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Michael AshfordView profile

Professor

• Obesity Research
• Diabetes Pathophysiology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Professor Michael Ashford is a Professor in the Department of Diabetes Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology at the University of Dundee’s School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the molecular links between obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. He investigates how hormonal interactions (leptin/insulin) and metabolic pathways contribute to chronic diseases, with projects addressing BACE1 enzyme roles, Nrf2 transcription factor effects, cellular stress impacts, and glucose sensing mechanisms in neurons and beta cells. His work aims to uncover preventive strategies for obesity-related health crises, which affect over 25% of UK adults and are rising sharply in children. He emphasizes the societal burden of obesity-driven cardiovascular, liver, and neurological disorders. Professor Ashford collaborates on systems biology approaches to combat metabolic dysfunction and its long-term consequences. He is available for media commentary through the University’s Corporate Communications team, highlighting his expertise in obesity, metabolic diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease research.

• Hepatology
• Inflammation Biology
• Molecular Pathology
• +3 more

Arumugam Suyavaran is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale School of Medicine, affiliated with the Department of Digestive Diseases and Internal Medicine. His research focuses on inflammatory mechanisms in liver diseases, including hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in fibrogenesis. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Pondicherry University (2017) and an MSc in the same field (2009). Key research interests include the role of mitochondrial DNA and STING pathway in hepatic stellate cell activation, as well as the anti-inflammatory effects of compounds like digoxin and fermented soy beverages (Q-CAN® Plus). He has been recognized with awards such as the AGA GRG Basic Science Trainee Award (2023) and a Presidential poster distinction (2023). His work integrates molecular biology, immunology, and computational approaches to study metabolic disorders (e.g., NAFLD, obesity) and alcoholic hepatitis. Collaborations include studies on multi-omics drug repositioning for NASH and proteomic biomarker identification in alcohol-associated hepatitis.

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Type 1 Diabetes
• +2 more

Ningwen Tai is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Endocrinology under Yale School of Medicine's Internal Medicine division. Their research focuses on immunological and microbiological mechanisms in Type 1 Diabetes , Autoimmune Diseases , and Gut Microbiota interactions. PhD, Chinese Academy of Agriculture (2000) MS, Chinese Academy of Agriculture (1997) BS, East China Normal University (1990) Recent publications highlight work on immune tolerance mechanisms (CD103+ B cells), microbial antigen mimicry in diabetogenic T cell activation, and neurostimulation approaches for glucose homeostasis. Collaborations with experts like Li Wen and Juan Huang are evident across 10+ peer-reviewed articles.

• Metabolism
• Monogenic diabetes
• Diabetes treatment
• +5 more

Andrew Hattersley is the Gilling Chair of Precision Medicine and Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Exeter Medical School. He serves as Clinical Director of the Clinical Research Facility and has held significant leadership roles including Director of Research and Development at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (2007-2022). His work focuses on translating genetic discoveries into improved diabetes diagnosis and treatment. University of Oxford - D.M. (1997) University of Oxford - BM BCh (1984) University of Cambridge - BA (1981) His research spans diabetes genetics , precision medicine , and beta-cell biology , with particular emphasis on monogenic diabetes , genetic discovery , and pharmacogenetics . His team of 25 researchers works on gene discovery, human physiology, clinical trials, and data informatics for diabetes treatment optimization. His scientific achievements include over 650 peer-reviewed publications in top journals like Nature , Science , and NEJM , with >123,000 citations and an H-index of 160. Notable work includes establishing the fetal insulin hypothesis and demonstrating precision medicine applications in diabetes treatment. 2021 Hamm Prize for diabetes research 2020 Baillet Latour Health Prize 2018 Banting Memorial Lecture Award 2018 Dale Medal 2017 CBE for medical research With >£92 million in grant funding from 103 individual awards, his current major funding includes Wellcome Trust, MRC, and NIHR grants. He leads a 25-person research team focusing on gene discovery , human physiology , and implementation research in diabetes.

Sohel JuloviView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Oncology
• +4 more

Dr. Sohel Julovi is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health and Principal Investigator at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research's Kidney Injury Group. His research focuses on chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiorenal syndrome, and therapeutic interventions targeting matrix proteins like thrombospondin-1 (TSP1). He has secured $2.8M in grants, including NHMRC Ideas Grants. Education & Fellowships: Postdoctoral research at Kyoto University (JSPS Fellow, 2006–2008; Centre of Excellence Fellow, 2004–2006). MBBS and PhD from Kyoto University. Research Themes: CKD-induced cardiovascular pathology, musculoskeletal impairments, and TSP1-driven comorbidities. Active in developing preclinical models (e.g., CKD-osteoporosis comorbidity). Key Awards: 2023/2025 Westmead Institute Scientific Excellence Awards, NHMRC grants, and international fellowships. Advising & Grants: Supervises students exploring TSP1 signaling and CKD-MBD. Current grants include NHMRC-funded investigations into cardiorenal syndrome mechanisms and TSP1-targeted therapies. Labs & Teams: Leads the Kidney Injury Group at WIMR, collaborating with international teams in nephrology and oncology.

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Metabolic Disorders
• +3 more

Dr Neil Smyth is a Reader at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. His research focuses on developmental biology, metabolic disorders, and cellular mechanisms in health and disease. He collaborates on projects funded by the Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, and European Union, including studies on skin diseases, placental biology, and developmental programming. Research Interests: Developmental Origins of Health, Cell Signaling, Metabolic Programming, Placenta Function, Neurodegenerative Pathways Recent publications explore topics such as tick-borne disease epidemiology, high-fat diet impacts on offspring metabolism, and placental membrane structure. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with projects addressing translational challenges in reproductive health and neurovascular disorders. Grants: MRC Skin-Transglutaminases, WT Sarcolipin in Thermogenesis, EU EPIHEALTH Dr Smyth supervises PhD student Eda Sezer in Clinical Neurosciences. His interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, epidemiology, and clinical research to address complex biological systems.

Angela CreeView profile

Researcher

• Molecular Biology
• Ophthalmic Genetics
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• +3 more

Angela Cree is a Senior Research Manager in Vision Sciences within Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Southampton, based at University Hospital Southampton. She holds a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Sheffield (1988) and an MSc in Genomic Medicine from the University of Southampton (2018). Her research focuses on molecular analysis of degenerative eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and rod-cone degeneration. She leads the Vision Sciences research team’s integrated laboratory and clinical ophthalmic research program under Professor Andrew Lotery. Education: BSc Biochemistry, University of Sheffield (1988) MSc Genomic Medicine, University of Southampton (2018) Research Themes: Molecular Biology of Ophthalmic Genetics AMD and Glaucoma Pathogenesis Deep Phenotyping and Machine Learning in Ophthalmology Her work spans clinical trials (e.g., PINNACLE and VICI trials) and collaborative projects with institutions like the NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility. She coordinates national research networks, including the UK NIHR Clinical Research Network, and contributes to international consortia like the International AMD Genetics Consortium (IAMDGC). Current funding partners include the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Wellcome Trust. Angela has supervised numerous students, including PhD candidates and clinical fellows, and actively participates in academic governance roles such as the Clinical Neurosciences Board and the Gift of Sight charity.

• Cardiac Diseases
• Molecular Pharmacology
• Protein Biochemistry
• +7 more

Professor George Baillie is a faculty member at the University of Glasgow, holding the position of Professor of Molecular Pharmacology within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (CVMLS) and associated with the School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health. His academic journey includes a BSc (Hons) in Botany (1988) and a PhD in Protein Biochemistry from the University of Kent (1993). He has held roles as a Postdoctoral Fellow (1995-2006), Lecturer (2007-2010), Reader (2010-2013), and Professor (2013-present). Research Focus: Cardiac diseases, compartmentalization of PDE4 isoforms, post-translational modifications of cardiac signaling proteins, and inhibition of protein-protein interactions for therapeutic applications. Key Research Groups: Cellular Signaling & Mechanisms, Arrhythmias, Heart Failure, and Hypertension. Key Collaborations: Works with institutions like FBLS Glasgow, CVMLS, and international teams on projects involving cAMP signaling, phosphodiesterases, and protein interactions. His research explores how PDE4 isoforms regulate β-adrenergic signaling in cardiac diseases, with implications for developing targeted therapies. He investigates mechanisms such as ubiquitin proteasome pathways and the role of cAMP signaling in pathologies like heart failure and hypertension. His work bridges molecular pharmacology with clinical applications in cardiovascular health. Key themes in his publications include PDE4 isoforms as therapeutic targets, protein interactions (e.g., calpain, DHX9), and the role of cAMP in neurological and oncological contexts. Ongoing research focuses on novel drug strategies involving proteolysis targeting chimeras and understanding disease mechanisms via phosphodiesterase dysfunction.

Alyson MillerView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Cerebral Artery Function
• Brain Blood Flow
• Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling
• +5 more

Dr. Alyson Miller is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health at the University of Glasgow, where she leads research on cerebrovascular function and stroke pathophysiology. She previously held research fellowships at RMIT University in Australia and completed post-doctoral training at the University of Melbourne and Monash University. University of Strathclyde: BSc (First Class Honours) in Immunology and Pharmacology University of Edinburgh: PhD in Cardiovascular Pharmacology University College London: Post-doctoral position Dr. Miller's research focuses on the complex mechanisms regulating cerebral artery function and brain blood flow during health and disease. Her work has made significant contributions to understanding reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling in cerebral arteries and the role of Nox oxidases in cerebral artery dysfunction. She has established an internationally recognized research program investigating therapeutic targets for stroke prevention and treatment, with particular emphasis on post-stroke systemic complications including immunosuppression, weight loss/muscle wasting, and lung injury. Her research approach is multidisciplinary and highly collaborative, bridging basic science with clinical applications. Analysis of Dr. Miller's recent publications reveals a strong focus on cerebrovascular disease mechanisms, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress pathways, and potential therapeutic interventions. Her work spans from molecular mechanisms (Nox oxidases, ROS signaling) to systemic complications of stroke, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to understanding cerebrovascular pathophysiology. Neils Lassen Award from the International Society for Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism (2009) Young Pharmacologist of the Year from the British Pharmacological Society (2006) Dennis Wade Johnson & Johnson New Investigator Award from ASCEPT (2006) Postdoctoral Young Scientist Award from ASPET (2006) Dr. Miller has successfully secured competitive research funding throughout her career, including a British Heart Foundation grant (2020-2023) investigating the ADMA-DDAH1 pathway in ischaemic stroke and a Neurosciences Foundation grant (2018-2019) examining gut-microbiota-derived metabolites and neurovascular integrity. She has supervised PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to the development of the next generation of scientists in cerebrovascular research. Her editorial roles with Frontiers journals demonstrate her standing in the neuroscience and cardiovascular research communities. Dr. Miller maintains active laboratory research investigating cerebral artery function, with particular focus on identifying novel therapeutic targets for stroke prevention and treatment. Her work continues to explore the intersection between cerebrovascular function, systemic complications of stroke, and potential multi-target therapeutic approaches.

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology
• +5 more

Dr. Angie Sin is a Researcher at the University of Glasgow's School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health. She specializes in cardiovascular and metabolic research, focusing on enzyme regulation (e.g., PDE4, arginase-1) and their roles in disease pathogenesis. Her work spans drug development, molecular biology, and translational medicine. She holds an email address: Angie.Sin@glasgow.ac.uk . Research Interests: Cardiovascular biology, including hypertrophy and vasoprotective mechanisms Metabolic disorders and enzyme dysfunction (e.g., arginase-1 deficiency) Protein degradation pathways and targeted therapies Signal transduction in cardiac and neuronal cells Recent Publications (2024–2025): Her recent studies include vasoprotective mechanisms via angiotensin-endothelin receptor interactions, novel PDE4 degradation strategies using proteolysis-targeting chimeras, and collagen IV's role in small vessel disease. These contributions highlight advancements in drug design and disease modeling. Grants & Funding: Medical Research Council (2024–2025): Developing 3D culture systems for validating phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors Collaborations & Teams: Dr. Sin collaborates with institutions like the University of Glasgow’s labs, focusing on interdisciplinary projects involving cardiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology.

Benjamin HengView profile

Research Fellow

• Cancer Biology
• Immunology
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Benjamin Heng is a Research Fellow at the Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University. His research focuses on metabolic pathways, particularly the kynurenine pathway, and their roles in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic illnesses. He has led and contributed to several projects, including investigations into brain cancer immunosuppression, chronic fatigue syndrome mechanisms, and breast cancer metastasis. His work spans biomarker discovery, proteomic analyses, and translational research. Key projects include: "Unravelling the ability of a metabolic pathway to suppress normal immune system function in brain cancer" (ongoing since 2016). "Biomarker and treatment discovery for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue-associated infectious diseases" (2024–2025). "The Susie Myers Scholarship for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) research" (2022–2024). His research interests include cancer biology, immunology, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. He has published over 80 papers, with a focus on kynurenine pathway dysregulation in diseases like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and breast cancer. His studies often integrate proteomics, metabolomics, and multi-omics approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Heng has organized academic events, such as the 2017 EnCouRage Research Symposium. His work has been cited over 1,600 times, reflecting significant contributions to understanding disease mechanisms and developing diagnostic tools.

Hans JonkerView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Physiology
• +6 more

Prof. dr. Hans Jonker is a Professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms linking diet, lifestyle, and environment to energy metabolism, chronic diseases, and aging, with emphasis on nuclear hormone receptors as therapeutic targets. Education: MS Molecular Biology (Utrecht, 1997); PhD (cum laude, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 2003); Postdoctoral fellow at Salk Institute (2005-2010). His work explores nuclear receptors as sensors for dietary and metabolic signals, regulating pathways in type 2 diabetes, NAFLD, and ABC transporters. Recent publications highlight applications in Alzheimer's disease and cystic fibrosis using mouse models and seaweed extracts . Articles emphasize liver X receptors , DNA repair in diabetes , and metabolic regulation . Scientific Awards & Grants: Vici grant (NWO, 2018) EFSD grants (2018, 2022) NCFS grants (2017, 2011) Diabetes Fonds grant (2012) Vidi grant (NWO, 2012) Career Development Award (HFSP, 2011) Marie Curie grant (FP7, 2010) Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Prize (NKI, 2003) Young Investigator Award (AACR, 2000) As Editor for Scientific Reports and member of ZonMw Off Road committee, he contributes to metabolic research and drug development targeting nuclear receptors.

JungA WooView profile

Associate Professor

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Beta-Arrestin Signaling
• +4 more

JungA 'Alexa' Woo, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Previously, she held an Assistant Professor position at the University of South Florida, College of Medicine from 2017 to 2021. Her research focuses on beta-arrestin signaling in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). She also investigates the role of mitochondrial protein CHCHD2 in Lewy body disorders (LBD). Education: PhD in Neuroscience, University of South Florida (2015) Master’s degree, Seoul National University, South Korea Postdoctoral training with Dr. Stephen Liggett at USF Health Research Interests: Dr. Woo’s lab explores how beta-arrestins contribute to neurodegeneration via tau pathology and mitochondrial dysfunction. Key projects include: Dissecting beta-arrestin1/2 roles in AD/ADRD comorbidities Developing small-molecule inhibitors targeting beta-arrestin oligomerization Characterizing CHCHD2 mutations in PD/LBD Collaborating with the Kang lab on CHCHD2 vs CHCHD10 comparisons Grants & Funding: NIH R01 grant and State of Florida research grants support her work on tau pathology and beta-arrestin signaling. Labs & Teams: Her lab employs interdisciplinary methods including live-cell imaging, genetic models, and electrophysiology to study neurodegenerative mechanisms. The Woo Lab emphasizes translational approaches for therapeutic development.

• Mitochondrial Dynamics
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biophysics
• +2 more

Dr. Fulya Dal Yöntem is a faculty member at Koç University with expertise in mitochondrial dynamics. She received her BSc in Biology from Ege University (2009), followed by MSc (2011) and PhD (2017) in Biophysics from Istanbul University Medical Faculty. Her research focuses on understanding mitochondrial processes in health and disease contexts. Her primary research investigates mitochondrial dynamics across various pathological conditions including cancer, diabetes, and toxicological exposures. She employs molecular biology techniques to study cellular responses to metabolic disruptors and environmental toxins. Dr. Yöntem has developed novel biomaterials for medical applications and investigated pharmaceutical mechanisms. Her recent publications demonstrate expertise in cancer therapeutics, nanotoxicology, and diagnostic nanoparticle development.

Suresh MohankumarView profile

Associate Professor

• Metabolic Pharmacology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences Education
• Vascular Pharmacology
• +3 more

Dr. Suresh Mohankumar is an Associate Professor (Enhanced Teaching) in Pharmacy at Swansea University's Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science. He specializes in metabolic pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences education. With over 18 years of global experience across institutions in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, and the UK, he focuses on advancing patient-centric pharmacy education and research. His expertise includes outcome-based program design, molecular endocrinology, and institution-industry collaboration. Education & Career: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Postdoctoral training at University of Manitoba (Canada) Prior roles: Professor at JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Associate Professor at University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus Research Interests: Dr. Mohankumar's research bridges metabolic and vascular pharmacology with natural product development. Key areas include: Pharmacological mechanisms of fatty acids in glucose transport Phytochemicals for obesity and metabolic syndrome Nanoparticle drug delivery systems STING pathway activation in melanoma Grants & Awards: Recipient of the ISSFAL 'Top New Investigator Award' (2021) and grants including: Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (Malaysian MOE, 2014-2017) Pukka Herbs Collaborative Grant (UK, £12k, 2020) Professional Roles: Review Editor for Frontiers in Pharmacology and active in interprofessional education initiatives. Supervises postgraduate research in precision pharmacy and metabolic disease interventions.