Matlou Mokgotho | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University | South Africa

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho is a distinguished biochemist and academic leader with over two decades of experience in higher education, research, and community development. Currently a Senior Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, he has previously served as Professor and Head of Department of Biochemistry at the University of Limpopo. His expertise spans molecular biology, proteomics, bioenergetics, enzymology, and mammalian cell cultures. Beyond academia, Dr. Mokgotho has actively contributed to community health awareness initiatives, youth leadership, and ethical oversight in research and professional bodies. His leadership, research excellence, and dedication to mentorship continue to inspire future scientists in South Africa.

Publication Profile 

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Education 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry from the University of Limpopo, conferred. He earned his Master of Science in Biochemistry his Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry  both from the University of the North. He also completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Microbiology at the same institution. His academic foundation was laid at Seshigo High School, where he obtained his Senior Certificate. This strong educational background provided him with the knowledge and skills to excel in biochemical sciences and academic leadership.

Experience 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho career spans roles from tutor to senior lecturer, professor, and department head. He began lecturing in Biochemistry at the University of the North before joining the University of Limpopo, where he advanced to Professor and Head of Department. His teaching portfolio covers biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, cell culture, and bioenergetics. He also served as CEO of Milestevens Development and Properties, showcasing leadership in management. Currently, he is Senior Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology and a module critical reader at UNISA. His responsibilities include teaching, research coordination, and academic mentorship.

Awards and Honors 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho has been recognized for his academic, community, and leadership contributions. He received certificates for AIDS Awareness campaigns and laboratory assistance during his early career, highlighting his dedication to education and health promotion. His leadership in youth and church organizations earned him certificates of moral leadership and community service, while his active role in HIV/AIDS awareness workshops reflected his commitment to social impact. As a council member of the South African Dental Technician Council, he contributed to professional ethics and governance. These accolades underscore his commitment to advancing science, leadership, and community development.

Research Focus 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho research focuses on biochemistry, molecular biology, and proteomics, with a special interest in bioenergetics, protein structure-function relationships, and mammalian cell cultures. His work bridges fundamental and applied science, exploring enzymology, molecular mechanisms, and the applications of cell cultures in medical research. He has also contributed to developing experimental methodologies and training students in proposal writing, research principles, and dissertation development. His commitment to advancing biochemistry is reflected in his integration of teaching, research, and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for careers in molecular science and addressing health challenges through biotechnological approaches.

Publication Top Notes

Gaetan Ligat | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat at Toulouse University | France

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat is a molecular virologist and principal investigator at Toulouse University, affiliated with INSERM UMR1291 and CNRS UMR5051. He leads the ViNeDys team at the Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, focusing on host–human cytomegalovirus interactions in brain tumors and therapeutic innovation. With extensive research and teaching experience across France, he has contributed to advancing antiviral strategies, mentoring young scientists, and promoting scientific communication. He is actively engaged in international collaborations, scientific societies, and community outreach, while securing multiple research grants to strengthen translational virology and oncology research.

Publication Profile 

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Education 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat pursued his scientific training at Limoges University, France. He earned a Master of Science degree in Genetics and Physiology, which laid the foundation for his research career. He then advanced to doctoral studies at INSERM UMR1092, Limoges University, where he specialized in Molecular Virology, completing his PhD with distinction. His academic formation emphasized molecular biology, virus-host interactions, and translational virology, providing expertise in genetics, physiology, and applied biomedical sciences. This strong educational background enabled him to develop a career bridging fundamental research and therapeutic applications, particularly in virology, cancer biology, and innovative antiviral treatment strategies.

Experience 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat is Associate Professor of Virology at Toulouse University, where he also serves as Principal Investigator and group leader of the ViNeDys team at the Infinity Institute. His work focuses on host–HCMV interactions and therapeutic innovation in brain tumors. Previously, he was a postdoctoral researcher at INSERM UMR1110 in Strasbourg, specializing in antiviral strategies. He began his research as a Master’s and PhD candidate at INSERM UMR1092, Limoges. Alongside research, he has coordinated training programs, practical courses, and supervised over 20 students. He is deeply involved in scientific societies, equality initiatives, and international collaborations.

Awards and Honors 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat has received numerous prestigious recognitions, including the National Thesis Prize from the French Society of Microbiology and fellowships from the French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS). He was awarded an ESCMID Research Grant, travel grants from the French Society of Microbiology, and registration bursaries for international congresses. His successful fundraising as principal investigator includes support from cancer foundations, patient associations, and Inserm/Regional PhD funding. These honors reflect both his scientific excellence and commitment to translational virology and oncology research. His awards highlight his impact on advancing antiviral and therapeutic research.

Research Focus 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat research focuses on the molecular biology of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and its interaction with host cells, particularly in brain tumor environments. His work aims to understand how viral mechanisms contribute to disease progression and to identify novel therapeutic targets. He develops innovative antiviral strategies, including peptides and antibodies targeting HCMV protein interactions. His research also explores inflammatory responses, host-pathogen dynamics, and translational approaches for cancer treatment. Through collaborative projects and funded research programs, he seeks to bridge fundamental virology with therapeutic innovation, advancing the fight against viral infections and HCMV-related diseases in oncology.

Publication Top Notes

The human cytomegalovirus terminase complex as an antiviral target: a close-up view

Capsid assembly modulators as antiviral agents against HBV: molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)–apolipoprotein interactions and immune evasion and their impact on HCV vaccine design

Hepatitis B virus–host interactions and novel targets for viral cure

Hepatitis B virus core variants, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma

Targeting viral cccDNA for cure of chronic hepatitis B

The Yin and the Yang of extracellular vesicles during viral infections

Structures and divergent mechanisms in capsid maturation and stabilization following genome packaging of human cytomegalovirus and herpesviruses

Contrasting effect of new HCMV pUL54 mutations on antiviral drug susceptibility: benefits and limits of 3D analysis

Interferon‐Induced Transmembrane Proteins Mediate Viral Evasion in Acute and Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Identification of a short sequence in the HCMV terminase pUL56 essential for interaction with pUL89 subunit

Identification of amino acids essential for viral replication in the HCMV helicase-primase complex