Sebastian Arrizabalaga | Medicine and Health Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Top Teachers

Innovative Research Award

Sebastian Arrizabalaga — Oregon Health & Science University, United States

Sebastian Arrizabalaga
Affiliation Oregon Health & Science University
Country United States
Scopus ID 58650782300
Documents 3
Citations 128
h-index 2
Subject Area Ophthalmology
Event Top Teachers Awards
ORCID 0009-0007-5387-3007

Sebastian Arrizabalaga is a researcher affiliated with Oregon Health & Science University whose work encompasses experimental ophthalmology, retinal disease research, neural stem cell formulations, preclinical models, and quantitative assessment of retinal neuroprotection. His research experience combines laboratory experimentation, animal-based studies, imaging, data analysis, and research project management, supporting translational investigations relevant to retinal disorders and emerging therapeutic strategies. [1][2]

Abstract

Sebastian Arrizabalaga’s academic profile is centered on ophthalmic and retinal research conducted at Oregon Health & Science University. His research activities include evaluating neural stem cell approaches, studying retinal neuroprotection in animal models, and contributing to preclinical investigations involving retinal therapeutics. His technical background includes spectroscopy, chromatography, fluorescence imaging, confocal microscopy, fundus imaging, electroretinography, ocular procedures, and quantitative data analysis. Published work demonstrates participation in studies addressing retinal degeneration, geographic atrophy, and experimental therapeutic development. [1][3][4][5]

Keywords

Ophthalmology; retinal research; neural stem cells; retinal neuroprotection; geographic atrophy; age-related macular degeneration; preclinical research; retinal imaging; electroretinography; animal models; translational medicine; cell-based therapy.

Introduction

Sebastian Arrizabalaga’s research trajectory connects biochemical laboratory training with experimental ophthalmology. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry at Reed College, including a thesis examining the functionality of the bacterial tellurium resistance protein TerB, he developed broader expertise in laboratory science, animal experimentation, imaging, and retinal research. His subsequent work at Oregon Health & Science University has focused on experimental approaches relevant to retinal degeneration and therapeutic development. [2][4]

Research Profile

His current research profile includes project and experiment management, preparation of clinical trial approval documentation, laboratory administration, animal colony management, experimental design, and quantitative analysis. Technical competencies encompass UV/Vis spectroscopy, biochemistry, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, R programming, immunofluorescence staining, confocal microscopy, optokinetic tracking, fundus imaging, electroretinography, ocular injections and implants, cryosectioning, and microtome-based tissue preparation.[1][2]

  • Retinal and ophthalmic experimental research.
  • Neural stem cell and retinal neuroprotection studies.
  • Preclinical investigation of therapies for retinal degeneration.
  • Quantitative retinal imaging and functional assessment.
  • Laboratory, animal-model, and research-project management.

Research Contributions

A principal contribution of Arrizabalaga’s research record is the quantitative evaluation of retinal neuroprotection produced by distinct human neural stem cell formulations in the Royal College of Surgeons rat model. This work provides experimental evidence for comparing cell-based approaches within a retinal degeneration model and contributes to the broader development of regenerative strategies for retinal disease.[4]

His research also includes work on improving human neural stem cell formulations for potential application to geographic atrophy, a form of advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. In related preclinical research, his collaborative publication record intersects with investigations of retinal gene editing and cell-based therapeutic safety and efficacy, reflecting a translational research pathway from experimental formulation and biological evaluation toward potential clinical applications. [3][5]

Publications

Sebastian Arrizabalaga’s highly relevant publications include a 2023 study quantifying retinal neuroprotection from two human neural stem cell formulations in the RCS rat, followed by a 2024 study addressing improvements to human neural stem cell formulations for geographic atrophy treatment. His collaborative research record also includes work on retinal genome editing using lipid nanoparticles and preclinical studies of GMP-grade retinal pigment epithelial cells for dry age-related macular degeneration, placing his contributions within active translational ophthalmology research. [4][3][5]

  1. Gautam, M., Jozic, A., Su, G. L. N., et al. (2023). Lipid nanoparticles with PEG-variant surface modifications mediate genome editing in the mouse retina. Nature Communications, 14, 6468.
  2. Arrizabalaga, S., Uchida, N., Curtis, A., Navarro, I., Stoddard, J., Tsukamoto, A., Leng, T., & Ryals, R. C. (2023). Quantification of retinal neuroprotection achieved by two different human neural stem cell formulations in the RCS rat. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 64(8), 3841.
  3. Arrizabalaga, S., Uchida, N., Curtis, A. G., Stoddard, J., Sheffield, A., Tsukamoto, A., Leng, T., & Ryals, R. C. (2024). Improving human neural stem cell formulations for geographic atrophy treatment. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 65(7), 1535.
  4. Surendran, H., Soundararajan, L., Patlolla, N., Stoddard, J., Arrizabalaga, S., Liu, Z., Gopal, L., Su, X., Ryals, R. C., Battu, R., & Pal, R. (2024). IND-enabling preclinical safety and efficacy studies using GMP-grade human iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells for treating dry age-related macular degeneration. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 65(7), 716.

Research Impact

The research record is relevant to contemporary ophthalmology because retinal degeneration and geographic atrophy require improved methods for protecting or replacing vulnerable retinal cells. Sebastian Arrizabalaga’s participation in studies involving neural stem cell formulations, retinal imaging, functional testing, and preclinical safety and efficacy contributes to the experimental evidence base used to evaluate candidate regenerative and translational therapies. The listed academic profile reports 128 citations across three documents, with an h-index of 2.[1]

Award Suitability

For the Innovative Research Award associated with the Top Teachers Awards, Sebastian Arrizabalaga presents a research profile characterized by laboratory-based ophthalmic investigation, multidisciplinary collaboration, quantitative experimentation, and translational relevance. His work on retinal neuroprotection and neural stem cell formulations provides a coherent research theme connecting experimental models with potential therapeutic development. The combination of technical laboratory expertise, animal-model research, imaging, and publication activity supports consideration within an innovation-focused academic recognition framework.[1][2]

Conclusion

Sebastian Arrizabalaga’s academic record reflects developing expertise in experimental ophthalmology, retinal degeneration research, neural stem cell approaches, and preclinical therapeutic evaluation. His publications and research responsibilities demonstrate engagement with collaborative translational studies addressing retinal neuroprotection and geographic atrophy. Together with a broad technical laboratory skill set and experience managing experimental research activities, these elements form a focused profile in contemporary retinal science. [1]

References

  1. Scopus author profile for Sebastian Arrizabalaga, author identifier 58650782300. https://www.scopus.com/pages/authors/58650782300
  2. ORCID record for Sebastian Arrizabalaga, ORCID 0009-0007-5387-3007. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5387-3007
  3. Gautam, M., Jozic, A., Su, G. L. N., et al. (2023). Lipid nanoparticles with PEG-variant surface modifications mediate genome editing in the mouse retina. Nature Communications, 14, 6468. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42189-3
  4. Arrizabalaga, S., Uchida, N., Curtis, A., Navarro, I., Stoddard, J., Tsukamoto, A., Leng, T., & Ryals, R. C. (2023). Quantification of retinal neuroprotection achieved by two different human neural stem cell formulations in the RCS rat. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 64(8), 3841. https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2788186
  5. Arrizabalaga, S., Uchida, N., Curtis, A. G., Stoddard, J., Sheffield, A., Tsukamoto, A., Leng, T., & Ryals, R. C. (2024). Improving human neural stem cell formulations for geographic atrophy treatment. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 65(7), 1535. https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2796734

Nathalie Ledee | Medicine and Health Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Top Teachers

Innovative Research Award

Nathalie Lédée
MatriceLAB Innove, France

Nathalie Lédée
Affiliation MatriceLAB Innove
Country France
Scopus ID 6603321197
Documents 94
Citations 3,407
h-index 33
Subject Area Medicine and Health Sciences
Event Top Teachers Awards
ORCID 0000-0002-3166-2643

Nathalie Lédée, M.D., Ph.D., affiliated with MatriceLAB Innove, France, is a physician-scientist whose work has contributed to the advancement of reproductive medicine, reproductive immunology, embryo implantation biology, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Her academic and professional career combines clinical leadership, translational research, biotechnology innovation, and scientific mentorship. She has served in senior research and healthcare leadership positions while maintaining an active publication record and developing patented technologies aimed at improving implantation success and fertility outcomes.[1][2]

Abstract

This article summarizes the academic, clinical, and scientific achievements of Nathalie Lédée, a French physician-scientist specializing in reproductive medicine and reproductive immunology. Her research has focused on understanding immune tolerance, cytokine regulation, embryo implantation mechanisms, and biomarker-guided fertility treatments. Through leadership roles in academia, healthcare institutions, and biotechnology innovation, she has contributed to translational approaches that connect laboratory discoveries with clinical reproductive care. Her scientific output, patents, and international collaborations have influenced contemporary research in embryo implantation and assisted reproduction.[1][3]

Keywords

Reproductive Medicine; Reproductive Immunology; Embryo Implantation; Assisted Reproductive Technology; IVF; Cytokines; Fertility Research; Translational Medicine; Biomarkers; Endometrial Immune Profiling; Clinical Research; Human Reproduction.

Introduction

Nathalie Lédée obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University Paris VI in 1993, completed a Master of Science at McGill University in Canada in 1995, and earned a Ph.D. in reproductive immunology in 2003. Her academic development was complemented by clinical training in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive medicine. Throughout her career she has pursued the integration of fundamental immunological discoveries into practical fertility treatments and patient-centered reproductive care.[1]

Her professional activities have included appointments as assistant professor, senior investigator at INSERM research units, invited professor at the University of Liège, head of reproductive medicine centers, and president of MatriceLab Innove. These positions enabled her to contribute to multidisciplinary initiatives linking clinical medicine, biotechnology innovation, and translational research.[2]

Research Profile

Nathalie Lédée’s research centers on the immunological events occurring during embryo implantation and early pregnancy. Her investigations have examined maternal-fetal dialogue, cytokine regulation, immune tolerance, uterine receptivity, and biomarkers associated with reproductive success. She has emphasized translational methodologies designed to improve embryo selection, implantation outcomes, and personalized reproductive therapies.[3]

  • Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Care
  • Reproductive Immunology
  • Embryo Implantation Biology
  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
  • Endometrial Immune Profiling
  • Biomarker Discovery and Validation
  • Cytokine Biology
  • Translational Clinical Research

Research Contributions

Among her recognized scientific contributions is the development of immune-based approaches for evaluating uterine receptivity and implantation potential. Her work has advanced understanding of how cytokine balance and local immune regulation influence successful embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes.[3]

She is also inventor of patented technologies addressing embryo implantation and oocyte selection. These innovations seek to improve clinical decision-making within IVF and ART programs by introducing objective biological markers into reproductive treatment pathways.[4]

  • Patent PCT WO-2008/009705 involving granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) assessment in follicular fluid.
  • Patent PCT/EP2013/065355 concerning methods for increasing implantation success in assisted reproduction.
  • Leadership of translational fertility research programs connecting laboratory findings to patient care.
  • Contributions to European and international reproductive medicine networks.

Publications

Nathalie Lédée has authored influential studies in reproductive immunology and embryo implantation, including randomized trials on endometrial immune profiling and precision therapy that improved live birth outcomes after embryo transfer.[3] Her work further explored uterine immune profiling in assisted reproductive technology, advancing personalized fertility care.[4] Additional contributions include research on sperm microRNA expression and fertility biomarkers,[5] immune predictors of recurrent miscarriage and therapeutic outcomes,[6] and the role of interleukin-18 in predicting embryo transfer success.[7]

Research Impact

The research record of Nathalie Lédée includes 94 indexed documents, more than 3,407 citations, and an h-index of 33. These indicators reflect sustained scholarly engagement within reproductive medicine and reproductive immunology. Her publications have addressed clinically relevant challenges including implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage, immune biomarkers, and fertility treatment optimization.[1]

Her contributions have been recognized through competitive grants, scientific awards, international fellowships, leadership positions in European research initiatives, and memberships in major professional societies including ESHRE, the American Society of Reproductive Immunology, and European reproductive medicine organizations.[2]

Award Suitability

The nomination of Nathalie Lédée for the Innovative Research Award may be considered on the basis of her long-standing contributions to reproductive medicine, translational immunology, fertility innovation, and clinical leadership. Her work demonstrates a sustained commitment to developing evidence-based approaches that improve reproductive outcomes and expand scientific understanding of embryo implantation biology.[3][4]

Additional factors supporting recognition include internationally patented inventions, leadership in fertility centers, successful integration of biotechnology innovation into healthcare practice, and publication of influential research addressing major challenges in assisted reproduction.[4][5]

Conclusion

Nathalie Lédée has established a distinguished career at the intersection of clinical reproductive medicine, reproductive immunology, and translational biomedical innovation. Through academic research, leadership of fertility programs, biotechnology entrepreneurship, and development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, she has contributed to advancements in understanding and improving human reproduction. Her body of work represents a notable example of translational science applied to reproductive healthcare.[1][3]

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Nathalie Lédée, Author ID 6603321197. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=6603321197
  2. ORCID. (n.d.). Nathalie Lédée – ORCID Research Profile. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3166-2643
  3. Lédée, N., Petitbarat, M., Dray, G., Chevrier, L., Kazhalawi, A., Rahmati, M., et al. (2025). Endometrial immune profiling and precision therapy increase live birth rate after embryo transfer: a randomised controlled trial. Frontiers in Immunology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1523871
  4. Lédée, N., Petitbarat, M., Prat-Ellenberg, L., Dray, G., Vaucoret, V., Kazhalawi, A., et al. (2023). The Next Frontier in ART: Harnessing the Uterine Immune Profile for Improved Performance. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/14/11322
  5. Cassuto, N.G., Lédée, N., Boitrelle, F., Mouik, H., Larue, L., Keromnes, G., et al. (2025). Genome-Wide microRNA Expression Profiling in Human Spermatozoa and Its Relation to Sperm Quality. Genes. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/16/1/53
  6. Kolanska, K., Lédée, N., Dabi, Y., Dechartres, A., et al. (2021). Unexplained recurrent miscarriages: predictive value of immune biomarkers and immunomodulatory therapies for live birth. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/aji.13425
  7. Ledee-Bataille, N., Olivennes, F., Kadoch, J., Dubanchet, S., Frydman, N., Chaouat, G., & Frydman, R. Detectable levels of interleukin-18 in uterine luminal secretions at oocyte retrieval predict failure of the embryo transfer. Human Reproduction. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh356