Dr. Malgorzata Kloc | mechanotransduction | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Houston Methodist Hospital, United States  🧬

Dr. Malgorzata Kloc-Stepkowska is a renowned Weill Cornell Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at The Methodist Hospital and Research Institute in Houston, Texas. With an extensive research career spanning decades, she has significantly contributed to transplantation immunology, particularly in understanding the role of macrophages in chronic organ rejection. Her groundbreaking work has explored cytoskeletal dynamics, macrophage signaling pathways, and RNA localization, leading to new insights into organ transplantation, cell differentiation, and immunotherapy. Dr. Kloc-Stepkowska has held esteemed positions at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Warsaw and currently serves as a guest editor for multiple high-impact scientific journals. Her research has directly contributed to clinical trials targeting chronic rejection and inflammation, positioning her as a key figure in molecular and cellular biology. 🌍🔬

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Kloc-Stepkowska obtained her M.S. in Biology (1971), Ph.D. in Zoology (1978), and Dr. Sci in Science (1996) from the University of Warsaw, Poland. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to cell biology, immunology, and molecular genetics, paving the way for her innovative research in RNA localization, macrophage biology, and transplantation medicine.

Experience 👩‍🏫

Dr. Kloc-Stepkowska has an illustrious career, holding multiple prestigious academic and research positions. She currently serves as a Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at Weill Cornell Medical College in Houston, Texas (since 2008) and as an Adjunct Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Previously, she was an Associate Professor at MD Anderson (2006–2008) and a Research Scientist at the same institution (1987–2006). Her postdoctoral training took place at Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, and the University of Calgary in Canada, where she gained expertise in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Earlier in her career, she was an Assistant and Associate Professor at the University of Warsaw (1971–1981), laying the foundation for her scientific contributions.

Research Interests 🧪

Dr. Kloc-Stepkowska’s research revolves around macrophage biology, cytoskeleton regulation, chronic organ rejection, and molecular mechanisms in cell differentiation. She has extensively studied the role of RhoA signaling in macrophages and its impact on transplantation immunology. Her work has demonstrated how targeting RhoA pathways using inhibitors like Fingolimod and Rezurock can prevent chronic rejection in organ transplants, leading to ongoing clinical trials. She has also made groundbreaking contributions to understanding mRNA localization and cytoskeletal organization, particularly in Xenopus oocytes, shedding light on cellular architecture and RNA dynamics. Additionally, she investigates magnetic fields and their influence on macrophage behavior, exploring new avenues for therapeutic applications. 🏥🔬

Awards & Honors 🏆

Dr. Kloc-Stepkowska has received numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions to science. She is a Foreign Member of The Polish Academy of Art and Sciences (2018) and The Polish Academy of Sciences (2010). She was honored as a Distinguished Fellow of the Kosciuszko Foundation, Collegium of Eminent Scientists (2014) and received the Professor of Biological Sciences title from the President of Poland (2005). Her achievements also include a Fulbright Senior Specialist Grant Award (2003), MRC Biotechnology Training Award in Canada (1985–1987), and AHFMR Research Award in Canada (1982–1983). These awards highlight her global impact in molecular biology, immunology, and transplantation research.

Publications 📚

Translocation of repetitive RNA sequences with the germ plasm in Xenopus oocytes – Science (1993) [Cited by 300+ articles] 🔗

Delocalization of Vg1 mRNA from the vegetal cortex in Xenopus after destruction of Xlsirt RNA – Science (1994) [Cited by 250+ articles] 🔗

Mechanisms of subcellular mRNA localization – Cell (2002) [Cited by 500+ articles] 🔗

Potential structural role of non-coding and coding RNAs in the organization of the cytoskeleton – Development (2005) 🔗

Macrophage phenotype bioengineered by magnetic, genetic, or pharmacologic interference – Immunology Research (2019) 🔗

Fingolimod prevents chronic rejection of rodent cardiac allografts through inhibition of the RhoA pathway – Transplant Immunology (2020) 🔗