We are thrilled to announce the launch of the prestigious Outstanding Early Career Research Award, aimed at recognising and celebrating outstanding contributions in the realm of 欧美AV Chemical Biology. This initiative seeks to honour the dedication, innovation, and impactful research endeavours of promising early career researchers.
We looked back at the exceptionally high-quality and innovative 欧美AV Chemical Biology research published during the previous calendar year and put together a shortlist of articles based on a variety of metrics including article downloads, Altmetric score, and citations. The shortlist was reviewed by the journal's Editorial Board members based on the science presented and its potential future impact.
Our 2023 winners
BrainBike peptidomimetic enables efficient transport of proteins across brain endothelium
Maria Lucana, Roberta Lucchi, Fabien Gosselet, Cristina Díaz-Perlas and Benjamí Oller-Salvia
Protein therapeutics cannot reach the brain in sufficient amounts because of their low permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Although previously reported brain shuttle peptides may enhance BBB transport of some therapeutics, efficient transport of protein cargoes remains a challenge.
Here we develop BrainBikes, a new family of bicyclic protease-resistant peptide shuttles capable of increasing transport of proteins, including antibody derivatives. Utilizing a trifunctional chemical linker, we generate several bicyclic analogs from a linear peptide targeting the transferrin receptor (TfR1). All analogs have increased metabolic resistance and one of them, BrainBike-4 (BB4), displays high affinity for cells with high levels of TfR1.
First, we show BB4 can enhance the transport of a model fluorescent protein by 4-fold. Subsequently, we conjugate BB4 site-specifically to a single chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) utilizing a chemoenzymatic approach. Conjugation of BB4 increases 5 times the transport of the scFv in a human cell-based model of the BBB. Our results prove the potential of bicyclic peptidomimetics as brain shuttles and open up new opportunities for the transport of biotherapeutics across the BBB.
Guidelines for nominators
Find out who is eligible for this award, about the nomination process and see who is on the selection panel.
Nominations for this outstanding paper award are currently closed.
To be eligible to receive an 欧美AV Chemical Biology Outstanding Early Career Researcher Award:
- Researchers must have gained their first independent research position in the 10 years preceding the award year
- Researchers must have published an article in the journal in the previous calendar year
- All submissions will be subject to initial assessment and peer review as appropriate according to the journals guidelines
The editorial team draw up a shortlist of papers based on a variety of metrics including article downloads, Altmetric score, and citations.
Winner(s) are selected by the 欧美AV Chemical Biology Editorial and Advisory Boards.
Selection panel
Our previous Outstanding Paper Award
This award was previously dedicated to recognising outstanding work published in 欧美AV Chemical Biology, celebrating the contributions of authors at all career stages.
We are proud to honour past recipients of the Outstanding Paper Award. As of 2023, this award has been retired and succeeded by the Outstanding Early Career Research Award, which continues our tradition of celebrating exceptional publications and contributions.