  • Authors: Batyrshina, Z.; Yergaliyev, T.M.; Nurbekova, Z.; Moldakimova, N.A.; Masalimov, Z.K.; Sagi, M.; Omarov, R.T.

Conclusion šŸ“ˆ

Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova’s work has advanced the understanding of plant stress responses and molybdenum enzyme functions, with broad applications for agriculture and aquaculture. Her collaborative spirit and cross-disciplinary expertise make her a leading figure in plant biochemistry and molecular biology, paving the way for future discoveries in environmental and agricultural sciences.

Pingyu Zhang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Pingyu Zhang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shenzhen University | China

Pingyu Zhang is a distinguished professor and deputy director of the Department of Chemistry at Shenzhen University. She obtained her Ph.D. in 2015 under the mentorship of Professor Hui Chao at Sun Yat-sen University. Following her doctoral studies, she joined the University of Warwick as a Newton Fellow in Professor Peter J. Sadler’s group from 2015 to 2017. Since 2017, she has been a faculty member at Shenzhen University, where she has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. In recognition of her outstanding research, she was honored as a Young Chang Jiang Scholar by the Ministry of Education in 2023.

Professional profilešŸ‘¤

ORCID

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Strengths for the AwardsāœØ

  1. Outstanding Research Contributions

    • Professor Zhang has made significant advancements in the field of metal complex drugs for tumor-driven therapy, particularly in light- and sound-sensitive anti-tumor treatments.
    • Her pioneering work in sonodynamic therapy using metal complexes has opened new avenues for deep-tumor treatment, demonstrating high scientific impact.
  2. Academic Excellence & Recognitions

    • Recognized as a Young Chang Jiang Scholar (2023) by the Ministry of Education, a prestigious honor highlighting her research excellence.
    • Recipient of the Second-Class Natural Science Award of Shenzhen (2023, first contributor) and the Dalton Division Horizon Prize (2022) from the Royal Society of Chemistry.
  3. Research Productivity & Innovation

    • Published over 80 research papers in reputable journals, reflecting her consistent contributions to the scientific community.
    • Holds 18 Chinese invention patents, indicating her strong emphasis on translational research and innovation.
  4. International Experience & Collaborations

    • Gained global exposure through her postdoctoral research as a Newton Fellow at the University of Warwick (2015-2017) under the mentorship of Professor Peter J. Sadler.
    • Established a strong research presence both nationally and internationally, positioning her as a leading scientist in her field.

Education šŸŽ“

Pingyu Zhang completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Sun Yat-sen University in 2015 under the guidance of Professor Hui Chao. Her academic journey equipped her with a strong foundation in metal complex chemistry, which later became a cornerstone of her research career.

Experience šŸ’¼

Following her Ph.D., Professor Zhang worked as a Newton Fellow at the University of Warwick from 2015 to 2017, collaborating with Professor Peter J. Sadler on groundbreaking research in metal-based therapeutics. In 2017, she joined Shenzhen University as a faculty member, where she currently serves as a distinguished professor and deputy director of the Department of Chemistry. Her leadership and dedication have significantly advanced the department’s research initiatives.

Research Interests On Biochemistry šŸŒ

Professor Zhang’s research focuses on the fundamental study of metal complex drugs for tumor-driven therapy. She has pioneered the development of light- and sound-sensitive anti-tumor drugs, creating innovative therapeutic strategies. Notably, she was the first to identify the potential application of metal complexes in sonodynamic therapy, a promising approach for treating deep-seated tumors. Her work aims to enhance cancer treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Awards šŸ†

  • Young Chang Jiang Scholar, Ministry of Education (2023)
  • Second-Class Natural Science Award of Shenzhen (First Contributor, 2023)
  • Dalton Division Horizon Prize, Royal Society of Chemistry (2022)

Publications šŸ“š

Professor Zhang has published over 80 research papers in prestigious journals and holds 18 Chinese invention patents. Below are some of her notable publications:

  1. Highly stable single Pt atomic sites anchored on aniline-stacked graphene for hydrogen evolution reaction

    • Authors: S Ye, F Luo, Q Zhang, P Zhang, T Xu, Q Wang, D He, L Guo, Y Zhang, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 474
  2. Highly charged ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes as lysosomeā€localized photosensitizers for twoā€photon photodynamic therapy

    • Authors: H Huang, B Yu, P Zhang, J Huang, Y Chen, G Gasser, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 445
  3. Targeted photoredox catalysis in cancer cells

    • Authors: H Huang, S Banerjee, K Qiu, P Zhang, O Blacque, T Malcomson, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 398
  4. Advances in the design of organometallic anticancer complexes

    • Authors: P Zhang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 392
  5. New designs for phototherapeutic transition metal complexes

    • Authors: C Imberti, P Zhang, H Huang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 377
  6. Ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes as mitochondria-targeted two-photon photodynamic anticancer agents

    • Authors: J Liu, Y Chen, G Li, P Zhang, C Jin, L Zeng, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 278
  7. Targeting nucleus DNA with a cyclometalated dipyridophenazineruthenium (II) complex

    • Authors: H Huang, P Zhang, B Yu, Y Chen, J Wang, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 230
  8. Redoxā€active metal complexes for anticancer therapy

    • Authors: P Zhang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 213
  9. Boosting the alkaline hydrogen evolution of Ru nanoclusters anchored on B/Nā€“doped graphene by accelerating water dissociation

    • Authors: S Ye, F Luo, T Xu, P Zhang, H Shi, S Qin, J Wu, C He, X Ouyang, Q Zhang, …
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 174
  10. Noncovalent ruthenium (II) complexesā€“single-walled carbon nanotube composites for bimodal photothermal and photodynamic therapy with near-infrared irradiation

  • Authors: P Zhang, H Huang, J Huang, H Chen, J Wang, K Qiu, D Zhao, L Ji, …
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 167

Conclusion šŸŽÆ

Pingyu Zhang is a leading researcher in the field of metal-based tumor therapy, with significant contributions to the development of innovative anti-cancer strategies. Through her pioneering work in sonodynamic and photodynamic therapy, she continues to push the boundaries of cancer treatment. Her numerous accolades, high-impact publications, and patents underscore her influence in the scientific community, making her a key figure in advancing metal complex drug research.