Biochemistry and Molecular Science

Boutaina Addoum is a young researcher in molecular oncology, cellular biology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics at the National Center for Nuclear Energy, Sciences and Techniques (CNESTEN), Morocco. She holds a Ph.D. in Cellular Biology, Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics and has developed a multidisciplinary research profile through the successful implementation of projects spanning fundamental research, translational oncology, and applied biotechnology. This broad scientific background has enabled her to acquire extensive expertise in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, and natural product valorization. Since joining CNESTEN in 2023 as a researcher within the Unit of Biology and Medical Research (UBRM), Dr. Addoum has focused her research on the identification and validation of molecular biomarkers involved in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic response, and radioresistance, particularly in lung, colorectal, bladder, breast, and prostate cancers. Her work integrates molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and computer-aided drug design (CADD) to advance precision oncology. She has extensive experience in the investigation of cancer-associated biomarkers, including EGFR, HER2, PIK3CA, hTERT, TP53, PD-L1, CDK2, TWIST1, and epigenetic regulators, using approaches such as RT-qPCR, mutation analysis, DNA methylation profiling, telomere biology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, ADMET prediction, and artificial intelligence-assisted drug discovery. Her research also explores the therapeutic potential of natural bioactive compounds, particularly bee venom and other bee-derived products, as innovative strategies for the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers. Dr. Addoum has authored and co-authored 27 peer-reviewed publications in international scientific journals and has presented more than 25 communications at national and international conferences. She is currently preparing several additional manuscripts as first author. In addition to her research activities, she serves as a reviewer for numerous international journals and is actively involved in the training of the next generation of scientists by supervising undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. students, as well as contributing to practical teaching sessions and workshops in molecular biology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. She is an active member of the Moroccan Society of Bioinformatics (SMBI), contributing to the promotion of bioinformatics research and interdisciplinary scientific collaboration in Morocco. Since 2024, she has also been an active member of the Moroccan Biosafety and Biosecurity Association (BMAM), where she contributes to raising awareness of biosafety and biosecurity, promoting best laboratory practices, and strengthening national capacity through training, networking, and scientific outreach. Dr. Addoum is currently a member of the research project "Identification of Novel Genomic Biomarkers of Innate and Acquired Radioresistance: Toward Targeted and Effective Management of Lung Cancer Patients," funded under the Nuclear and Isotopic Techniques (TNI) Program supported by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and the OCP Foundation. Through her research, she aims to strengthen CNESTEN's scientific excellence, contribute to the development of precision oncology in Morocco, and foster innovative multidisciplinary projects addressing major public health challenges.