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S. Marshal IsaacsView profile

Professor

• Emergency Medicine
• Prehospital Care
• Clinical Trials
• +5 more

Dr. S. Marshal Isaacs is a distinguished Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and a senior faculty member at Parkland Hospital's Emergency-Trauma Center. As Medical Director of the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department (DFR), he oversees one of the nation's busiest EMS systems (500 daily incidents, 400+ paramedics). His career includes 12 years as Medical Director for the San Francisco Fire Department, renowned for advancing prehospital care, AED programs, and clinical trials. He collaborates closely with EMS leaders like Drs. Ray Fowler and Kathy Rinnert to enhance Dallas' BioTel System, a 15-municipality EMS federation. Dr. Isaacs' academic roles include NIH-funded research through the ROC consortium and teaching EM residents. His clinical expertise spans otology/neurotology, surgical innovation (e.g., endoscopic ear surgery), and radiation oncology for skull base tumors. He co-authored key NAEMSP texts and pioneered bacteriophage therapy for mastoiditis. Awards include the prestigious Michael K. Copass Award for EMS excellence. Education: Union College, SUNY Stony Brook Medical School (1988), residency at Allegheny General Hospital (Pittsburgh), and a Stanford University EMS fellowship. He served as SFGH's Chief Flight Physician and UCSF faculty before joining UTSW. Current initiatives include the Dallas EMS Vision Process and interdisciplinary NIH projects.

Anita L ZimmermanView profile

Professor

• Ion channel biophysics
• Visual transduction
• Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels
• +5 more

Anita L. Zimmerman is a tenured Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School. Since 1987 she has progressed from Assistant to Associate to full Professor, served as Director of the MD/PhD Program (2005–2007), Vice Chair of the Department (2008–2021), and currently directs the Graduate Program in Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology. She also holds the position of Director of Student Welfare in the Therapeutic Sciences Graduate Program. Education PhD, Physiology & Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1982 AB, Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, 1978 Research Interests Dr. Zimmerman’s scientific career has centered on the molecular and cellular neurobiology of ion channels . Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology, and heterologous expression systems, she has elucidated the mechanisms of cyclic-nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, TRP channels, and their roles in visual phototransduction , UV-light signaling in melanocytes , and synaptic transmission . Her work has clarified how retinoids modulate CNG channel activity and how mutations in these channels lead to retinal disease. Although she no longer maintains an active wet-lab, she continues to provide critical consultation to ongoing projects at Brown and remains a key mentor in NIH-funded training programs. Scientific Awards & Honors Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award (multiple years) Graduate School Faculty Award for Advising and Mentoring (2011) Brown Advance Scientific Leadership Award (2009) Salomon Faculty Research Award (1998) Rhode Island Foundation Research Grant (1998) Editorial Board Member, Journal of General Physiology (2006–2017) Council Member, Biophysical Society & Society of General Physiologists Training Grants & Mentorship Dr. Zimmerman co-directs the NIH T32 training grant “Interdisciplinary Training in Pharmacological Sciences” (GM139793, 2021-2026) and previously co-directed its predecessor T32 GM077995. She has mentored numerous MD/PhD and PhD students through the MPP Graduate Program and served as Associate Director and Director of the Brown MD/PhD Program (2000–2007). Laboratory & Team While her independent laboratory is now closed, she collaborates closely with colleagues such as Professor Elena Oancea on NIH-funded projects involving UV phototransduction and ion-channel signaling. She remains an integral part of Brown’s multidisciplinary neuroscience and pharmacology community.

Gerhard WolberView profile

Professor

• Computational Drug Design
• G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)
• Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
• +3 more

Professor Gerhard Wolber leads the Molecular Drug Design research group at the Institute of Pharmacy , Freie Universitaet Berlin. His work focuses on computational approaches to drug discovery, with expertise in G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) , cytochrome P450 enzymes , Toll-like receptors , and viral protease inhibitors . He supervises a team of 13 PhD candidates 3 researchers 2 Master's students engaged in projects ranging from calcium channel blockers to CYP enzyme modulators for cancer therapy. Recent publications highlight his lab's contributions to pan-coronavirus drug discovery, TLR8 antagonism, and calcium channel inhibition. The team employs advanced methodologies including Molecular dynamics simulations Fragment-based de novo design Bayesian neural networks DFT calculations 3D pharmacophore modeling to bridge computational predictions with experimental validation. Notable projects include Virtual screening for TREM2-targeted glioblastoma therapeutics Allosteric communication path analysis via MDPath Immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy Biased GPCR ligand development demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach to contemporary drug design challenges.

Maud FriedenView profile

Associate Professor

• Cell Physiology
• Muscle Regeneration
• Stem Cell Biology
• +3 more

Maud Frieden is an Associate Professor at the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva. Her lab focuses on skeletal muscle regeneration mechanisms using human stem cell models. Key research areas include muscle satellite cell activation, calcium signaling pathways, and the molecular basis of muscle diseases like myopathies. Research Interests: Frieden’s work investigates how muscle stem cells (satellite cells) repair damaged muscle tissue. Recent projects explore store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) pathways in muscle differentiation and the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in muscle atrophy. Advanced in vitro models are used to study human myotube maturation and disease mechanisms. Lab Team: Current members include PhD students Jessica Brunetti and Julie Perroud, postdoc Axel Tollance, and lab technician Olivier Dupont. The team collaborates with experts in proteomics (e.g., Eckhardt et al., 2023) and cardiac physiology (Rusiecka et al., 2023). Publications: Recent work highlights ER stress-IRE1 interactions in muscle regeneration (Carreras Sureda et al., 2023) and TRPC channel roles in myogenesis (Antigny et al., 2013-2022). Over 30 peer-reviewed articles span muscle biology, calcium signaling, and stem cell research.

Fernanda CardosoView profile

Academic

• Venom peptide-based biodiscovery
• Therapeutics development for neurological disorders
• Ion channel modulators
• +6 more

Dr Fernanda Cardoso is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland. She holds dual Brazilian-Australian citizenship and specializes in venom peptide-based biodiscovery and therapeutics development for neurological disorders such as chronic pain, motor neuron disease (MND), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Her interdisciplinary expertise spans neuropharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery. Education: Bachelor's, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) MSc in Molecular Pharmacology, UFMG PhD in Biochemistry and Immunology, UFMG Research Interests: Mechanisms and therapies for chronic pain/visceral pain/IBS Neurodegeneration pathophysiology and drug development Venom pharmacology of spiders, cone snails, and snakes Structure-function relationships of venom peptides Voltage-gated ion channel modulation Grants & Projects: Current: Peptide Inhibitors Targeting Sodium Channels (2023-2026) Past: Multifunctional analgesic inhibitors (2020-2023), IBS pain therapies (2018-2019) Supervision: Recently advised 14 students on projects including ALS therapies, venom peptide characterization, and ion channel modulation. Current openings focus on venom bioactives and neurological disorder treatments. Achievements: Pioneered venom-based ion channel modulator discovery, identified neuroprotective venom peptides, and developed a schistosomiasis vaccine candidate. Her work bridges basic research with clinical applications for global health challenges.

Jason BrevesView profile

Professor

• Endocrinology
• Osmoregulation in Fishes
• Molecular Physiology
• +5 more

Jason P. Breves is a Professor of Biology at Skidmore College , where he investigates the endocrine mechanisms enabling vertebrates to adapt to dynamic environments. His work focuses on pituitary hormones like prolactin and growth hormone in Mozambique tilapia , Atlantic salmon , and other euryhaline fish models to understand how hormonal systems regulate osmoregulation, growth, and stress responses. Education: B.S. in Marine Biology (Roger Williams University), M.S. in Oceanography (University of Rhode Island), Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (University of Hawaii), and Postdoctoral Studies at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Research Interests: The lab explores three major themes: (1) Prolactin signaling in gill, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract; (2) Osmoreception and prolactin gene regulation; and (3) Somatotropic axis modulation by stressors, nutrition, and xenobiotics. His team uses molecular, cellular, and organismal approaches to dissect hormone-gene interactions and their ecological implications. Recent Publications highlight his work on salinity-dependent gene regulation, cortisol's impact on growth hormone pathways, and thermosensitive prolactin cells. Key subfields include ion transporter dynamics , transcriptomic responses to environmental stress , and hormonal crosstalk in osmoregulation . Collaborators span institutions like University of Hawaii, USGS Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center, and University of Gothenburg. Scientific Awards: Grace Evelyn Pickford Medal (2025), New Investigator Award (2019), Gorbman-Bern Award (2019), and multiple Scholander Awards. Students: Mentored over 30 undergraduate researchers, including recipients of conference awards and presentations at Experimental Biology and International Biology of Fish Congress. Funding includes NSF grants (IOS-1755131, DBI-2018952) for molecular targets and advanced instrumentation. His lab serves as a nexus for comparative endocrinology and aquatic physiology research.

Meng CuiView profile

Associate Professor

• Neurophotonics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Adaptive Optics
• +3 more

Meng Cui is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Biology at Purdue University. He received his PhD in Physics from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and served as a Janelia Lab Head at Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2010–2015). His research focuses on neurophotonics and biomedical imaging, particularly on developing transformative technologies for deep brain imaging and multiscale neural interface. Current Affiliation: Purdue University Alumni Affiliation: Howard Hughes Medical Institute Education: PhD in Physics (University of Michigan at Ann Arbor) His research has received major NIH grants including the BRAIN Initiative U01 and R01 awards. Key inventions include the COMPACT (Clear Optically Matched Panoramic Access Channel Technique), Optical Gearbox, and GTAO (Geometric Transformation Adaptive Optics), which significantly advance deep tissue imaging and high-speed neural recording. His lab has produced 15+ high-impact publications in journals like Nature Methods , Nature Communications , and Optics Express , covering neurophotonic tools, adaptive optics, computational imaging, and wavefront engineering. Collaborations span institutions including UCSD, University of Michigan, and UT Southwestern. Scientific Awards: Purdue Faculty Scholar (2025), Hitachi High-Tech Best Presentation Award (2023), NIH Grants (2024–2019) Current Students: Jiaxuan Xu, Yuting Li, Hehai Jiang, Jianian Lin, Chenmao Wang, Shiyi Sun Notable Alumni: Lingjie Kong (Tsinghua), Jung-Hoon Park (UNIST), Reto Fiolka (UT Southwestern) The Cui Research Group operates in the Bindley Bioscience Center, emphasizing the synergy of teaching, research, and technology development. Recent projects include high-throughput imaging systems, ultra-low light videography, and whole mammalian brain neurophotonic interfaces.

Xiaowen BaiView profile

Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Neurodegeneration
• Cardiotoxicity
• +5 more

Xiaowen Bai, MD, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin. His research focuses on leveraging stem cells to model neurodegenerative diseases and cardiac disorders, with a particular emphasis on non-coding RNAs, mitochondria, and environmental stressors like anesthetics and alcohol. He holds a leadership role as Executive Director of Hematology at the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS). Education: MD, Shanxi Medical University (1993) PhD, Beijing University Stem Cell Center (2004) Postdoctoral Training, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (2007) Research Interests: Neurodegeneration mechanisms involving microRNAs, lncRNAs, and mitochondrial dysfunction Stem cell-based therapies for myocardial regeneration Diabetic cardiomyopathy pathogenesis and cardioprotection 3D organoid models for studying anesthetic and alcohol neurotoxicity Recent Work: Recent publications emphasize translational studies using human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models to investigate alcohol-induced brain injury, anesthetic neurotoxicity, and cardiac fibrosis. His lab also explores immunomodulatory pathways and redox signaling in inflammatory diseases. Labs/Teams: The Bai Lab develops novel in vitro models for disease modeling and drug testing, focusing on cerebral organoids and cardiac organoids to bridge basic research and clinical applications.

Antonios PantazisView profile

Associate Professor

• Ion Channel Biophysics
• Cellular Excitability
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Antonios Pantazis is an Associate Professor and Docent at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV) within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. He leads the Pantazis Laboratory of Cellular Excitability (PaLaCE), focusing on ion channel biophysics and their role in health and disease. His work integrates electrophysiological, optical, and computational methods to study ion channel structure-function relationships, particularly in cardiac and neuronal systems. Research interests include voltage-gated ion channels, cellular excitability, and the molecular mechanisms underlying arrhythmias and neurological disorders. Key contributions involve understanding mutations in genes like SCN5A and KCNA2, which are linked to epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias. He has been awarded the Swedish Fernström Prize (2021) for his work on ion channels. Publications span topics such as ion channel regulation, molecular transitions in voltage-dependent processes, and drug targets for arrhythmia suppression. His laboratory also explores cutting-edge techniques like voltage-clamp fluorometry and optical methods to visualize protein dynamics. Collaborations include institutions like the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) at Linköping University, emphasizing translational research in medical technology and bioengineering.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Metabolic Signaling and Mitochondrial Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Fadi Gabriel Akar is a Professor of Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) and Biomedical Engineering at Yale University School of Medicine. He holds affiliations with the Cardiovascular Medicine Department, the Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, and the Molecular Medicine Program. His primary appointment is as a Professor in the Department of Medicine, specializing in cardiovascular research and translational medicine. Dr. Akar’s research focuses on unraveling mechanisms promoting arrhythmias in structural heart diseases and developing gene-based therapies to prevent malignant arrhythmias. His lab investigates mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic signaling, and mechano-electrical feedback in arrhythmogenesis, with a translational pipeline from target identification to pre-clinical testing in large animal models. Key areas include arrhythmias in heart failure, myocardial infarction, obesity, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary hypertension. Notable achievements include his role as Chairman of the AHA Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowships Committee (2022). His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing mechanism-based therapies over traditional antiarrhythmic approaches. Collaborations include studies on AMPK deletion models, mitochondrial network remodeling, and resolvin D1’s role in post-MI atrial remodeling. Publications highlight contributions to understanding arrhythmia mechanisms in metabolic diseases, mitochondrial dysfunction, and translational therapies. His research is supported by NIH grants and industry partnerships, focusing on advancing diagnostics and treatments for electrical cardiac disorders.

• Pharmacology
• Chronic Disease Physiology
• Central Nervous System Pharmacology
• +3 more

Jose Gil Longo is a Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), affiliated with the Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology within the Faculty of Pharmacy. His research focuses on the physiology and pharmacology of chronic diseases, particularly the Central Nervous System and Oxidative Stress mechanisms. He obtained his Doctorate from USC in 1990 with a thesis investigating vascular pharmacology mechanisms involving calcium signaling and vasoconstrictor agents, supervised by Dr. Francisco Orallo Cambeiro. His research groups include FIFAEC (Physiology and Pharmacology of Chronic Diseases) and Pharma SNC-EO (Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System and Oxidative Stress). His work bridges pharmacological interventions with cellular mechanisms in chronic pathologies.

Andres Jara-OsegueraView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ion Channel Research
• Structural Biology
• Biophysics
• +6 more

Andres Jara-Oseguera is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences within the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of ion channel proteins, particularly Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, which are critical for electrical signaling in cells throughout the body. Position: Assistant Professor Department: Molecular Biosciences University: University of Texas at Austin Research Focus: Ion Channel Structure and Function Dr. Jara-Oseguera's research program investigates how molecular machines like ion channels control cellular signaling through their complex three-dimensional structures and dynamic behaviors. His work primarily centers on TRP channels, which play essential roles in biological processes ranging from temperature sensing to pain signaling and inflammatory responses. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining structural biology, biophysics, electrophysiology, and molecular biology to elucidate how these channels detect diverse stimuli including temperature, chemical signals, and mechanical forces. The research has significant implications for understanding pain mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic approaches for pain management. An analysis of Dr. Jara-Oseguera's publication record reveals a consistent focus on TRP channel structure-function relationships, with recent work emphasizing temperature sensing mechanisms, channel gating dynamics, and pharmacological modulation. His research demonstrates an evolution from foundational studies on TRPV1 channels toward more sophisticated investigations of TRPM and TRPV2 channel mechanisms using advanced structural and biophysical approaches. The publications highlight his contributions to understanding how these molecular machines integrate multiple signals to control ion flow across membranes. Dr. Jara-Oseguera is actively recruiting students for the 2026-27 academic year, indicating his ongoing commitment to training the next generation of scientists in molecular biosciences. His laboratory provides opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of structural biology, biophysics, and neuroscience. The Jara-Oseguera Lab investigates the molecular basis of ion channel function, particularly focusing on how TRP channels serve as biological thermometers and pain sensors. Current projects examine how these channels integrate multiple stimuli, how they detect temperature changes with remarkable sensitivity, and how their subcellular localization influences function in neuronal contexts. The lab employs innovative approaches including high-throughput mutagenesis screens, fluorescence-based biosensors, and electrophysiological techniques to address fundamental questions in ion channel biology.

• Molecular Neurobiology
• Neurotoxins
• Neurotransmission
• +3 more

Dr. Gary Lawrence is an Assistant Professor of Molecular Neurobiology in the School of Biotechnology at Dublin City University (DCU). His research focuses on functional neurobiology, particularly the role of neurotoxins like botulinum in understanding nervous system function and therapeutic applications for peripheral neuropathies. He holds a doctorate from Imperial College London, where he studied SNARE proteins in neurotransmitter release. Lawrence joined DCU in 2003 as a Research Lecturer and transitioned to his current role in 2023. His work investigates botulinum toxin effects on peripheral nerve types (motor, sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory) and processes like synaptic transmission, neuropeptide exocytosis, and TRP channel signaling in pain pathways. Education: PhD in Molecular Neurobiology from Imperial College London, followed by postdoctoral research there. Professional trajectory includes foundational roles in DCU’s International Centre for Neurotherapeutics established by Prof. Oliver Dolly. Research interests emphasize botulinum toxin mechanisms, TRP channels in pain signaling, and membrane trafficking. Recent studies explore how TRP channels encode pain intensity and are modulated by neurotrophins. His lab uses primary neuron cultures, in vivo models, and toxin-based tools to dissect neuron-specific exocytosis pathways and SNARE protein roles. Publications highlight advancements in toxin-based therapeutics, neuron type-specific effects, and pain signaling mechanisms. Collaborative efforts focus on translating neurotoxin research into clinical applications for neuropathic pain and autonomic disorders. Lab/Team: Part of the International Centre for Neurotherapeutics at DCU, specializing in neurotoxin research and neuropharmacology.

Omid Haji-GhassemiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Structural Biology
• Calcium Signaling
• Protein Kinase Regulation
• +2 more

Omid Haji-Ghassemi is an Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary and Principal Investigator of the Haji-Ghassemi Lab. Affiliated with the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, his research combines structural biology techniques to investigate protein kinase regulation of ion channels and neuromuscular proteins. His work has significant implications for understanding cancer mechanisms and cardiovascular diseases. Education: PhD Biochemistry, University of Victoria (2015) BSc (Honours) Microbiology, University of Victoria (2009) Research focuses on calcium signaling pathways and structural determination of disease-related proteins using cryo-EM and crystallography. Recent publications demonstrate consistent investigation into ryanodine receptor modulation and kinase interactions.

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

Stephen Long is a Professor at the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, affiliated with the Structural Biology Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of ion channels and membrane-embedded enzymes, particularly their roles in calcium signaling, immune function, and cancer. BA in Physics from Amherst College (1994) PhD in Biochemistry from Duke University (2001) Postdoctoral training at Rockefeller University (2007) His lab employs cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography to study eukaryotic ion channels like Orai, MCU, and BEST1, as well as enzymes such as HHAT and ICMT. Key areas include ion selectivity , channel gating , and therapeutic modulation . Recent work highlights structural transitions in Orai during activation and BEST1’s regulation by GABA. Publications reveal a focus on calcium signaling (Orai, MCU), chloride channel dynamics (BEST1, ASOR), and membrane enzyme mechanisms (HHAT, ICMT). These studies inform drug discovery for immune disorders and cancer. Scientific honors include the Louise and Allston Boyer Young Investigator in Basic Research (2016) Burroughs Wellcome Career Award (2006–2014) His lab mentors graduate students and postdocs, including notable alumni like Melinda Diver (UCSF), George Vaisey (Rockefeller), and Chongyuan Wang (MSKCC). Collaborations span the Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology and Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School.