Abdellatif Benraiss | Gene Therapy |

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Abdellatif Benraiss | Gene Therapy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdellatif Benraiss, Universiy of Rochester, United States

Dr. Abdellatif Benraiss is a distinguished neuroscientist 🧠 specializing in neurobiology, stem cell research 🌱, and gene therapy 🧬. With academic roots in Morocco 🇲🇦 and France 🇫🇷, he earned his Ph.D. in Neurobiology in 1996. His postdoctoral and faculty work in top institutions like Cornell University 🇺🇸 and the University of Rochester has led to pioneering research in Huntington’s disease 🧩, gene transfer therapies 💉, and adult brain regeneration 🧪. He is an esteemed member of several scientific societies 🌍 and a recipient of prestigious awards, including the 2022 Huntington’s Disease Foundation Research Award 🏆.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Abdellatif Benraiss began his academic journey in Morocco 🇲🇦, earning a B.S. in Animal Biology 🐾 from Cadi Ayyad University in 1990. He continued his studies in France 🇫🇷 at Aix-Marseille II University, receiving a second B.S. in Genetics 🧬 in 1991, an M.S. in Neurobiology 🧠 in 1992, and a Ph.D. in Neurobiology in 1996. Pursuing advanced research, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Molecular Neurobiology 🔬 at Cornell University Medical College, New York 🇺🇸 (1997–2002), and earned an HDR degree in Gene Therapy 💉 from René Descartes University, Paris, in 2004.

Awards

Dr. Abdellatif Benraiss has been recognized with numerous prestigious honors for his groundbreaking work in neuroscience and gene therapy 🧠💉. In 2022, he received the Huntington’s Disease Foundation Research Award 🧬. He was awarded the NYSTEM Investigator-Initiated Research Project Award in 2011 🧪. His contributions to neurodegenerative disease research earned him the European Leukodystrophy Association (ELA) Award in both 2004 and 2005 🧠🌍. Earlier, in 2003 and 2004, he received fellowships from the French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM) 💪🇫🇷. In 2001, he was honored with the Aging Foundation Award from Cornell Medical School 🏛️📜.

Research Focus

Dr. Abdellatif Benraiss’s research focuses on neuroregeneration, gene therapy, and glial cell biology within the context of neurodegenerative diseases 🧠💉. He has pioneered studies on induced neurogenesis in the adult brain, particularly in Huntington’s disease models 🧬, demonstrating how new neurons and glial cells can slow disease progression. His innovative work in gene transfer technologies using viral vectors has contributed to therapies for disorders like metachromatic leukodystrophy and Alzheimer’s disease 🧪. He also explores glial chimerism, aiming to replace diseased brain cells with healthy ones. His multidisciplinary research bridges stem cell therapy, molecular neuroscience, and regenerative medicine 🧫🧍‍♂️.

Publication Top Notes

In vitro neurogenesis by progenitor cells isolated from the adult human hippocampus

Adenoviral brain-derived neurotrophic factor induces both neostriatal and olfactory neuronal recruitment from endogenous progenitor cells in the adult forebrain

SOX9 is an astrocyte-specific nuclear marker in the adult brain outside the neurogenic regions

Nitric oxide negatively regulates mammalian adult neurogenesis

Identification, isolation, and promoter-defined separation of mitotic oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from the adult human subcortical white matter

Glymphatic distribution of CSF-derived apoE into brain is isoform specific and suppressed during sleep deprivation

Promoter‐targeted selection and isolation of neural progenitor cells from the adult human ventricular zone

Adenovirally expressed noggin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor cooperate to induce new medium spiny neurons from resident progenitor cells in the adult striatal …

Adeno-associated virus gene therapy with cholesterol 24-hydroxylase reduces the amyloid pathology before or after the onset of amyloid plaques in mouse models of Alzheimer’s …

High-yield selection and extraction of two promoter-defined phenotypes of neural stem cells from the fetal human brain

Human glia can both induce and rescue aspects of disease phenotype in Huntington disease

Progenitor cells derived from the adult human subcortical white matter disperse and differentiate as oligodendrocytes within demyelinated lesions of the rat brain

Induction of neostriatal neurogenesis slows disease progression in a transgenic murine model of Huntington disease

Neuronal transgene expression in dominant-negative SNARE mice

PDGF-B is required for development of the glymphatic system

Fluorescent Ca2+ indicators directly inhibit the Na,K-ATPase and disrupt cellular functions

Chen Xie | Gene Therapy | Best Researcher Award

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Chen Xie | Gene Therapy | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie, Medical Research Center, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie is a distinguished researcher at the Medical Research Center, Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University. With a Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering from Huaqiao University and postdoctoral experience in genetics at Sun Yat-Sen University, his work focuses on inflammation, DNA damage, senescence, and noncoding RNAs. 🧬 He has published eight impactful papers in journals such as Signal Transduct Target Ther, Mol Cell, and Cancer Immunol Res and holds an H-index of 9. 🧪 Dr. Xie is a recipient of multiple national honors and leads NSFC-funded research advancing disease-related molecular mechanisms.

Publication Profile

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Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie is a dedicated researcher with a strong background in biochemical and genetic sciences. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from Huaqiao University 🎓 (2007–2011), followed by a Master’s in Genetics from Sun Yat-Sen University 🔬 (2011–2014). He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering in 2018 🧪. Dr. Xie completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Sun Yat-Sen University (2018–2021), and then served as Assistant Professor (2021–2025). Since March 2025, he has been an Associate Professor at the Medical Research Center, Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University 🏥, advancing biomedical research.

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie mainly focuses on exploring the intricate relationship between inflammation, DNA damage, cellular senescence, noncoding RNAs, and human diseases 🧬. His impactful research has earned him prestigious honors such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China award, the National Scholarship 🏅, the First Prize Scholarship of Huaqiao University, and the Alumni Scholarship 🎓. Dr. Xie has published 8 influential papers in top-tier journals including Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, Molecular Cell, and Cancer Immunology Research 📚. With an H-index of 9, he continues to contribute significantly to biomedical science 🧫.

Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his academic excellence and research contributions 🎓. He was honored with a National Scholarship for his outstanding performance and dedication to scientific advancement. During his studies at Huaqiao University, he earned the First Prize Scholarship 🥇, highlighting his exceptional academic achievements. Additionally, he received an Alumni Scholarship, reflecting the strong support and recognition from his academic community 🌟. These accolades underscore Dr. Xie’s commitment to excellence in the fields of biochemical engineering, genetics, and biomedical research 🔬.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Xie is a leading researcher in the fields of molecular biology, epigenetics, and cellular senescence, with a strong emphasis on mechanisms of vascular and pulmonary aging, DNA damage repair, and RNA modifications (e.g., m6A). 🧬 His work uncovers how factors like GATA6, YTHDC1, and FTO regulate aging, fibrosis, cancer, and immune responses, often via intricate signaling pathways and RNA interactions. 🧠🧫 He contributes significantly to understanding vascular calcification, fibrosis, and glioma biology, advancing targeted therapies. His research bridges cellular aging and precision medicine, making a profound impact on age-related and inflammatory diseases.

Publication Top Notes

The transcription factor GATA6 accelerates vascular smooth muscle cell senescence-related arterial calcification by counteracting the role of anti-aging factor SIRT6 and impeding DNA damage repair

YTHDC1 delays cellular senescence and pulmonary fibrosis by activating ATR in an m6A-independent manner

C5a-C5aR1 induces endoplasmic reticulum stress to accelerate vascular calcification <i>via</i> PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CREB3L1 pathway

UBQLN1 deficiency mediates telomere shortening and IPF through interacting with RPA1

Data from FTO Inhibition Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Temozolomide by Targeting MYC-miR-155/23a Cluster-MXI1 Feedback Circuit in Glioma

Supplementary Data from FTO Inhibition Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Temozolomide by Targeting MYC-miR-155/23a Cluster-MXI1 Feedback Circuit in Glioma

cGAS guards against chromosome end-to-end fusions during mitosis and facilitates replicative senescence

Therapeutic potential of C1632 by inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral-induced inflammation through upregulating let-7

Xandra Breakefield | Gene Therapy | Best Researcher Award

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Xandra Breakefield | Gene Therapy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xandra Breakefield, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, United States

Prof. Dr. Xandra Breakefield is a pioneering geneticist and neuroscientist specializing in gene therapy and extracellular vesicle research. She earned her Ph.D. from Georgetown University and trained at NIH under Nobel Laureate Dr. Marshall Nirenberg. A Harvard Medical School professor and Massachusetts General Hospital researcher, she has made groundbreaking contributions to neurogenetics and dystonia. Recognized with numerous prestigious awards 🏆, including the Mika Salpeter Lifetime Achievement Award, she ranks among the world’s top scientists. A leader in gene and cell therapy, she serves on advisory boards worldwide 🌍, shaping the future of biomedical research.

Publication Profile

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Education

Prof. Dr. Xandra Breakefield 🎓 embarked on her academic journey with an A.B. in Biology from Wilson College (1960-1965), graduating cum laude for her outstanding performance. During this period, she also enriched her knowledge at American University (1964-1965), deepening her expertise in biology 🧬. Her passion for microbial genetics led her to pursue a Ph.D. at Georgetown University (1967-1971), where she specialized in microbial genetics 🦠. This strong educational foundation set the stage for her groundbreaking contributions to the field, establishing her as a distinguished researcher in genetics and molecular biology. 🌟

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Xandra Breakefield 🧬 has had an illustrious career in genetics and neurology. She has been a Geneticist at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Radiology Service since 2002 and a Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School since 1996. Previously, she held key roles in molecular neurogenetics at Massachusetts General Hospital 🏥 and directed the Division of Molecular Neurogenetics at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center. Her academic journey includes faculty positions at Yale University and Georgetown University 📚. Early in her career, she trained under Nobel Laureate Dr. Marshall Nirenberg at NIH, shaping her expertise in biochemical genetics. 🌟

Awards

Prof. Dr. Xandra Breakefield 🧬 has received numerous prestigious awards for her groundbreaking contributions to neuroscience and genetics. She earned the McKnight Neuroscience Development Award (1982-1984) and two Javits Neuroscience Investigator Awards (1985-1992, 1995-2002). She was honored with an Honorary Doctorate from Wilson College (1991) and an Honorary Master’s Degree from Harvard Medical School (1996) 🎓. Recognized globally, she received the Mika Salpeter Lifetime Achievement Award (2013) and the NIH Director’s WALS Speaker Award (2017). Ranked among the Top 1000 Female Scientists in the World (2022, 2024), her work continues to shape modern molecular medicine. 🌟

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Xandra O. Breakefield focuses on neuroscience, gene therapy, and extracellular vesicles 🧠🧬🩸. Her research explores how extracellular vesicles facilitate cell-to-cell communication and their potential for delivering gene therapies to treat neurological disorders and cancers. She also investigates glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor, using cortical organoids 🧪🔬 to study cell-state heterogeneity and intercellular transfer. Her work has significant implications for precision medicine and targeted therapies 🎯💊. As a leading expert in the field, she collaborates on innovative projects integrating genomics, bioengineering, and molecular biology to advance treatments for brain diseases.

Publication Top Notes

Extracellular vesicles for the delivery of gene therapy

Data from Glioblastoma Cortical Organoids Recapitulate Cell-State Heterogeneity and Intercellular Transfer

RNA delivery by extracellular vesicles in mammalian cells and its applications

Versatile Role of Rab27a in Glioma: Effects on Release of Extracellular Vesicles, Cell Viability, and Tumor Progression

Mutant Allele-Specific CRISPR Disruption in DYT1 Dystonia Fibroblasts Restores Cell Function

Exosome/microvesicle content is altered in leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 mutant induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neural cells

Glioma-Derived miRNA-Containing Extracellular Vesicles Induce Angiogenesis by Reprogramming Brain Endothelial Cells