Vladka Čurin Šerbec | Immunology and Microbiology | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Vladka Čurin Šerbec | Immunology and Microbiology | Women Researcher Award

Head of Research Group at Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Slovenia

Vladka Čurin Šerbec is an accomplished researcher and academic with a robust background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology. With extensive experience in both academic and industrial settings, she has made significant contributions to the development of monoclonal antibodies, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Through her leadership roles, including serving as the President of the Immunology Society of Slovenia, she has influenced research in the fields of immunology and biomedicine. Her research also involves collaborations with pharmaceutical industries, leading to the development of new technologies and successful commercialization of research outcomes. Known for her mentorship of numerous students and professionals, Čurin Šerbec is a respected figure in the scientific community, contributing to the education and growth of future researchers.

Professional Profile

Education

Vladka Čurin Šerbec’s academic journey began with a BChem degree from the University of Ljubljana in 1985. She continued her studies at the same institution, obtaining a Master’s degree in Biochemistry in 1988, followed by a PhD in 1991. Throughout her education, she focused on the molecular and biochemical aspects of biology, laying the foundation for her future research in immunology and biomedicine. This strong academic background has propelled her into various prestigious positions within both academia and industry, making her a leading figure in her field.

Professional Experience

Vladka Čurin Šerbec has a distinguished career that spans several decades, beginning with her research at the Jožef Stefan Institute and the Ruđer Bošković Institute in the 1980s and 1990s. Since 1993, she has held various key positions at the Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia (BTCS), including Head of the Department for the Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research, Scientific Counsellor, and Vice-President of the Supervisory Board. Additionally, she served as an Associate Professor and later a Professor at the University of Ljubljana’s Medical Faculty. Her leadership in industrial and academic collaborations has been instrumental in advancing research in immunology and biomedicine.

Research Interests

Vladka Čurin Šerbec’s research interests are centered around biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and the development of monoclonal antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Her work focuses on the production of diagnostic reagents and antibodies under GMP conditions, exploring new approaches to immunological diagnostics and treatments. Additionally, she has been involved in collaborative research with the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the development of technologies with real-world applications. Her interest in the standardization and quality assessment of immunological diagnostics has also been pivotal to her contributions to the field.

Research Skills

Vladka Čurin Šerbec possesses a broad skill set in molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunology. Her expertise includes the development and production of monoclonal antibodies, diagnostic reagents, and research tools. She is skilled in various laboratory techniques and methodologies, including immunoassays, molecular cloning, and protein expression. Additionally, Čurin Šerbec has significant experience in project leadership, having led multiple industrial, national, and international research initiatives. Her work also involves the development of biotechnological applications, such as antibody-based diagnostics and therapeutics, in close collaboration with pharmaceutical companies.

Awards and Honors

Vladka Čurin Šerbec has received numerous awards throughout her career in recognition of her scientific achievements. Notably, she was awarded the Zois Award in 2002 for her technological innovations and contributions to the field of biochemistry. She also received the Krka Award for students in organic chemistry in 1983, highlighting her early promise as a researcher. Čurin Šerbec’s achievements have been widely acknowledged by the scientific community, and her work continues to inspire future generations of researchers. She has also been honored with leadership positions in international societies, further solidifying her reputation in the field of immunology.

Conclusion

This individual demonstrates outstanding research capabilities and leadership in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology. Their substantial achievements in the development of monoclonal antibodies and collaborations with industry reflect both scientific excellence and practical contributions. Their commitment to research mentoring and international collaboration further strengthens their position for recognition in research excellence. With continued focus on expanding their publication record and global research influence, they have the potential for even greater impact in the scientific community.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Cleavage site-directed antibodies reveal the prion protein in humans is shed by ADAM10 at Y226 and associates with misfolded protein deposits in neurodegenerative diseases
    • Authors: Song, F., Kovac, V., Mohammadi, B., Curin Serbec, V., Altmeppen, H.C.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Acta Neuropathologica
    • Volume: 148(1), Pages 2
  2. Optimizing the method for expressing human monoclonal antibodies from a single peripheral blood cell from vaccinated donors
    • Authors: Omejec, S., Tompa, M., Kovač, V., Šerbec, V.Č.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Immunological Methods
    • Volume: 534, Article 113747
  3. Prion Protein: The Molecule of Many Forms and Faces
    • Authors: Kovač, V., Šerbec, V.Č.
    • Year: 2022
    • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    • Volume: 23(3), Article 1232
    • Citations: 21
  4. Routine KIT p.D816V screening identifies clonal mast cell disease in patients with Hymenoptera allergy regularly missed using baseline tryptase levels alone
    • Authors: Šelb, J., Rijavec, M., Eržen, R., Lyons, J.J., Korošec, P.
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
    • Volume: 148(2), Pages 621–626.e7
    • Citations: 36
  5. Prion Proteins Without the Glycophosphatidylinositol Anchor: Potential Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases
    • Authors: Kovač, V., Čurin Šerbec, V.
    • Year: 2018
    • Journal: Biomarker Insights
    • Volume: 13
    • Citations: 6
  6. Targeting malignant brain tumors with antibodies
    • Authors: Razpotnik, R., Novak, N., Curin Šerbec, V., Rajcevic, U.
    • Year: 2017
    • Journal: Frontiers in Immunology
    • Volume: 8(SEP), Article 1181
    • Citations: 57
  7. Truncated prion protein PrP226 – A structural view on its role in amyloid disease*
    • Authors: Kovač, V., Zupančič, B., Ilc, G., Plavec, J., Čurin Šerbec, V.
    • Year: 2017
    • Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
    • Volume: 484(1), Pages 45–50
    • Citations: 10
  8. New monoclonal antibodies against bilitranslocase as a diagnostic tool in determining the progress of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
    • Authors: Košir, A.B., Lukan, T., Kukovec, M., Šerbec, V.Č., Rajčević, U.
    • Year: 2017
    • Journal: Zdravniski Vestnik
    • Volume: 86(5-6), Pages 177–184
  9. Anchorless forms of prion protein – Impact of truncation on structure destabilization and prion protein conversion
    • Authors: Kovač, V., Hafner-Bratkovič, I., Čurin Šerbec, V.
    • Year: 2016
    • Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
    • Volume: 481(1-2), Pages 1–6
    • Citations: 10
  10. Flavonoid interaction with a chitinase from grape berry skin: Protein identification and modulation of the enzymatic activity
    • Authors: Filippi, A., Petrussa, E., Rajcevic, U., Vianello, A., Braidot, E.
    • Year: 2016
    • Journal: Molecules
    • Volume: 21(10), Article 1300
    • Citations: 9

 

 

Elena Prokopyeva | Immunology and Microbiology | Life Sciences Innovation Award

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Dr. Elena Prokopyeva | Immunology and Microbiology | Life Sciences Innovation Award

Senior Researcher of Novosibirsk state university, Russia.

Elena Prokopyeva is a distinguished researcher and educator based at the Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine in Novosibirsk, Russia. Her academic journey began at Novosibirsk State University and progressed through advanced research positions at institutions like the FBRI State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology ‘Vector’. Dr. Prokopyeva holds a PhD focused on the phenotypic and genotypic properties of influenza viruses and has made significant contributions to virology, studying various viruses including influenza, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses. Her expertise extends to virological methods, immunohistochemistry, and serological diagnostics. Dr. Prokopyeva has authored numerous high-impact publications, reflecting her extensive research in infectious diseases and cell biology. She is also a reviewer for MDPI and an expert for the Russian Science Foundation. Her achievements, coupled with her teaching roles in embryology and histology, underscore her valuable contributions to the scientific community.

Profile
Education

Elena Prokopyeva completed her undergraduate studies at Novosibirsk State University (NSU) from 2003 to 2009, where she specialized in Natural Science with a focus on Physiology. She pursued her graduate studies at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, from 2009 to 2010, earning expertise in Biochemistry. Her research career began in earnest at the FBRI State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology ‘Vector’, where she was a Researcher Graduate student from 2010 to 2013, focusing on Virology and Cell Biology. Prokopyeva earned her PhD in December 2015 from the same center, with a thesis on the phenotypic and genotypic properties of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. She has continued her academic and research activities at the Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine since 2013.

Professional Experience

Elena Prokopyeva has a distinguished career in virology and molecular biology, marked by extensive research and teaching roles. She began her academic journey at Novosibirsk State University, where she pursued undergraduate studies in natural science and later advanced her education with a PhD at the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology ‘Vector’. Her professional experience includes significant roles as a researcher at the Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine (FRC FTM) and as a lecturer in “Embryology,” “General Histology,” and “Special Histology” at Novosibirsk State University. Prokopyeva’s expertise spans virological methods, immunofluorescence, and serological diagnostics, with a focus on infectious diseases and cell biology. She has also contributed as a reviewer for MDPI and an expert for the Russian Science Foundation, reflecting her influence in the scientific community.

Research Interest

Elena Prokopyeva’s research primarily focuses on virology, particularly the study of influenza and other respiratory viruses. Her work explores the phenotypic and genotypic properties of pandemic influenza strains and their adaptation in various animal models. Prokopyeva has conducted significant research on the genetic diversity of adenoviruses and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on respiratory infections in children. Her expertise extends to the characterization of avian and human respiratory viruses, including their interaction with host cells and susceptibility to antiviral treatments. Additionally, Prokopyeva investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying viral pathogenesis and employs advanced techniques such as immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, and electron microscopy to enhance the understanding of infectious diseases. Her contributions aim to improve diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for viral infections, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field of virology and infectious disease research.

Research Skills

Elena Prokopyeva possesses a diverse and advanced skill set in research, particularly within virology and infectious diseases. Her expertise includes virological methods such as virus isolation, infection assays, and the determination of virus susceptibility to inhibitors. She is adept in immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry techniques, essential for studying viral interactions and pathogenesis. Prokopyeva’s proficiency extends to serological diagnostics using hemagglutination and microneutralization assays, as well as molecular techniques like RNA/DNA isolation, real-time PCR, and gel electrophoresis. Her experience with light and electron microscopy further enhances her capability to analyze viral structures and disease mechanisms. Prokopyeva’s role as a reviewer and expert for scientific foundations highlights her strong analytical skills and contributions to advancing the field of virology. Her comprehensive research skills, combined with her active participation in professional organizations, underscore her significant impact and ongoing commitment to her field.

Awards and Recognition

Elena Prokopyeva has earned notable recognition for her research in virology and infectious diseases. Her contributions to the field are highlighted by her role as a reviewer for the MDPI and an expert for the Russian Science Foundation, reflecting her expertise and impact on scientific research. Her work has been published in prestigious journals such as Viruses, Biochemistry (Moscow), and the Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, with high citation rates in Web of Science and Scopus. Prokopyeva’s research on influenza viruses and other pathogens has garnered significant attention, underscoring her expertise in studying viral genetic diversity and pathogenic mechanisms. Additionally, her involvement with the Euro-Asian Society for Infectious Diseases marks her as a key figure in advancing knowledge in her field. These accolades affirm her standing as a distinguished researcher and contribute to her recognition for the Best Researcher Award.

Conclusion

Elena Prokopyeva is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive research expertise, impressive publication record, and significant contributions to the field of virology. Her work in understanding and combating viral diseases, coupled with her role in educating future scientists, underscores her value as a researcher. Addressing the areas for improvement could further enhance her standing and impact in the scientific community. Overall, Prokopyeva’s achievements and ongoing contributions make her a worthy candidate for the award.

Publications Top Notes

  • “Genetic Diversity of the Human Adenovirus C Isolated from Hospitalized Children in Russia (2019–2022)”
    • Authors: Kurskaya, O.G., Prokopyeva, E.A., Dubovitskiy, N.A., Shestopalov, A.M., Sharshov, K.A.
    • Journal: Viruses
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 16(3)
    • Article Number: 386
    • Citations: 1
  • “Constitutive Androstane Receptor Agonist Initiates Metabolic Activity Required for Hepatocyte Proliferation”
    • Authors: Mazin, M.E., Perevalova, A.M., Yarushkin, A.A., Gulyaeva, L.F., Pustylnyak, V.O.
    • Journal: Biochemistry (Moscow)
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 88(8)
    • Pages: 1061–1069
  • “Changes in the Etiology of Acute Respiratory Infections among Children in Novosibirsk, Russia, between 2019 and 2022: The Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus”
    • Authors: Kurskaya, O.G., Prokopyeva, E.A., Sobolev, I.A., Shestopalov, A.M., Sharshov, K.A.
    • Journal: Viruses
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 15(4)
    • Article Number: 934
    • Citations: 8
  • “Virological and Genetic Characterization of the Unusual Avian Influenza H14Nx Viruses in the Northern Asia”
    • Authors: Dubovitskiy, N., Derko, A., Sobolev, I., Shestopalov, A., Sharshov, K.
    • Journal: Viruses
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 15(3)
    • Article Number: 734
    • Citations: 1
  • “Virological and genetic characteristics of human respiratory syncytial viruses isolated in Russia, 2017-2018”
    • Authors: Prokopyeva, E.A., Kurskaya, O.G., Solomatina, M.V., Shestopalov, A.M., Sharshov, K.A.
    • Journal: Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17(2)
    • Pages: 251–259
    • Citations: 2
  • “Promotion of NR1I3-mediated liver growth is accompanied by STAT3 activation”
    • Authors: Mazin, M.E., Yarushkin, A.A., Pustylnyak, Y.A., Prokopyeva, E.A., Pustylnyak, V.O.
    • Journal: Molecular Biology Reports
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 49(5)
    • Pages: 4089–4093
    • Citations: 2
  • “Low incidence of human coronavirus among hospitalized children in Novosibirsk city, Russia during pre-pandemic period (2013–2020)”
    • Authors: Kurskaya, O.G., Prokopyeva, E.A., Anoshina, A.V., Shestopalov, A.M., Sharshov, K.A.
    • Journal: Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 55(2)
    • Pages: 336–340
    • Citations: 3
  • “Anti-Influenza Activity of Medicinal Material Extracts from Qinghai–Tibet Plateau”
    • Authors: Kurskaya, O., Prokopyeva, E., Bi, H., Wei, L., Sharshov, K.
    • Journal: Viruses
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 14(2)
    • Article Number: 360
    • Citations: 7
  • “Etiology of influenza-like illnesses in the population of Novosibirsk City in the 2018-2019 epidemic season”
    • Authors: Kurskaya, O.G., Anoshina, A.V., Leonova, N.V., Shestopalov, A.M., Sharshov, K.A.
    • Journal: Russian Journal of Infection and Immunity
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 11(4)
    • Pages: 723–736
    • Citations: 2
  • “Activation of the Akt pathway by a constitutive androstane receptor agonist results in β-catenin activation”
    • Authors: Yarushkin, A.A., Mazin, M.E., Pustylnyak, Y.A., Prokopyeva, E.A., Pustylnyak, V.O.
    • Journal: European Journal of Pharmacology
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 879
    • Article Number: 173135
    • Citations: 6