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Nathaniel NucciView profile

Associate Professor

• Protein Biophysics
• Spectroscopy
• Drug Development
• +11 more

Nathaniel Nucci is an Associate Professor at Rowan University's College of Science & Mathematics, jointly appointed in the Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences and Physics & Astronomy. His research bridges biophysics, structural biology, and nanotechnology to understand protein behavior in confined environments. Education Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania M.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Hampshire B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Hampshire Research Interests Dr. Nucci's lab focuses on: Protein biophysics in crowded/confining environments Reverse micelle technology for biomolecular studies Hydration dynamics of proteins (NMR-based methods) Structural biology of disease-related proteins (PHDs, p53) Drug delivery systems for protein therapeutics Nanoparticle synthesis with protein conjugation Research Trends His recent publications demonstrate expertise in using reverse micelles to study: Protein structural stability under confinement Hydration dynamics of therapeutic proteins Microenvironmental effects on phase-separating proteins Conformational changes in GPCRs Interfacial interactions in biomolecular systems Scientific Awards Gary J. Hunter Excellence in Mentoring Award (2024) College of Science and Mathematics Excellence in Academic Student Support (2022) Teaching Philosophy Emphasizes applied and experiential learning, integrating recent scientific discoveries into classroom practice and promoting hands-on scientific investigation.

Jonathan WeissmanView profile

Professor

• Protein Folding
• Systems Biology
• Genomics
• +6 more

Jonathan Weissman is a Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Member of the Whitehead Institute. He is also an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Landon T. Clay Professor of Biology. His research spans protein folding mechanisms, ribosome profiling, CRISPR-based tools (CRISPRi/a), and genetic interaction mapping. Whitehead Institute Member MIT Professor HHMI Investigator Co-founder, Maze Therapeutics & KSQ Therapeutics Research Interests focus on: Protein folding in cellular contexts Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function and stress responses Genome-wide CRISPR screening for gene regulation High-density genetic interaction maps in mammals Mitochondrial protein targeting and quality control Epigenomic engineering with synthetic tools Scientific Awards include: Protein Society Irving Sigal Young Investigator Award (2004) Raymond & Beverly Sackler Prize (2008) National Academy of Sciences election (2009) NAS Award for Scientific Discovery (2015) Genetics Society of America Ira Herskowitz Award (2020) Labs & Collaborations : Leads the Weissman Lab at MIT/Whitehead Institute, co-leads the Laboratory for Genomic Research with GlaxoSmithKline, and chairs the Stowers Institute Scientific Advisory Board.

Adrian WhittyView profile

Associate Professor

• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• Drug Discovery
• +3 more

Adrian Whitty is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Boston University . His research focuses on protein-protein and protein-ligand recognition, particularly in developing mechanistic understandings of growth factor receptor activation and advancing drug discovery for protein-protein interaction inhibition. Education: B.Sc. (Honors) in Chemistry from King’s College, University of London (1985); Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago (1991); Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Brandeis University's Biochemistry Department (1990-93). His work integrates biochemical and cell-based assays using advanced technologies like FRET, Time-Resolved Fluorescence, and Surface Plasmon Resonance (Biacore 3000). He collaborates with computational chemists, organic synthesis experts, X-ray crystallographers, and biologists to develop novel approaches for designing small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. Recent publications highlight trends in machine learning applications for molecular scientists, structural analysis of enzyme mechanisms, macrocycle-based drug design, and quantitative studies of protein interaction energetics. His lab emphasizes rigorous hypothesis-driven experimental design, preparing students for careers in academia or industry. Advisory and leadership roles include membership in The Protein Society (2008-present), the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Governing Council (2007-present), and founding roles in the Council for Systems Biology in Boston (CSB2) and the Institute for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery at SUNY Stony Brook. His laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for fluorescence, analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and tissue culture, supporting diverse techniques including flow cytometry and reaction pathway modeling with Mathematica and MATLAB.

Samuel FountainView profile

Professor

• Pharmacology
• Ion Channels
• Cardiometabolic Physiology
• +12 more

Professor Samuel Fountain is a leading academic in pharmacology at the University of East Anglia, where he serves as Chair of Pharmacology within the School of Biological Sciences. He holds additional leadership roles as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the UEA Doctoral College and has previously served as Associate Dean for Postgraduate Research and Director of the Biomedical Research Centre. He is actively supervising multiple PhD students and securing major research funding. BSc (Hons) Pharmacology, University of Leeds (1997–2000) MRC-funded PhD, University of Leeds (2000–2004) Wellcome Trust Research Associate, University of Manchester (2004–2008) BBSRC David Phillips Fellow, University of Leeds (2008–2010) Lecturer to Professor of Pharmacology, University of East Anglia (2010–present) His research focuses on the role of ion channels—particularly P2X receptors—in vascular and adipose tissues, with implications for cardiometabolic diseases. His work integrates pharmacology, physiology, and molecular biology to understand neurovascular and neuroadipose communication, receptor-ligand interactions, and drug discovery. He employs techniques such as pressure myography, patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and molecular modelling. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on purinergic signalling, ion channel pharmacology, and autonomic control of blood vessels and fat tissue. His work bridges basic science with translational applications, particularly in hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Collaborations with AstraZeneca, Merck, and the British Heart Foundation underscore the clinical and pharmaceutical relevance of his research. Notable scientific recognition includes the prestigious BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship. He also contributes to the academic community through editorial roles, including as Editor of Purinergic Signalling , and as a member of the British Pharmacological Society and The Physiological Society. Professor Fountain actively mentors postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, several of whom are funded by BBSRC, BHF, and AstraZeneca iCASE awards. His lab is supported by significant grants from the British Heart Foundation, BBSRC, and industry partners, enabling cutting-edge research in vascular and metabolic pharmacology. He leads multiple active projects on neurovascular transmission, purinergic control, and drug discovery for P2X receptors. His research group operates within the Cells and Tissues research theme at UEA and utilizes advanced experimental platforms including human tissue studies, high-throughput screening, and computational ligand docking. The lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between pharmacologists, physiologists, and clinicians, positioning it at the forefront of autonomic and metabolic research.

• Structural Biology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Nancy C. Horton is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona, with joint faculty appointments in Biochemistry. Her research focuses on understanding the structures and mechanisms of proteins involved in DNA and RNA processing, particularly enzymes that modulate their activity through filament formation. She leads the Horton Lab, which employs structural techniques like X-ray crystallography, NMR, and cryo-electron microscopy alongside biochemical and high-throughput methods. Dr. Horton received her B.S. in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University (1986) and Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania (1994). She completed postdoctoral training at The Upjohn Company and the University of California, Santa Barbara, before establishing her independent lab at the University of Arizona in 2001. Her work has contributed significantly to understanding enzyme filamentation in cellular defense mechanisms and host-virus interactions, particularly with Human Parvovirus B19. Research interests include structural biology, biophysics, and the functional implications of protein filaments. Her lab has elucidated the structural basis of enzyme activation via filamentation and its role in DNA cleavage specificity. She also engages in education initiatives, teaching courses on the molecular basis of life and professional development for graduate students. Key contributions include the discovery of enzyme filamentation as a regulatory mechanism and structural studies of SgrAI and NS1 proteins. The lab collaborates broadly, leveraging multi-scale modeling and experimental approaches to study macromolecular complexes. Dr. Horton’s work bridges basic science and translational research, with implications for antiviral drug development and understanding fundamental biological processes.

Graham LaddsView profile

Professor

• Pharmacology
• G protein-coupled receptors
• Signal Bias
• +5 more

Professor Graham Ladds is a Professor of Receptor Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge's Department of Pharmacology and Fellow of St John's College. He serves as Co-Director of the Cambridge Academy of Therapeutic Science and Director of Studies for Pharmacology. His academic journey includes a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham and PhD in yeast pheromone signalling from the University of Warwick, where he progressed to Associate Professor before joining Cambridge in 2015. His research focuses on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology, specializing in: Agonist bias mechanisms and signaling dynamics Mathematical modeling of receptor-ligand interactions RAMPs (Receptor Activity-Modifying Proteins) in Class B1 GPCRs Intracellular calcium signaling pathways Development of biosensors for receptor activity screening He employs multidisciplinary approaches combining pharmacological assays, computational modeling, and machine learning. His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on adenosine receptor pharmacology, GPCR signaling bias, and therapeutic applications for metabolic/cardiovascular disorders. Research frequently appears in high-impact journals with significant industry collaboration themes. Honors include: Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society (2020) Royal Society Industry Fellowship for collaboration with AstraZeneca He leads a 17-member research group investigating GPCR signaling dynamics and maintains active industry partnerships with GSK, Takeda, and AstraZeneca. His teaching includes lectures on drug-receptor interactions and diabetes therapeutics for medical/natural sciences students. Laboratory activities focus on: BRET-based molecular probing of GPCR interactions Development of computational models for receptor activation Calcium signaling studies continuing legacy of Professor Colin Taylor Industry-linked drug discovery projects

Jens CarlssonView profile

Professor

• G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)
• Structure-based drug design
• Molecular docking
• +7 more

Jens Carlsson is a Professor at Uppsala University, affiliated with the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) . His research focuses on computational biochemistry , particularly G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) , using physics-based modeling to advance structure-based drug design . Academic rank: Full Professor (since 2022) Key methodologies: Molecular dynamics simulations, docking, free energy calculations Research themes: GPCR ligand interactions, virtual chemical space screening, allosteric modulators Recent work (2025) highlights AI-driven discovery of brain disease therapeutics and DNA repair inhibitors , while 2024 projects explore AlphaFold applications in TAAR1 agonist design . His group has received Swedish Research Council grants (3.6M SEK, 6M SEK) and industry collaborations . Scientific awards include the Göran Gustafsson Prize (2016), Excellence Prize in Molecular Design (2022), and Ingvar Carlsson Award (2012). Key students include PhD candidates Mariama Jaiteh and Pierre Matricon , with postdocs like Nicolas Panel and Duy Duc Vo .

• Cancer Metabolism
• Metabolic Reprogramming
• Tumor Metastasis
• +3 more

Sophia Lunt is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Chemical Engineering & Materials Science at Michigan State University , where she has been since 2015 (Assistant Professor 2015-2021, Associate Professor 2021-2025, Professor 2025-present). She leads the Lunt Lab , focusing on cancer metabolism , particularly metabolic reprogramming in tumor proliferation, heterogeneity, and metastasis . Her work combines mass spectrometry , genetic cancer models , cell biology , and fluorescent agents to develop targeted cancer therapies . Ph.D. (2010) & B.S. (2005) in Chemistry Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT (2010-2015) NSF CAREER awardee (2019) 20+ peer-reviewed publications since 2007 Research Focus : Cancer metabolism (Warburg effect, PHGDH heterogeneity, TIGAR regulation) Photodynamic therapy (counterion-tuned agents, metal halide nanoclusters) Metabolomics (tumor-immune interactions, microbiome effects) Selected Scientific Awards : 2022 MSU College of Natural Science Teacher-Scholar Award 2022 MSU BMB Teaching Award 2020 MANA Young Investigator Award 2019 NSF CAREER & METAvivor Early Career Investigator Awards Her teaching includes BMB 101: Frontiers in Biochemistry (curriculum overhaul for freshman success) and BMB 461: Advanced Biochemistry I , covering metabolic regulation and pathways.

• Cancer Drug Discovery
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Kinase Inhibitors
• +4 more

Dr. Celine Cano is a research-focused academic at Newcastle University's Faculty of Medical Sciences within the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, with a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades in cancer drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. Her work centers on developing targeted therapies, particularly kinase inhibitors and MDM2-p53 interaction antagonists, with significant contributions to understanding molecular mechanisms in oncology. Her research interests encompass cancer drug discovery , medicinal chemistry , and kinase inhibitor development , with specialized expertise in covalent drug design, fragment-based screening, and structural optimization of anticancer agents. Dr. Cano has pioneered work on MDM2-p53 inhibitors, ERK5 modulators, and PROTAC technologies, focusing on enhancing therapeutic indices while minimizing toxicity through precise molecular engineering. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2020-2024) reveals a dominant focus on targeted cancer therapies , particularly small-molecule antagonists of protein-protein interactions (MDM2-p53) and kinase inhibitors (ERK5, Nek2, NIK). Her work demonstrates consistent innovation in covalent drug design , pharmacokinetic optimization , and structural biology approaches to overcome resistance mechanisms. Notable trends include the development of differentiated pharmacokinetic profiles in next-generation MDM2 antagonists and sophisticated linker strategies for PROTACs. Dr. Cano maintains extensive collaborative networks across Newcastle University's cancer research ecosystem, particularly with groups led by Professors Ian Hardcastle, Bernard Golding, and Steve Wedge. Her research has been instrumental in advancing multiple drug candidates through preclinical development, with several publications describing compounds that have progressed to therapeutic evaluation.

• Neuroimaging
• PET Imaging
• Radiopharmaceutical Development
• +5 more

Maeva Dhaynaut is an Instructor in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine. Her academic appointment is within the Division of Bioimaging Sciences, focusing on positron emission tomography (PET) research and applications. Dr. Dhaynaut's research spans multiple areas of molecular and neuroimaging, with particular emphasis on: Development and application of PET radiotracers for neurological disorders Tau imaging in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative conditions Opioid receptor imaging and neuropsychiatric applications Quantitative imaging methods and kinetic modeling Novel radiopharmaceutical development for CNS targets Her recent publications demonstrate strong expertise in tau PET imaging with tracers like [18F]MK6240, with applications ranging from Alzheimer's disease to sports-related neurodegeneration in former football players. She has also made significant contributions to opioid receptor imaging and potassium channel imaging. Dr. Dhaynaut frequently employs advanced computational methods including diffusion models and Bayesian approaches for kinetic parameter estimation in dynamic PET imaging. Dr. Dhaynaut's collaborative research network includes prominent scientists such as Georges El Fakhri, Marc David Normandin, and Nicolas Guehl. Her work spans from basic radiopharmaceutical chemistry through preclinical validation to clinical applications, demonstrating a comprehensive translational research approach.

David M. SmithView profile

Professor

• Proteasome Function
• Cancer Biology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

David M. Smith is a Professor at the West Virginia University School of Medicine , holding dual appointments in the Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience departments. He is also a member of the WVU Cancer Institute and affiliated with the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute . PhD from the University of South Florida School of Medicine Postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School Research Focus : Molecular mechanisms of proteasome function, including substrate recognition, unfolding, and degradation. His work bridges fundamental enzymology with translational applications in cancer therapy and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Key Article Trends : Recent publications emphasize proteasome activation mechanisms , neurodegenerative disease models , and structural insights into ATPase function . Grants : NIH R01 GM107129 (Mechanisms regulating proteasomal degradation), NIH R01 AG064188 (Proteasome function in Alzheimer's), and collaborations on projects like Protein-unfolding chaperones for blindness treatment . Lab Personnel : Includes graduate students Thomas Bradley, David Salcedo-Tacuma, Giovanni Howells, and Md Qamrul Islam, along with research technicians and undergraduates. Training emphasizes biochemical, biophysical, and computational techniques.

• Computational Drug Design
• Molecular Modeling
• Anticancer Agents
• +5 more

Dr. Vibhu Jha is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics , part of the School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences at the University of Bradford . He holds a PhD from the University of Pisa (Italy) with a focus on computational drug discovery, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Gothenburg (Sweden) and the University of Dundee (UK). His expertise lies in computational modeling techniques (e.g., molecular docking, machine learning) for anticancer drug design, targeting pathways like 1C metabolism and EGFR-driven resistance. Education: B.Pharm, Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekananda Technical University (2008–2012) M.S. Pharm (Medicinal Chemistry), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (2013–2015) PhD, University of Pisa (2017–2021) Research Focus: Dr. Jha’s work integrates AI/ML with conventional computational methods to study protein interactions (e.g., protein-ligand, protein-DNA) and develop inhibitors against cancer targets. Key projects include: Targeting MTHFD2/SHMT2 in breast/colorectal cancers Designing dual EGFR/ACK1 inhibitors for lung cancer Developing topoisomerase-HDAC dual inhibitors His research also explores drug repurposing and collaborative projects with institutions in Italy, Sweden, Germany, and India. Awards: 8 awards (specific names not listed in available texts). Advising & Collaboration: Supervised master’s projects at the University of Gothenburg. Collaborates with Prof. Raj Kumar (Central University of Punjab), Prof. Leif Eriksson (University of Gothenburg), and Prof. Tiziano Tuccinardi (University of Pisa). Active in computational drug design, AI-driven predictive models, and structure-based drug design. Labs & Teams: Based at the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Bradford. Engaged in cross-disciplinary teams focused on computational oncology and translational drug discovery.

Christoph DiehlView profile

Researcher

• Synthetic Biology
• Biocatalysis
• Metabolic Engineering
• +6 more

Dr. Christoph Diehl is a researcher at the Faculty of Chemistry , affiliated with the Organic Chemistry and Biocatalysis Group at the University of Bielefeld . His work focuses on synthetic biology and biocatalysis, particularly in developing biochemical systems for CO 2 fixation and complex molecule synthesis. Current Affiliation: University of Bielefeld, Faculty of Chemistry Research Group: Organic Chemistry and Biocatalysis / Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) Research Interests Dr. Diehl specializes in: Designing synthetic CO 2 fixation cycles (THETA, HOPAC) Developing in vitro biochemical networks Engineering biocatalytic enzyme cascades Optimizing carbon utilization for chemical production Integrating machine learning with metabolic engineering Creating cell-free systems for biomanufacturing Publication Trends His recent work emphasizes synthetic CO 2 fixation pathways, biocatalytic cascade design, and machine learning-guided optimization of metabolic systems. He has pioneered modular approaches for terpene/polyketide synthesis from CO 2 and developed novel carboxylation modules.

Belinda AbbottView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Biological Chemistry
• +7 more

Dr. Belinda Abbott is an Adjunct Associate Professor at La Trobe University's Department of Chemistry and Physics, affiliated with the La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science. She specializes in medicinal chemistry and synthetic organic chemistry, focusing on small molecule inhibitors for bacterial enzymes, malaria treatment, and neurodegenerative diseases. Current projects: Fragment-based drug design for antibacterial agents, cardiac arrhythmia therapies, and PKA inhibition in malaria Key collaborations: Australian Research Council-funded initiatives Research Focus: Her work spans Medicinal Chemistry , Organic Chemistry , and Biological Chemistry , emphasizing structure-activity relationships and lysine biosynthesis inhibition. Recent publications highlight advances in dual-target herbicides, allosteric enzyme inhibition, and antimalarial compounds. Professional Activities: Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute since 2007. Grant recipient for NMR infrastructure and peptide nucleic acid research (2007-2022). Teaching: Coordinates and teaches undergraduate/postgraduate courses in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and honors chemistry programs.

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Neuroendocrinology
• +3 more

William Christopher Wetsel is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and an Associate Professor in Neurobiology at Duke University School of Medicine. He is also a Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, demonstrating his interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience research. Dr. Wetsel earned his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1983. His research program focuses on using genetically-modified mice to study the roles of specific genes and gene products in neuroendocrine, neurological, and psychiatric responses. As the Director of the Mouse Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Analysis Core Facility at Duke University, he has extensive experience phenotyping various mouse models for both his own research and for other investigators. Dr. Wetsel's research spans multiple areas of neuroscience and psychiatry, with particular emphasis on developing mouse genetic models of neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric illnesses. His laboratory employs a range of techniques including biochemical analyses, behavioral assessments, and postmortem analyses to characterize these models. A significant aspect of his work involves collaborating with medicinal chemists and biotechnology companies to identify novel compounds that can ameliorate abnormal responses in mutant mouse models, with some preclinical studies forming the basis for clinical trials. Analysis of Dr. Wetsel's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on neuropharmacology, particularly related to dopamine and serotonin receptor signaling, neuropsychiatric disorders, and pain mechanisms. His research frequently employs genetically-modified mouse models to investigate conditions including schizophrenia, depression, opioid addiction, and neurodevelopmental disorders. There is a clear trend toward investigating biased receptor signaling and developing more targeted therapeutic approaches with fewer side effects. Dr. Wetsel has made significant contributions to the field through his leadership of the Mouse Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Analysis Core Facility, which has supported numerous research projects both at Duke and at other institutions. His work bridges basic neuroscience with translational applications, as evidenced by several publications that have led to clinical trials. Dr. Wetsel's laboratory operates at the intersection of multiple research areas, utilizing advanced techniques in behavioral neuroscience, molecular biology, and neuropharmacology. The Mouse Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Analysis Core Facility under his direction serves as a critical resource for researchers studying neurological and psychiatric conditions using animal models.