Shu-ou Shan – Biochemistry – Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Shu-ou Shan - Biochemistry - Best Researcher Award 

California Institute of Technology - United States 

Author Profile

Scopus

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Shu-ou Shan embarked on her academic journey at the University of Maryland, where she earned a B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from 1991 to 1994. Her early research under Dr. R. N. Armstrong focused on substrate specificity in Glutathione-S-Transferase. She then pursued her Ph.D. at Stanford University (1994-2000) under Dr. Daniel Herschlag, exploring the energetics of hydrogen bonds and the role of metal ions in RNA enzyme catalysis. These formative years laid the foundation for her pioneering work in Biochemistry.

💼 Professional Endeavors

After earning her doctorate, Prof. Shan engaged in postdoctoral research (2000-2005) with Dr. Peter Walter at U.C. San Francisco, investigating the mechanism of Signal Recognition Particle (SRP)-dependent protein transport. She transitioned into academia as an Assistant Professor at the California Institute of Technology (2005-2011) and was later promoted to full Professor in 2011. Her leadership was further recognized when she was appointed Executive Officer of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics (BMB) program at Caltech in 2015.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Shan has made groundbreaking contributions to Biochemistry, particularly in protein biogenesis and homeostasis. Her research integrates quantitative biochemistry, structural biology, and molecular cell biology to elucidate the mechanisms of protein targeting, translocation, and modification. She has provided high-resolution molecular models for the SRP pathway, studied molecular chaperones, and discovered novel mechanisms in membrane protein biogenesis. Her work has advanced understanding of nascent protein modification enzymes and the biogenesis of aggregation-prone proteins.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Shan’s research has transformed the field of Biochemistry by uncovering how conformational changes in targeting machines drive the localization of proteins. Her discoveries related to the GET pathway and chaperone-mediated protein assembly have broad implications for understanding cellular homeostasis and proteostasis. Additionally, her work has provided new paradigms for molecular chaperone function and protein quality control, influencing researchers worldwide.

🏆Academic Cites

Prof. Shan has an extensive publication record, with her research being cited in high-impact journals, including Nature, Science, and Cell. Her contributions have been widely recognized, and she has served as an invited reviewer for prestigious journals such as Nature Communications, Journal of Cell Biology, and Molecular Biology of the Cell. She has also been a board member of various scientific publications and editorial advisory boards, shaping the direction of future research.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Shan’s legacy in Biochemistry extends beyond her research. She has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of scientists. She has also played a vital role in academic service, founding the Biochemistry undergraduate track and the Chemical Biology & Molecular Biophysics graduate track at Caltech. Her recent honors, including the 2024 National Academy of Science Award in Molecular Biology, underscore her lasting influence. Moving forward, her research will continue to shape the understanding of protein biogenesis, with potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.

📝Notable Publication


📝Channel Gating in a Post-Translational Protein Translocase

Author: Shan, Shuou

Journal: Biochemistry

Year: 2024

Citations: 0


📝Dynamic Stability of Sgt2 Enables Selective and Privileged Client Handover in a Chaperone Triad 

Authors: Cho, Hyunju; Liu, Yumeng; Chung, Sangyoon; Weiss, Shimon; Shan, Shuou

Journal: Nature Communications

Year: 2024

Citations: 2


📝NAC Guides a Ribosomal Multienzyme Complex for Nascent Protein Processing

Authors: Lentzsch, Alfred M.; Yudin, Denis; Gamerdinger, Martin; Ban, Nenad; Shan, Shuou

Journal: Nature

Year: 2024

Citations: 3


📝An Ankyrin Repeat Chaperone Targets Toxic Oligomers During Amyloidogenesis

Authors: Gupta, Arpit; Lu, Chuqi; Wang, Feng; Chou, Tsuifen; Shan, Shuou

Journal: Protein Science

Year: 2023

Citations: 1


📝Dodecamer Assembly of a Metazoan AAA+ Chaperone Couples Substrate Extraction to Refolding 

Authors: Gupta, Arpit; Lentzsch, Alfred M.; Siegel, Alex R.; Cheng, Yifan; Shan, Shuou

Journal: Science Advances

Year: 2023

Citations: 4


📝Role of Hsp70 in Post-Translational Protein Targeting: Tail-Anchored Membrane Proteins and Beyond 

Author: Shan, Shuou

Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Year: 2023

Citations: 4

Leandro Paes de Brito – Biochemistry – Best Researcher Award

Mr. Leandro Paes de Brito - Biochemistry - Best Researcher Award 

Federal University of Pernambuco - Brazil

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Leandro Paes de Brito’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Ciências Biológicas from the Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Brazil, completed in 2018 under the guidance of Profª. Drª. Rosália Severo de Medeiros. He further advanced his education with a Master’s degree in Ciências Biológicas at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Brazil, which he completed in 2021. His academic pursuits continued with a Ph.D. at UFPE, with a collaborative research period at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, under the mentorship of Profª. Ana Lúcia Figueiredo Porto and Lorenzo Pastrana. Supported by the FACEPE grant, his early studies laid a strong foundation for his focus on biochemistry and related fields.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Throughout his career, Mr. Paes de Brito has been actively involved in both academic and professional projects. He has collaborated on various research initiatives at institutions such as the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE) and the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Sul-rio-grandense (IFRS). His professional endeavors include extensive work on the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, probiotic and prebiotic analysis, and methodologies for public health education during the COVID-19 pandemic. His contributions have strengthened his expertise in biochemistry, particularly in microbial and probiotic applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Paes de Brito’s research focus has been at the intersection of biochemistry, microbiology, and public health. His studies include evaluating the antimicrobial and antagonistic activities of lactic acid bacteria from artisanal queijo de coalho and exploring encapsulation technologies for yeast-based probiotics. He has also led systematic reviews and meta-analyses to optimize encapsulation techniques. Additionally, his projects on health education methodologies during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight his dedication to applying scientific knowledge for societal benefit.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Mr. Paes de Brito’s impact extends beyond academic research to practical applications and community engagement. His work on probiotic encapsulation has contributed to advancements in preserving microbial viability and enhancing therapeutic effects. His involvement in health education projects has improved public awareness of COVID-19 prevention strategies. By merging research and extension activities, he has influenced both the scientific community and broader society, showcasing the practical significance of biochemistry in everyday life.

🏆Academic Cites

Mr. Paes de Brito’s research has been widely recognized, with his publications serving as valuable resources for fellow researchers. His systematic reviews and innovative approaches to probiotic encapsulation and microbial studies have been cited in multiple scientific works. These citations reflect the importance and applicability of his contributions to the fields of microbiology and biochemistry.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Mr. Leandro Paes de Brito is poised to make lasting contributions to the field of biochemistry through his ongoing research and community-focused projects. His future endeavors aim to refine probiotic encapsulation technologies, develop new biocontrol methods, and enhance public health education. As he continues his academic journey, his work will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, fostering innovation and collaboration in the scientific community.

📝Biochemistry

Mr. Leandro Paes de Brito’s extensive work in biochemistry has advanced the understanding of probiotics and microbial interactions. His innovative approaches in biochemistry, particularly in probiotic encapsulation and lactic acid bacteria research, have significant implications for health and industry. His dedication to applying biochemistry in public health and education underscores the far-reaching impact of his work.

Notable Publication


📝Optimization, structural characterization, and biological applications of exopolysaccharide produced by Enterococcus faecium KT990028

Authors: de Brito, L.P., da Silva, E.C., Lins, L.F., Cavalcanti, M.T.H., Porto, A.L.F.

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Year: 2024

Citations: 0


📝The Yeast-Based Probiotic Encapsulation Scenario: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors: Oliveira, W.D.C., Brito, L.P.D., Souza, E.A.G.D., Oliveira, M.B.P.P., Costa, E.D.

Journal: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

Year: 2024

Citations: 1


📝Exopolysaccharides in immunomodulation of ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in an animal model

Authors: Brito, L.P.D., Silva, E.C.D., Silva, P.H., Soares, M.T.C.V., Porto, A.L.F.

Journal: Food Hydrocolloids for Health

Year: 2023

Citations: 4


📝In silico evaluation of genomic characteristics of Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius for application in fermentations

Authors: de Brito, L.P., Santos, D.S., de Freitas, N.S.A., Soares, M.T.C., Porto, A.L.F.

Journal: Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências

Year: 2022

Citations: 0