Prof. Dr. Esmaeil Babaei | Genetics | Best Researcher Award
University of Tabriz | Iran
Dr. Esmaeil Babaei is a Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Tabriz, Iran, specializing in human cancer genetics and bioinformatics. With an H-index of 21 and 1,640+ citations, he has made significant contributions to cancer research, drug development, and biomarker discovery. He has led 15+ national/international projects, mentored 12 PhD and 45 MSc students, and developed 4 biotech products, including BRIzol (RNA extraction kit) and Curcuden35 (anticancer nanocurcumin).
Professional profile👤
Strengths for the Awards✨
- High Research Productivity & Impact
- 95 publications (JCR-indexed), H-index: 21, Citations: 1640 (Google Scholar).
- Recent publications in high-impact journals (Microchemical Journal, Frontiers in Immunology, Phytomedicine).
- International collaborations (Germany, Austria, Iraq) enhancing research visibility.
- Innovative & Translational Research
- Developed four biotech products (e.g., BRIzol RNA extraction kit, Covid-19 PCR kit, Curcuden35 anticancer capsule, EBST bioinformatics tool).
- Expertise in nanoformulations (curcumin-based therapies) and CRISPR/Cas9 applications in cancer.
- Leadership in Research & Mentorship
- Principal Investigator (PI) of 15 research projects (11 national, 4 international).
- Supervised 12 PhD, 45 MSc, and 2 postdoc alumni, demonstrating academic leadership.
- Recognition & Awards
- Best International Researcher Award (2024, University of Tabriz).
- Research grants from DFG (Germany), University of Salzburg (Austria).
- Young Investigator Awards (INCTR Congress, Turkey).
- Multidisciplinary Expertise
- Combines wet-lab (molecular biology, drug development) and dry-lab (bioinformatics, RNA sequencing) skills.
- Active in editorial roles (Frontiers) and peer review (Scientific Reports, Oncogene, etc.).
Education 🎓
- PhD in Molecular Genetics (2007–2012), Tarbiat Modares University (Thesis: Anticancer effects of dendrosomal nanocurcumin).
- MSc in Molecular Genetics (2002–2005), Tarbiat Modares University.
- BSc in Biology (1998–2002), Shahid Beheshti University.
Experience 💼
- Professor (2021–present), University of Tabriz.
- Research Fellow (2023), University of Tübingen, Germany (NGS data analysis).
- Guest Scientist (2017, 2011), University of Salzburg, Austria (Flow cytometry, miRNA studies).
- Lecturer (2005–2007), University of Tabriz.
Research Interests On Genetics 🔍
- Cancer genetics: Biomarker discovery, apoptosis, and drug resistance.
- Nanomedicine: Curcumin-based therapies (e.g., Curcuden35).
- Bioinformatics: miRNA-target prediction tools (EBST), CRISPR/Cas9 applications.
- Molecular diagnostics: Circulating nucleic acids for early cancer detection.
Awards & Honors 🏆
- Best International Researcher Award, University of Tabriz (2024).
- DFG Research Grant (2021) for RNA-seq training in Germany.
- Young Investigator Award, INCTR Congress (2009).
- Top ranks in national MSc/PhD entrance exams (2002, 2006).
Publications 📜
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Title: Dendrosomal curcumin significantly suppresses cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: E Babaei, M Sadeghizadeh, ZM Hassan, MAH Feizi, F Najafi, …
Year: 2012
Citations: 182 -
Title: Dendrosomal curcumin nanoformulation downregulates pluripotency genes via miR-145 activation in U87MG glioblastoma cells
Authors: M Tahmasebi Mirgani, B Isacchi, M Sadeghizadeh, F Marra, AR Bilia, …
Year: 2014
Citations: 152 -
Title: MgrB Alterations Mediate Colistin Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Iran
Authors: M Haeili, A Javani, J Moradi, Z Jafari, MM Feizabadi, E Babaei
Year: 2017
Citations: 113 -
Title: Curcumin-based nanoformulations: A promising adjuvant towards cancer treatment
Authors: S Hafez Ghoran, A Calcaterra, M Abbasi, F Taktaz, K Nieselt, E Babaei
Year: 2022
Citations: 91 -
Title: The anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of crocin on chemosensitive and chemoresistant cervical cancer cells
Authors: H Mollaei, R Safaralizadeh, E Babaei, MR Abedini, R Hoshyar
Year: 2017
Citations: 73 -
Title: Dendrosomal nano-curcumin, the novel formulation to improve the anticancer properties of curcumin
Authors: BM TAHMASEBI, MV ERFANI, E Babaei, F NAJAFI, M Zamani, M Shariati, …
Year: 2015
Citations: 62 -
Title: New dendrimer-based nanoparticles enhance curcumin solubility
Authors: MC Falconieri, M Adamo, C Monasterolo, MC Bergonzi, M Coronnello, …
Year: 2017
Citations: 58 -
Title: Development of curcumin-loaded gemini surfactant nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of anticancer activity against human breast cancer cell lines
Authors: M Karimpour, MAH Feizi, M Mahdavi, B Krammer, T Verwanger, F Najafi, …
Year: 2019
Citations: 50 -
Title: Survivin as a potential target for cancer therapy
Authors: E Soleimanpour, E Babaei
Year: 2015
Citations: 47 -
Title: Survivin-deltaEx3: a novel biomarker for diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: S Vandghanooni, M Eskandani, V Montazeri, M Halimi, E Babaei, …
Year: 2011
Citations: 44
Conclusion 🌟
Dr. Babaei is a pioneer in molecular oncology, blending wet-lab expertise with bioinformatics to advance cancer therapeutics. His work on nanocurcumin, CRISPR-based diagnostics, and miRNA biomarkers highlights his interdisciplinary impact. With 95+ publications and leadership in international collaborations, he continues to drive innovation in genetics and personalized medicine.