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John Jacob, FRCP PhD, is an Honorary Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Consultant Neurologist at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN), University of Oxford. A clinician-scientist with expertise in developmental neurobiology, he investigates how developmental abnormalities drive cancer pathogenesis, focusing on pediatric medulloblastoma as the most common malignant brain tumor in children. His research centers on the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway's role in growth, stem cell maintenance, and tumorigenesis. He pioneers human cellular models of SHH-medulloblastoma using CRISPR-engineered cerebellar organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to replicate tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment interactions. This work integrates advanced stem cell differentiation, single-cell sequencing, and computational analysis from the Big Data Institute to dissect molecular mechanisms underlying treatment resistance. Recent publications demonstrate a cohesive trajectory in modeling medulloblastoma through cerebellar organoids, with emphasis on PTCH1 mutations, lipid metabolism's impact on hedgehog signaling, and tumor microenvironment dynamics. His approach bridges developmental neurobiology and oncology to develop personalized therapeutic strategies that address the debilitating side effects of current treatments. Dr. Jacob has secured competitive funding from the Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, and Cancer Research UK Oxford. His collaborative network spans the NDCN, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, and Big Data Institute, enabling cross-disciplinary innovation in neuro-oncology model systems and therapeutic discovery.

• Cancer Biology
• Neuro-Oncology
• Developmental Neurobiology
• +3 more

Sindhuja Sridharan is a Lecturer (Early Career Researcher) at the Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London , affiliated with the Centre for Genomics and Child Health . Her research bridges systems biochemistry, cellular metabolism, and protein condensate biology to unravel mechanisms in brain tumor pathogenesis. She obtained her PhD from the National University of Singapore (NUS) under Prof. Manjunatha Kini, focusing on bioactive peptides for heart failure therapeutics. She later joined the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to develop proteome-wide technologies for studying protein interactions in cellular contexts. Her research investigates the interplay between metabolic rewiring and protein condensation in brain tumors. She employs quantitative proteomics and systems biology to address how genetic mutations in metabolic enzymes alter cellular processes, how compartment-specific metabolite pools regulate gene expression, and how intercellular metabolic signals reprogram tumor microenvironment dynamics. The 15 most recent publications reflect her expertise in protein condensates , metabolic pathways , and thermal proteome profiling , spanning applications in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., ALS), viral pathogenesis (e.g., mumps and influenza), and cardiovascular pharmacology (e.g., venom peptides for heart failure). These works highlight her contributions to pharmacological hardening of condensates , redox modulation , and computational methods for ligand-binding analysis . Her work is conducted in collaboration with leading institutions, including the Blizard Institute , EMBL , and GlaxoSmithKline , utilizing advanced technologies such as mass spectrometry , thermal stability profiling , and bioinformatic modeling .

• Systems Biochemistry
• Molecular Interaction Networks
• Cellular Metabolism
• +4 more

Dr. Yuko Takeda is a researcher at Newcastle University , specializing in mitochondrial genetics and reproductive medicine. Her work focuses on mitochondrial replacement therapies to prevent inherited DNA diseases. Research Interests span the feasibility and risks of mitochondrial DNA replacement, genome unification in embryos, and clinical applications of pronuclear transfer. She investigates error-prone mechanisms in genetic interventions and long-term stability of mitochondrial modifications. Recent Publications (2016–2023) highlight advancements in haplogroup matching, reversion after mitochondrial DNA replacement, and pronuclear transfer techniques. Her studies emphasize ethical implications, technical challenges, and translational potential in preventing genetic disorders.

• Genetics
• Biomedical Science
• Reproductive Medicine
• +3 more

Dr Leonid Nikitenko is a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Hull York Medical School, University of Hull. His interdisciplinary research bridges biology, medicine, and computer science, focusing on endothelial cell roles in chronic diseases including cancer, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), cardiovascular disorders, and lymphoedema. He employs platform technologies like proteomics and genomics for early cancer detection, with a dedicated website ( www.endothelial-cell.com ) showcasing his work. Former lab alumni now hold positions at top institutions including Oxford, Warwick, and London-based hospitals and biotech companies. His research spans: Endothelial cell reprogramming in disease states Angiogenesis mechanisms in cancer and fibrosis Proteomic and genomic profiling for diagnostic signatures Coagulation-cancer axis in tumor vascularization GPCR signaling in vascular pathologies Recent publications highlight his work in: Quantitative proteomics of CLR interactome (2024) MAPK phosphorylation dynamics in endothelial cells (2023-2024) Single-cell RNA sequencing of aging lung endothelium in IPF (2022) Mechanistic studies on anticoagulant therapies in oncology (2019) Dr Nikitenko's work at the Hull Molecular Imaging Centre contributes to understanding vascular biology across multiple pathologies, with translational applications in diagnostic development and therapeutic targeting.

• Cancer Biology
• Endothelial Cell Biology
• Chronic Disease Research
• +3 more

Dr. Katiuscia Bianchi serves as a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) in Cell Biology at Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, leading an active research group focused on cancer metabolism and inflammation. Her position as Group Leader and academic appointments demonstrate her core faculty role within the institution. Her primary research investigates how obesity-associated inflammation rewires cellular metabolism to increase breast cancer risk, with specific emphasis on malignant transformation initiation, immune cell contributions (particularly dendritic cells and T cells), and drug resistance mechanisms. This work intersects cancer prevention, tumor cell targeting, cell signaling pathways, and metabolic reprogramming in oncogenesis. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on kinase-mediated metabolic pathways (IKKε/TBK1), serine metabolism in breast cancer, and inflammatory signaling in tumor microenvironments. Her work demonstrates strong translational potential through industry collaborations targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer. Dr. Bianchi has secured substantial competitive funding including a £497,000 Barts Charity Large Project Grant (2023-2025) for inhibiting serine metabolism in obese breast cancer patients, MRC and BBSRC studentships with Achilles Therapeutics and AstraZeneca, and a Medcity Collaborate to Innovate grant. She serves as academic lead for the MRC-DTP in Translational Immunology, Inflammation and Cancer. She founded The London Inflammation Network, manages Queen Mary's metabolic flux analysis facility, co-leads the Cancer Biology BSc module, and participates in the Barts Metabolism Network, demonstrating extensive institutional leadership beyond her research program.

• Cancer Biology
• Cellular Metabolism
• Inflammation
• +5 more

Stuart McDonald is Professor of Gastrointestinal Biology and Group Leader whose research focuses on stem cell niches and clonal expansion in Barrett’s oesophagus, stomach and breast cancer. His primary research interests include: Stem Cell Biology Cancer Evolution Gastrointestinal Cancers Barrett's Oesophagus Colorectal Cancer Breast Cancer Publications spanning 2011–2023 demonstrate consistent investigation into cellular dynamics using lineage tracing and molecular profiling, revealing stem cell organization in liver, colon, and breast tissues with implications for cancer development. Major research funding includes: Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge award (2019, £20m share) for 'STORMing Cancer: STrOmal ReprograMing' Cancer Research UK Foundation programme award (2016–2021, £1.2m) for Barrett’s oesophagus evolution studies Additional roles: Director of The Haemochromatosis Society and member of NCRI Upper GI group. Leads research within the Centre for Cancer Evolution.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Cancer Evolution
• Gastrointestinal Cancers
• +3 more

Dr. Theresa Gross-Thebing is a developmental biologist and Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge, working within the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience. She is a member of both the Gurdon Institute and the Cambridge Reproduction network, where she conducts research under the supervision of Professor Azim Surani, Director of Germline and Epigenetics Research. Her research focuses on the precision and robustness of early embryogenesis, with particular emphasis on germline development and primordial germ cell specification. Dr. Gross-Thebing employs a range of model systems including zebrafish, mouse embryonic stem cells, and in vitro human stem cell models, combined with live-cell imaging techniques to trace cellular fate decisions during development. Her work spans from fundamental mechanisms of cell fate maintenance to human germline specification, seeking to understand how cells in the early embryo acquire and maintain their identity. This research has significant implications for developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and understanding of reproductive processes. Dr. Gross-Thebing's scientific contributions are situated within the broader context of the Germline and Epigenetics Research group at the Gurdon Institute, which investigates fundamental questions about early human development, germ cell specification, and epigenetic reprogramming.

• Developmental Biology
• Embryology
• Germline Development
• +5 more

Professor Jules Griffin is Director of the Rowett Institute at the University of Aberdeen and holds a professorship in the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition. An internationally recognized leader in metabolomics and lipidomics, his research focuses on metabolic diseases, nutrition interactions, and the biochemical mechanisms of lipid dysfunction. Previously, he held the Chair of Biological Chemistry at Imperial College London (2019-2021) and served as Programme Leader at MRC Human Nutrition Research/University of Cambridge (2011-2019). Education includes a D.Phil. in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford, with postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital and Imperial College London. His research program spans: Development of high-throughput metabolomics/lipidomics platforms Mechanistic studies of metabolic syndrome using cellular, animal and human models Population-level nutrition assessment through metabolic phenotyping Mass spectrometry imaging of tissue metabolism Genome-scale metabolic reconstructions Research focuses on lipid metabolism in cardiometabolic diseases (NAFLD, diabetes, heart failure) and neurodegeneration. Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on: Lipidomics in disease mechanisms and exercise interventions Metabolic adaptations to nutritional interventions Multi-omics integration for disease subtyping Methodological advances in mass spectrometry Translational applications in clinical nutrition Honors include: Trapnell Research Fellowship, King's College Cambridge (2003-2007) Agilent Thought Leader Award (2016) Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry Former President, Metabolomics Society (2016-2020) Honorary Professor, Imperial College London (2022-present) Visiting Professorships at University of Cagliari, Italy Directs the Rowett Institute with extensive collaborations including UK Consortium on Metabolic Phenotyping. Currently accepting PhD students in Nutrition and Health. Editorial board member for Genome Medicine and Metabolites.

• Metabolomics
• Lipidomics
• Metabolic Diseases
• +5 more

Professor Derek Gilroy serves as Professor of Experimental Inflammation and Pharmacology within the Division of Medicine at University College London, specializing in the active biological processes that resolve inflammation. His research challenges the traditional view of inflammation resolution as a passive process, instead demonstrating it as an active biological program with significant therapeutic implications for chronic inflammatory diseases. Professor Gilroy's educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy from the William Harvey Research Institute at Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry (1997), a Master of Science from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (1993), and a Diploma (1992). His academic trajectory reflects a deep commitment to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory processes. His research program centers on identifying endogenous pro-resolution pathways that could serve as novel therapeutic targets. Rather than simply suppressing inflammation, his work explores how to actively promote resolution mechanisms, representing a paradigm shift in treating chronic inflammatory conditions. This approach has significant implications for conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to fibromyalgia, as evidenced by his diverse publication record. Analysis of Professor Gilroy's recent publications reveals a strong focus on cellular mechanisms of inflammation resolution, particularly involving macrophages, neutrophils, and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, with increasing attention to translational opportunities that could benefit patients suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions. Notably, his research has expanded to include investigations of SARS-CoV-2 immune responses and the long-term impacts of inflammation resolution on tissue integrity. Professor Gilroy actively contributes to academic training through his teaching responsibilities, including lecturing on the M.Sc course for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, examining Pharmacology Intercalated Research Projects, and participating in MPhil to PhD transfer examinations and PhD viva voce assessments. His mentorship extends to numerous research students and early-career scientists working in the field of inflammation research.

• Inflammation
• Pharmacology
• Immunology
• +4 more

Professor Federica Sotgia is a distinguished researcher in the School of Science, Engineering & Environment at the University of Salford, where she has been a faculty member since 2016. Previously, she served as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester's Institute of Cancer Sciences (2012-2016) and as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cancer Biology at Thomas Jefferson University's Kimmel Cancer Center (2006-2012). Her academic journey began with a postgraduate degree in Medical Genetics from the University of Genova, Italy in 2001, followed by post-doctoral training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Dr. Sotgia's research focuses on cancer metabolism and the tumor microenvironment, with particular emphasis on breast cancer. Her work investigates how metabolic alterations in stromal cells influence tumor growth and progression. She has made significant contributions to understanding the role of mitochondrial metabolism in cancer stem cells and has pioneered research on repurposing FDA-approved drugs for targeting tumor-initiating cells. Her laboratory employs sophisticated techniques for studying cellular metabolism, senescence, and cancer progression. Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2024) reveals consistent focus on cancer stem cells, mitochondrial metabolism, and therapeutic targeting. Her research demonstrates how metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving ATP production and mitochondrial function, drives cancer progression and resistance. She has identified several FDA-approved drugs that can be repurposed to target cancer stem cells, bridging basic science with potential clinical applications. Dr. Sotgia's teaching responsibilities align with her research expertise, covering cancer biology, cancer metabolism, biochemistry, and drug discovery. Her mentorship likely emphasizes the translational aspects of cancer research, connecting molecular mechanisms with therapeutic strategies. Her research program demonstrates strong continuity and evolution from her early discovery of caveolin-3 gene mutations causing limb-girdle muscular dystrophy to her current focus on cancer metabolism. This trajectory shows how fundamental discoveries in cell biology can inform our understanding of disease mechanisms across different conditions.

• Cancer metabolism
• Tumor microenvironment
• Breast cancer
• +5 more

Dr. Greg Findlay is a Reader (Research) at the Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation Unit (MRC PPU), University of Dundee, equivalent to an Associate Professor rank. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms in stem cell biology, ubiquitin-mediated protein regulation, and kinase signaling pathways related to developmental disorders. He maintains active collaborations with Glasgow University and MRC Harwell. Research Interests: Dr. Findlay's work spans: Ubiquitin ligase functions (RNF12/RLIM systems) Kinase signaling in stem cell differentiation Chromatin regulation of transcription Proteomic analysis of pluripotent stem cells Therapeutic targeting of developmental disorders Publication Focus: His recent articles (2023-2024) demonstrate strong emphasis on: Stem cell proteomics and functionality comparisons Ubiquitin ligase mechanisms in gene regulation Kinase roles in neurodevelopment Drosophila models of cell polarization Awards & Recognition: Science For All Badge (2023) for public engagement excellence Student Supervision: Currently accepting PhD students with supervision experience across 5+ projects. Regularly serves as PhD external examiner and organizes academic outreach for secondary schools. Lab & Resources: Affiliated with MRC PPU's research infrastructure focusing on protein phosphorylation and signal transduction mechanisms.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Ubiquitin Ligases
• Developmental Disorders
• +4 more

Dr. Andy Howden serves as a Principal Investigator and Lecturer (Teaching and Research) in the Cell Signalling and Immunology group within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee. With an h-index of 23 and 2199 citations, his research program is well-established in the fields of quantitative proteomics and immune cell biology. Dr. Howden's research focuses on using quantitative proteomics and protein biochemistry to provide molecular understanding of how immune cells sense and respond to their environment. He has a specific interest in T and B lymphocytes and their links to neurodegenerative diseases. His recent work investigates kinase signaling pathways, particularly Leucine-rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2), and how these relate to conditions like Parkinson's and Crohn's disease, as well as immune cell metabolism and autophagy regulation. His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate strong output in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Nature Immunology, and EMBO Reports, with research spanning immunology, proteomics, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. These works reveal consistent themes in immune cell signaling, metabolic regulation, and the molecular connections between inflammation and neurological conditions. Active investigator on 'Immune cell profiling and quality control position' project (2025-2026) Previously involved in Rapid Research in Covid-19 Programme (2020-2021) Regularly serves as grant reviewer for MRC projects As an educator, Dr. Howden manages the Level 3 Cell Signalling (BS32006) and Level 4 Advanced Cell Signalling (BS42013) modules, and lectures in Level 3 Immunology (BS32009). He is actively involved in the Dundee Research Interest Group and has organized outreach events including the Open Doors Day Event. His ORCID profile (0000-0002-4332-9469) documents his extensive research contributions across immunology and cell signaling disciplines.

• Quantitative Proteomics
• Protein Biochemistry
• Immune Cell Signaling
• +5 more

Elisa Villalobos is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, with prior research experience at UT Southwestern Medical Center and the University of Chile. Her work bridges cardiovascular biology and metabolic disease research, focusing on molecular mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation in obesity. Her research interests center on primary cilia as cardiac mechanosensors and calcium signaling pathways in adipose tissue. Key investigations include polycystin-dependent regulation of fibroblast activity in heart failure, cGAS-mediated inflammatory responses in myocardial injury, and calcium sensing receptor modulation of adipocyte inflammation. This work reveals fundamental connections between cellular structures, signaling pathways, and disease pathogenesis. Analysis of her 14 publications shows consistent progression from metabolic inflammation research (2011-2014) toward cardiovascular mechanisms (2015-2019), with increasing emphasis on translational aspects of heart failure. Her recent work in Nature and Circulation demonstrates significant contributions to understanding nitrosative stress in diastolic dysfunction and primary cilia in cardiac fibrosis. Dr. Villalobos actively contributes to the academic community through editorial roles at Frontiers in Physiology and peer review for major cardiology journals. While not independently supervising students, she mentors junior researchers within collaborative projects funded by British Heart Foundation grants at the Centre for Cardiovascular Science, which provides state-of-the-art facilities for cardiovascular research including advanced imaging and molecular phenotyping platforms.

• Cardiovascular Science
• Cardiac Fibrosis
• Primary Cilia
• +3 more

Dr. Berna S. Sayan is a Lecturer in Biomedicine at the University of Salford's School of Science, Engineering & Environment. With a PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Bilkent University, Turkey, she has held academic positions at the University of Manchester, University of Southampton, and the MRC Toxicology Unit before joining Salford. Her educational background includes: PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Bilkent University, Turkey Dr. Sayan's research program spans three interconnected domains: molecular mechanisms of therapy resistance in cancer, drug repurposing for pediatric cancers, and biomarkers of prenatal alcohol exposure. Her cancer stem cell research investigates metabolic reprogramming and tumor microenvironment dynamics that drive therapy resistance. In pediatric oncology, she focuses on repurposing approved drugs for aggressive medulloblastoma subtypes. Her FASD work examines molecular consequences of alcohol exposure during pregnancy to identify diagnostic biomarkers for early intervention. Analysis of her 34 publications reveals consistent focus on p53 family proteins (particularly p73 and p63), microRNA regulation in cancer progression, and cellular stress responses. Her recent scholarly output shows expansion into educational research examining how assessment language clarity affects student attainment, especially for those from diverse educational backgrounds. Dr. Sayan actively supervises PhD students with research topics including natural products as apoptosis modulators, therapy resistance mechanisms, tumor microenvironment changes, drug repurposing for pediatric brain tumors, and molecular markers of prenatal alcohol exposure. She has successfully secured research funding for biomarker discovery, therapeutic interventions, and STEM education scholarship. Her professional service includes peer review, PhD examination, and committee work, notably her involvement in the Athena Swan initiative promoting gender equality in academia. She contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health, quality education, and gender equality.

• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Translational Medicine
• +5 more