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Casey DunnView profile

Professor

• Animal Evolution
• Genomics
• Phylogenetics
• +5 more

Casey Dunn is a Professor in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Yale University, with a secondary appointment in Genetics. His research focuses on animal evolution, particularly using computational methods to analyze evolutionary relationships and genomic data. Dunn's lab studies siphonophores, exploring their structure, development, and ecological roles. He co-authored Practical Computing for Biologists to bridge computational skills with biological research. Education: PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Yale University (2005). Key research interests include phylogenetics, functional specialization in colonial organisms, and the integration of genomics with ecological studies. His work spans field, laboratory, and computational approaches, with contributions to understanding HIV transmission networks through molecular epidemiology. Publications highlight advancements in phylogenetic analysis, siphonophore biology, and HIV cluster dynamics. Collaborations include public health partnerships to apply molecular data in infectious disease control. Dunn's lab members and students engage in diverse projects, from genomic studies to marine ecology.

• Cancer Biology
• Oncology
• Genetics
• +3 more

Sarah Thompson is an Associate Research Scientist in Surgical Oncology at the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. Her research focuses on understanding mechanisms of chromosomal instability and aneuploidy in cancer cells, with particular emphasis on therapeutic targets and molecular pathways. She investigates how cellular stress responses and kinetochore-microtubule dynamics influence aneuploidy tolerance and cancer progression. Her work spans from basic cellular mechanisms to translational research, including developing kinase inhibitors like GSK923295 to study aneuploidy induction. Key contributions include uncovering the role of p38α stress kinase and p53-dependent mechanisms in suppressing aneuploidy-driven cancer growth. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining cancer biology, genetics, and drug development. Her articles explore topics such as aneuploidy dependency in tumors, mitotic catastrophe as therapeutic targets, and the interplay between chromosome segregation errors and cancer progression. Thompson collaborates across departments within the Yale School of Medicine, contributing to surgical oncology research while maintaining strong ties to the broader cancer biology community. Her research aims to bridge mechanistic insights with clinical applications for improved cancer therapies.

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Discipline-Based Educational Research
• Virology
• +3 more

Christopher Jang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at York University and Director of Academic Support Programs at Bethune College. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of British Columbia and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania focusing on sleep and circadian rhythms. His research spans cell/molecular biology and discipline-based educational research, emphasizing innovative pedagogy and inclusive teaching practices. He has designed undergraduate research experiences and developed courses in biochemistry and pharmacology. Education: B.Sc. Biochemistry (Queen’s University), Ph.D. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (UBC) His teaching philosophy centers on making complex biological concepts accessible, reflected in his award-winning York University Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award (2023). He has contributed to public science advocacy through roles at Bad Science Watch and science outreach at institutions like the Franklin Institute. Research interests include viral translational control mechanisms, circadian biology, and educational strategies to enhance STEM equity. He has published on topics ranging from viral IRES structures to circadian gene expression regulation. Awards: Departmental Best Graduate Seminar Award, AMS Biology Teaching Fellowship Teaching highlights include founding a course-based undergraduate research program in molecular biology and leading interdisciplinary initiatives at Haverford College and the University of Pennsylvania.

Yi ShengView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• +4 more

Yi Sheng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at York University, Faculty of Science. He leads the Sheng Lab, focusing on understanding the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and its role in disease pathogenesis. His research explores protein ubiquitination dynamics and their implications in cancers, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. He is eligible to supervise graduate students in the Biology Graduate Program. Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of protein ubiquitination UPS regulation in cellular processes (cell cycle, stress response) Development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting UPS dysfunction Lab Members: Current graduate students include Gabriella Gerzon (PhD), Daniel Martinho (MSc), and Angelo Vivona (MSc). Past students have contributed to projects on protein stability, signaling pathways, and disease models. Undergraduate researchers have explored topics like BIOL 4000 projects in molecular biology and biochemistry. Teaching: Teaches BIOL 3110 (Molecular Biology I), BIOL 1000C (Biology I), and BIOL 5028 (Graduate Molecular Biology). Focuses on nucleic acid metabolism, introductory biology concepts, and protein structure analysis workshops. Lab Location: Life Sciences Building, 327B Bench 2, York University, Toronto, Ontario.

Marco FoianiView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Molecular Oncology
• Computational Biology
• +4 more

Marco Foiani is a Full Professor in Molecular Biology at the University of Milan and Scientific Director of IFOM (FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation). He leads the 'Genome Integrity Laboratory' at IFOM since 2002 and holds positions at the European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM) and the European Center for Nanomedicine (CEN). His research focuses on eukaryotic chromosome dynamics, DNA replication mechanisms, and genome integrity regulation. Key contributions include elucidating checkpoint-mediated control of stalled replication forks, CDK1's role in DNA damage response, and SUMOylation's function in replication fork protection. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Milan (1988) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship under Dr. Alan Hinnebush, Washington DC (1989-1991) Research Interests: His work bridges molecular biology and oncology, addressing how DNA replication forks handle damage, transcription-replication conflicts, and telomere integrity. Recent studies highlight topoisomerase roles in replication topology and ATM-dependent regulation of terminal forks. Awards: EMBO Membership (2010) Italian Society of Biophysics & Molecular Biology Award Chiara D’Onofrio Prize Biotec Award (Amgen & Dompé) Professional Activities: Editor for Cell ; organizer of international conferences on DNA replication and chromosome dynamics. No grants explicitly listed in texts, though his lab's activities imply extensive funding support. Labs/Teams: Directs the Genome Integrity Laboratory at IFOM, collaborating with groups like the Branzei and Bermejo research teams on replication stress and repair mechanisms.

Alberto LuiniView profile

Research Professor

• Membrane Trafficking
• Signal Transduction
• Bioimaging Technology
• +4 more

Alberto Luini is a Research Professor at the National Research Council (CNR) in Italy and serves as a Principal Investigator at the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine in Naples. His career spans multiple prestigious institutions, including the Mario Negri Sud Institute and the Weizmann Institute of Science. Education: MD from the University of Milan, 1973 Research Interests: Dr. Luini's work focuses on membrane trafficking, signal transduction, and bioimaging technology. He pioneered correlative video-electron microscopy and proposed the compartment maturation-progression model, transforming understanding of intracellular transport. His lab identified novel transport vesicles, characterized homeostatic signaling circuits in constitutive pathways, and applied findings to transport-related diseases. Publications: His 15 most recent articles highlight advancements in ER-Golgi dynamics, membrane fission mechanisms (e.g., CtBP/BARS protein), Golgi structure regulation, and disease implications of trafficking defects. These span disciplines including Cell Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry. Scientific Service: Dr. Luini has received the Emilio Trabucchi Foundation Medal (2000) and has been an EMBO Member since 2004. He contributes to leading European science infrastructures as a delegate to EuroBioImaging, member of the X-ray and Neutron Sources Committee (CNR), and National Coordinator of the ESFRI European Imaging Infrastructure EuroBioImaging. Labs & Teams: Dr. Luini leads research at the Institute of Protein Biochemistry (CNR) and Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, focusing on membrane transport regulation and bioimaging applications.

Daniel CifuentesView profile

Associate Professor

• RNA regulation
• Developmental biology
• Virology
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel Cifuentes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Boston University, where he leads the Cifuentes Laboratory. His research focuses on RNA regulation mechanisms in two primary model systems: zebrafish embryogenesis and RNA virus replication (e.g., Ebola and Lassa viruses). He integrates high-throughput genetic, genomic, and proteomic approaches to investigate post-transcriptional regulation in development and viral infection. PhD: University of Barcelona, Spain Postdoctoral Training: Yale University Research Interests Molecular mechanisms of RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs Role of RNA modifications in gene expression Transcriptional and translational control in filoviruses and arenaviruses Publications & Trends : His work spans RNA regulatory networks, with recent emphasis on computational approaches (sChemNET), viral RNA stabilization (Ebola), and chromatin organization in blood cell development (miR-144/Hmgn2 axis). Collaborations : Dr. Cifuentes collaborates with Prof. Mühlberger’s group at Boston University’s National Emerging Disease Laboratory (NEIDL) for RNA virus research. Laboratory Members : Owen Sanborn (PhD Student - RNA-Protein Interactions, microRNA) Annie Wen (PhD Student - Biochemistry, Virology)

Scott ManalisView profile

Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Precision Medicine
• Single-Cell Analysis
• +5 more

Scott Manalis is the David H. Koch (1962) Professor of Engineering at MIT, holding dual appointments in Biological Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. He serves as Associate Department Head of Biological Engineering and is a member of the MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Ludwig Center at MIT, and the Broad Institute. His lab develops precision measurement technologies for single-cell analysis, focusing on biophysical properties relevant to cancer and immune cell dynamics. Key innovations include the suspended microchannel resonator for cell mass measurement and high-throughput density profiling. Education: B.S. in Physics from UC Santa Barbara; Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University. He founded Travera and Affinity Biosensors to commercialize his lab's technologies. His research spans precision medicine, microfluidic device engineering, and environmental microbiology. Notable achievements include predicting cancer drug responses through single-cell mass dynamics and revealing biophysical changes during cell division. Research emphasizes functional assays for personalized medicine, with a focus on metastasis, immune cell profiling, and minimal residual disease. Over 100 publications highlight his interdisciplinary approach, integrating engineering, biology, and clinical science. Administrative support is provided by Mariann Murray (mariann@mit.edu). His lab’s work has been featured in MIT News and Nature Biomedical Engineering. Students and alumni include pioneers in biotechnology, academia, and industry, such as Rob Kimmerling (Co-founder, Travera) and Marcio von Muhlen (Co-founder, Turboprop). Current lab members include postdocs and graduate students working on projects ranging from CAR-T cell optimization to AAV gene therapy characterization. Collaborations with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Broad Institute underscore translational impact.

James MoirView profile

Professor

• Microbiology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Environmental Microbiology
• +3 more

Professor James W B Moir is a Professor of Microbiology at the Department of Biology, University of York. His research focuses on bacterial metabolism, particularly in pathogenic Neisseria species and environmental systems like agricultural soils. Key interests include denitrification, hydrogen metabolism, pesticide degradation, and microbial community dynamics. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining biochemistry, ecology, and genetics. Teaching philosophy: Advocates for experiential learning through experimental design and critical thinking, emphasizing the iterative nature of scientific inquiry. Engages students in hypothesis development and the philosophy of science. Collaborations: Works with industry, agriculture, and international partners (e.g., Vanuatu) to address global challenges in water quality and microbial contamination. Active in projects like equitable technology development for faecal contamination detection. Grants & Activities: Co-investigator on funded projects including 'The Need for Speed: Understanding the importance of different ELF3 nuclear localisation mechanisms' and 'Molecular probes to diagnose pathoadaptations in bacterial infections'. Member of university committees and editorial boards. Lab & Research Group: Leads a team exploring microbial metabolism’s role in health and environmental contexts, with a focus on translational research linking fundamental biology to global applications.

• Cancer Biology
• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• +3 more

Sara Thompson is a Researcher at Yale University's Yale School of Medicine. Her work focuses on understanding the mechanisms of aneuploidy and its role in cancer progression, leveraging biochemical and pharmacological tools to explore therapeutic targets. She holds an MS degree and has contributed to studies on chromosomal instability, stress kinase signaling, and genome stability maintenance. Research interests include the interplay between aneuploidy tolerance and oncogenic pathways, kinetochore-microtubule dynamics, and the application of synthetic inhibitors in cancer research. Her studies highlight how aneuploidy can act like oncogenes in driving tumor growth, offering new avenues for targeted therapies. Recent work emphasizes the potential of anaphase catastrophe as a therapeutic strategy, particularly in lung cancer, by targeting cyclin E-Cdk2 complexes. Her findings also reveal p53's role in suppressing aneuploid cell proliferation and the regulatory networks governing ER localization of key proteins. Despite her prolific research output, no specific grants, awards, or student advisement roles are documented in the provided text.

Mariana PinhoView profile

Associate Professor

• Bacterial cell division
• Antibiotic resistance
• Staphylococcus aureus
• +4 more

Mariana Pinho is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Chemical and Biological Technologies Antonio Ennes (ITQB NOVA), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal. She leads the Laboratory of Bacterial Cell Biology and directs the PhD program in Molecular Biosciences. Her research focuses on bacterial cell division, antibiotic resistance mechanisms in Staphylococcus aureus, and peptidoglycan dynamics using fluorescence microscopy. Education includes a PhD in Biology from The Rockefeller University (2001) and a degree in Applied Chemistry from Universidade Nova de Lisboa (1995). She held postdoctoral positions at the University of Oxford and completed sabbaticals at the Department of Biochemistry (2013–2014). Research interests explore how cell shape and division are regulated, with emphasis on antibiotic resistance pathways. Key discoveries include uncovering cytokinesis mechanisms independent of FtsZ and identifying amidases critical for cell wall remodeling. Her work bridges fundamental cell biology with clinical applications in infectious diseases. Selected Awards: EMBO Membership (2020), ERC Consolidator Grant (2018), Pfizer Award (2018) Over 65 publications, 34 h-index, 3,500+ citations Supervised 13 PhD students, 10 MSc students, and 11 postdoctoral fellows Led 9 grants as PI, including two ERC grants. Active in academic service, chairing international conferences and delivering 36 invited lectures globally.

Pura Muñoz-CánovesView profile

Research Professor

• Cellular senescence in aging muscle
• Inflammation and fibrosis in muscle regeneration and muscular dystrophy
• Circadian rhythms in stem cells
• +2 more

Pura Muñoz-Cánoves is a Senior Research Professor at ICREA (Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies) and a Full Professor of Cell Biology at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona, Spain. Since 2016, she has also served as a Group Leader at the Spanish National Cardiovascular Research Center (CNIC) in Madrid. Her research focuses on stem cell biology, particularly in aging muscle regeneration, inflammation, fibrosis, and circadian rhythms. Current affiliations: ICREA, UPF, CNIC Education: PhD in Biological Sciences (Autonomous University of Madrid, 1990) Her work addresses critical questions in cellular senescence, tissue repair, and regenerative medicine. Publications in Cell , Nature , and EMBO Journal highlight her contributions to understanding muscle stem cell dynamics and autophagy. She has received prestigious awards such as the ERC Advanced Grant, Pfizer Award, and the Narcís Monturiol Medal. Key research themes include: Mechanisms of stem cell aging and rejuvenation Role of autophagy in tissue homeostasis Inflammatory and fibrotic responses in muscular dystrophy Circadian regulation of stem cell functions Her recent publications emphasize stress adaptation, metabolic control, and epigenetic regulation in stem cells. Awards span from the Fulbright fellowship to EMBO membership and Catalan Government excellence grants. Scientific leadership: Editorial board member: FEBS Journal, Skeletal Muscle, Oncotarget Scientific advisory roles: Leibniz Institute on Aging, French Muscular Dystrophy Association She has mentored 18 PhD students and 12 postdocs, with six postdocs now leading independent groups.

Erik JohanssonView profile

Professor

• DNA Replication
• Cancer Genetics
• Genome Stability
• +3 more

Erik Johansson is a Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, particularly the role of DNA polymerase epsilon (Pol ε) in leading-strand synthesis, genome stability, and cancer-associated mutations. His work combines structural biology, enzymology, and genetic approaches to elucidate how Pol ε ensures high-fidelity DNA replication and prevents genomic instability. Research Interests: - DNA replication fidelity and error correction - Structural and functional analysis of DNA polymerases - Cancer-associated mutations in replication machinery - Mitochondrial DNA instability - Regulation of histone segregation during replication Key Findings: - Pol ε's proofreading domain mutations drive cancer through replication errors. - Fe-S clusters in Pol ε modulate enzymatic activity and redox signaling. - Nicks in DNA can trigger localized re-replication, promoting genomic instability. Selected Awards: None explicitly stated in the text. Lab & Collaborations: The Erik Johansson Lab at Umeå University investigates how eukaryotic cells replicate DNA with high accuracy. Current projects include studying Pol ε's role in leading-strand synthesis, structural consequences of cancer mutations, and mechanisms preventing genome re-replication from DNA nicks.

• Molecular Biology
• RNA Biology
• Gene Expression Regulation
• +3 more

Susanne Kramer is a Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Würzburg's Biocenter. She leads the Kramer Lab, focusing on mRNA metabolism and posttranscriptional gene regulation in trypanosomes. Her academic journey includes a PhD from LMU Munich (2005), postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge (2005–2011), and a DFG-funded Junior Group Leader position (2011–2018) before earning a Heisenberg Professorship in 2022. Education: 2005: Dr. rer. nat., LMU Munich 2016: Habilitation, University of Würzburg Research Interests: Susanne's work centers on RNA granules, mRNA export mechanisms, and trypanosome-specific post-transcriptional control. She developed novel methods for RNA granule purification, uncovering key insights into mRNA de-capping enzymes and co-transcriptional export in trypanosomes. Her lab uses cutting-edge techniques like super-resolution microscopy and single-molecule FISH to study subcellular RNA dynamics. Publications Trends: Her recent work highlights advancements in nuclear pore architecture, mRNA export pathways, and enzyme discovery (e.g., ApaH phosphatases). These studies bridge molecular mechanisms in trypanosomes with broader implications for cellular biology. Awards: 2022: Heisenberg Professorship (RNA Biology of Kinetoplastids) 2018: Heisenberg Funding (DFG) Advising & Labs: As a group leader, Susanne mentors graduate and undergraduate students. Her lab collaborates on projects involving RNA granule dynamics, mRNA processing, and trypanosome biology. Future research focuses on untangling the interplay between RNA metabolism and pathogenic mechanisms in trypanosomes. Lab Infrastructure: Located at the Biocenter, the Kramer Lab houses advanced imaging and molecular biology facilities to support its interdisciplinary studies.

Tae Hoon KimView profile

Associate Professor

• Functional Genomics
• Epigenetics
• Transcriptional Regulation
• +6 more

Tae Hoon Kim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), where he also served as Department Head from 2019 to 2023. His research focuses on functional genomics, epigenetics, and transcriptional regulation, with applications to cancer biology, innate immunity, and chronic pain. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Harvard University, an M.A. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Harvard, and a B.A. in Biology from Reed College. His work integrates genomic and computational approaches to study nuclear processes, chromosomal organization, and disease mechanisms. Kim’s research group has pioneered studies on enhancer function, CTCF-mediated chromatin interactions, and the role of long noncoding RNAs in cancer. Notable contributions include uncovering links between metabolic pathways and oncogenesis, as well as mechanisms underlying lymphatic vascular development. His lab, the Functional Genomics Laboratory, innovates techniques like ChIP-seq and 3C-based analyses to study gene regulation at the genome scale. Kim has received prestigious awards such as the Pew-Stewart Scholar Award (2011), Sidney Kimmel Scholar Award (2008), and Rita Allen Scholar Award (2007). His work has been published in high-impact journals, including Brain , Nature , and Genome Research . Collaborations with institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine highlight his interdisciplinary approach to translational research. His current projects address chronic pain mechanisms, leveraging transcriptomic data from human dorsal root ganglia, and targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in squamous cell carcinomas. Kim’s training includes postdoctoral work at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (2002–2006) and a prior faculty position at Yale University (2006–2013).