Announcements

It is our great pleasure to announce the winner of the JCDD 2023 Best Ph.D. Thesis Award—Dr. Rebeca Piñeiro Sabarís. This award is given in recognition of a Ph.D. student or recently qualified Ph.D. graduate who has produced a highly anticipated thesis with great academic potential.

The award has been granted to:
“Combined GATA6-MIB1/NOTCH cooperation regulates valvulo-septal development”
by Rebeca Piñeiro Sabarís, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Spain

The winner will receive an honorarium of CHF 500, an electronic certificate and the opportunity to publish a paper free of charge in the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease (JCDD, ISSN: 2308-3425) in 2024 after peer review. On behalf of the evaluation committee, we congratulate Dr. Rebeca Piñeiro Sabarís on her accomplishments.

The following is an interview with Dr. Rebeca Piñeiro Sabarís:

1. Could you please briefly introduce the scientific research that you conducted during your doctoral studies?
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect, affecting between 0.5% and 2% of the population, with a higher prevalence in men. BAV is characterized by two asymmetrical leaflets instead of the usual three symmetrical ones. People with BAV are at a higher risk of valve stenosis and calcification, often requiring valve replacement. Previous studies identified GATA6 as a gene associated with BAV. In our study, we examined the development of the aortic valve and found that Gata6^STOP/+ mutants exhibit defects in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, likely underlying the BAV defect.
These results open new avenues for research into the transcription factor GATA6 and its role in regulating the CXCR7 signaling pathway, which is important for migratory and invasive processes. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of GATA6-mediated valve disease could lead to new pharmaceutical therapies, potentially reducing the need for surgical interventions. This is particularly significant given the high prevalence of valve disease in the aging population and the associated healthcare costs.

2. Did you encounter any difficulties in carrying out this research? How did you overcome them?
The primary technical difficulty/challenge addressed in this study was measuring the dimensions of the outflow tract (OFT). We decided to perform whole-mount immunostaining, which presented several technical issues, including tissue fixation, immobilization, clearing, and antibody and laser penetration. After resolving these challenges, we performed volume rendering and quantified various parameters such as the length, diameter, and tortuosity. Our findings revealed that the OFT in Gata6^STOP/+ mutants is shorter and narrower compared to the wild-type OFT.

3. Many doctoral students experience pressure to publish papers and worry about their graduation being delayed. What advice do you have for doctoral students who have not yet graduated?
Perseverance and resilience are key in the doctoral journey. Setbacks are part of the process, and overcoming them leads to growth. Surround yourself with supportive people to stay motivated. Plan your research carefully, without letting publishing pressure overwhelm you. Be patient and remember that a Ph.D. is not a race—set realistic goals, stay organized, and trust the process. Believe in yourself, and you will succeed.

4. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank most?
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being selected as the winner of this prestigious award in the field of cardiovascular development. This recognition encourages me to continue pursuing my scientific career. I also wish to extend my thanks to my supervisors and my entire research group for their unwavering support. Finally, I am deeply grateful to my family and friends, whose constant support and belief in me have been invaluable.

5. As an author, what aspects do you value most when choosing a journal to publish your academic work in?
I value open access journals the most, as well as journals that enable the promotion of novel insights within my field, specifically cardiovascular development and biomedical research. In my opinion, rigorous peer review, a strong impact factor, and a solid reputation, guided by an international team of experts, ensure the publication of high-quality articles. Moreover, the publication speed is an important factor when choosing a journal.

6. How would you evaluate the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease, and do you have any suggestions for its improvement?
The Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease offers a valuable platform for publishing high-quality, open access research in a specialized field, with a strong focus on cardiovascular development, which aligns well with my own research interests. The journal is committed to the dissemination of cutting-edge findings, while maintaining a good publication speed and preserving a rigorous review process. Additionally, the journal is doing an excellent job by funding travel grants for researchers to participate in conferences and offering awards, such as the one I won, that further enhance its visibility and impact.