Niraj Kumar | Structural Biology | Best Paper Award

Mr. Niraj Kumar | Structural Biology | Best Paper Award

Niraj Kumar at UNESCO, Regional Centre For Biotechnology, India

Summary:

Mr. Niraj Kumar is a Ph.D. research scholar specializing in structural biology and translation regulation at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad. His research focuses on the survival mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, particularly how the bacterium modifies protein synthesis under stress conditions. With expertise in cryo-EM and molecular biology techniques, Niraj has received international recognition for his work, winning the Best Cryo-EM Microstructure Award in 2024. His long-term goal is to deepen his understanding of ribosomal function using advanced cryo-EM techniques.

Professional Profile:

šŸ‘©ā€šŸŽ“Education:

Niraj Kumar completed his B.Sc. in Industrial Microbiology, Botany, and Chemistry from Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut, in 2014. He then earned his M.Sc. in Microbiology from the same institution in 2016. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, under the supervision of Dr. Prem S. Kaushal. His doctoral research, which began in 2019, focuses on structural biology and translation regulation in the context of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

šŸ¢ Professional Experience:

As a Ph.D. research scholar, Niraj Kumar has gained significant experience in structural biology, with a particular emphasis on cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). He is part of a cutting-edge research team that investigates how Mycobacterium tuberculosis adapts its translational mechanisms to survive in stressful environments, such as hypoxia. Nirajā€™s technical expertise includes cryo-EM sample preparation, ribosome purification, protein purification, gene cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and X-ray crystallography. He has also mastered computational tools like Relion3.1.4, Coot, ChimeraX, PyMol, GROMACS, and more for single-particle reconstruction analysis.

In addition to his research, Nirajā€™s work has been recognized at the international level. He won the Best Cryo-EM Microstructure Award at the 2024 International Conference on Electron Microscopy organized by the Electron Microscope Society of India (EMSI). He has also qualified for several prestigious examinations, including the CSIR NET/JRF, ICAR NET-ARS, GATE in Life Sciences, and the ICAR NET in multiple years.

Research Interests:

Niraj Kumarā€™s research primarily focuses on how Mycobacterium tuberculosis adapts its protein synthesis machinery to survive under low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions. Using cryo-EM single-particle reconstruction, he has studied the structure of the 70S ribosome in complex with the hibernation promotion factor (RafH), which is induced during hypoxia. His 2.8 ƅ resolution structure reveals that RafH binding blocks all three modes of translation initiation, shields the ribosome from degradation, and prevents ribosome-targeting antibiotics from binding. Moving forward, Niraj aims to expand his expertise in Cryo-electron tomography and Cryo-FIB SEM to further explore ribosome function in a cellular context under stress conditions.

Author Metrics:

Niraj Kumar is an emerging researcher with a growing body of work. His publication on the 70S ribosome structure with the RafH complex has garnered attention, contributing to the understanding of bacterial protein synthesis and antibiotic resistance. He continues to publish and present his research at scientific conferences, expanding his footprint in the field of structural biology.

Top Noted Publication:

The spectrum of neurologic disease associated with anti-GM1 antibodies

  • Authors: SA Sadiq, FP Thomas, K Kilidireas, S Protopsaltis, AP Hays, KW Lee, D Hays
  • Journal: Neurology
  • Volume: 40, Issue: 7, Page: 1067-1067
  • Year: 1990
  • Citations: 303

Paradigms of climate change impacts on some major food sources of the world: A review on current knowledge and future prospects

  • Authors: A Tripathi, DK Tripathi, DK Chauhan, N Kumar, GS Singh
  • Journal: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
  • Volume: 216, Pages: 356-373
  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 302

Federated learning enables big data for rare cancer boundary detection

  • Authors: S Pati, U Baid, B Edwards, M Sheller, SH Wang, GA Reina, P Foley, …
  • Journal: Nature Communications
  • Volume: 13, Article Number: 7346
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 178

Evaluation of OphthacareĀ® eye dropsā€”a herbal formulation in the management of various ophthalmic disorders

  • Authors: NR Biswas, SK Gupta, GK Das, N Kumar, PK Mongre, D Haldar, S Beri
  • Journal: Phytotherapy Research
  • Volume: 15, Issue: 7, Pages: 618-620
  • Year: 2001
  • Citations: 152

Development and evaluation of deep learningā€“based segmentation of histologic structures in the kidney cortex with multiple histologic stains

  • Authors: CP Jayapandian, Y Chen, AR Janowczyk, MB Palmer, CA Cassol, …
  • Journal: Kidney International
  • Volume: 99, Issue: 1, Pages: 86-101
  • Year: 2021
  • Citations: 133

Marwan Kobeissi | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Marwan Kobeissi, Medicinal Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Professor at Lebanese University, Lebanon

Summary:

Prof. Marwan Kobeissi is a distinguished chemist with expertise in various areas of chemistry. He holds a Ph.D. from a prestigious university in the USA, awarded in 2013. Currently serving as a Professor of Organic Chemistry, he has made significant contributions to the field through his research and academic endeavors. Prof. Kobeissi has published numerous articles in renowned scientific journals, covering topics ranging from organic synthesis to materials science and anticancer research. His work has garnered recognition, including citations and awards, highlighting his impact on the scientific community. With a commitment to excellence in education and research, Prof. Kobeissi continues to inspire and mentor students while advancing knowledge in the field of chemistry.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

šŸ‘©ā€šŸŽ“Education & Qualification:

Prof. Marwan Kobeissi’s educational background is as follows:

PhD in Chemistry (1998-2001)

DEA in Molecular Chemistry (1997-1998)

Master’s Degree in General Chemistry (1996-1997)

Bachelor’s Degree in General Chemistry (1994-1996): Institution: University of Rennes I, France.

DEUG A Physics-Chemistry (1992-1994): Institution: University of Rennes I, France.

Professional Experience:Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 

Prof. Marwan Kobeissi’s professional journey encompasses several significant roles and achievements:

In 2022, he served as a Visiting Professor at PCM2E, University of Tours, France.

Since 2017, Prof. Kobeissi has been the recipient of the “high level scientific stay” grant (SAFAR) from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Since 2014, he has been actively involved as the Coordinator of the research Master2 program in Synthesis, Catalysis, and Sustainable Chemistry (SCSCULFS5.2). Additionally, he is the Co-Founder of Rammal Laboratory and serves as the coordinator of the Applied Organic Chemistry research group (SOA)-ULFS5. Furthermore, he holds the position of Professor of Organic Chemistry at ULFS5.

In 2018, Prof. Kobeissi returned to PCM2E, University of Tours, France, as a Visiting Professor.

From 2015 to 2019, he assumed the role of Head of the Chemistry and Biochemistry department at the Lebanese University-ULFS5.

This diverse array of experiences highlights Prof. Marwan Kobeissi’s extensive contributions to academia, particularly in the fields of organic chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable chemistry, both in Lebanon and internationally.

Visiting Professor at PCM2E, University of Tours, France (December 2015). Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry at ULFS5 (2007-2014). Assistant Professor of Chemistry at ULFS5 (2004-2007). Part-time Instructor at Lebanese American University (LAU) and Lebanese International University (LIU). Postdoctoral researcher at the Selective Reactions and Applications Laboratory, UMR 6519, University of Reims, France (2004-2007). His research focused on the use of the Petasis reagent in Organic Synthesis, preparation of functionalized enamines, and their application in the total synthesis of alkaloids under the supervision of Prof. A. Haudrechy. Postdoctoral researcher at the Natural Products Chemistry Institute, CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France (2003-2004). Here, he worked on the total synthesis of non-conventional amino acids for the preparation of marine peptides, along with structural studies and characterizations under the guidance of Drs. C. Poupat and A. Ahond. This comprehensive timeline illustrates Prof. Marwan Kobeissi’s academic and research journey, showcasing his significant contributions and expertise in organic chemistry and synthesis.

Research Interest:

Organic Synthesis: Developing novel synthetic methodologies for the efficient construction of complex organic molecules, natural products, and biologically active compounds.

Catalysis: Investigating the design and development of catalysts for organic transformations, including metal-catalyzed reactions, organocatalysis, and biocatalysis, with an emphasis on efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability.

Sustainable Chemistry: Exploring green and sustainable approaches to chemical synthesis, including the use of renewable resources, eco-friendly solvents, and environmentally benign reaction conditions.

Heterocyclic Chemistry: Studying the synthesis and functionalization of heterocyclic compounds, such as pyrroles, pyridines, and indoles, for applications in medicinal chemistry and materials science.

Natural Products Chemistry: Investigating the isolation, structural elucidation, and synthesis of natural products from various sources, including marine organisms, plants, and microorganisms, with potential pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications.

Medicinal Chemistry: Designing and synthesizing small molecules with therapeutic potential, including drug candidates for the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders.

Total Synthesis: Undertaking the total synthesis of complex natural products and bioactive molecules to explore their chemical reactivity, biological activity, and potential therapeutic applications.

Publication Top Noted:

Cyclopentadithiophene and Fluorene Spiro-Core-Based Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells

  • Authors: R. Nakar, F.J. Ramos, C. Dalinot, J. Rousset, B. Schmaltz
  • Journal: Journal of Physical Chemistry C
  • Year: 2019
  • Volume: 123
  • Citation count: 17

Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Gold Porphyrin Linked to Malonate Diamine Platinum Complexes

  • Authors: I. Toubia, C. Nguyen, S. Diring, M. Kobeissi, F. Odobel
  • Journal: Inorganic Chemistry
  • Year: 2019
  • Volume: 58
  • Citation count: 28

A convenient one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles from N-protected succinimides

  • Authors: M. Kobeissi, O. Yazbeck, Y. Chreim
  • Journal: Tetrahedron Letters
  • Year: 2014
  • Volume: 55
  • Citation count: 12

Bromination of enamines from tertiary amides using the Petasis reagent: A convenient one-pot regioselective route to bromomethyl ketones

  • Authors: M. Kobeissi, K. Cherry, W. Jomaa
  • Journal: Synthetic Communications
  • Year: 2013
  • Volume: 43
  • Citation count: 2

Synergetic anticancer activity of gold porphyrin appended to phenyl tin malonate organometallic complexes

  • Authors: C. Nguyen, I. Toubia, S. Diring, M. Kobeissi, F. Odobel
  • Journal: Dalton Transactions
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume: 50
  • Citation count: 12