Muhammad Adnan Sabir Mughal | Pathobiology and Biomedical Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Muhammad Adnan Sabir Mughal | Pathobiology and Biomedical Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Adnan Sabir Mughal is a dedicated researcher and academic from Pakistan specializing in parasitology, with a strong focus on molecular surveillance of parasites affecting humans and livestock. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MPhil in Parasitology, and is pursuing a PhD in Parasitology at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, where his work explores the epidemiology of equine trypanosomatids in Southern Punjab. His professional experience includes teaching and research as a lecturer at leading universities such as the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Bahauddin Zakariyya University Multan, and MNS University of Agriculture Multan, as well as editorial roles as associate editor of Biological Times and editor for Unique Scientific Publisher. His research interests extend to food- and waterborne parasites, antiparasitic potential of natural extracts, and the application of bioinformatics in novel drug design against protozoan parasites. He possesses advanced technical skills in DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, sequence and phylogenetic analysis, as well as blotting techniques, alongside clinical and diagnostic expertise in animal health. He has been recognized with bronze and silver medals for academic excellence, university merit scholarships, and a Young Leaders Award by Volunteer Force Pakistan. Dr. Mughal’s strong academic record, research contributions, and leadership highlight his potential to advance parasitology through innovative and impactful approaches.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Aila Gareayaghi | Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Aila Gareayaghi | Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Aila Gareayaghi is a committed psychiatrist based in Kocaeli, Türkiye, with a deep passion for trauma-focused therapy, online psychotherapy, and mood and anxiety disorders. She holds the position of Lecturer and Psychiatrist at Kocaeli University and serves as Chair of the Kocaeli Branch of the Psychiatric Association of Türkiye. Dr. Gareayaghi’s extensive clinical and academic work includes innovative research on telepsychiatry, particularly in post-disaster mental health following Türkiye’s 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes. Her international experience includes a clerkship at Johns Hopkins University, Maryland. Beyond her clinical practice, she is active in research, conference presentations, and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications addressing PTSD, sexual dysfunction, and transphobia in healthcare. Dr. Gareayaghi is multilingual, speaks advanced English and elementary French, and is a passionate advocate for volunteerism, animal welfare, and nature conservation, integrating her holistic outlook into her psychiatric practice.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Aila Gareayaghi began her academic journey with a High School Diploma from Matthew McNair Secondary School in Vancouver, Canada (2012). She earned her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Türkiye (2012-2018), where she built a strong foundation in medical sciences. During her medical training, she completed a prestigious clerkship in Gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins University, USA (2018), gaining international exposure to advanced clinical practices. Pursuing her passion for mental health, she specialized in Psychiatry at Kocaeli University, Türkiye (2020-2024). Under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Elif Tatlıdil, she completed her thesis on “Telepsychiatry Services During the February 6 Earthquakes and PTSD Prevalence Six Months Later.” Additionally, Dr. Gareayaghi continuously expanded her expertise through numerous certifications in psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dynamic psychotherapy, EMDR, and traditional Chinese medicine, emphasizing her dedication to comprehensive psychiatric care.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Gareayaghi’s professional experience reflects a blend of clinical practice, teaching, and research. She currently serves as Lecturer and Psychiatrist at the Department of Psychiatry, Kocaeli University (2024–Present), where she actively treats patients, mentors students, and conducts impactful research. As Chair of the Kocaeli Branch of the Psychiatric Association of Türkiye, she plays a leadership role in advancing psychiatric practice and policy at the regional level. Her experience extends internationally, having completed a clinical clerkship in Gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins University, USA. Dr. Gareayaghi has presented her research extensively at national and international psychiatric congresses, covering topics from disaster psychiatry to psychosis and caregiver support. Her work demonstrates strong expertise in trauma therapy, online psychotherapy, and managing complex psychiatric conditions. She is also a prolific contributor to academic literature, authoring multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters addressing psychiatric emergencies and psychological trauma interventions.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Aila Gareayaghi has distinguished herself through numerous scientific contributions and recognitions. She has been invited as a speaker at prestigious forums such as the 59th National Psychiatry Congress and the Symposium on Disaster and Disaster Management. Her presentations on post-earthquake PTSD, antipsychotic-induced complications, and caregiver support have been recognized for their clinical relevance and academic rigor. Dr. Gareayaghi’s research, including peer-reviewed publications on telepsychiatry and transphobia in healthcare, reflects her innovative approach to contemporary psychiatric challenges. Although formal awards are not specified, her active involvement as Chair of the Kocaeli Branch of the Psychiatric Association of Türkiye and her multiple invited speaker roles demonstrate high professional regard and peer recognition. Moreover, her extensive certifications in psychotherapy modalities underscore her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in patient care. Her dedication to volunteer work and animal welfare also highlight her compassionate engagement beyond academia.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Gareayaghi’s research focuses primarily on trauma-informed care, disaster psychiatry, and telepsychiatry, with a special emphasis on the mental health impact of natural disasters. Her thesis work examined the prevalence of PTSD following Türkiye’s 2023 earthquakes and the effectiveness of telepsychiatry services during disaster recovery. Additionally, her research explores societal and clinical aspects of sexual dysfunction, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. She has published studies addressing transphobia in healthcare, antipsychotic-induced complications, and innovative therapeutic interventions such as EMDR. Dr. Gareayaghi integrates various therapeutic modalities, including dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy, into both her clinical practice and research. Her multidisciplinary approach bridges clinical psychiatry, public health, and social psychology, contributing valuable insights into the management of psychiatric emergencies and the psychological aftermath of crises. Her ongoing work continues to address evolving mental health challenges in both individual and systemic contexts.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Aila Gareayaghi exemplifies a dynamic psychiatrist integrating clinical excellence, cutting-edge research, and compassionate care, with a focus on trauma therapy, disaster psychiatry, telepsychiatry, and comprehensive psychiatric education.

Publications

  • Ruh Sağlığında Kriz

    ÖGDA GAREAYAGHİ, UDH YILMAZ, A POLAT
    PSİKİYATRİK ACİLLER
  • A MEDICAL STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE ON ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION.
    A Gareayaghi
    The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology: the Official Journal of Turkish …

  • Predictors of Transphobia and Attitudes Toward Transgender Individuals Among Nurses in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

    Healthcare
    2025-06-19 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13121474
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ezgi Şişman; Mehtap Güngör; Aila Gareayaghi; Hanife Yılmaz; Aslıhan Polat

  • Post-Earthquake PTSD and the Role of Telepsychiatry: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study After the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

    Medicina
    2025-06-17 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/medicina61061097
    CONTRIBUTORS: Aila Gareayaghi; Elif Tatlıdil; Ezgi Şişman; Aslıhan Polat

  • Experiences with Brexpiprazole in the Management of Agitation Due to Dementia in a University Clinic: A Case Series

    Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi
    2025-03-21 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.30934/kusbed.1617807
    CONTRIBUTORS: Aila Gareayaghi; Ezgi Şişman; Mert Türksoy; Aslıhan Özlem Polat Işık

Dyandevi mathure | Nanoformulation for Alzheimer’s disease | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dyandevi mathure | Nanoformulation for Alzheimer’s disease | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dyandevi Mewalal Mathure, Assistant Professor at Bharati Vidyapeeth, Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, is a distinguished academician with over 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical sciences. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, she has significantly contributed to teaching, research, and innovation. Dr. Mathure has authored three notable books, published 18 research articles in reputed journals, and holds five published patents. Her research primarily focuses on nanoformulations for Alzheimer’s disease, wound healing, and topical formulations for skin diseases. She has successfully completed government-funded research projects and is actively engaged in industry consultancy work. Collaborating with institutions like the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Dr. Mathure continues to push the frontiers of pharmaceutical research. Her dedication is reflected in multiple accolades, including best paper presentation awards at international conferences. Committed to translational pharmaceutical advancements, she remains a passionate contributor to academia and industry alike.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Dyandevi Mewalal Mathure earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, building a robust foundation in pharmaceutical research and innovation. Her academic journey has been characterized by a strong emphasis on novel drug delivery systems, formulation development, and translational research. She has engaged in continuous professional development, authoring several key texts in Industrial Pharmacy and Modern Dispensing Practices, which are widely used in academic curricula. Her educational background not only reflects depth in pharmaceutical sciences but also showcases her commitment to knowledge dissemination through teaching and publication. Her advanced training and research expertise in nanoformulations, brain-targeted drug delivery, and topical therapeutic systems underscore her position as a subject matter expert. Dr. Mathure’s education has enabled her to bridge theory and practice, equipping her with the skills to lead significant research projects, collaborate with industry partners, and mentor future pharmacists and researchers.

🧪 Experience

With over 15 years of academic and research experience, Dr. Dyandevi Mewalal Mathure has built a distinguished career as an Assistant Professor at Bharati Vidyapeeth, Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune. Her professional journey encompasses extensive teaching, research supervision, and collaborative research projects. She has published 18 papers in esteemed SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, authored three textbooks, and successfully filed five patents. Dr. Mathure has completed one funded research project and is currently engaged in an ongoing industry consultancy project, demonstrating her ability to translate academic research into practical applications. Her collaborations with institutions like the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies highlight her commitment to multidisciplinary research. Additionally, her expertise in nanoformulations for Alzheimer’s disease, wound healing, and skin disorders reflects her diverse research interests. Through her dedicated mentorship and active participation in international conferences, she continues to inspire and guide students, contributing significantly to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Dyandevi Mewalal Mathure has been recognized for her outstanding research contributions through multiple awards and honors. Notably, she received the Best Paper Presentation Award at the international e-Conference on “Expanding Frontier of Pharmaceutical Research Towards Global Exigency,” organized by Karpagam College of Pharmacy in association with the Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Coimbatore Branch. Her consistent scholarly excellence is reflected in her extensive publication record and successful patent filings. Dr. Mathure’s innovative work has garnered appreciation from both academia and industry, enhancing her reputation as a leader in pharmaceutical research. In addition to her academic accolades, her active involvement in consultancy projects further validates the real-world impact of her research. Her sustained commitment to innovation, teaching excellence, and translational research has made her a strong contender for the Best Research Award, recognizing her as a role model in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Dyandevi Mewalal Mathure’s research focuses on developing advanced nanoformulations aimed at treating Alzheimer’s disease, promoting wound healing, and addressing various dermatological conditions through innovative topical formulations. Her work emphasizes the design and optimization of novel drug delivery systems that enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Through her publications, patents, and consultancy projects, Dr. Mathure has contributed to the advancement of brain-targeted drug delivery, an area critical for managing neurodegenerative diseases. Her translational research bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical and industrial applications, offering practical solutions to complex medical challenges. Collaborations with reputed institutions like UPES Dehradun further demonstrate her commitment to multidisciplinary and applied pharmaceutical research. With a citation index of 6, she maintains an active presence in scientific discourse, continuously advancing the boundaries of pharmaceutical sciences. Her work exemplifies innovation-driven research with tangible societal impact.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Dyandevi Mewalal Mathure’s distinguished academic career, marked by impactful research in nanoformulations, drug delivery, numerous publications, patents, and active industry collaborations, demonstrates her unwavering commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences and improving patient care through innovation and translational research.

Publications

Jesus Avila | Tauopathies | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Suleyman Yildizdal | Craniosynostosis | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Suleyman Yildizdal | Craniosynostosis | Best Researcher Award

 

 

Profile

Education

He completed his education at Org. Kenan Evren School from 2000 to 2008, followed by Gaziantep Anadolu High School from 2008 to 2012. He then pursued his medical training at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine from 2012 to 2018. After earning his medical degree, he continued his specialization in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery as a resident at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine from November 2018 to February 2024. In April 2024, he joined Ankara Research and Training Hospital, where he continues to work in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery.

 

Work experience

He has participated in various courses and workshops to enhance his expertise in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. He attended the Resident Ethics Course at Hacettepe University’s Department of History of Medicine and Medical Ethics on January 10-11, 2019. He also completed the 5th Basic Residency School organized by the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery in Bolu, Turkey, from January 22-25, 2020. Further advancing his skills, he took part in the 15th Advanced Residency School in Antalya, Turkey, from April 20-24, 2023. Additionally, he attended the 1st Cadaver Course of Craniofacial Anomaly and Maxillofacial Surgery at Hacettepe University on September 3-4, 2022, and the 1st Cadaver Course of Orthognathic Surgery at Koc University Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, on September 7-8, 2022.

In addition to his clinical and surgical training, he has contributed to academic literature by co-authoring book chapters. He co-wrote Age-Related Changes in Trunk Aesthetics in Beauty, Aging, and Anti-Aging (1st ed., Elsevier, 2022) alongside G. G. Üstün and S. Yıldızdal. He also contributed to Dudak ve Damak Yarıkları Hacettepe Ekip Yaklaşım, co-authoring “Apert and Crouzon Syndrome” with İbrahim Vargel.

Awards

He has achieved remarkable academic success, securing 16th place in the National Examination for Specialty in Medicine among over 18,000 participants. Additionally, he ranked 571st in the National Student Selection and Placement Examination out of more than 2 million candidates.

He has actively participated in national meetings within his field, contributing to discussions and advancements in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. He attended the 41st National Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Meeting in Samsun, Turkey, from October 26-30, 2019. He also participated in the National Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Eastern Mediterranean Meeting on Cleft Lip and Palate, held in Gaziantep, Turkey, from February 7-9, 2020. Furthermore, he attended the 43rd National Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Meeting in Antalya, Turkey, from November 10-14, 2021.

 

Publication

Michal Schwartz | Neurodegenerative diseases | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof Dr. Michal Schwartz | Neurodegenerative diseases | Best Researcher Award

Michal Schwartz (born 1 January 1950) is a professor of neuroimmunology at the Weizmann Institute of Science. She is active in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly utilizing the immune system to help the brain fight terminal neurodegenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.[3][1]

Schwartz’s studies have shown that the immune system supports a healthy brain’s function and is vital for healing and protecting the brain in case of injury or disease.[4]

Schwartz coined the term protective autoimmunity[5] and discovered roles for immune cells in repair and neurogenesis. She has been the elected chair of the International Society of Neuroimmunology (ISNI) since 2016.[6]

In 2023 Schwartz received the honorary Israel Prize for Life Sciences.

 

Profile

Education

Schwartz gained her Bachelor of Science in chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1972. She received her Ph.D in Immunology in 1977 at the Weizmann Institute of Science, where she would later spend the majority of her career. She also spent time at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, researching nerve regeneration.[when?

 

Work experience

At the Weizmann Institute, she progressed from senior scientist in the Department of Neurobiology to full professor in 1998, and was then awarded the Maurice and Ilse Katz Professorial Chair in Neuroimmunology in 2016.[7] Schwartz’s work in neuroimmunology has encompassed a wide range of pathologies in the central nervous system (CNS), including injury, neurodegeneration, mental dysfunction, and aging. She coined the term protective autoimmunity and demonstrated the role of immune cells such as macrophages and T cells in spinal cord repair. She also identified specific brain areas for ‘cross talk’ between the CNS and the immune system. This cross-talk is important for recruiting immune cells and maintaining a healthy brain, and the disruption of this cross-talk can play a role in brain aging and neurodegenerative disease. She also showed this role in pregnancy and fetal brain development, where immune disruption in the mother can be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders in their children. Another focus of her work has been on repurposing cancer immunotherapies such as PD-1 blockers to treat neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Macrophages

The Schwartz team discovered that bone marrow-derived macrophages are needed for central nervous system (CNS) repair. The brain-resident myeloid cells (the microglia), and infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages are not redundant populations, despite their myeloid phenotype, and display distinct functions in resolution of brain inflammation.[8][9][10]

Autoimmunity

In her research, Schwartz discovered that the ability to cope with sterile CNS injuries requires support in the form of an adaptive immune response mediated by CD4+ T cells that recognize CNS antigens. She coined the concept of protective autoimmunity, to distinguish this response from autoimmune disease, in which the anti-self response escapes control. Over the years, it became clear that adaptive immunity is needed to facilitate the recruitment of immunoregulatory cells, including bone marrow-derived macrophages and FoxP3 regulatory T cells, though the balance between regulatory T cells and effector memory cells is different in the periphery versus the brain.[11][12][13]

Brain Homeostasis

Schwartz’s team discovered the role of adaptive systemic immune cells, and specifically T cells recognizing brain antigens (Protective autoimmune T cells), in supporting the cognitive capacity of the healthy brain, for lifelong neurogenesis, and functional brain plasticity. These observations paved the way for numerous additional discoveries in which the brain-immune axis was described.[14][15][16]

The Choroid Plexus

Schwartz’s team identified the brain’s choroid plexus (CP) within the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier as an immunological interface between the brain and the immune system. It serves as a niche that hosts immune cells, and as a physiological entry gate for leukocytes. Focusing on this unique niche within the brain led the Schwartz group to propose that IFN-γ holds the key to regulating CP gateway activity. Her team further showed that in brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases (studied using both mouse models and human samples), dysfunction of this interface is determined both by signals originating in the brain, and signals from the aged immune system, which led to the identification of Type-I Interferon (IFN-I) at the CP as a negative player, affecting the fate of the aging brain in general, and of microglia, in particular. A similar IFN-I signature at the CP was subsequently discovered by others in Alzheimer’s disease and in the postmortem brains of infected patients who died from COVID-19.[17][14][10]

Immunotherapy

The discovery that adaptive immunity plays a key role in brain function and repair, the need for bone marrow-derived macrophages to resolve local brain inflammation, the fact that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and all forms of dementia are mainly age-related diseases, and the fact that the immune system is particularly affected by aging all led Schwartz to propose a new treatment for combating dementias. Schwartz suggested empowering systemic immunity, using a form of immunotherapy by modestly blocking the inhibitory immune checkpoint PD1/PD-L1 pathway.[citation needed] This treatment drives an immune-dependent cascade of events, that allows the harnessing of bone marrow-derived macrophages and regulatory T cells to help clear toxic factors from the diseased brain, and to arrest the local inflammation, thereby providing a comprehensive multi-factorial therapy through modification of multiple elements that go awry in AD. Schwartz’s patents for developing such immunotherapy for AD are licensed to a small Biopharma company, Immunobrain Checkpoint. The company is awaiting a clinical trial in AD patients, supported in part by the National Institute of Aging, the US National Institutes of Health, and The Alzheimer’s Association.[18][19][20][21][22][23]

Publication

1. Rachmian N, Medina S, Cherqui U, Akiva H, Deitch D, Edilbi D, Croese T, Salame T, Peralta Ramos
J, Cahalon L, Krizhanovsky V, Schwartz M. 2024. Senescent microglia conserved in aging and
Alzheimer’s disease exhibit elevated TREM2 protein levels. Nat Neurosci 27: 1116-24
2. Tsitsou-Kampeli A, Suzzi S, Kenigsbuch M, Satomi A, Strobelt R, Singer O, Feldmesser E, Purnapatre
M, Colaiuta SP, David E, Cahalon L, Hahn O, Wyss-Coray T, Shaul Y, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2023.
Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase at the choroid plexus contributes to brain immune homeostasis. Cell Rep
Med: 101278
3. Suzzi, S. Croese T., Ravid A., Gold O., Clark A., Medina A., Kitsberg D., Adam M., Vernon K., Kohnert
E., Shapira I., Malitsky S., Itkin M., Brandis A., Mehlman T., Salame T., Colaiuta S., Cahalon L.,Slyper
M., Greka A., Habib N., Schwartz M. 2023. N-acetylneuraminic acid links immune exhaustion and
accelerated memory deficit in diet-induced obese Alzheimer’s disease mouse model 2023. Nat. Commun.
14:1293.
4. Kenigsbuch M, Bost P, Halevi S, Chang Y, Chen S, Ma Q, Hajbi R, Schwikowski B, Bodenmiller B, Fu
H, Schwartz M*, Amit I* (equal contribution, and corresponding authors). 2022. A shared diseaseassociated oligodendrocyte signature among multiple CNS pathologies. Nat Neurosci 25: 876-86.
5. Dvir-Szternfeld R, Castellani G, Arad M, Cahalon L, Colaiuta SP, Keren-Shaul H, Croese T, Burgaletto
C, Baruch K, Ulland T, Colonna M, Weiner A, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2022. Alzheimer’s disease
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6. Ben-Yehuda H, Arad M, Peralta Ramos JM, Sharon E, Castellani G, Ferrera S, Cahalon L, Colaiuta SP,
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model of tauopathy. Mol Neurodegeneration 16: 39. (citations:20).
7. Cohen M, Giladi A, Raposo C, Zada M, Li B, Ruckh J, Deczkowska A, Mohar B, Shechter R, Lichtenstein
RG, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2021. Meningeal lymphoid structures are activated under acute and chronic
spinal cord pathologies. Life Sci Alliance 4: e202000907.
8. Habib N, McCabe C, Medina S, Varshavsky M, Kitsberg D, Dvir-Szternfeld R, Green G, Dionne D,
Nguyen L, Marshall JL, Chen F, Zhang F, Kaplan T, Regev A, Schwartz M. 2020. Disease- associated
astrocytes in Alzheimer’s disease and aging. Nat Neurosci 23: 701-6. (citations:617).
9. Ben-Yehuda H, Matcovitch-Natan O, Kertser A, Spinrad A, Prinz M, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2020.
Maternal Type-I interferon signaling adversely affects the microglia and the behavior of the offspring
accompanied by increased sensitivity to stress. Mol Psychiatry 25: 1050-67 (Cover page).
10. Kertser A,Baruch K, Deczkowska A,Weiner A,Croese T, Kenigsbuch M,CooperI, Tsoory M,Ben- Hamo
S, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2019. Corticosteroid signaling at the brain-immune interface impedes coping with
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11. Rosenzweig N, Dvir-Sternfeld R, Tsitsou-Kampeli A, Keren-Shaul H, Ben-Yehuda H, Weill-Raynal P,
Cahalon L, Kertser A, Baruch K, Amit I, Weiner A, Schwartz M. 2019. PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade
harnesses monocyte-derived macrophages to combat cognitive impairment in a mouse model of tauassociated dementia. Nat Commun. 10: 465. (citations:141).
12. Deczkowska A, Matcovitch-Natan O, Tsitsou-Kampeli A, Ben-Hamo S, Dvir-Szternfeld R, Spinrad A,
Singer O, David E, Winter RD, Smith KL, Kertser A, Baruch K, Rosenzweig N, Terem A, Prinz M,
Villeda S, Citri A, Amit I, Schwartz M. 2017. Mef2C restrains the microglial inflammatory response and
is lost in brain ageing in an IFN-I-dependent manner. Nat Commun 8: 717. (citations:212).
13. Cohen M, Ben-Yehuda H, Porat Z, Raposo C, Gordon S, Schwartz M. 2017. Newly formed endothelial
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