Fernanda Grande Kugeratski | Cancer Research | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski | Cancer Research | Best Researcher Award

Instructor | Md Anderson Cancer Center | United States

Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski is a biomedical scientist with expertise in cancer biology, proteomics, and immunology, currently serving as Instructor in Experimental Therapeutics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her career has been dedicated to understanding the tumor microenvironment, with a particular focus on the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts and extracellular vesicles in shaping cancer progression and immune responses. She has received international recognition for her contributions, including prestigious fellowships and scientific achievement awards. Throughout her career, Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski has actively contributed to advancing translational cancer research, combining molecular biology, proteomics, and immunology approaches to uncover mechanisms of tumor–stroma interactions. She has delivered invited talks at international conferences, published impactful studies, and secured competitive research funding to support her independent projects. Beyond research, she has contributed to the scientific community as a reviewer for high-impact journals and as an active member of international professional societies. Passionate about mentorship, she has trained young researchers and medical students, supporting their career development. Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski continues to pursue innovative strategies to translate fundamental discoveries into potential therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of improving cancer patient outcomes and contributing to the next generation of cancer treatments.

Publication Profile

Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski pursued her academic training across leading institutions in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States, building a strong foundation in biological sciences, biotechnology, and cancer research. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences with distinction, followed by specialization studies in biotechnology that strengthened her technical expertise in experimental methodologies. Her postgraduate education included a master’s degree in biosciences and biotechnology at the Carlos Chagas Institute FIOCRUZ, where she developed advanced research skills in molecular biology and proteomics. She later obtained her doctoral degree in Cancer Sciences through a joint program with the University of Glasgow and Cancer Research UK, where she specialized in tumor microenvironment studies using proteomic approaches. Her doctoral research uncovered critical insights into hypoxia-driven mechanisms of cancer progression, setting the stage for her later career. She continued her training with prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she deepened her expertise in immunology, extracellular vesicle biology, and tumor–stroma interactions. This academic trajectory provided her with a multidisciplinary perspective, combining rigorous basic science with translational research, and shaped her vision of addressing key questions in oncology by integrating molecular mechanisms, proteomics, and immunology into innovative cancer therapeutic strategies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski has developed an outstanding professional trajectory in translational cancer research through academic appointments and postdoctoral training at globally renowned institutions. She currently serves as Instructor in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, where her work focuses on dissecting the tumor microenvironment and advancing therapeutic strategies targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts. Before assuming her current faculty role, she completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Immunology, also at UT MD Anderson, where she investigated the complex interplay between the immune system and stromal compartments of tumors. Prior to that, she was awarded an Odyssey Fellowship in the Department of Cancer Biology, where she pioneered proteomic approaches to characterize the role of hypoxia and fibroblast-derived exosomes in tumor progression. These professional experiences reflect her capacity to conduct independent, cutting-edge research while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. In addition to her research responsibilities, she has been actively engaged in academic service, including representing postdoctoral scholars on institutional committees and contributing to policy development. She has also played a vital role in training and mentoring junior scientists, medical students, and research assistants, demonstrating her dedication to advancing both scientific discovery and academic leadership in oncology.

Research Interest

Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski’s research interests lie at the interface of cancer biology, proteomics, and immunology, with a strong focus on the tumor microenvironment. Her work seeks to understand how cancer-associated fibroblasts, particularly specialized subsets, contribute to tumor progression, immune modulation, and therapeutic resistance. By applying advanced proteomic techniques, she investigates how hypoxia and metabolic stress alter fibroblast behavior, shaping the tumor ecosystem in ways that promote angiogenesis, immune evasion, and metastasis. Another key area of her research is the study of extracellular vesicles and their proteomic signatures as biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring. She is particularly interested in identifying universal molecular signatures within exosomes that may serve as diagnostic tools or therapeutic targets. Her long-term research vision is to bridge basic discoveries with translational applications, using insights from tumor biology to inform new therapeutic strategies that disrupt the supportive role of stromal cells in cancer. Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski’s interdisciplinary approach reflects her commitment to integrating molecular technologies, systems biology, and immuno-oncology in pursuit of innovative interventions. Ultimately, her research aims to provide actionable knowledge that enhances cancer treatment, contributes to biomarker discovery, and improves clinical outcomes for patients facing aggressive and treatment-resistant tumors.

Research Skills

Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski possesses a broad range of research skills developed through extensive academic training and international collaborations. She is highly proficient in quantitative proteomics, mass spectrometry and secretomics, with expertise in applying these techniques to characterize tumor and stromal cell interactions. Her technical skills extend to immunology, including cellular assays, immune profiling, and the functional analysis of immune–stromal interactions within the tumor microenvironment. She is experienced in designing and executing experiments that explore extracellular vesicle biology, biomarker discovery, and the functional roles of stromal cell subsets in cancer progression. Her background also includes molecular and cell biology methodologies, such as reverse genetics, protein interaction studies, and advanced imaging techniques. In addition to her laboratory expertise, Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski has cultivated strong skills in scientific communication, project management, and research leadership, enabling her to lead independent research projects supported by competitive grants. She has also demonstrated competency in mentoring and supervising trainees, guiding them in technical training and scientific thinking. Her interdisciplinary skill set allows her to effectively integrate high-throughput proteomic data with biological insights, advancing both fundamental understanding and translational applications in oncology. This versatile expertise positions her as a leader in tumor microenvironment and cancer systems biology research.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski has been recognized with numerous honors and awards that reflect her scientific excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing cancer research. Early in her career, she was awarded competitive scholarships that supported her advanced studies in biotechnology and biosciences, laying the foundation for her professional development. Her doctoral research was supported by a prestigious international fellowship, highlighting her potential to contribute to the global scientific community. During her PhD and postdoctoral training, she received multiple travel grants and poster awards from leading scientific organizations, acknowledging the quality and innovation of her research on hypoxia and tumor biology. She was also selected for institutional and international fellowships that recognized both her scientific achievement and her promise as an independent investigator. Among her most notable distinctions are competitive postdoctoral fellowships in cancer research and immunology, as well as prizes for excellence in scientific presentations and poster competitions at major international meetings. These accolades underscore her ability to conduct pioneering research, communicate her findings effectively, and inspire peers within the scientific community. Collectively, these honors highlight her trajectory as a rising leader in translational cancer research and her continued dedication to scientific advancement.

Author Metrics

  • Total Publications: 20

  • Total Citations: 3,872

  • h-index: 12

  • i10-index: 15

Publications Top Notes

1. B cells and tertiary lymphoid structures promote immunotherapy response
Citations: 2338 | Year: 2020

2. Quantitative proteomics identifies the core proteome of exosomes with syntenin-1 as the highest abundant protein and a putative universal biomarker
Citations: 438 | Year: 2021

3. Cancer associated fibroblasts: the architects of stroma remodeling
Citations: 283 | Year: 2018

4. Exosomes as mediators of immune regulation and immunotherapy in cancer
Citations: 195 | Year: 2021

5. Exosome-mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for targeting of oncogenic KrasG12D in pancreatic cancer
Citations: 176 | Year: 2021

Conclusion

Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski stands out as a dynamic scientist whose career integrates rigorous academic training, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to the scientific community. Her work exemplifies the translation of fundamental discoveries in cancer biology into strategies that hold therapeutic promise, particularly in understanding the tumor microenvironment and its role in shaping disease progression. Through her innovative use of proteomics and immunology, she has generated valuable insights into the behavior of cancer-associated fibroblasts and extracellular vesicles, with implications for diagnostics and treatment development. Beyond her research achievements, she has been an active contributor to institutional service, peer review, and international scientific societies, reflecting her commitment to advancing the broader biomedical research landscape. Her role as a mentor further highlights her dedication to cultivating the next generation of scientists and clinicians. With a strong record of scholarly recognition, research funding, and leadership potential, Dr. Fernanda Grande Kugeratski is well-positioned to continue making significant contributions to translational oncology. Her professional journey illustrates both excellence and vision, establishing her as a promising leader whose research will continue to drive innovation and improve outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.

Xueqiang Peng | Cancer Research | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xueqiang Peng | Cancer Research | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University | China

Prof. Xueqiang Peng is an accomplished Associate Professor and Associate Research Fellow at The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. With a strong foundation in surgery and public health, he leads groundbreaking research into tumor cell stress, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and immune escape mechanisms in cancer. His work integrates molecular biology, immunology, and biomedical engineering, aiming to unravel how cancer cells exploit vesicle-mediated pathways for immune evasion and progression. Prof. Peng has authored over 20 SCI-indexed publications as first or corresponding author and holds an H-index of 25, with 1,978+ citations. He has successfully secured over 1.35 million RMB in competitive research funding, serving as Principal Investigator on eight major projects funded by national, provincial, and municipal bodies. His international collaborations with renowned institutions such as Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), AiBST (Zimbabwe), and Nihon University (Japan) further reflect the global relevance of his research. A recognized young talent at both university and city levels, he has been honored as an Outstanding Young and Middle-aged Scientific & Technological Talent and Senior Talent of Shenyang. His pioneering work in EV-based liquid biopsy and colorectal cancer diagnostics is accelerating translational oncology, bridging lab research and clinical applications.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education

Prof. Xueqiang Peng earned his Doctor of Surgery degree and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Public Health at China Medical University, a leading institution in clinical and translational medicine. His multidisciplinary academic training provided a solid foundation for his focus on tumor biology, extracellular vesicle biology, and public health challenges in cancer management. His education not only emphasized core surgical and biomedical sciences but also included in-depth exposure to experimental design, statistical analysis, and public health systems—equipping him to bridge basic science with clinical applications. The integration of clinical surgery and molecular research during his formative academic years significantly shaped his ability to pursue translational cancer research. His postdoctoral training further deepened his expertise in immune escape mechanisms and tumor microenvironment interactions, laying the groundwork for his specialization in hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer. His early academic trajectory reflects a strong commitment to combining evidence-based medicine with innovative approaches such as nanomedicine and vesicle-based diagnostics. As a result, his education has propelled him into leadership roles in research and has enabled extensive interdisciplinary collaboration across biomedical and clinical fields.

Professional Experience

Prof. Xueqiang Peng currently serves as an Associate Professor and Associate Research Fellow at The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, where he conducts research and mentors graduate students in translational oncology. Over the years, he has accumulated diverse experience in surgical research, molecular diagnostics, and extracellular vesicle biology. As a Principal Investigator, he has led eight major research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Liaoning Province, and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. His work has spanned both basic and clinical research, with a strong emphasis on tumor cell-derived vesicles, immune evasion, and early cancer detection. Notably, he has coordinated multi-level collaboration between city hospitals and academic institutions, contributing to a city-university research pipeline. Prof. Peng’s engagement with international collaborators from Sweden, Japan, and Zimbabwe has further enriched his research perspectives and extended his professional network. Recognized by his institution as a Young Key Talent and by the city of Shenyang as a Senior Talent, he remains committed to advancing cancer diagnostics and treatment strategies through rigorous investigation and translational research.

Research Interest

Prof. Xueqiang Peng’s research interests lie at the intersection of tumor biology, extracellular vesicle (EV) signaling, and immune escape mechanisms in cancer. His investigations primarily focus on how tumor cells utilize stress-induced signaling pathways and vesicle-mediated transport to communicate with immune cells and modulate the tumor microenvironment. A key area of his research is understanding multivesicular body (MVB) biogenesis, EV cargo sorting, and the molecular triggers behind amphisome-mediated EV release. His team explores how non-coding RNAs, EV membrane proteins, and mutations such as CTNNB1 or p53 influence immune escape and promote cancer progression, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer. Prof. Peng also pioneers the application of machine learning in analyzing EV content for use in liquid biopsy, contributing to non-invasive cancer diagnostics. Moreover, his interest in nanomedicine and organoid platforms supports preclinical modeling and therapeutic evaluation. These integrated research domains align with his overarching goal of translating cellular and molecular findings into clinically applicable diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Research Skills

Prof. Xueqiang Peng brings a robust and interdisciplinary skill set to cancer research, with strong expertise in molecular oncology, EV biology, bioinformatics, and immunological assays. His technical skills encompass exosome isolation and characterization, single-EV analysis, western blotting, RT-qPCR, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry for immune cell profiling. He is proficient in conducting mechanistic studies involving gene editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), RNA interference, and immune modulation assays, particularly in relation to macrophage polarization, CD8+ T cell autophagy, and cytokine signaling pathways. Prof. Peng is also skilled in high-throughput sequencing data interpretation and applying machine learning algorithms to decode EV membrane protein signatures for early cancer detection. His methodological strength in vesicle loading mechanisms, especially in the context of tumor-derived exosomes, is critical to uncovering how cancer cells evade immune surveillance. He has also utilized animal models and 3D organoid systems to validate molecular hypotheses in vivo and in vitro. This unique combination of wet-lab and computational competencies enables him to drive innovative, hypothesis-driven research in oncology.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Xueqiang Peng has received numerous prestigious recognitions throughout his career, underscoring his excellence and leadership in cancer research. He has been honored as a Young Key Talent of China Medical University, a title reserved for exceptional early-career scholars. Additionally, he was selected as an Outstanding Young and Middle-aged Scientific & Technological Talent and Senior Talent of Shenyang, acknowledging his significant scientific contributions at the municipal level. These accolades reflect both academic merit and societal impact. Prof. Peng was also a recipient of the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation General Program Award, which supports highly competitive postdoctoral research across disciplines. He has consistently been awarded competitive research funding from national and provincial sources, totaling over 1.35 million RMB, further demonstrating trust in his research capabilities. His involvement in the Youth Committee of the Translational Medicine Branch of the Chinese Society for Microcirculation highlights his influence in the professional community and dedication to fostering next-generation researchers. These honors affirm his status as a rising leader in the fields of EV biology, cancer diagnostics, and tumor immunology.

Author Metrics

  • Total Citations: 1,987+

  • Citing Documents: 1,856

  • Total Publications: 42

  • H-index: 24

These metrics highlight Prof. Xueqiang Peng’s significant impact in the fields of cancer biology, extracellular vesicle research, and translational oncology. His H-index of 24 reflects a consistent and influential publication record, with at least 24 papers having received 24 or more citations. The breadth of his citation base—nearly 2,000 citations across over 1,850 unique documents—demonstrates the broad recognition and scholarly reach of his work across the international research community. His author metrics affirm his status as an emerging leader in the field of tumor immunology and vesicle-mediated cellular communication.

Publications Top Notes

1. Engineered nanoparticles for precise targeted drug delivery and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in cancer immunotherapy.
Citations: 49
Year: 2024

2. mRNA vaccine in cancer therapy: Current advance and future outlook.
Citations: 89
Year: 2023

3. Non-coding RNA derived from extracellular vesicles in cancer immune escape: Biological functions and potential clinical applications.
Citations: 34
Year: 2021

4. Focus on the morphogenesis, fate and the role in tumor progression of multivesicular bodies.
Citations: 45
Year: 2020

5. Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR promotes exosome secretion by regulating RAB35 and SNAP23 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Citations: 255
Year: 2019

Conclusion

Prof. Xueqiang Peng is a highly distinguished scholar making impactful contributions at the forefront of oncology, immunology, and vesicle biology. His innovative research into the roles of extracellular vesicles in tumor immune escape and early diagnosis has opened new avenues in both basic science and translational medicine. Backed by substantial research funding and international collaborations, he has built a dynamic research portfolio that bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical relevance. His academic productivity, evidenced by over 20 high-impact SCI papers and a citation index approaching 2,000, confirms his scientific rigor and relevance. As a mentor, collaborator, and investigator, he continues to lead with purpose, pushing boundaries in liquid biopsy, EV diagnostics, and nanomedicine applications. Recognized as a young leader in academic and municipal circles, Prof. Peng exemplifies the fusion of excellence in research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His ongoing projects and research vision place him at the cutting edge of precision oncology, aiming to improve cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment for patients worldwide.