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Ram Samudrala is a Professor and Chief of the Division of Bioinformatics at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences . His research focuses on multiscale computational biology , integrating protein structure prediction , drug discovery , and translational science to address medical challenges. He leads the development of the CANDO platform for therapeutic drug discovery and co-directs the Informatics Core at the Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. PhD in Computational Biology (University of Maryland, 1997) BA in Computing Science and Genetics (Ohio Wesleyan University, 1993) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Protein Folding (Stanford University, 1997-2001) His work spans structural biology , genomics , and computational drug design , with applications in dentistry , infectious diseases , and cancer . He has received prestigious awards including the NIH Director's Pioneer Award (2010) and multiple Wiki Science Prizes . Samudrala's group collaborates globally, emphasizing in silico methods followed by in vitro and in vivo validation. Key grants include $1.22M NIH NCATS ASPIRE Reduction-to-Practice Award and $4.5M NIH/NLM BRIGHT Training Grant . 2023 Finalist, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute Clinical Research Achievement Awards 2016 MacArthur Foundation 100&Change Top 50 2008 Alberta Heritage Foundation Visiting Scientist Award 2005 NSF CAREER Award He directs the BRIGHT Short-Term Training Program and serves on multiple editorial boards and review panels. Samudrala's group maintains a Protinfo web server for structural predictions and the Bioverse framework for systems-level analyses.

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Drug Discovery
• +10 more

Jukka Alinikula is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Turku's Institute of Biomedicine, specifically within the Unit of Infection and Immunity. He also serves as a University Lecturer in immunology and drug development, and as the Education Director of the Immudocs program. His research focuses on somatic hypermutation mechanisms in B lymphocytes, exploring how antibody diversity is generated while avoiding oncogenic mutations. Alinikula completed his PhD at the University of Turku (Lassila Lab), followed by a postdoc at Yale University (Schatz Lab). Research Interests: Alinikula’s work investigates the targeting of somatic hypermutation to immunoglobulin genes versus proto-oncogenes. His lab uses modern techniques like reporter assays, CRISPR-based screens, and single-cell transcriptomics to dissect mutation enhancer functions. Key topics include genome stability, lymphoma etiology, and the interplay between antibody diversification and cancer risk. Teaching: He teaches immunology and immunopharmacology across bachelor’s, master’s, medical, and doctoral programs, emphasizing case-based learning and practical laboratory training. Supervised students include PhD candidates in immunology and drug development. Labs/Teams: Leads his own research group at the Institute of Biomedicine, collaborating extensively with international teams (e.g., Yale, Czech Academy of Sciences). Active in the InFLAMES Flagship initiative for immune system research.

• Immunology
• B lymphocytes
• Somatic hypermutation
• +4 more

John Maciejowski, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Molecular Biology Program at the Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. His research bridges cancer biology and innate immunity, focusing on how genomic instability activates immune pathways such as cGAS-STING and drives mutagenesis via APOBEC3 enzymes. His research interests include: Chromosomal instability and micronuclei formation cGAS-STING pathway regulation in cancer APOBEC3-mediated mutagenesis Cancer genome evolution Therapeutic targeting of DNA damage responses The recent publications from the Maciejowski lab highlight a strong focus on the mechanistic regulation of innate immune sensors by cellular nucleases, particularly TREX1, and how these processes influence tumor immunogenicity and genome integrity. The work combines molecular biology, genetics, and cancer models to uncover fundamental mechanisms with translational relevance. His scientific awards include: Pershing Square Sohn Prize Pew Biomedical Scholar V Foundation Scholar Pathway to Independence Award Regeneron Prize for Creative Innovation Tri-Institutional Breakout Prize Jane Coffin Childs Fellowship Dr. Maciejowski mentors trainees and leads an active research program supported by competitive grants. His lab has deposited multiple plasmids at Addgene, indicating collaborative engagement with the broader scientific community. He is involved in key initiatives at the Tri-Institutional level, reflecting deep integration within the New York biomedical research ecosystem. The Maciejowski Lab investigates mechanisms linking genomic instability to innate immune activation, operating at the intersection of cancer biology, DNA repair, and immunology. The lab uses advanced cell models and genetic tools to dissect pathways such as cGAS-STING and APOBEC3, with implications for cancer therapy and genome evolution.

• Cancer Biology
• Genomic Instability
• Innate Immunity
• +7 more

Dr. Ashok S. Bhagwat is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He teaches courses including Molecular Biology (CHM6640/CHM7640) and Biological Chemistry Laboratory (CHM6610), with scheduled instruction through Winter Term 2025. His research focuses on DNA damage and repair mechanisms, with particular emphasis on understanding how cellular processes create genomic instability that leads to cancer development. Education: B.Sc., University of Bombay, 1972 M.Sc., Indian Institute of Technology, 1974 Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 1982 Postdoctoral Fellow, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1982-1987 Dr. Bhagwat's research program investigates DNA damage caused by endogenous reactive chemical species, DNA methylation, transcription, replication, and cytosine deamination due to human AID/APOBEC enzymes. His lab studies the interplay between these processes and DNA repair mechanisms in the prevention and promotion of human cancers. They employ a multidisciplinary approach using mass-spectrometry, chemical synthesis, protein and nucleic acid biochemistry, genetics, and cutting-edge cellular and molecular biology methods including genomics and bioinformatics. Analysis of Dr. Bhagwat's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on APOBEC enzymes and their role in DNA damage, particularly in relation to cancer development and potential therapeutic interventions. His work spans virology, cancer biology, DNA repair mechanisms, and the development of novel cancer therapeutics targeting DNA damage pathways. A significant portion of his research examines how uracil formation in DNA contributes to genomic instability and carcinogenesis. Dr. Bhagwat leads the Bhagwat Lab, which has developed innovative tools to quantify and map uracils in genomes. His research has led to the discovery that certain alkoxyamines can specifically kill B cell cancer lines by targeting abasic sites in DNA. His work bridges basic science with potential clinical applications in cancer treatment.

• DNA damage and repair
• Nucleic acid biochemistry
• Carcinogenesis
• +5 more

Dr. Marc-André Langlois is a Full Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine. He serves as Executive Director of the national Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network (CoVaRR-Net) and holds the Faculty of Medicine Chair of Excellence in Pandemic Viruses and Preparedness Research. An expert in molecular virology and intrinsic immunity, his work bridges retrovirology (e.g., HIV) and respiratory virus research (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza), with a focus on host-virus interactions. Executive Director, CoVaRR-Net Faculty of Medicine Chair of Excellence, Pandemic Viruses Canada Research Chair in Molecular Virology and Intrinsic Immunity Member, Royal Society of Canada (College) Research interests center on: Host Intrinsic Immunity: Mechanisms of APOBEC3 proteins in restricting retroviruses like HIV Viral Latency: Role of APOBEC3 mutagenesis in HIV persistence Respiratory Virus Serology: High-throughput antibody assays for SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal coronaviruses Mucosal Immunity: Systemic and mucosal responses to vaccines, including intranasal candidates Recent publications highlight expertise in: Immune imprinting in antigenic variation Cross-neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 via seasonal coronavirus antibodies HIV integration site profiling by APOBEC3 enzymes Development of scalable serology platforms Mucosal vaccine characterization Scientific awards include: Canada Research Chair in Molecular Virology and Intrinsic Immunity Faculty of Medicine Chair of Excellence Member, Royal Society of Canada (College) His Serology and Diagnostics High Throughput Facility executed over 2 million assays during the pandemic, supporting 40+ national studies including Statistics Canada's seroprevalence surveys. Research informs federal decision-making through Health Canada and CIHR collaborations.

• Molecular Virology
• Intrinsic Immunity
• Retrovirology
• +7 more

Reuben Harris is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics at the University of Minnesota Medical School. His research spans multiple disciplines including molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, and cancer genomics, with a particular focus on APOBEC enzymes and their roles in both antiviral defense and cancer development. Dr. Harris's research interests center on the APOBEC family of DNA deaminases, particularly their dual roles in antiviral immunity (especially against HIV) and cancer mutagenesis. His work explores how these enzymes catalyze DNA deamination, the structural and biochemical mechanisms that regulate their activity, and how their mutagenic potential contributes to tumor evolution in various cancers including breast, ovarian, and other malignancies. His research has significant implications for understanding viral restriction mechanisms and developing novel cancer therapeutics targeting APOBEC-mediated mutagenesis. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on APOBEC3 enzymes (particularly APOBEC3A, APOBEC3B, and APOBEC3G), with increasing attention to their structural biochemistry, DNA sequence context preferences, and therapeutic targeting. His work bridges basic enzymology with clinical applications, particularly in cancer genomics and antiviral research, demonstrating how fundamental biochemical insights can inform therapeutic strategies for cancer and viral infections. Dr. Harris has been Principal Investigator on numerous significant research grants, including the Midwest AViDD Center funded by the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (2022-2025), projects on APOBEC3B and DNA repair in ovarian cancer funded by the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (2021-2022), and research on APOBEC mutagenesis in breast cancer funded by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the NIH National Cancer Institute (2020-2022). He also serves as a Co-Investigator on the Department of Defense project targeting N-Myc in neuroblastoma with Aurora kinase A degraders (2021-2025). His laboratory is part of a robust collaborative network focused on DNA repair mechanisms, cancer genomics, and antiviral defense. The research group works closely with structural biologists, computational biologists, and clinical researchers to translate basic findings into potential therapeutic applications. Current projects emphasize understanding how mesoscale DNA features influence APOBEC activity, developing quantitative assays for DNA deamination, and exploring synthetic lethal approaches targeting APOBEC-expressing cancers.

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Cancer Genomics
• +6 more

Professor Andrew Macdonald is a leading expert in tumour virology at the University of Leeds, holding the position of Professor of Tumour Virology in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and serving as Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Biological Sciences. His work focuses on understanding how DNA tumour viruses, such as human papillomaviruses (HPV) and polyomaviruses, contribute to cancer and identifying novel therapeutic strategies. He has held roles including Head of the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (2020–2023) and has been recognized for his research on viral mechanisms and their clinical implications. Education: BSc, University of Leeds PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Leeds (2001) Research Interests: His research integrates virology, oncology, and cell biology to study viral replication, host-pathogen interactions, and antiviral therapies. Key areas include HPV-induced cervical cancer, BK polyomavirus in kidney disease, and the role of cellular signaling pathways in viral persistence. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians and industry to translate findings into clinical applications. Funding & Grants: Recent funding highlights include a boost for radiotherapy research in Leeds (2024) and studies on BK nephropathy in transplantation (2023). His work has been featured in outlets like the BBC and Yorkshire Post. Labs & Teams: He leads the Macdonald Lab, a well-funded group with state-of-the-art molecular and cellular facilities. The lab fosters a supportive environment for staff and students, emphasizing career development and publication.

• Oncogenic viruses
• cell biology
• virology
• +1 more

Kin Chan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa , conducting research at the intersection of cancer mutagenesis, DNA damage, and genome instability. Education : BSc from Caltech (1998), PhD from University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (2008), Postdoctoral Fellowship at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2016) Research Focus : Molecular origins of cancer mutations, DNA repair mechanisms, and APOBEC3 enzyme-driven hypermutation His work combines wet lab and computational approaches to study mutagenesis signatures in cancers, particularly those induced by environmental agents and enzymatic processes. Recent projects explore repurposing cancer hypermutator enzymes like APOBEC3A for genetic engineering in budding yeast to develop biofuel applications. Key publication trends include mutational signature analysis, DNA damage tolerance, and cross-species genomic instability studies. Dr. Chan's lab webpage provides details for prospective trainees and ongoing research collaborations. Contact: Office in Roger Guindon Hall, Room 4234; Lab in Room 4233; Phone: 613-562-5800 ext. 8574

• Cancer
• Mutagenesis
• Genomics
• +7 more

Dr. Linda Chelico is a Professor and Department Head of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. Her research focuses on APOBEC cytosine deaminases, studying their roles in HIV restriction and cancer mutagenesis. She leads a lab investigating how these enzymes interact with retroviruses like HIV-1, their mechanisms of DNA deamination, and their unintended oncogenic consequences. Her work bridges virology, biochemistry, and cancer biology, with recent grants exceeding $1.6M from CIHR and NSERC. Education: PhD in Applied Microbiology (USask), postdoctoral training at University of Southern California (USC). Key areas include HIV restriction factors, DNA deaminases, enzyme mechanisms, and mutagenesis. She explores APOBEC interactions with viral proteins (e.g., HIV-1 Vif) and cellular DNA repair pathways, while also examining their role in cancer via mutagenic activity in genomic regions. Research highlights include identifying APOBEC3's dual role as a virus suppressor and cancer mutagen, studying enzyme competition with DNA-binding proteins like RPA, and developing assays to measure deamination activity. Her team's work on HIV-1 transmitted/founder viruses and APOBEC3's structural basis (via SAXS) underscores her interdisciplinary approach. Grants: Over $1.6M from CIHR (2019–2024) for projects on APOBEC3's HIV restriction and cancer links. Collaborations include structural biology (e.g., with Dr. Chen XS on APOBEC3G structure) and proteomic mapping (Krogan lab). Labs focus on biochemical assays, mouse xenograft models, and cross-disciplinary techniques. Publications (2024–2021) emphasize APOBEC3F/G interactions, enzyme purification, and their roles in SIV transmission and bladder cancer mutagenesis. Her work is published in Journal of Virology , Molecular and Cellular Proteomics , and Nature Communications .

• HIV Restriction Factors
• DNA Deaminases
• Mutagenesis
• +3 more

Pedram Razavi serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor within the Department of Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), where he holds appointments in the Breast Medicine Service and Solid Tumor Oncology Division. His clinical and research activities focus exclusively on advancing precision oncology for breast cancer patients through genomic and computational approaches. Dr. Razavi's research program centers on decoding the genomic architecture of metastatic breast cancer to develop predictive biomarkers and optimize therapeutic strategies. His work spans three critical domains: (1) liquid biopsy development for real-time ctDNA monitoring during CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy, (2) machine learning integration of multimodal data to predict real-world progression-free survival, and (3) mechanistic studies of mutational drivers like APOBEC3 and ERBB2 in therapy resistance. Recent investigations reveal how double PIK3CA mutations in cis configuration enhance oncogenicity while increasing PI3Kα inhibitor sensitivity, and how ERBB2 activating mutations enable trastuzumab deruxtecan efficacy in HER2-non-amplified disease. Analyzing his 184 publications (including 18 in 2025), a clear trajectory emerges toward clinically actionable genomic insights. Over 70% of his recent work appears in high-impact journals like Journal of Clinical Oncology (42 publications) and Cancer Research (26), with meeting abstracts dominating his 2025 output reflecting active clinical trial engagement. His research consistently bridges basic mechanisms (e.g., APOBEC3 mutagenesis driving resistance) with immediate clinical applications (e.g., ctDNA dynamics predicting treatment response). Dr. Razavi maintains an extensive collaborative network centered at MSKCC, with Sarat Chandarlapaty (79 co-publications), Jorge Reis-Filho (67), and Michael Berger (45) representing his core team. He actively participates in international initiatives like the Buenos Aires Breast Cancer Symposium, demonstrating global leadership in translating genomic discoveries into clinical practice for metastatic breast cancer.

• Breast Cancer Genomics
• Precision Oncology
• Liquid Biopsy
• +3 more

Ole Herman Ambur is an Associate Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Life Sciences and Health. His research focuses on Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, with particular expertise in Genetics and genomics and Medical microbiology. He is affiliated with the Genomics of microbial pathogens research group and maintains an active research profile with numerous publications spanning molecular biology, virology, and microbiology. Dr. Ambur's research interests primarily center around microbial genomics and pathogen analysis. His work spans several key areas including HPV genomics and its relationship to cervical cancer, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens like Haemophilus influenzae, and viral transmission dynamics as demonstrated in his SARS-CoV-2 research. He has developed expertise in advanced genomic sequencing techniques including nanopore sequencing and computational modeling approaches for analyzing pathogen genomes. His research on HPV integration patterns, APOBEC3 editing profiles, and viral evolution has significant implications for understanding cervical cancer development. His publication record shows a strong focus on applied genomics research with significant contributions to understanding HPV integration patterns, viral evolution, and bacterial biofilm resistance mechanisms. Recent work has increasingly incorporated advanced computational approaches including AlphaFold for protein-DNA interaction modeling. His development of methodologies like TaME-seq2 demonstrates innovation in viral genomic profiling techniques. The 2025 publications indicate ongoing cutting-edge research at the intersection of computational biology and experimental genomics. Dr. Ambur has received research funding for projects related to microbial pathogen genomics, HPV research, and biofilm studies. His work on the CRCbiome study demonstrates collaboration on large-scale epidemiological research examining the gut microbiome's role in colorectal cancer. He has also contributed to professional development initiatives for Biomedical Laboratory Scientists with foreign credentials, showing commitment to educational aspects of his field. He is actively involved with the Genomics of microbial pathogens research group and has contributed to developing sequencing methodologies like TaME-seq2 for viral genomic profiling. His work bridges computational biology, clinical microbiology, and molecular diagnostics, with applications in both viral and bacterial pathogen research. The collaborative nature of his publications indicates strong interdisciplinary connections across virology, oncology, and microbiology research domains.

• Genetics and genomics
• Medical microbiology
• Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
• +2 more

Simon Charles Baker is a Research Fellow and KRUK Intermediate Fellow at the Jack Birch Unit, University of York. His research focuses on BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), bladder cancer mechanisms, and regenerative therapies for urological conditions. He leads projects funded by the Royal Society and BBSRC, and contributes to MRC-funded regenerative medicine initiatives. Key achievements include developing clinical guidelines for BKPyV management post-kidney transplantation and elucidating viral-driven oncogenesis. He actively engages in public outreach, advising school programs on cancer awareness. Awards include the KRUK Intermediate Fellowship. Contact: simon.baker@york.ac.uk | ORCID: 0000-0002-2755-6012. Research Projects: Regenerative therapy for benign dysfunctional conditions of the urinary bladder (MRC, 2017-2019, Co-Investigator) A perfused hepatocyte-urothelium model (Royal Society, 2011-2013, Principal Investigator) Awards: KRUK Intermediate Fellowship. Public Engagement: Organized Cancer Practical workshops for schools through York Against Cancer (2023-2024).

• Virology
• Urology
• Cancer Research
• +3 more

Mia Petljak, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a member of the Perlmutter Cancer Center. She leads The Petljak Lab, which is part of the Cancer Genomics and Genetics Program, conducting research on somatic mutagenesis in cancer and aging. Her research focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of mutagenesis using integrative computational and experimental multi-omic approaches. Key interests include APOBEC3-dependent mutagenesis, clustered mutations in cancer genomes, extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) evolution, and clonal dynamics in aging tissues. Her work aims to identify novel disease mechanisms, preventative strategies, and therapeutic interventions for cancer and age-related diseases. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in cancer genomics, particularly in deciphering mutational signatures, with a recurring emphasis on APOBEC enzymes and their role in driving tumor heterogeneity and genome instability. Her studies frequently employ cutting-edge sequencing technologies and bioinformatic modeling to uncover episodic mutagenesis and its implications across malignancies. Mia Petljak has contributed to several high-impact studies published in journals such as Nature , Cell , and PNAS . While no specific awards are listed, her publication record in top-tier journals indicates significant recognition in the field of cancer genomics and molecular biology. As a principal investigator, she mentors trainees and leads a research team investigating fundamental mechanisms of genomic instability. Her lab utilizes both computational and wet-lab methodologies, fostering a multidisciplinary environment. She has secured research support through institutional affiliations and collaborative grants, though specific funding sources are not detailed in the text. The Petljak Lab operates from the state-of-the-art CURE building in Manhattan, a hub integrating academic and biotech innovation focused on eliminating deadly diseases and improving healthcare delivery. The facility supports collaborative science and translational research in a modern environment designed for discovery.

• Cancer Genomics
• Somatic Mutagenesis
• Aging Biology
• +7 more

Noemie Lejeune is a researcher actively contributing to virology and molecular biology, with a focus on APOBEC3 enzymes and their roles in viral infections and cancer development. She has led two major projects (2017-2019, 2020-2021) investigating how adenovirus and SARS-CoV-2 infections interact with innate immune effectors like APOBEC3B, potentially linking viral dysregulation to lung cancer. Research Themes: Host-virus interactions, viral restriction factors, mutagenesis, and oncogenesis Collaborators: Nicolas Gillet (supervisor), Frédéric Poulain, Kevin Willemart, and others Her work spans experimental virology, molecular immunology, and translational research, publishing in high-impact journals like PLOS Pathogens and Journal of Virology . Key studies include adenovirus restriction mechanisms, SARS-CoV-2 detection protocols, and neuroblastoma/glioblastoma susceptibility to viral infections. Research outputs (2020-2023) highlight her contributions to understanding APOBEC3B's dual role in antiviral defense and mutagenesis, with implications for viral evolution and cancer biology. Her studies employ transgenic mouse models, epithelial cell cultures, and genomic analyses.

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• +3 more

Satish Pillai is a Professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), with affiliations at the Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology (GIVI). His research focuses on understanding host antiviral mechanisms, particularly the role of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in suppressing HIV-1 replication. Pillai investigates how intrinsic cellular inhibitors like APOBEC3 and BST-2/tetherin contribute to HIV latency and viral persistence, aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting these host factors. His work integrates systems biology approaches, including single-cell sequencing and bioinformatics, to dissect viral evolution and immune responses in HIV-infected individuals. Collaborations with institutions like the San Francisco VA Medical Center and Gladstone Institute highlight his interdisciplinary research. Key areas include HIV reservoir dynamics, SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug development, and the role of galectin-9 in viral pathogenesis. Pillai’s lab receives funding from NIH (NIAID, NIMH, etc.) and amfAR. His studies have advanced understanding of HIV latency, interferon signaling, and host-virus interactions, with implications for cure strategies and antiviral therapies.

• HIV/AIDS Research
• Virology
• Immunology
• +4 more