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Cam Ha TranView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Neurovascular Coupling
• +4 more

Cam Ha Tran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience. Her research focuses on neurovascular unit interactions, particularly how blood flow regulation impacts brain function under health and disease conditions such as stroke and dementia. She employs advanced techniques like two-photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiology to study astrocyte-endothelial communication and vascular reactivity. Education: PhD in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences from the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary (Canada); Master of Biomedical Technology and Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta (Canada). Research emphasizes understanding how astrocytes and endothelial cells coordinate to maintain cerebral blood flow, with implications for neurological disorders. Her recent work explores TRPA1 channels in neurovascular coupling, astrocyte dysfunction in Alzheimer’s, and seizure-induced vascular changes. Techniques include in vivo imaging and chemogenetic approaches to dissect cellular mechanisms. Key contributions include uncovering astrocyte roles in functional hyperemia and identifying therapeutic targets for cerebrovascular diseases. Her lab’s findings bridge basic science and clinical applications, aiming to improve diagnostics and treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative conditions.

Kareen L K CoulombeView profile

Associate Professor

• Cardiovascular Regenerative Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials
• +3 more

Kareen L.K. Coulombe is an Associate Professor of Engineering at Brown University, affiliated with the Institute for Biology, Engineering and Medicine . She collaborates with researchers from the Department of Medicine and institutions like the University of Edinburgh and ScitoVation, Inc . Education: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude (University of Rochester, 2001) Ph.D. in Bioengineering (University of Washington, 2007) Her research focuses on cardiovascular regenerative engineering , including: Developing human iPSC-derived cardiac tissues for heart attack therapy Creating anisotropic biomaterial scaffolds to enhance tissue integration Designing in vitro cardiotoxicity testing platforms for pharmaceuticals and environmental chemicals Optimizing electrical coupling between engineered and native heart tissue Recent publications highlight advancements in: Predictive 3D cardiac microtissue models for arrhythmic risk assessment Custom polycaprolactone scaffolds for tailored mechanical properties Immunomodulatory biomaterials that reshape cardiac repair processes Computational strain continuum modeling of cardiac tissue mechanics Scientific Awards: 2023 - Brown University Innovation of the Year 2021 - NSF CAREER Award & Young Innovator Award (BMES) 2019 - Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring 2017-2012 - Rising Star Award & NIH Pathway to Independence K99/R00 Dr. Coulombe mentors students through programs like: Brown Leadership Alliance (undergraduate research) Tougaloo College Partnership (student development) NIH-IMSD Programs (graduate mentoring)

Hokyung Kay ChungView profile

Assistant Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Cancer Immunology
• T Cell Engineering
• +6 more

Hokyung Kay Chung, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research program integrates synthetic biology, immunology, and cancer biology to engineer T cells for enhanced anti-tumor efficacy. Dr. Chung's research focuses on harnessing synthetic biology to reprogram T cell differentiation states for cancer immunotherapy. Her laboratory employs protein engineering, next-generation sequencing, CRISPR screening, and bioinformatics to develop three core platforms: (1) Transcription factor recipes for T cell programming using multiomics atlas-based analysis and in vivo CRISPR screening; (2) Synthetic toolkits for designer immunity including drug-inducible transcription factor circuits and signal rewiring platforms; (3) Hijacking tumors via engineered oncolytic viruses to encode immune modulators. Her work aims to create context-specific cell state programming that enhances T cell therapy efficacy across diverse cancer types. Her publication portfolio demonstrates significant contributions to synthetic immunology, with high-impact papers in Science, Nature Chemical Biology, Cell, and Immunity covering protease-based control systems, T cell differentiation engineering, and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Recent work includes developing sonogenetic CAR-T cells controllable by ultrasound and elucidating metabolic mechanisms of T cell exhaustion. K01 Research Scientist Development Award, NIH, 2023 Keystone Symposia Future of Science Fund Scholarship, 2020 Damon Runyon Fellowship Award, 2019 Salk Women & Science Special Award, 2019 Hans Neurath Outstanding Promise Travel Award, 2017 Dr. Chung leads the Chung Lab at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she directs research on synthetic T cell engineering. Her lab utilizes advanced techniques including single-cell CRISPR screening, protein engineering, and oncolytic virology to develop next-generation immunotherapies. Current projects focus on creating artificial T cell differentiation pathways and engineering the tumor microenvironment to support persistent anti-tumor immunity.

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.

Jingsong ZhouView profile

Professor

• Neuromuscular Diseases
• Striated Muscle Physiology
• Calcium Signaling
• +4 more

Dr. Jingsong Zhou is a Professor of Kinesiology and Associate Director of the Bone-Muscle Research Center at The University of Texas at Arlington. Her research focuses on neuromuscular diseases, particularly Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), with expertise in striated muscle physiology, calcium signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction. She leads the Neuromuscular Diseases Lab, which develops genetic mouse models and molecular probes to study ALS mechanisms. Dr. Zhou’s work has been supported by NIH, MDA, DOD, and the ALS Association. She serves on the NIH SMEP study section and has over 20 years of academic experience, including postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt University College of Medicine and a PhD from Rush University School of Medicine. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow in Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University College of Medicine (2001) PhD in Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University School of Medicine (1997) Diploma in Medicine, Hunan Medical University (Xiangya Medical School) (1986) Research Interests: Mechanisms of calcium signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS Role of sarcolemma repair and autophagy in neuromuscular disease progression Development of therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial health and membrane integrity Grants and Funding: NIH grants focused on ALS pathogenesis and muscle-bone interactions Support from MDA, DOD, and ALS Association for translational research projects Labs and Teams: Director of the Neuromuscular Diseases Lab at UT Arlington Collaborations in developing mouse models and molecular tools for ALS research

• Cardiac Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Cardiology
• +4 more

Ming Lei is a Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Oxford. His research focuses on cardiac electrophysiology, signal transduction, and molecular mechanisms of arrhythmias. He leads the Lei Group , also known as the Cardiac Signalling Group , which explores novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. Education: BM, MD, D.Phil Professional Recognition: Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) Recent publications highlight his work on: PAK Kinases as targets for arrhythmias Anti-arrhythmic drug classification and clinical applications Isoform-specific glycosylation of ion channels Optical mapping techniques in preclinical cardiac models Stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes for studying atrial function His research trends emphasize molecular mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction, kinase modulation, and advanced imaging methodologies. The Lei Group collaborates on projects involving genetic models (e.g., RyR2 knock-in mice) and cellular interactions (e.g., myofibroblast-cardiomyocyte crosstalk). Key subfields include signal transduction , lysosomal pathways , ion channel regulation , cardiac hypertrophy , electrophysiological imaging , and stem cell applications .

Thomas PapView profile

Professor

• Rheumatology
• Inflammation
• Arthritis
• +4 more

Thomas Pap serves as Professor at the Department of Molecular Medicine within the Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine (IMM) at the University of Muenster. He actively participates in the "Cells in Motion" research cluster and the Imaging Network, focusing on cell dynamics and imaging applications in musculoskeletal pathologies. His research centers on molecular mechanisms of inflammatory joint diseases, with key emphases on: Destructive arthritis pathogenesis through fibroblast transformation and adherens junction dynamics Regulation of alarmin activity (S100A8/S100A9) in sterile inflammation TRP channel modulation of osteoclast function and bone loss Translational models for tendon healing and microsurgical reconstruction Advanced imaging techniques for monitoring inflammatory lesions Analysis of his 2013-2021 publications reveals consistent interdisciplinary work bridging immunology, cell biology, and clinical applications. His studies frequently employ molecular imaging and translational models to investigate rheumatoid arthritis mechanisms, neutrophil chemotaxis, and bacterial immune evasion, with strong emphasis on therapeutic targeting of inflammatory pathways. The Pap Group operates within the Multiscale Imaging Centre (MIC), collaborating on pilot projects and the "Train Gain Fellowships" graduate program. Their work integrates with the university's broader Imaging Network, utilizing advanced microscopy and molecular techniques to study cell dynamics in inflammatory conditions.

Andrew BraunView profile

Professor

• KCa Channels
• Nitric Oxide
• Calcium Signaling
• +7 more

Andrew Braun is a Professor at the University of Calgary, affiliated with the Libin, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Snyder Institute. His research focuses on vascular physiology, particularly the role of potassium channels in regulating blood flow and pressure, with applications in diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. He utilizes advanced techniques like patch clamping and arterial pressure myography. His work explores KCa channels , nitric oxide signaling , and calcium dynamics in vascular cells, aiming to develop novel therapies for endothelial dysfunction. He investigates how these channels affect myogenic tone , vasodilation , and coronary circulation in diseased states such as Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's. The 15 most recent publications highlight his focus on pharmacological targeting of KCa channels to treat vascular complications in diabetes, aging, and atherosclerosis. Key subfields include platelet aggregation , genetic mutations in IP3 receptors , glycation effects on vascular function , and sex-dependent cerebrovascular defects . Contact information: Email abraun@ucalgary.ca. Administrative Assistant: Theresea Connolly (tconnoll@ucalgary.ca, 403-220-3018).

Christina Gertrude YapView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Diabetic Nephropathy
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Obesity
• +11 more

Christina Gertrude Yap is a Senior Lecturer in Metabolic Medicine at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences (JCSMHS), Monash University Malaysia. She is actively involved in research, teaching, and academic leadership, with a focus on diabetic nephropathy, metabolic disorders, and medical education. She supervises PhD students and leads multiple research projects in diabetes and obesity. PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Monash University (2012) Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, Monash University (2015) Dr. Yap's research centers on identifying early biomarkers for metabolic syndromes, particularly diabetic nephropathy, with a focus on CYP2E1 and other endogenous molecules. Her work integrates proteomics, metabolomics, and animal models to explore pharmacokinetics, xenobiotic interactions, and translational applications. She also investigates teaching and learning methodologies in medical education. Her recent publications (2021–2025) span diabetes, neuroprotection, obesity, and public health, with a strong emphasis on mechanistic studies and clinical translation. Articles explore hippocampal neuroprotection in diabetic rats, social determinants of obesity, and vaccine mechanisms, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach bridging basic science and public health. Scientific awards include: Best Mention Award, 14th Biological Science Congress (2009) Best Presentation Award, 5th World Congress on Diabetes and Metabolism (2014) First Prize and Best Presentation Award, Monash CSJB Research Week and World Congress on Clinical Trials in Diabetes (2017) Seed Grant Award, Monash University (2024) Dr. Yap has been a PhD supervisor since 2011 and is currently accepting new students. She has secured multiple research grants, including active projects on renal protection in type 2 diabetes and anti-obesity effects of natural compounds. Her leadership roles include coordinating physiology and hematology in the MBBS program and serving on the Student Support Committee. She is a member of the Malaysian Scientific Association and the Malaysian Society of Pharmacology & Physiology. She leads a research team focused on metabolic medicine, utilizing advanced analytical techniques and collaborative networks to advance understanding of diabetes and obesity. Her lab integrates molecular biology, animal models, and clinical data to develop early diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

Richard FosterView profile

Associate Professor

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Drug Design
• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• +7 more

Dr Richard Foster is an Associate Professor and Group Leader of Medicinal Chemistry in the School of Chemistry at the University of Leeds, within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on small molecule drug discovery, integrating synthetic organic chemistry, computational methods, and biological evaluation to develop novel therapeutics. His primary research interests include medicinal chemistry , drug design , synthetic organic chemistry , and chemical biology . His group works on the identification and optimization of small molecule modulators targeting various disease pathways, employing techniques such as virtual drug design, high-throughput screening, fragment-based design, and chemical proteomics to support their work. Dr Foster's research program includes major projects on inhibitors of the coagulation factor FXIIa for thrombosis treatment with reduced bleeding risk, inhibitors of the AuroraA/MYC interaction for cancer therapy, antagonists of calcium-dependent ion channels, and agonists of the apelin receptor for cardiovascular diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. These projects are supported by Innovate UK and venture capital funding and involve collaborations with other research groups at Leeds and across the UK, including with Richard Bayliss. He leads a multidisciplinary research group conducting work in chemical synthesis, computer-aided drug design, assay development, and in vitro/in vivo screening, often in partnership with industry and academic collaborators. His lab develops pharmacological tool compounds and potential drug leads aimed at both understanding biological mechanisms and advancing therapeutic discovery.

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Neurobiology of Anxiety
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +4 more

Professor David Bannerman is a leading academic in Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Oxford's Department of Psychiatry. He heads the Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, focusing on neural mechanisms underlying anxiety, learning, and memory. His research integrates neurophysiological, genetic, and pharmacological approaches to study neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and sleep disturbances. Education: BSc (Hons) and PhD qualifications are listed. His research interests span synaptic plasticity, neurodegenerative processes, and the neurobiology of fear/anxiety. Notable areas include the role of orexin pathways in anxiety, tau protein effects on spatial cognition, and the impact of psychedelics like 5-MeO-DMT on neural states. He also investigates sleep spindles’ role in brain state regulation and the consequences of SSRI discontinuation on serotonergic systems. Recent work emphasizes Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms (e.g., amyloid β’s synaptic effects), schizophrenia models (NMDA receptor dysfunction), and the neuroplasticity linked to working memory training. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques, including optogenetics and in vivo neural recordings, to dissect complex behaviors and circuit-level dysfunction. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, bridging basic neuroscience with translational research. Key themes include: synaptic dysfunction in neurodegeneration, environmental influences on neurobehavioral outcomes (e.g., magnetic fields), and the neurobiological basis of psychiatric symptomatology.

Bianxiao CuiView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Chemistry
• +6 more

Professor Bianxiao Cui is the Job and Gertrud Tamaki Professor of Chemistry at Stanford University and a fellow of the Wu Tsai Stanford Neuroscience Institute. Her research integrates biophysics, cell biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology to develop tools for studying the nano-bio interface, membrane curvature, electrophysiology, and signal transduction in health and disease. Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Chicago (2002) B.S. in Material Science & Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China (1998) Her group bridges biochemistry, material science, and neuroscience to probe cellular processes at nanoscale. Key projects include: Mechanisms of Membrane Curvature: How nanoscale topography regulates integrin adhesions, ER-PM contacts, and ion channel activity. Electrophysiological Tools: Nanoelectrode arrays (NEAs) and electrochromic optical recording (ECORE) for scalable, label-free action potential monitoring. Protein Relocalization: Using shuttle proteins to rewire subcellular localization for disease intervention. Recent articles highlight advancements in 3D cell adhesion , AI-driven electrophysiology , and optogenetic pain models . Her work spans biochemical assays, nanofabrication, and in vivo studies . Scientific Awards: Ono Pharma Breakthrough Science Initiative Award (2022-2025) NIH New Innovator Award (2012-2017) NSF CAREER and INSPIRE Awards Packard and Searle Fellowships Teaching & Advising: She mentors PhD students in Chemistry and Biophysics, including Krishna Raghavan and Pengwei Sun , and supervises postdoctoral fellows like Dr. Wei Zhang . She teaches Biophysical Chemistry and advises on cellular nanomechanics and optogenetics . Labs & Collaborations: The Cui Lab collaborates with the Melosh and Khosla labs, focusing on cell-material interactions and neurotechnology development (e.g., Kirigami electronics for organoid stimulation).

• Neuropharmacology
• Metabolic Disease Research
• Neuroendocrinology
• +5 more

Paula Goforth is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan Medical School , affiliated with the Department of Pharmacology and the Caswell Diabetes Institute . Her research focuses on the intersection of neuropharmacology and metabolic disease, particularly leptin signaling, orexin regulation, and hypothalamic circuits controlling glucose homeostasis and energy balance. Education: Postdoctoral training at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (2000-2004), specializing in Pharmacology under Dr. Satin LS. Her work explores neuron-specific metabolic regulation , including calcium channel modulation in obesity, orexin-glucose axis dynamics, and GABA-independent hypothalamic signaling. She employs techniques such as cell-type-specific circuit dissection and synaptic physiology to study these mechanisms. Recent publications highlight her expertise in leptin-regulated pathways , area postrema neuron function , and traumatic brain injury-related receptor changes , with implications for diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. Scientific Awards: NIH grants spanning 2013-2029, including dual awards for leptin action and gut-brain axis research Industry collaborations with Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and MedImmune LLC University of Michigan institutional support for diabetes/metabolic research Dr. Goforth's laboratory investigates metabolically coupled ion channels and neuronal population dynamics in metabolic disease models, with a strong emphasis on translational neuroscience applications.

Marco ContiView profile

Professor

• Reproductive Biology
• Oocyte Development
• Signal Transduction
• +3 more

Dr. Marco Conti is the Fred Gellert Endowed Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, where he serves in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. He previously directed the Center for Reproductive Sciences at UCSF, a leading institution in reproductive biology research. Dr. Conti received his M.D. from the University of Rome School of Medicine in 1974, followed by postdoctoral training in Reproductive Biology at the same institution (1974-75) and Endocrinology at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD (1975-77). His research career spans over four decades with significant contributions to understanding oocyte development and reproductive biology. Dr. Conti's research program focuses on signal transduction pathways required for germ cell development, particularly those controlling oocyte meiotic maturation and developmental competence. His lab has identified critical signals arising in somatic cells during ovulation that establish oocyte developmental competence. The research examines how disruption of these pathways affects maternal mRNA translation patterns into proteins critical for nuclear reprogramming and early embryo development. This work has significant implications for stem cell research, understanding mechanisms controlling cell replication during preimplantation development, and developing embryonic stem cells into artificial gametes. Additional research interests include fertility preservation for cancer patients. Analysis of Dr. Conti's publication record reveals a consistent focus on reproductive biology with particular emphasis on cAMP signaling pathways, phosphodiesterases, mRNA translation regulation, and oocyte maturation. His work shows progression from foundational studies on cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases in the 1990s to more recent sophisticated analyses of maternal mRNA translation programs using single-cell approaches and multi-omics techniques. The research demonstrates increasing complexity in methodology while maintaining focus on fundamental questions of oocyte developmental competence. International Fogarty Fellow (1975-77) Phi Beta Kappa Teaching Excellence Award (2000) Sandler Foundation Senior Investigator Award (2001) Society for the Study of Reproduction Research Award (2003) Board of Directors Society for the Study of Reproduction (2006) Dr. Conti has mentored numerous researchers in reproductive biology and has been instrumental in establishing genetic models to study oocyte developmental competence. His laboratory work has significant translational potential for improving assisted reproductive technologies and understanding age-related declines in fertility. The Center for Reproductive Sciences at UCSF, which he previously directed, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research connecting basic science discoveries with clinical applications in reproductive medicine.

• Ion Channels
• Membrane Transporters
• Structural Biology
• +4 more

Alessio Accardi, Ph.D., is a Professor of Physiology and Biophysics in Anesthesiology at Cornell University. He also holds secondary appointments in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Department of Biochemistry. His research focuses on understanding the structural and functional mechanisms of ion channels and transporters, particularly the CLC protein family, which is implicated in human diseases like Bartter’s syndrome. Primary Appointment: Department of Anesthesiology Secondary Appointments: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Biochemistry Techniques: Cryo-Electron Microscopy, X-ray Crystallography, Electrophysiology His lab uncovers biophysical mechanisms of ion movement across cellular membranes, bridging active and passive transport proteins. Recent work highlights the dual nature of CLC proteins as both ion channels and transporters, challenging previous assumptions. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining structural biology with functional assays in synthetic lipid bilayers. Their research has direct implications for understanding ion channelopathies and developing targeted therapies. Recent publications explore lipid scrambling mechanisms in TMEM16 proteins, pH-dependent activation in CLC transporters, and voltage-gated channel modulation by anesthetics. These studies utilize Cryo-EM and crystallography to reveal molecular insights. Contacts: ala2022@med.cornell.edu | Accardi Lab Website