Dr. Mariana Grieben | Structural Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Lübeck, Germany

Dr. Mariana Grieben is an accomplished biochemist and structural biologist whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of membrane proteins and viral pathogenesis. She earned her Ph.D. in Structural Biology, where she explored the intricate structure and function of ATP synthases, laying the groundwork for her later research in protein biochemistry. Following her doctoral studies, she joined the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) at the University of Oxford as a postdoctoral researcher, where she played a leading role in the structural characterization of human integral membrane proteins, including TRP channels, TMEM proteins, and SLC transporters. Her scientific contributions have been pivotal in understanding disease-relevant proteins, with her work on TRPP1, TRPC6, TRPA1, and TMEM45A using advanced cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography providing structural foundations for drug discovery in diseases such as polycystic kidney disease, chronic pain, and cancer. Currently, Dr. Grieben serves as a Group Leader at the Institute of Biochemistry, University of Lübeck, Germany, where she leads innovative research projects on viral heart failure and the potential of oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy. Her research interests span structural virology, protein–ligand interactions, and therapeutic protein design. She is skilled in molecular cloning, protein expression, purification, cryo-EM, X-ray diffraction, and electrophysiological analysis, integrating these techniques to decipher protein dynamics at the atomic level. Dr. Grieben has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus and has accumulated over 530 citations with an h-index of 4, reflecting the scientific influence of her work. Her professional affiliations include membership in the German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM), and she has collaborated with pharmaceutical companies to translate academic research into therapeutic applications. Recognized for her scientific leadership and teaching excellence, Dr. Grieben exemplifies innovation, dedication, and mentorship in structural biology, continually contributing to biomedical advancements that address global health challenges.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Dong, Y. Y., Pike, A. C. W., Mackenzie, A., McClenaghan, C., Aryal, P., Dong, L., … Carpenter, E. P. (2015). K2P channel gating mechanisms revealed by structures of TREK-2 and a complex with Prozac. Science, 347(6227), 1256–1259.
Grieben, M., Pike, A. C. W., Shintre, C. A., Venturi, E., El-Ajouz, S., Tessitore, A., … Carpenter, E. P. (2017). Structure of the polycystic kidney disease TRP channel Polycystin-2 (PC2). Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, 24(2), 114–122.
Wang, Q., Corey, R. A., Hedger, G., Aryal, P., Grieben, M., Nasrallah, C., … Carpenter, E. P. (2020). Lipid interactions of a ciliary membrane TRP channel: Simulation and structural studies of polycystin-2. Structure, 28(2), 169–184.e5.
Wang, Q., Hedger, G., Aryal, P., Grieben, M., Pike, A. C. W., Shi, J., … Carpenter, E. P. (2019). Understanding protein–lipid interactions of TRP channels of the polycystin family, through MD simulations and structural studies. Biophysical Journal, 116(3), 534a–535a.*
Grieben, M. (2012). Struktur und Regulation der F1FO ATP Synthase aus Spinat Chloroplasten [Doctoral dissertation]. University of Frankfurt.

Dr. Mariana Grieben’s pioneering work in structural biology and membrane protein research advances fundamental understanding of disease mechanisms, enabling the development of targeted therapies for kidney disorders, chronic pain, and cancer. Her research bridges science and industry, fostering global innovation in drug discovery and translational medicine.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sumaira Javaid | Structural Biology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, Pakistan.

Dr. Sumaira Javaid has established herself as a competent researcher in bio-organic chemistry, molecular and structural biology, with 17 publications, an impact factor of 77, and 358 citations, resulting in an h-index of 10. She has been involved in advanced research, notably in drug discovery, anti-cancer compounds, and enzyme inhibition. Her international exposure includes post-doctoral work at a prestigious French institute, along with significant experience in Pakistan. Her research focuses on developing therapeutic approaches targeting cancer and neurological diseases using biochemical and biophysical methods. She has also supervised several students at different academic levels.

Publication profile

Google Scholar

Education and Experience

Dr. Sumaira Javaid earned her Ph.D. in Bio-organic Chemistry from a reputable institution in Pakistan, where her thesis focused on developing novel anti-cancer compounds. She pursued advanced molecular biology and structural biology studies, sharpening her expertise in drug design and enzyme inhibition. Her academic excellence opened doors for international opportunities, including a post-doctoral fellowship at a prestigious French research institute. During her post-doctoral research, Dr. Javaid worked on cutting-edge biochemical techniques aimed at understanding protein-ligand interactions and their therapeutic potential. Throughout her educational journey, she has demonstrated a keen interest in interdisciplinary research, merging biophysics with organic chemistry to address critical healthcare challenges, especially in cancer treatment and neurological diseases.

Work Experience

Dr. Sumaira Javaid has accumulated extensive research experience, both locally and internationally. After completing her Ph.D., she held a post-doctoral position in France, where she collaborated on pioneering projects in molecular biology and biophysics. Her research has focused on drug discovery, particularly targeting cancer and neurological disorders through enzyme inhibition. Upon her return to Pakistan, she continued her work at leading institutions, contributing to several high-impact studies and expanding her expertise in structural biology. With 17 publications, Dr. Javaid has become a recognized name in her field, and her work has received international recognition with 358 citations. Beyond research, she is also a dedicated mentor, having supervised numerous undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, guiding them through their academic and scientific pursuits.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Sumaira Javaid’s remarkable research achievements have earned her several prestigious awards and honors. She was recognized for her post-doctoral work in France, receiving accolades for her contributions to drug discovery and structural biology. In Pakistan, she has been honored with multiple research excellence awards, reflecting her impact on the scientific community. Her publications have garnered significant attention, leading to various acknowledgments for her contributions to anti-cancer research. In addition to her research awards, Dr. Javaid has been recognized for her mentorship and teaching excellence, having guided students at various academic levels. Her h-index of 10 and citation count of 358 further underscore her influence in the field. Dr. Javaid continues to be a leader in bio-organic chemistry, actively pursuing new therapeutic approaches for complex diseases.

Research Focus

Dr. Sumaira Javaid’s research is centered around the discovery of novel therapeutic compounds, with a primary focus on cancer and neurological diseases. Her expertise in bio-organic chemistry and molecular biology has led her to explore enzyme inhibition as a means of halting cancer cell proliferation. Utilizing biochemical and biophysical methods, she investigates protein-ligand interactions to develop targeted drug therapies. Dr. Javaid’s work in structural biology further enables her to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression, allowing for the design of more effective treatment strategies. She is also involved in drug screening for potential therapeutic agents that can cross the blood-brain barrier, which is critical for treating neurological disorders. Her research not only aims to advance cancer therapy but also provides insights into the molecular basis of diseases, opening avenues for new and improved treatments.

Conclusion

Dr. Sumaira Javaid is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on her significant contributions to bio-organic chemistry and molecular biology. Her international experience, impactful publications, and dedication to advancing therapeutic approaches in cancer and neurological diseases make her a compelling contender. To further enhance her candidacy, she could focus on extending her research impact beyond academia and into clinical or industrial settings, alongside securing larger research grants and enhancing public engagement.

Publications

Unexpected central role of the androgen receptor in the spontaneous regeneration of myelin
Authors: B. Bielecki, C. Mattern, A.M. Ghoumari, S. Javaid, K. Smietanka, …
Citations: 122
Year: 2016

Zwitterionic pyrimidinium adducts as antioxidants with therapeutic potential as nitric oxide scavenger
Authors: A. Barakat, A.M. Al-Majid, H.J. Al-Najjar, Y.N. Mabkhot, S. Javaid, S. Yousuf, …
Citations: 60
Year: 2014

Synthesis, molecular docking and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of 5-aryl-1H-tetrazoles
Authors: I. Fatima, H. Zafar, K.M. Khan, S.M. Saad, S. Javaid, S. Perveen, M.I. Choudhary
Citations: 35
Year: 2018

Synthesis and urease inhibitory activities of benzophenone semicarbazones/thiosemicarbazones
Authors: A. Arshia, A. Khan, K.M. Khan, S.M. Saad, N.I. Siddiqui, S. Javaid, S. Perveen, …
Citations: 27
Year: 2016

2-Arylquinazolin-4 (3H)-ones: A novel class of thymidine phosphorylase inhibitors
Authors: S. Javaid, S.M. Saad, S. Perveen, K.M. Khan, M.I. Choudhary
Citations: 16
Year: 2015

Small molecule–based targeting of TTD-A dimerization to control TFIIH transcriptional activity represents a potential strategy for anticancer therapy
Authors: V. Gervais, I. Muller, P.O. Mari, A. Mourcet, K.T. Movellan, P. Ramos, …
Citations: 15
Year: 2018

Flavonoids as natural inhibitors of jack bean urease enzyme
Authors: J.A.J. Awllia, M. Al-Ghamdi, E. Huwait, S. Javaid, S. Rasheed, …
Citations: 14
Year: 2016

Xanthine oxidase inhibitory and molecular docking studies on pyrimidones
Authors: H. Zafar, S. Iqbal, S. Javaid, K.M. Khan, M.I. Choudhary
Citations: 11
Year: 2018

In-vitro and in-vivo anticandidal activity of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) sprague seeds ethanolic extract and thymol-containing hexanes fraction
Authors: A. Wahab, Q. Ilyas, S. Farooq, S. Javaid, S. Ahmed, A. Rahman, …
Citations: 10
Year: 2021

Natural compounds as angiogenic enzyme thymidine phosphorylase inhibitors: In vitro biochemical inhibition, mechanistic, and in silico modeling studies
Authors: S. Javaid, M. Shaikh, N. Fatima, M.I. Choudhary
Citations: 10
Year: 2019

Mariana Grieben | Structural Biology | Best Researcher Award