Dr. Sara Samanian Baghersad | Medical university of Vienna | Austria
Dr. Sara Samanian Baghersad, a PhD Medical Geneticist, is a postdoctoral researcher at the Medical University of Vienna with expertise in molecular genetics, cytogenetics, and next-generation sequencing. She has contributed significantly to cancer genetics, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, and precision medicine, publishing in leading journals such as Scientific Reports and Physica Medica. With a strong background in clinical diagnostics, teaching, and international collaborations, Dr. Baghersad is dedicated to advancing genetic research and translational applications to improve human health.
Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Sara Samanian Baghersad embarked on her academic journey in Genetics at Isfahan University, where she earned her B.Sc. in Genetics. She advanced her studies with a Master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, focusing on the role of MRP1 and MDR1 genes in colorectal carcinoma. Her passion for medical genetics culminated in a Ph.D. in Medical Genetics from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, where her doctoral thesis examined gene and microRNA expression in PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes patients and their relation to genomic instability.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Baghersad’s career reflects a blend of academic, clinical, and research excellence. She began as a lecturer in biology at Paiam Noor University and later became Head of the Medical Genetic Laboratory at Firoozgar Hospital, where she supervised technicians and managed genetic testing. She gained international exposure as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Italy and currently serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Medical University of Vienna, where she advances genetic studies using NGS and molecular diagnostic methods.
Contributions and Research Focus
Her research contributions span molecular genetics, cytogenetics, and bioinformatics approaches. She has investigated the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance, metastasis, and rare genetic disorders. Notably, her work includes studies on MDR1 and MRP1 gene polymorphisms, ECM1 mutations in lipoid proteinosis, GALNT3 variants in hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis, and genomic instability in diabetes. More recently, her research has expanded to whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing of human body donor materials, addressing genetic factors in intellectual disabilities, neuromuscular disorders, and metabolic diseases.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Baghersad’s work has significantly impacted both clinical diagnostics and academic research. Her findings on genetic polymorphisms and disease susceptibility have contributed to better understanding of cancer biology and inherited disorders. By integrating molecular biology with advanced sequencing technologies, she has strengthened the bridge between genomic research and clinical application, influencing the fields of personalized medicine, genetic diagnostics, and translational genetics.
Research Skills
She possesses advanced expertise in Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis, alongside diverse molecular genetic techniques such as PCR variants (ARMS, Real-Time, MLPA, TP-PCR, QF-PCR), primer design, and sequencing analysis. Additionally, her proficiency extends to cytogenetic techniques like cell culture and karyotyping, as well as working with viral vectors for transfection and transduction. These skills empower her to conduct cutting-edge genetic research and diagnostic testing with precision.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Dr. Baghersad has been recognized for her scientific contributions through international research fellowships, academic collaborations, and multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. Her role as head of a clinical genetics laboratory and her acceptance into prestigious postdoctoral research positions in Europe highlight her standing in the global scientific community.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking forward, Dr. Baghersad is poised to make lasting contributions to precision medicine and genetic diagnostics. Her ongoing work at the Medical University of Vienna focuses on integrating transcriptomics and genomics to unravel the genetic basis of complex diseases. By continuing to publish, mentor, and innovate, she is set to leave a legacy of scientific rigor, translational impact, and international collaboration, advancing the global understanding of medical genetics.
Publications Top Notes
Next-generation RNA sequencing of spatially mapped material from human body donors for testing the impact of fetal environments on the liver transcriptome
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2025
Identification of one novel homozygous non-sense mutations in DYSF in two siblings with muscular dystrophy product of consanguineous marriage from Iran
Journal: Journal of Clinical Images and Medical Case Reports
Year: 2024
Prediction of Parkinson’s disease pathogenic variants using hybrid Machine learning systems and radiomic features
Journal: Physica Medica
Year: 2023-09
Prediction of Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenic Variants via Semi-Supervised Hybrid Machine Learning Systems, Clinical Information and Radiomics Features
Journal: Neurosciences – Clinical Neurosciences (including neuro-oncology) [conference paper]
Year: 2023
A Novel ARMC5 Germline Variant in Primary Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia Using Whole-Exome Sequencing
Journal: Diagnostics
Year: 2022-12-02
Hybrid Machine Learning Systems for Prediction of Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenic Variants using Clinical Information and Radiomics Features
Journal: Basic and Translational Neurosciences [conference paper]
Year: 2022
Hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis caused by a novel variant in the GALNT3 gene
Journal: Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
Year: 2020-08
Association of Intrinsic and Induced Genomic Instability in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Expression Level of Genes PRKCB and SP1 and microRNAS (miR-126 and miR-15a-3p)
Journal: Acta Medica Mediterranea
Year: 2019
Extracellular matrix protein 1 gene (ECM1) mutations in nine Iranian families with lipoid proteinosis
Journal: The Indian Journal of Medical Research
Year: 2016-03-01
Correlation among MDR1, MRP and hTERT Genes Expression Level and Clinical Response in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Journal: Molecular Biomarkers & Diagnosis
Year: 2014
Investigation of the Genes MDR1/MRP1 and Their Relationship with Clinical and Para-Clinical Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer
Journal: Zahedan Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Year: 2013
A novel missense mutation in exon 7 of the ECM1 gene in an Iranian lipoid proteinosis patient
Journal: Genetics and Molecular Research (GMR)
Year: 2012-11-14
Conclusion
Dr. Sara Samanian Baghersad is a highly accomplished medical geneticist with strong expertise in molecular genetics, cytogenetics, and next-generation sequencing. Her impactful research contributions across cancer, diabetes, and neuromuscular disorders showcase both depth and interdisciplinary strength. With an impressive publication record, international postdoctoral experience, and leadership in genetic laboratories, she is well-positioned for this recognition. Overall, her scientific excellence, clinical relevance, and commitment to advancing genetic research make her a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.