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Peng MaoView profile

Associate Professor

• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• DNA Repair Mechanisms
• +3 more

Peng Mao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at the Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University . His research focuses on DNA damage repair mechanisms in chromatin, transcriptional regulation of repair pathways, and cancer cell adaptation to chemotherapeutic agents. Education: BS: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China PhD: Peking University, China Postdoc: Washington State University, Pullman, WA The Mao Research Lab employs next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics to investigate: (1) DNA repair protein dynamics in chromatin; (2) Transcription machinery's impact on DNA repair pathways; (3) Cancer-driven modulation of repair mechanisms to evade chemotherapy. His work bridges genomic instability and cancer therapy resistance . His recent publications highlight studies on UV-induced mutagenesis , cisplatin resistance , transcription-coupled repair , and chromatin remodeling complexes . These articles span genomic mapping , histone modifications , and transcription factor interactions in DNA repair contexts. Labs & Teams: Mao Research Lab, Stony Brook University

Ahmet YildizView profile

Professor

• Motor Proteins
• Intracellular Transport
• Cytoskeletal Dynamics
• +4 more

Ahmet Yildiz serves as Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology and of Physics at the University of California, Berkeley, leading an active research laboratory in Stanley Hall focused on the biophysical mechanisms of intracellular transport. Research interests center on motor protein dynamics, particularly dynein and kinesin function along cytoskeletal tracks. The Yildiz Laboratory employs integrated approaches including single-molecule fluorescence imaging, optical trapping, and cryo-electron microscopy to investigate how motors achieve processive movement, generate force in crowded cytoplasmic environments, and are regulated by adaptor proteins and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). Key projects examine dynein activation by Lis1/NudE, bidirectional transport reconstitution for mitochondrial cargo, and the "MAP code" hypothesis governing motor recruitment. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on structural-mechanistic insights into dynein-dynactin complexes and regulatory mechanisms, with emerging connections to neurodegenerative disease pathways through neuronal transport studies. The work bridges quantitative biophysics with cellular physiology through advanced in vitro reconstitution techniques. The laboratory operates within UC Berkeley's collaborative research ecosystem, utilizing specialized facilities for high-resolution structural biology and single-molecule analysis to advance fundamental understanding of cellular organization principles.

Dinshaw PatelView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• Biochemistry
• CRISPR-Cas Systems
• +7 more

Dinshaw Patel is a Professor at the Structural Biology Program of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), holding the Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Chair in Experimental Therapeutics. He has affiliations with Columbia University, The Rockefeller University, and Weill Cornell Medicine through collaborative research projects. PhD in Photochemistry, New York University Postdoctoral training in Biochemistry and Biophysics 17 years at AT&T Bell Laboratories Professor at Columbia University-Health Sciences His research focuses on structural biology of macromolecular recognition systems, particularly CRISPR-Cas surveillance complexes, cGAS-STING pathways, Structure Maintenance of Chromosomes (Smc5/6, MRX) complexes, and epigenetic regulation via histone/DNA modifications. His work spans RNA-mediated processes (siRNA/piRNA pathways), molecular chaperones, and riboswitches/ribozymes. Recent projects include structural characterization of bacterial antiphage defense systems (Lamassu, Kiwa), small molecule inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 RNA capping machinery, and complexes involved in leukemias/lymphomas. Publications highlight structural elucidation of CRISPR-Cas systems using cryo-EM and x-ray crystallography, DNA repair mechanisms, and RNA-protein interaction dynamics. Key collaborations include Luciano Marraffini (Rockefeller), Xiaolan Zhao (MSKCC), and Thomas Tuschl (Rockefeller). National Academy of Sciences member AAAS member AT&T Bell Labs Distinguished Technical Staff Award New York University Distinguished Alumnus Award FEZANA Excellence in Profession Award Lifetime Achievement, American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research Students and trainees benefit from his expertise in structural biology techniques (NMR, crystallography, cryo-EM), biochemical assays, and biophysical approaches. His lab participates in the Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology and maintains affiliations with multiple institutions including Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology and ETH Zürich.

Sandra SchickView profile

Assistant Professor

• Chromatin Biology
• Epigenetics
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Sandra Schick is a Group Leader at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) in Mainz since 2020 and a Junior Faculty Member at the Max Planck Graduate Center (MPGC) since 2021. Her research focuses on ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, specifically BAF, and their critical roles in cancer pathogenesis and developmental disorders through regulation of DNA accessibility. Her primary research areas include: Chromatin remodeling mechanisms and epigenetic regulation Structure-function relationships of polymorphic BAF complexes Molecular basis of BAF subunit mutations in human diseases Integration of chromatin dynamics with DNA repair and transcriptional control Analysis of her publication record reveals a consistent trajectory in dissecting BAF complex functionality using multi-omics approaches, with emphasis on synthetic lethality networks in cancer and developmental disease contexts. Her work demonstrates how BAF perturbations immediately alter chromatin architecture, providing mechanistic insights for therapeutic targeting. Dr. Schick leads an active research group at IMB that employs CRISPR/Cas9, targeted protein degradation, single-cell genomics, and advanced imaging to investigate chromatin regulation across model systems. She actively recruits experimental and computational scientists to advance understanding of chromatin-related disease mechanisms and resilience pathways.

Andreas G. LadurnerView profile

Professor

• Chromatin Remodeling
• Epigenetics
• DNA Damage Response
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Andreas G. Ladurner is a faculty member at the Faculty of Medicine , Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, where he leads the Department of Physiological Chemistry . His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of chromatin plasticity, particularly through post-translational modifications like ADP-ribosylation and acetylation, and their interplay with cellular metabolites. Discovered the first cellular receptor for glucose metabolites Elucidated PARP1's role in chromatin remodeling Defined macrodomain proteins' function in ADP-ribosylation His work bridges structural biology, epigenetics, and metabolism, with significant implications for cancer and metabolic diseases. Recent publications highlight his group's contributions to DNA damage response and chromatin dynamics. Funded by the BioM m4 Award , his lab investigates: Regulation of transcription factors by metabolites Mechanistic insights into the histone chaperone FACT Molecular dissection of ADP-ribosylation signaling

Laurie A. BoyerView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Cardiovascular Biology
• Chromatin Remodeling
• +4 more

Laurie A. Boyer is a Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), affiliated with the Koch Biology Building. She serves as Co-Undergraduate Officer and leads research on gene regulatory mechanisms in heart development and regeneration using embryonic stem cells and mouse models. Her work integrates genomic, genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to understand chromatin dynamics and lineage commitment, with applications in cardiac tissue engineering and regeneration. Education: PhD, 2001, University of Massachusetts Medical School BS, 1990, Biomedical Science, Framingham State University Research Interests: Dr. Boyer’s research focuses on the interplay between chromatin remodeling, epigenetic regulation, and transcriptional networks that drive heart development. She investigates how ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers influence lineage specification and explores methods to stimulate cardiac regeneration. Her lab combines advanced genomic techniques with tissue engineering to model 3D cardiac architecture, aiming to uncover regulatory circuits underlying normal and diseased heart development. Publications: Her recent work includes breakthroughs in high-throughput expansion microscopy for scalable super-resolution imaging, metabolic modulation of mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage repair, and the role of long noncoding RNAs like Braveheart in cardiovascular lineage commitment. These studies span molecular mechanisms of chromatin dynamics to translational applications in regenerative medicine. Awards & Honors: Pew Scholars Award in the Biomedical Sciences (2008) Smith Family Award for Excellence in Biomedical Science (2009) Scientific American World’s 50 Top Leaders in Research (2006) Irvin and Helen Sizer Career Development Award (2012) Grants & Collaborations: Dr. Boyer oversees grants from organizations like the NIH and American Heart Association. She collaborates with teams on interdisciplinary projects, including tissue engineering and stem cell therapies. Her lab also develops innovative microscopy techniques to advance cellular imaging scalability. Labs & Teams: Her laboratory at MIT’s Koch Institute integrates computational biology, bioengineering, and molecular biology. The lab focuses on translating fundamental discoveries into clinical applications for heart disease and regeneration.

• Cardiac Metabolism
• Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
• Mitochondrial Metabolism
• +3 more

Lisa Heather is an Associate Professor and British Heart Foundation (BHF) Intermediate Fellow at the University of Oxford's Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (DPAG) within the Medical Sciences Division. Her research focuses on cardiac metabolism in health and disease, particularly in diabetes and heart failure. She holds dual expertise in molecular mechanisms of metabolic dysfunction and translational cardiovascular research. Dr. Heather earned a Bachelor's degree in Medical Biochemistry from the University of Surrey and conducted doctoral research on cardiac hypertrophy's metabolic origins. Her postdoctoral work explored mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Key career milestones include a Diabetes UK RD Lawrence Fellowship (2011) and a BHF Intermediate Fellowship (2018), supporting her investigations into lipid metabolism and hypoxia signaling in diabetic hearts. Her research interests span mitochondrial bioenergetics, fatty acid trafficking, hypoxia responses, and metabolic reprogramming in disease. She employs advanced techniques like hyperpolarized MRI and metabolomics to study real-time metabolic changes, with recent breakthroughs identifying novel roles for fatty acids in disrupting hypoxia signaling and cardiomyocyte function. Her publications (e.g., Diabetes , Physiological Reviews , JCI Insight ) highlight interdisciplinary approaches to metabolic disease. She leads the Heather Group, advancing therapies targeting metabolic pathways in heart failure and diabetes. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing metabolic interventions for cardiovascular health.

Lewis KayView profile

Professor

• Biological Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• NMR Spectroscopy
• +5 more

Lewis Kay is a University Professor at the University of Toronto, holding a primary appointment in the Department of Biochemistry and a cross-appointment in the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on developing novel NMR methodologies to study complex biological systems, particularly the molecular dynamics of phase-separated condensates and large biomolecular machines like the proteasome. The Kay Lab emphasizes understanding how dynamic processes regulate biological functions, with applications in drug discovery and disease mechanisms. Education backgrounds are not explicitly listed, but his work demonstrates expertise in biochemistry and physical chemistry. Research interests include NMR spectroscopy, protein dynamics, biomolecular condensates, and the role of molecular motion in cellular processes. Recent articles highlight advancements in NMR techniques for studying high-molecular-weight systems, phase separation in biomolecules, and allosteric regulation of proteasome function. These studies address critical gaps in understanding dynamic protein behaviors and their implications for health and disease. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Advising and grants are not detailed here, but his lab's focus on interdisciplinary research suggests significant grant support. The Kay Lab actively explores molecular mechanisms in health and neurodegenerative diseases, leveraging cutting-edge NMR innovations to push the boundaries of structural biology.

H. Courtney HodgesView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenomics
• Disordered protein
• Chromatin and epigenetics
• +5 more

H. Courtney Hodges is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine , with adjunct faculty status in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University . She leads a lab focused on chromatin biology , transcription regulation , and cancer epigenetics , particularly the role of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers like SWI/SNF (BAF) and disordered proteins in disease mechanisms. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology , Baylor College of Medicine Center for Precision Environmental Health , Baylor College of Medicine Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center , Baylor College of Medicine Graduate Programs in Genetics/Genomics and Cancer/Cell Biology Adjunct Faculty , Rice University Department of Bioengineering Education: Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley, Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine. Her research interests include epigenomics, disordered protein interactions, chromatin dynamics, and translational applications in cancer therapy. She develops interdisciplinary methods combining epigenomic analysis , live-cell imaging , and chemical biology to study these systems. Recent publications highlight her work on SWI/SNF-chromatin interactions, disordered protein modules in transcription, and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic and chromatin-targeting drugs. Her lab contributes to understanding signal integration in gene expression , with implications for AML , bladder cancer , and developmental disorders . Scientific Awards: V Scholar Award Medical Research Award from Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research CPRIT Faculty Scholar Advising: Mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows , including Eric Smith , Courtney Chambers , and Sanjay Nagaraj . Her lab is affiliated with the Texas Medical Center , enabling collaboration with clinicians and researchers across institutions. She advocates for interdisciplinary training in wet-lab and computational epigenomics.

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Biology
• Transcriptional Regulation
• +3 more

Glen Liszczak is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. After receiving his B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, he conducted postdoctoral research at Princeton University under Professor Tom Muir. Education: B.S. (Ramapo College), Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania, Wistar Institute) Postdoctoral Training: Princeton University (Muir Lab) Current Role: Faculty, UTSW Medical Center (since 2018) Dr. Liszczak's research focuses on elucidating how genetic mutations and aberrant protein post-translational modifications drive disease phenotypes. His lab combines chemical biology, structural biology, and cellular biochemistry to investigate epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin structure, protein/nucleic acid trafficking, and ADP-ribosylation pathways. The 2015-2022 publications highlight his expertise in N-terminal acetylation mechanisms (NatA, NatD, Naa50p), epigenetic regulation (Suv39h1, cohesin acetylation), and disease-related protein modifications. Key themes include chromatin dynamics, DNA damage response, and applications of protein semisynthesis. Scientific awards include the Dr. Monica H.M. Shander Fellowship, Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA, CPRIT Recruitment Award, UT Rising STARs, and AHA Career Development Award. His work has advanced understanding of cancer, neurodegeneration, and developmental abnormalities.

Michael HipplerView profile

Professor

• Plant Physiology
• Photosynthesis
• Proteomics
• +3 more

Prof. Michael Hippler is a Professor at the University of Münster's Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Biology (IBBP), part of the School of Biology. His research focuses on plant cell responses to environmental stresses, photosynthetic machinery mechanisms, and microalgal biotechnology. He leads the Hippler Lab, which combines molecular genetics, proteomics, and bioinformatics to study algal systems like Chlamydomonas reinhardtii . Key techniques include quantitative proteomics (e.g., SILAC) and mass spectrometry-based data analysis. He also holds a Special Appointment Professorship at Okayama University (2019–2028, 3 months/year). Research interests span photosynthetic electron transfer regulation, calcium-dependent phosphorylation, and N-glycosylation in algae. His lab develops tools like GenomicPeptideFinder , SugarPy , and bioinformatics platforms for proteomic analysis. Collaborations include the GoPMF project on proton motive force regulation in photosynthesis. Teaching includes advanced topics in molecular physiology, biochemistry, and proteomics. He advises doctoral candidates and postdocs in the Molecular and Cellular Glyco-Sciences Graduate Program. His work bridges fundamental research with biotechnological applications in bioenergy and environmental adaptation.

• Visual Neuroscience
• Retinal Physiology
• Photoreceptor Function
• +6 more

Alapakkam Sampath is an Associate Professor in Residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine , University of California, Los Angeles , affiliated with the Jules Stein Eye Institute . His research bridges Ophthalmology and Neurobiology , focusing on retinal physiology, photoreceptor signaling, and evolutionary visual mechanisms. Key Research Themes: Photoreceptor adaptation, synaptic transmission in retinal circuits, molecular basis of vision sensitivity, and evolutionary origins of retinal pathways. Techniques: Electrophysiology, genetic modeling, and optogenetic interventions to study retinal function and degeneration. Collaborations: Extensive work with colleagues in neuroscience, genetics, and biomedical engineering on retinal disease models and therapeutic strategies.

Alexey Konstantinovich ShaitanView profile

Professor

• epigenetics
• nucleosomes
• structural bioinformatics
• +3 more

Alexey Konstantinovich Shaitan is a Professor at the Department of Big Data and Information Retrieval and a Leading Researcher at the International Bioinformatics Laboratory within the Faculty of Computer Science at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE). He also serves as a Leading Researcher at the Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University since 2012. With 17 years of scientific and teaching experience, Shaitan holds the prestigious titles of Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (both awarded in 2022). Education: 2022: Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences 2022: Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences 2021: Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences from Lomonosov Moscow State University 2010: Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences 2007: Specialty in "Physics of Condensed Matter," qualification "Physicist" from Lomonosov Moscow State University Shaitan's research focuses on epigenetics, nucleosomes, and structural bioinformatics , bridging computational approaches with molecular biology to understand chromatin structure and function. His work spans from fundamental studies of nucleosome dynamics to applied research in drug discovery and disease mechanisms. He has made significant contributions to molecular dynamics simulations of nucleosomes and the application of AI in computational biology. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in nucleosome structure and dynamics, epigenetic mechanisms, and computational methods development. His work demonstrates increasing integration of artificial intelligence with traditional bioinformatics approaches, particularly evident in his 2025 publications on AI in drug development. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects physics, biology, and computer science to address complex biological questions. Scientific Recognition: Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (2022) Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences (2022) Rector's personal allowance (2021-2022) Bonus for publication in a journal from List A (2025-2026) Shaitan actively contributes to academic education through teaching courses such as "Molecular Modeling" for both undergraduate and master's students at HSE. His international collaborations are evidenced by his previous visiting fellowship at the National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Institutes of Health, USA (2013-2017) and research position at Ulm University, Germany (2009-2011). He regularly participates in major conferences including the Ascona B-DNA Consortium meetings and the Moscow Conference on Computational Molecular Biology. As a key member of the International Bioinformatics Laboratory at HSE and the Department of Bioengineering at Moscow State University, Shaitan leads research at the intersection of computer science, biology, and physics. His laboratory work focuses on advanced computational techniques for understanding chromatin structure, DNA-protein interactions, and their implications for disease mechanisms and therapeutic development.

David RuedaView profile

Professor

• Single-molecule imaging
• DNA and RNA processing
• CRISPR/Cas9 mechanisms
• +7 more

Professor David Rueda holds the Chair in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics at Imperial College London’s Department of Infectious Disease (Faculty of Medicine). He leads a research group developing single-molecule imaging techniques to study structural dynamics of biomolecules involved in DNA/RNA processing, chromatin remodelling, and gene editing. His work spans CRISPR/Cas9 off-target mechanisms, SMC complex dynamics, and RNA localization via fluorogenic aptamers. Affiliations: CDT in Chemical Biology (supervisor), Centre for Advanced Therapeutics, Institute of Chemical Biology, and Molecular Sciences Network Postgraduate Training: PhD (EPF Lausanne, 2001) and Postdoc (University of Michigan, 2001–05) Research focuses on: CRISPR/Cas9 off-target binding mechanisms under mechanical stress SWR1 complex-mediated histone variant incorporation Live-cell RNA imaging using Mango aptamers Cohesin’s role in DNA tethering and SMC complex dynamics His lab employs advanced microscopy (optical tweezers, super-resolution imaging) and collaborates with Prof. Dale Wigley (Imperial) and Prof. Peter Unrau (Simon Fraser) on chromatin and RNA studies. Recent work addresses DNA repair pathways and synthetic lethal targets in cancer.

Bradley R. CairnsView profile

Professor

• Chromatin Remodeling
• Germline Development
• Transcription Regulation
• +7 more

Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah School of Medicine, Chief Academic Officer of the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), and holder of the Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. His research focuses on chromatin remodeling, germline development, and cancer mechanisms, utilizing zebrafish, yeast, and human models. Dr. Cairns pioneered the purification of chromatin remodeling complexes (SWI/SNF, RSC) and revealed their dysregulation in cancer. Education: PhD in Cell Biology, Stanford University (1996) BS (Honors) in Chemistry, Lewis and Clark College (1987) Postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Stanford University Research Interests: Dr. Cairns investigates how chromatin structure regulates gene expression in germline stem cells and early embryos, with emphasis on totipotency establishment. His lab studies: 1) Mechanisms of nucleosome remodeling by ATP-dependent complexes; 2) Epigenetic poising of developmental genes in sperm; 3) Single-cell dynamics of human spermatogenesis; and 4) DUX transcription factors in embryonic genome activation. Key models include zebrafish embryogenesis and human testis development. Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes single-cell genomics of human germline development, 3D chromatin architecture in embryogenesis, and p53-mediated regulation in muscular dystrophy. Studies consistently integrate biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches to dissect chromatin-transcription relationships in development and disease. Awards & Honors: Fellow, Royal Society (2023) American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2017) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (2000–present) Leukemia Society Fellowship American Cancer Society Fellowship Leadership & Training: Dr. Cairns has mentored 26 graduate students and 12 postdoctoral fellows. He directs the Molecular Biology Graduate Program and co-leads HCI’s Nuclear Control Program. Administrative roles include chairing HCI’s Bioinformatics and Genomics Cores and co-chairing the Commission on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Lab & Collaborations: The Cairns Lab employs biochemical, genomic, and genetic methods to study chromatin dynamics. Key collaborations include the Human Testis Atlas project and studies on FSHD muscular dystrophy. Lab resources include protocols for chromatin profiling and zebrafish embryogenesis.