Jesus Avila | Tauopathies | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Jesus Avila | Tauopathies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jesus Avila is a distinguished cognitive scientist and Professor ad honorem at the Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM-CSIC), Spain. He obtained his degree in Chemistry and PhD in Molecular Biology from Universidad Complutense Madrid, focusing on RNA polymerase in B. subtilis. His postdoctoral research at NIH, USA, centered on the SV40 virus. Throughout his prolific career, Dr. Avila has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the neuronal cytoskeleton, particularly tau protein, its role in Alzheimer’s disease, and tauopathies. With over 694 published journal articles, 33 books, 4 patents, and collaborations across the USA, France, UK, Germany, and Spain, his work is internationally recognized. He serves on editorial boards of prestigious journals including EMBO J, FEBS Letters, Neuroscience, and Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (Deputy Editor). Dr. Avila is a member of EMBO, Academia Europaea, AAAS, and Royal Academies of Sciences and Medicine of Spain.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Jesus Avila pursued his higher education at Universidad Complutense Madrid (UCM), earning a degree in Chemistry. He further specialized by completing a PhD in Molecular Biology at UCM, where his research focused on the B. subtilis RNA polymerase system. This solid foundation in molecular biology provided him with the expertise to investigate complex neurobiological mechanisms. He then advanced his academic career with postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, where he studied the SV40 virus—a crucial step that introduced him to advanced molecular virology and neurobiology techniques. This diverse academic background enabled him to establish a globally recognized research portfolio in neurodegeneration, particularly tau protein’s role in neuronal function and dysfunction.

Experience

Dr. Avila has an illustrious career spanning several decades at the Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM-CSIC), where he has led pioneering research into the neuronal cytoskeleton, tau protein dysfunction, and neurodegenerative diseases. His early research at NIH on SV40 virus provided him with robust molecular expertise, which he translated into comprehensive studies on tauopathies and Alzheimer’s disease upon returning to Spain. Dr. Avila has successfully led over 30 major research projects, consulted on 8 industry collaborations, and published 694 peer-reviewed articles. His work includes the authorship of 33 books and the filing of 4 patents. Through sustained collaborations with global leaders in neuroscience from the USA, France, UK, Germany, and Spain, he has significantly advanced the understanding of aging and cognitive decline. His academic leadership and editorial roles underscore his vast experience in guiding both research and scientific discourse.

Research Interests

Dr. Avila’s research primarily investigates the neuronal cytoskeleton, with a central focus on tau protein and its role in neurodegeneration. Beginning with tau’s structural function in neurons, his work has expanded to explore how tau dysfunction contributes to Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. Utilizing molecular and cellular approaches, including advanced mouse models, he has dissected the pathological mechanisms linking tau pathology to cognitive decline. Recognizing aging as the principal risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, his current investigations target neuronal rejuvenation strategies to mitigate age-associated neurodegeneration. His integrative approach combines molecular biology, neurogenetics, and translational models, contributing significantly to the understanding of disease progression and potential therapeutic interventions. Through over 694 publications, 33 books, multiple patents, and international collaborations, Dr. Avila has substantially advanced the field of cognitive neuroscience, particularly in understanding and combating tau-mediated cognitive disorders.

Awards

Dr. Avila’s exemplary contributions have earned him numerous prestigious honors. He is an elected member of EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization), Academia Europaea, AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science), and both the Royal Academies of Sciences and Medicine of Spain—testament to his global recognition and scientific excellence. His editorial appointments with highly respected journals such as EMBO J, FEBS Letters, Neuroscience, and his role as Deputy Editor of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease further validate his authority in cognitive and neurodegenerative research. His citation index surpasses 100 on Scopus, reflecting the significant influence of his work. His extensive collaborations with leading international research teams highlight his status as a respected leader in the global scientific community. The combination of his research excellence, mentorship, and leadership has positioned him as one of the foremost experts in cognitive science and neurobiology.

Conclusion

Dr. Jesus Avila’s distinguished career combines pioneering research on tau protein and Alzheimer’s disease, extensive international collaborations, over 694 publications, leadership roles in major journals, multiple prestigious memberships, and an unwavering focus on neuronal rejuvenation strategies, positioning him as a world-leading cognitive scientist whose work continues to advance global understanding of neurodegeneration.

 Publications

  • Protein tau phosphorylation in the proline rich region and its implication in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

    Experimental Neurology
    2025 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.115049

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85208758184

    Part ofISSN: 10902430 00144886
    CONTRIBUTORS: Merino-Serrais, P.; Soria, J.M.; Arrabal, C.A.; Ortigado-López, A.; Esparza, M.Á.G.; Muñoz, A.; Hernández, F.; Ávila, J.; DeFelipe, J.; León-Espinosa, G.

  • Retrotransposon Protein L1 ORF1p Expression in Aging Central Nervous System

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2025-05-04 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms26094368
    CONTRIBUTORS: Laura Vallés-Saiz; Aaron Abdelkader-Guillén; Jesús Ávila; Félix Hernández

  • Shapeshifter W-Tau Peptide Inhibits Tau Aggregation and Disintegrates Paired Helical Filaments

    Biochemistry
    2025-04-15 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00809
    CONTRIBUTORS: Indalo Domene-Serrano; Raquel Cuadros; Vega García-Escudero; Francisco Vallejo-Bedia; Ismael Santa-María; Laura Vallés-Saiz; Félix Hernandez; Jesús Avila

  • Peptide Family Promotes Brain Cell Rejuvenation and Improved Cognition through Peripheral Delivery

    ACS Omega
    2025-04-08 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c10849
    CONTRIBUTORS: Alejandro Anton-Fernandez; Indalo Domene-Serrano; Raquel Cuadros; Rocio Peinado-Cahuchola; Margarita Sanchez-Pece; Felix Hernandez; Jesus Avila

  • Partial reprogramming by cyclical overexpression of Yamanaka factors improves pathological phenotypes of tauopathy mouse model of human Alzheimer\’s disease

    Progress In Neurobiology
    2025-04-01 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2025.102743

    SOURCE-WORK-ID:

    CSIC-GB950859

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85219079150

    Part ofISSN: 0301-0082
    CONTRIBUTORS: Alejandro Anton-Fernandez; Ruiz de Alegría, Álvaro; Mariscal-Casero, Ana; Roldán-Lázaro, Marta; Peinado-Cauchola, Rocío; Jesus Avila; Felix Hernandez

  • Hippocampal rejuvenation by a single intracerebral injection of one‐carbon metabolites in C57BL6 old wild‐type mice

    Aging Cell
    2025-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1111/acel.14365
    CONTRIBUTORS: Alejandro Antón‐Fernández; Rocío Peinado Cauchola; Félix Hernández; Jesús Ávila

  • Intron retention as a productive mechanism in human MAPT: RNA species generated by retention of intron 3

    eBioMedicine
    2024 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104953

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85181837483

    Part ofISSN: 23523964
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ruiz-Gabarre, D.; Vallés-Saiz, L.; Carnero-Espejo, A.; Ferrer, I.; Hernández, F.; Garcia-Escudero, R.; Ávila, J.; García-Escudero, V.

  • Involvement of the cellular prion protein in seeding and spreading of sarkosyl-derived fractions of Alzheimer´s disease in Prnp mutant mice and in the P301S transgenic tauopathy mice model

    bioRxiv
    2024 | Other
    DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.20.576414

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85184321414

    Part of ISSN: 26928205
    CONTRIBUTORS: Sala-Jarque, J.; Gil, V.; Andrés-Benito, P.; Lidón, L.; Yanac-Huertas, R.E.; López-León, C.F.; Hernández, F.; Ávila, J.; Lanciego, J.L.; Soriano, J. et al.

Nastaran Zamani | Exercise – Appetite – Obesity | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Assist. Prof. Dr. Nastaran Zamani | Exercise – Appetite – Obesity | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nastaran Zamani is a distinguished Iranian neuroscientist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Payame Noor University, Tehran. With a research career grounded in neurophysiology and Alzheimer’s disease models, she has made valuable contributions to understanding the effects of neuroprotective agents like memantine, vitamin D, folic acid, and DHA on cognitive function. Her expertise spans from electrophysiological recordings of hippocampal neurons to behavioral studies in rodent models. Dr. Zamani has actively collaborated with renowned researchers and co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles published in leading journals in neuroscience, physiology, and pharmacology. Her work bridges cellular neurobiology and therapeutic research, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach. Dr. Zamani is also known for her participation in national and international scientific congresses. Through her teaching and mentoring roles, she fosters academic growth and promotes scientific inquiry among students and young researchers in Iran. Her commitment to neuroscience research and education continues to inspire many in the field.

Professional Profile

Googlescholar

Education

Dr. Nastaran Zamani earned her Ph.D. in Animal Physiology from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in 2019, with a doctoral thesis focused on the electrophysiological and behavioral effects of memantine and DHA on hippocampal CA1 neurons and spatial memory in Alzheimer’s disease rat models, under the supervision of Prof. Ahmad Ali Moazedi. She completed her MSc in Animal Physiology from Razi University, Kermanshah, in 2004, where her thesis explored the hematological effects of sodium nitrate in mice, co-supervised by Dr. Syrus Shamili and Dr. Syrus Ghobadi. Her academic foundation was built at the University of Isfahan, where she received her BSc in Biology with a focus on Animal Sciences in 1999. Her education reflects a consistent and deep interest in the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders, forming the basis of her current research in neuroscience and therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer’s disease and related neurological conditions.

Experience

Dr. Zamani began her academic career as a faculty instructor in the Department of Biology at Payame Noor University from 2011 to 2019. Since 2019, she has held the position of Assistant Professor in the same department. She has over a decade of teaching experience, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in physiology, neurobiology, and experimental research techniques. Her research focuses on Alzheimer’s disease models, involving electrophysiology, behavioral neuroscience, and pharmacological interventions. Dr. Zamani has presented her findings in more than ten national and international conferences and has authored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles in neuroscience and physiology. In addition to teaching and research, she has participated in various academic development workshops on molecular biology, drug delivery, data analysis using MATLAB, and scientific writing. Her continuous contributions to neuroscience research and education have strengthened her role as a dedicated academic professional in the Iranian scientific community.

Research Interests

Dr. Zamani’s research centers on the neurophysiological and therapeutic mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, with a primary focus on hippocampal CA1 neuron activity, memory, and learning. She explores the pharmacological effects of memantine, folic acid, vitamin B12, DHA, and vitamin D in rodent models of neurodegeneration, using electrophysiological recordings and behavioral assessments such as maze tests. Her investigations examine how these compounds influence spatial learning, memory deficits, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s models. She has expanded her research to include studies on motor coordination, depression, anxiety, and thermal dysregulation related to neurological disorders, as well as broader physiological effects of exercise and natural antioxidants. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates neuroscience, pharmacology, and physiology, supported by collaborations with international researchers and active engagement in congresses and workshops. By bridging cellular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, Dr. Zamani’s work contributes significantly to preclinical efforts targeting Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive disorders.

Awards

While formal award titles are not explicitly listed, Dr. Nastaran Zamani’s consistent scholarly productivity and academic recognition are evident through her extensive peer-reviewed publications, conference participations, and workshop invitations. She has been selected to present at prestigious neuroscience congresses, such as the Congress of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, and has contributed to multiple multidisciplinary international collaborations, demonstrating her recognition within the academic community. Her research contributions to Alzheimer’s disease models have earned her collaborative roles in high-impact studies published in journals like Frontiers in Physiology, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Cytotherapy. She has also participated in professional development programs hosted by Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Elsevier Research Academy, and the International Brain Research Organization, further reflecting her ongoing commitment to academic excellence. Dr. Zamani’s profile highlights the high regard she holds among peers and institutions for her active role in advancing neurophysiological research in Iran and beyond.

Conclusion:

Dr. Nastaran Zamani is a dedicated neuroscientist whose innovative research on neurodegeneration and therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer’s disease has significantly advanced our understanding of cognitive function, making her a valuable contributor to the global neuroscience community.

 

Top Noted Publications