Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC) Professors and Supervisors

Wolfgang ZachariaeView profile

Professor

Max Planck Institute of BiochemistryGermany

Dr. Wolfgang Zachariae is a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, Germany, where he heads the "Chromosome Biology" research group. His laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of meiosis, particularly chromosome segregation and the role of cohesin in this process. Dr. Zachariae's educational background includes: PhD (summa cum laude) from Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany (1990-1994), with Prof. Karin Breunig on "Regulation of the transcriptional activator Lac9" Diploma Thesis with Prof. Karin Breunig on "Enrichment of the transcription factor Lac9 from the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis" (1988-1990) Studies in Biology at Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany (1984-1988) Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna, Austria (1994-1999), in the Laboratory of Prof. Kim Nasmyth, focusing on "cell cycle control by the anaphase-promoting complex in budding yeast" Dr. Zachariae's research focuses on the molecular biology of chromosome segregation during meiosis. His group uses baker's yeast as a model organism to study how chromosomes are correctly separated during the two meiotic divisions. A key focus is on cohesin, a molecular "glue" that holds chromosome pairs together, and how its regulated destruction ensures proper chromosome separation. His research employs diverse methodologies including genetics, biochemistry, video microscopy, and computational simulations of biochemical reactions. This work has significant medical relevance as errors in meiotic chromosome segregation are leading causes of infertility, miscarriage, and chromosome abnormalities like Down syndrome. Analysis of Dr. Zachariae's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the molecular mechanisms of meiosis, particularly the regulation of cohesin and the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C). His work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms (such as phosphorylation of Rec8 by casein kinase) to the broader implications for gamete formation and chromosome segregation. The research demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach combining yeast genetics with advanced biochemical and imaging techniques. Dr. Zachariae has made significant contributions to the field of chromosome biology through his publications in top-tier journals including Cell, EMBO Journal, Developmental Cell, and Current Biology. His work on the regulation of meiotic chromosome segregation has provided fundamental insights into cell division processes that are conserved across eukaryotes. Dr. Zachariae leads an active research group consisting of PhD students (Nikoleta Milanovic, Addison E. Noronha, Vinal Massaad, Magdalena Matijevic), postdoctoral researchers (Olha Biriuk, Oleksii Lyzak, Marc Llavanera, Tugce Öz-Yoldas), and technical staff. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of chromosome segregation during meiosis using baker's yeast as a model system. The group has developed sophisticated approaches combining genetics, biochemistry, live-cell imaging, and computational modeling to understand how cohesin is regulated during the two meiotic divisions.

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Nicholas G. BrownView profile

Associate Professor

University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States

Nicholas G. Brown, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine , where he leads research on ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation. He is a member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center . Research focuses on cell cycle regulation via ubiquitin ligases Expertise in structural biology techniques (X-ray, cryo-EM, NMR) Research Interests: His lab investigates molecular interactions in the ubiquitination cascade, particularly the interplay between APC/C, UBE2C, and UBE2S. This work reveals novel allosteric activation mechanisms and has implications for cancer therapeutics through targeted protein degradation technologies. Scientific Trends: Recent publications emphasize structural dynamics of APC/C activation, cryo-EM analysis of ubiquitin chain elongation, and computational approaches to ubiquitin pathway diseases. Key sub-fields include PROTACs, RING E3 ligase architecture, and neurodevelopmental chromatin regulation. Collaborations: Engages in industry and academic partnerships for drug discovery. Utilizes hybrid technological approaches for enzyme characterization.

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Randall W. KingView profile

Professor

Harvard UniversityUnited States

Randall W. King, M.D., Ph.D., is the Harry C. McKenzie Professor of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School (HMS). He joined the faculty in 2000 after a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Chemistry of Cell Biology at Harvard. His research focuses on integrating chemical and cell biological approaches to study cell division, chromosome segregation, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system. King's laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding mitotic regulators like the Anaphase-Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C) and deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs), with implications for cancer biology and neurodegenerative diseases. King received his B.A. from Carleton College, Ph.D. in Biochemistry from UCSF, and M.D. from HMS. He has been recognized for his medical education innovations, including co-developing the Harvard Medical School Pathways Curriculum. His work bridges basic science and clinical training, emphasizing active learning strategies like case-based collaborative learning (CBCL). Key research interests include proteasome regulation, ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, and small-molecule inhibitors targeting mitotic pathways. His lab collaborates with others on proteomic analyses to identify DUB substrates and elucidate enzyme specificity. King also contributed to developing therapies targeting protein aggregation diseases via USP14 inhibition. King holds the Harry C. McKenzie Professorship (since 2013) and has received multiple awards for medical education. He leads initiatives at HMS to enhance student engagement, including advanced integrated science courses and flipped classroom models. His research has been cited over 10,000 times, with high-impact publications in Nature , Science , and Cell .

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Sally A. KornbluthView profile

Professor

Duke UniversityUnited States

Sally A. Kornbluth is the Jo Rae Wright University Distinguished Professor Emerita of Biology at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. She previously served as Duke's Provost from 2014 to 2023, becoming the university's first female chief academic officer. Her research focuses on cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation and apoptosis, particularly their roles in cancer and degenerative diseases. Kornbluth earned her Ph.D. in Biology from Rockefeller University in 1989. Key research areas include the molecular mechanisms of caspase activation, metabolic control of apoptosis, and chemoresistance in cancer. She has led groundbreaking studies on mitochondrial dynamics and the interplay between metabolism and cell death. Notable achievements include identifying TRAF proteins as caspase-2 activators and discovering metabolic pathways that regulate apoptosis in ovarian cancer. Her academic career includes roles as James B. Duke Professor and Vice Dean for Basic Sciences at Duke's School of Medicine. Kornbluth has been honored with the Academic Council Award (2022) and her named professorship. She transitioned to MIT as President in 2023, maintaining her husband Danny Lew's joint appointment there. Over 30 grants highlight her research impact, including studies on autophagy regulation in aged cells and the role of ubiquitin ligases in cancer resistance. Her lab closed in 2023 as she moved to MIT, but its legacy includes training numerous students and postdocs in cell biology and oncology.

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Leana TopperView profile

Teaching Professor

Pennsylvania State UniversityUnited States

Leana Topper is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Biology at Pennsylvania State University, located at 222 Ritenour Building, University Park, PA. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and protein dynamics during mitosis. She has contributed to studies on nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C) function, and kinetochore protein behavior during chromosome segregation. Her work integrates molecular genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry to explore how ubiquitin systems and protein phosphorylation regulate critical mitotic events. Notable projects include investigations of bacterial NHEJ pathways in Mycobacterium and the role of CENP-E displacement in chromosome misalignment. Her articles span topics from yeast DNA repair to mammalian mitotic arrest mechanisms. Leana Topper has authored over a dozen peer-reviewed publications between 1997–2008, emphasizing mechanistic insights into mitotic progression and genomic stability. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the text. She is actively engaged in teaching and research mentorship, though specific advisee names are not listed here.

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Troy HarknessView profile

Adjunct Professor

University of AlbertaCanada

Troy Harkness is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. His research leverages the budding yeast as a model organism to investigate molecular and genetic mechanisms of aging, with translational implications for human aging, cancer, and premature aging disorders such as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). His research interests include: Molecular mechanisms of longevity and aging Role of the Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC) in genomic stability and lifespan Translational models of cancer drug resistance Yeast-based screening for aging and disease pathways Development of premature aging models using human Progerin Dr. Harkness's recent publications reveal a strong focus on APC activation as a regulator of stress resistance, lifespan, and cancer cell resensitization. His work spans yeast genetics, human cancer cell models, and in vivo mouse studies, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach. Key themes include ubiquitin ligase function, kinome and SILAC analyses, and high-throughput aging assays. His scientific contributions have been published in journals such as Cancers , Aging Cell , Aging , and eLife . While no specific awards are listed, his work has significant therapeutic implications for aging and cancer. Dr. Harkness mentors several graduate students and a research associate, indicating an active lab environment focused on training and discovery. His team is currently exploring APC activators, molecular networks in aging, and novel therapeutics for progeria and drug-resistant cancers. His laboratory is located in the Heritage Medical Research Centre, and he collaborates extensively within the aging and cancer research communities.

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Chou-Zen GiamView profile

Professor

Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesUnited States

Chou-Zen Giam is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, MD. His research focuses on human retroviruses, particularly HTLV-1, and their role in oncogenesis. Dr. Giam's educational background includes: B.S. in Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (1975) Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA (1983) Post-doctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA (1987) His primary research interests include the molecular biology and pathogenesis of human retroviruses, with a focus on HTLV-1 and its role in adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). He investigates how viral regulatory proteins, such as Tax and HBZ, hijack cellular processes including mRNA transcription, cell cycle control, and signal transduction. Current projects explore genomic instability in ATL cells, NF-kB-driven cellular senescence, genetic alterations in HTLV-1-infected T cells, and mechanisms of viral latency and reactivation. The recent publications (2006-2018) demonstrate a consistent focus on HTLV-1 and its oncoprotein Tax, particularly its interaction with the NF-kB pathway and induction of cellular senescence. Research has expanded to include KSHV and the role of viral proteins in counteracting senescence. A recurring theme is the molecular mechanisms linking viral infection to oncogenesis, with an emphasis on signal transduction and cell cycle dysregulation. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Giam has been continuously funded by the NIH, AmFAR, VA, and DoD. His lab collaborates internationally with researchers in Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America to study HTLV-1 replication, persistence, and pathogenesis. While specific students are not listed, his research group investigates fundamental mechanisms of viral oncogenesis with the goal of developing preventive and therapeutic strategies for HTLV-1-associated diseases. Dr. Giam leads a research laboratory at USUHS that focuses on human retroviruses. His team collaborates extensively with an international network of scientists across multiple continents to advance understanding of HTLV-1 and related viruses.

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Mark SolomonView profile

Professor

Yale UniversityUnited States

Mark Solomon is a Professor in the Yale School of Medicine 's Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry . He leads the Solomon Lab , focusing on cell cycle regulation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. BA in Biochemistry, Princeton University (1981) PhD in Molecular Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1986) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, San Francisco (1991) Research Interests span fundamental aspects of cell cycle biology , including mitotic checkpoints , APC/C complex dynamics , and cyclin-dependent kinase regulation . His work has elucidated mechanisms in yeast that inform broader genetic stability and human disease contexts. Publication Trends reveal a consistent focus on cell division mechanisms , particularly ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation in yeast and kinase activation processes. His recent work (2023-2024) expands into clinical translational research involving orthopedic surgery and thrombosis prevention.

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David BarfordView profile

Researcher

University of CambridgeUnited Kingdom

David Barford is a Researcher at the University of Cambridge , affiliated with the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB). His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chromosome segregation during mitosis, with a particular emphasis on the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and kinetochore structure. Key Research Areas: Chromosome segregation, APC/C regulation, kinetochore architecture, cryo-electron microscopy, biophysics. Methodologies: Complete reconstitution of kinetochores, cryo-EM, optical tweezers, cryo-electron tomography. His work has advanced structural insights into the APC/C and kinetochore-microtubule interactions, contributing to understanding mitotic fidelity and its implications in cancer and developmental defects. He actively recruits PhD students and post-doctoral researchers to his group. Publications highlight structural studies of kinetochore complexes, APC/C activation, and checkpoint mechanisms using cryo-EM and biochemical approaches. His recent output includes analyses of the Dam1-Ndc80 complex and the budding yeast inner kinetochore. Contact: dbarford@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk Group Members: Dom Bellini, Forson Gao, Paula Paredes Vergara, Liting Wei, Yvonne Winterborn, Jing Yang, Cong Yu, Ziguo Zhang.

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David MorganView profile

Professor

University of California, San FranciscoUnited States

David Morgan is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco holding the Jack D. and DeLoris Lange Endowed Chair in Physiology. His research laboratory focuses on fundamental mechanisms of eukaryotic cell cycle regulation, using multidisciplinary approaches including quantitative biochemistry, molecular genetics, advanced microscopy, and computational modeling. Morgan has maintained continuous NIH funding since 1979, most notably for his long-term project 'Regulatory Enzymes and Systems in Cell Cycle Control' (2016-2026). Education B.Sc. (Honors) in Animal Biology from University of Calgary (1980) Ph.D. in Endocrinology from UCSF (1986) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biochemistry at UCSF (1986-1989) Research Focus Morgan's group investigates regulatory systems governing cell division cycles, with emphasis on enzyme mechanisms controlling chromosome segregation. Recent work expanded into virology, examining SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid phosphorylation and ribonucleosome assembly. The laboratory employs: Quantitative analysis of cyclin-dependent kinases and ubiquitin ligases Single-molecule studies of APC/C-substrate interactions Structural characterization of separase regulation Biophysical examination of phase separation in viral packaging Publication Trends Recent articles demonstrate evolving focus from core cell cycle mechanisms (CDK regulation, APC/C function, separase control) to SARS-CoV-2 virology, particularly nucleocapsid phosphorylation and ribonucleoprotein assembly. Methodologically, work increasingly integrates structural biology (cryo-EM, crystallography) with single-molecule biophysics. Awards and Honors Royal Society of London Fellowship (2012) NIH MERIT Award (2011) Six-time recipient of UCSF Teaching Award for Outstanding Lectures UCSF Kaiser Excellence in Teaching Award (2010) Graduate Mentorship Award (2010) Searle Scholar Award (1990-1993) Rita Allen Foundation Scholarship (1991-1996) Funding and Training Morgan has secured over 40 years of continuous NIH funding including: R35GM118053 (2016-2026): Regulatory Enzymes in Cell Cycle Control T32GM007810 (1979-2021): Cell Biology Training Grant R01GM094173 (2010-2015): Chromosome Segregation Regulation R37GM053270 (1990-2016): Molecular Control of Cell Proliferation He directs multidisciplinary training programs integrating biochemistry with quantitative cell biology.

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Geoffrey GrimeView profile

Research Fellow

University of SurreyUnited Kingdom

Dr. Geoffrey Grime is a Research Fellow at the Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey. His work focuses on structural biology, materials science, and ion beam analysis. He leads research into protein structures using cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography, with contributions to understanding the regulation of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C) and the structural dynamics of proteins like insulin. His expertise also extends to space materials science, analyzing hypervelocity impacts on the Hubble Space Telescope and cosmic dust effects. Grime develops advanced ion beam techniques, including proton beam writing and microPIXE for elemental analysis, with applications in biomedical imaging and materials characterization. His interdisciplinary research bridges biology, physics, and engineering, emphasizing high-resolution analytical methods and their implications for structural biology and technological applications.

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Kevin MarkView profile

Assistant Professor

University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterUnited States

Kevin Mark, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from the University of California, San Francisco, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley under Michael Rape. His research focuses on ubiquitin-mediated protein quality control, its role in gene expression during early mammalian development, and implications in diseases like neurodegeneration and cancer. Education: Ph.D., UCSF (Biochemistry and Biophysics) Postdoctoral Training: UC Berkeley (Michael Rape Lab) Current Position: Assistant Professor, UT Southwestern Medical Center The Mark Lab employs biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology to investigate ubiquitin pathways. They developed ligase trapping technology and explore how orphan protein degradation sustains transcriptional cycles. Key questions include the role of ubiquitin ligases like UBR5, environmental regulation of quality control, and therapeutic potential of these pathways. His recent publications address cell size homeostasis via proteasomes, ubiquitin chain assembly, anaphase-promoting complex regulation, and pathogen autophagy evasion. The lab actively recruits graduate students through UT Southwestern’s Cell and Molecular Biology Program.

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Mark LevasseurView profile

Researcher

Newcastle UniversityUnited Kingdom

Dr. Mark Levasseur is an academic researcher affiliated with Newcastle University, focusing on cellular mechanisms governing meiosis and mitosis. His work emphasizes the molecular regulation of chromosome segregation, aneuploidy prevention, and calcium signaling during oocyte maturation. He has contributed extensively to understanding the roles of the Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC/C), CDK1 activity, and phosphatase systems in ensuring proper meiotic progression. His research spans from fundamental cell biology to clinical implications in fertility and cancer biology. Key research interests include: Meiotic and mitotic checkpoint mechanisms Cyclin B1 and securin regulation Calcium signaling in fertilization APC/C substrate specificity Aneuploidy causes in oocytes His publications reveal a focus on mouse and ascidian models to study developmental biology and reproductive processes. Recent work highlights novel insights into histone regulation during mitosis and the role of Aurora B in kinetochore stability. Dr. Levasseur collaborates with leading researchers in cell biology and reproductive medicine, contributing to both basic science and translational research.

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Silvia GramolelliView profile

Research Fellow

Abo Akademi UniversityFinland

Dr. Silvia Gramolelli is an Academy Research Fellow at Åbo Akademi University 's Faculty of Science and Engineering , affiliated with the Biochemistry and Cell Biology group under the InFLAMES flagship program. She has received the Academy Research Fellow award from Finland's Academy. Research Focus : Oncogenic viruses (Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus, Epstein-Barr virus) and their interactions with cellular transcription factors/molecular pathways. Key Mechanisms : Chromatin remodeling, promoter regulation, tumor microenvironment crosstalk, and viral genome amplification. Publication Trends : Recent works (2020-2025) explore gamma-herpesvirus gene expression, melanoma-endothelial cell interactions via NOTCH/WNT axes, and viral replication mechanisms independent of cell cycle regulators. She investigates how viruses co-opt host transcription factors like SOX18/PROX1 for oncogenesis. Scientific Recognition : Her research appears in high-impact journals like PLoS Pathogens and Cancer Research , with one article referenced in a patent and multiple receiving news/blog coverage. She leads the 2023-2027 Academy of Finland project on EBV-associated gastric cancer mechanisms.

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