Zerrin Kutlu | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zerrin Kutlu | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Ataturk University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zerrin Kutlu is a leading biochemist whose research focuses on oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and diabetes-related complications, with an emphasis on elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying organ injury and cardiometabolic disorders. Her work spans ischemic heart injury, sepsis-induced organ damage, osteoporosis, and metabolic disease models, highlighting the interplay between oxidative stress and cellular dysfunction. Dr. Zerrin Kutlu has authored 15 Scopus-indexed publications, cited 211 times, with an h-index of 9, reflecting the impact and recognition of her research in the scientific community. She has contributed book chapters and served extensively as a peer reviewer and editorial board member for high-impact journals. Her pioneering studies on avasopasem manganese as a superoxide dismutase mimetic, alongside investigations of ATE1 enzyme biology, have provided novel insights into therapeutic strategies for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. She has advanced translational research through nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, phenolic compound-loaded nanoparticles, and bioactive natural molecules, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of antioxidant and cytoprotective agents. In collaboration with industry and interdisciplinary teams, Dr. Zerrin Kutlu has developed boron-based bioactive compounds for dermo cosmetic and UV-protective applications, supported by TÜBİTAK-funded projects. Her portfolio includes multiple patents, international publications, and leadership in multi-center experimental studies, underscoring her commitment to innovation and scientific excellence. Through these contributions, Dr. Zerrin Kutlu has significantly advanced understanding of redox biology, ER stress modulation, and translational pharmacology, establishing herself as a recognized leader in biomedical research and therapeutic innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

  • Dumlu, F. A., Aydin, T., Odabasoglu, F., Berktas, O. A., Kutlu, Z., Erol, H. S., … (2019). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of jervine, a steroidal alkaloid from rhizomes of Veratrum album. Phytomedicine, 55, 191–199.

  • Koc, K., Geyikoglu, F., Cakmak, O., Koca, A., Kutlu, Z., Aysin, F., Yilmaz, A., … (2021). The targets of β-sitosterol as a novel therapeutic against cardio-renal complications in acute renal ischemia/reperfusion damage. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, 394(3), 469–479.

  • Karaoğlan, E. S., Albayrak, A., Kutlu, Z., & Bayır, Y. (2018). Gastroprotective and antioxidant effects of Eremurus spectabilis Bieb. methanol extract and its isolated component isoorientin on indomethacin-induced gastric damage. Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira, 33, 609–618.

  • Akpinar, E., Kutlu, Z., Kose, D., Aydin, P., Tavaci, T., Bayraktutan, Z., & Yuksel, T. N. (2022). Protective effects of idebenone against sepsis-induced acute lung damage. Journal of Investigative Surgery, 35(3), 560–568.

  • Kutlu, Z., Celik, M., Bilen, A., Halıcı, Z., Yıldırım, S., Karabulut, S., & Karakaya, S. (2020). Effects of umbelliferone isolated from the Ferulago pauciradiata Boiss. & Heldr. plant on cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis model in rats. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 127, 110206.

Zhadyrassyn Nurbekova | Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

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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 profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • 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 — techniques widely used in forensic labs — is a notable asset.

Education 🎓

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

Experience 💼

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

Research Interests On Biochemistry 🔬

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 🏆

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

Publications 📚

  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 Turečková, 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 5′ 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.; Turecková, 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.; Turečková, 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 📈

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.