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Rosana CollepardoView profile

Research Fellow

• Computational Biophysics
• Chromatin Structure
• Epigenetics
• +4 more

Dr. Rosana Collepardo is a Winton Advanced Research Fellow at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, where she leads a research group within the Theory of Condensed Matter (TCM) Group and is also affiliated with the Biological and Soft Systems group. Her research focuses on developing multi-scale computational models to investigate chromatin nanostructure, epigenetic regulation, and biomolecular condensates, with applications in understanding genome organization and sustainable data storage. Her primary research interests include: Computational biophysics of chromatin and epigenetics Mechanisms of biomolecular condensates and phase separation Nanoscale structure of the genome and DNA accessibility Multi-scale modeling from atomistic to mesoscale Design principles for chromatin-inspired data storage Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a dominant focus on chromatin organization, epigenetic mechanisms, and biomolecular condensates. Key trends include the role of nucleosome spacing, linker histones, and epigenetic modifications in chromatin phase separation, alongside investigations into condensate aging, material properties, and the physical principles of phase transitions in RNA-protein systems. Her work consistently integrates computational modeling with experimental validation. Notable scientific awards include: Winton Advanced Research Fellowship ERC Starting Grant Dr. Collepardo actively mentors PhD and MPhil students, including Sivapalan Chelvaniththilan (MPhil in Physics, recipient of Gates and Winton Scholarships), Miguel Garcia Ortegon (MPhil in Scientific Computing), Stephen Farr (PhD in Computational Methods for Materials Science), Akshay Sridhar (MPhil in Scientific Computing), and Adiran Garaizar (PhD with EPSRC scholarship). Her group secures competitive funding through ERC grants and student scholarships. The Collepardo group, established in 2016 at the Maxwell Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, comprises postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and MPhil candidates. They collaborate with experimental groups to study chromatin dynamics and biomolecular condensates using advanced computational techniques, contributing to fundamental biological understanding and potential biotechnological applications.

Mikhail GelfandView profile

Professor

• molecular evolution
• comparative genomics
• systems biology
• +7 more

Mikhail Gelfand is a Full Professor and Director of the Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), where he also serves as Vice President for Biomedical Research. His distinguished career spans multiple prestigious institutions including Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Higher School of Economics. His educational background includes: 1985: MSc in mathematics (functional analysis) 1993: PhD in physics-mathematics (biophysics) 1998: DSc in biology (molecular biology) 2007: full professor (bioinformatics) Professor Gelfand's research focuses on molecular evolution, comparative genomics, systems biology, and metagenomics. His work examines eukaryotic processes including alternative splicing, mRNA editing, and chromatin structure, as well as bacterial genome evolution and transcription regulation. His lab combines data on three-dimensional chromatin structure, epigenetic states, and gene expression to obtain an integrated view of genome functioning across diverse organisms from humans to amoebae. One major research direction focuses on the evolution of transcript splicing and editing, while comparative analysis of bacterial genomes yields functional annotations of novel enzymes, transporters, and transcription factors. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on RNA editing in cephalopods, bacterial genome analysis, and computational approaches to understanding chromatin structure. The work spans molecular biology, evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics, with particular emphasis on how RNA editing contributes to adaptation and molecular evolution across metazoans. His research shows how edited adenines are more frequently substituted with guanine in evolution than their unedited counterparts, suggesting RNA editing may enhance adaptation. His notable awards include: The President of Russian Federation's Award for Young Doctors of Science (2000) The "Best Scientist of the Russian Academy of Sciences" award (2004) A. A. Baev Prize in Genomics and Genoinformatics (2007) Member of Academia Europaea (2010) As Director of the Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Professor Gelfand leads a research group that combines computational and experimental approaches to study genome function and evolution. His lab's work has significant implications for understanding molecular mechanisms of evolution and adaptation across diverse biological systems, from bacteria to complex eukaryotes. His research on metagenomics extends to practical applications in areas including coral disease, aphids, and oil wells.

Emre SeferView profile

Associate Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Machine Learning
• Financial Networks
• +3 more

Dr. Emre Sefer is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Özyeğin University, specializing in machine learning and bioinformatics. He holds a Ph.D. in Computational Biology from Carnegie Mellon University (2015), an M.S. in Computer Science from University of Maryland College Park (2011), and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Boğaziçi University (2008). His research bridges graph machine learning with financial networks, bioinformatics, and data engineering. Ph.D.: Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University M.S.: Computer Science, University of Maryland College Park B.S.: Computer Engineering, Boğaziçi University Research focuses on applying machine learning to financial and biological networks: Bioinformatics : 3D genome modeling, protein modifications, transcriptomic analysis Graph Machine Learning : GNNs for fraud detection, drug response prediction, and network evolution Financial Networks : Cryptocurrency investment strategies, asset price prediction His lab (OzU Machine Learning in Finance and Bioinformatics Lab) develops graph-based deep learning methods for cross-domain applications, including NFT market analysis and chromatin structure prediction. He received the Best research paper award at Recomb 2016 for work on 3D genome architecture. Former postdoc at CMU Machine Learning Department Industry experience as Quantitative Strategist at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan

Daniela StrenkertView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Biology
• Systems Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +12 more

Daniela Strenkert is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, affiliated with the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Plant Biology Department, Molecular Plant Sciences Program, BioMolecular Science Gateway, and Cell & Molecular Biology Program. Her research focuses on systems biology approaches to understand gene regulation in photosynthetic organisms. Ph.D., University of Kaiserslautern, Germany Her lab investigates photosynthetic performance through multi-omics analysis of chromatin structure, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii . Key areas include environmental acclimation, histone modification mapping (GreENCODE project), and regulatory RNA characterization. Recent publications emphasize computational modeling of photosynthetic protein interactions, metal homeostasis under stress, and chloroplast protein import mechanisms. Articles span 2025-2010, with 15 most recent from 2025-2022. Her work integrates genome-wide datasets to decode algal regulatory programs under climate change-relevant stressors. She teaches BS 161: Cells and Molecules and maintains a lab at 106 Plant Biology Lab. Contact: strenke2@msu.edu .

Jenny PY TingView profile

Professor

• Innate Immunity
• Immunology
• Inflammation
• +7 more

Jenny PY Ting, PhD, is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Genetics at the UNC School of Medicine and a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. She serves as Director of the Center for Translational Immunology and Co-Director of the Inflammatory Diseases Institute. Her research focuses on innate immunity, inflammation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neuroinflammation. Dr. Ting's lab investigates the NLR protein family, particularly their roles in inflammasome activation, MHC regulation, and microbial sensing. She has discovered critical functions of NLRC5 and CIITA in immune gene transcription and pioneered studies on plexin-semaphorin signaling in immune cell interactions. Her work on SARS-CoV-2 revealed necroptosis-driven cell death cascades in airway cells, informing therapeutic strategies against cytokine storms. Key Projects: Microbiome-based therapies for multiple sclerosis Targeting NLRP3 inflammasomes in inflammatory diseases Role of plexins in T cell activation and sepsis Awards: National Academy of Sciences member (2022), AAI Distinguished Fellow (2023), ICIS-Pfizer Award (2021). Her lab employs cutting-edge techniques including transcriptomics, proteomics, and murine models. Collaborations span virology, oncology, and neurobiology, with translational goals for immune-based therapies.

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimmunology
• Epigenetics
• +3 more

Anne Schaefer is a Full Professor with Tenure at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, currently serving as Managing Director at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne, Germany. She co-directs the Center for Glial Biology within the Friedman Brain Institute, focusing on neuroscience and psychiatry. Education: Charité University Berlin (MD/PhD), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (undergraduate) Research Interests: Schaefer’s work bridges neuroscience , neuroimmunology , and epigenetics , with a primary focus on microglial biology, neuronal activity regulation, and mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Her studies explore how microglia interact with neurons to maintain brain homeostasis and drive plasticity. Scientific Awards: Max Planck Sabbatical Award (2019) Inaugural NINDS Landis Award for Outstanding Mentorship (2018) NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2012) Kavli Frontiers in Science Fellow (2014) German Research Foundation DFG Research Fellowship (2006–2008) Summa cum laude, Charité University Berlin (2004) Grants & Funding: Schaefer has secured significant third-party funding, including an ERC Synergy Grant (2021–2027) for the project "Micro-'COPS' - Microglia-control of physiological brain states." Labs & Teams: She leads a research team at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing and collaborates closely with the Center for Glial Biology at Mount Sinai, where she has held leadership roles since 2017.

Scott RothbartView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Regulation
• Cancer Epigenetics
• +4 more

Dr. Scott Rothbart is a Professor in the Department of Epigenetics at Van Andel Institute (VAI), where he leads the Rothbart Laboratory. He earned his B.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Florida and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Virginia Commonwealth University. His postdoctoral training was conducted under Dr. Brian Strahl at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on understanding chromatin accessibility, histone post-translational modifications, and DNA methylation's role in disease, particularly cancer. He translates this basic research into epigenetic target identification and drug discovery. Dr. Rothbart has contributed to groundbreaking studies on UHRF1’s role in DNA methylation maintenance and its therapeutic potential in cancer. He co-leads the VAI-SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team and directs the VAI Cancer Epigenetics Training Program. His work has been recognized with awards like the NIH MIRA Award and the American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant. Research Interests: Chromatin biochemistry, cancer epigenetics, functional proteomics, histone modifications, and epigenetic drug development. His lab develops tools like peptide microarrays and functional proteomics platforms to study histone modifiers and their clinical relevance. Notable Achievements: Published over 122 peer-reviewed papers in 2024, including 63 in high-impact journals. Launched 15 clinical trials through the Epigenetics Dream Team. His lab’s work on viral mimicry therapies and epigenetic drug combinations has advanced cancer treatment strategies. Education: B.S. University of Florida (2004), Ph.D. Virginia Commonwealth University (2009), Postdoctoral Fellowship UNC Chapel Hill (2014).

Daniela RhodesView profile

Professor

• Nucleic acids
• Chromosome biology
• Structure and function of chromatin
• +2 more

Daniela Rhodes is Professor at the School of Biological Sciences at Nanyang Technological University (since 2011) and Professor at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (since 2012), where she also serves as Director of the Nanyang Institute of Structural Biology (since 2014). Previously, she spent her entire scientific career at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK, rising from Group Leader (1983) to Tenure (1987) to Full Professor (1994), and serving as Director of Studies (2003-2006). Her research focuses on the structure and function of chromatin, nucleic acids, and chromosome biology. Rhodes' work has significantly advanced our understanding of chromatin fiber organization, histone modifications, and telomere structure. Her laboratory has pioneered structural approaches to studying nucleosome organization and its implications for gene regulation and DNA packaging. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through election to prestigious academies and fellowships, including Member of Academia Europaea (2011), Fellow of the Royal Society (2007), EMBO Member (1996), and Official Fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge (1992). Her publications primarily focus on chromatin structure, histone modifications, and nucleosome organization, with significant contributions to understanding how chromatin architecture influences gene expression and DNA function. Elected member of Academia Europaea (2011) Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) (2007) Elected member of EMBO (1996) Official Fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge Rhodes has extensive experience evaluating research grants for major international funding bodies including the UK Royal Society, US National Institutes of Health, European Research Council, Human Frontiers of Science Programme, and EMBO, which she has chaired since 2009. She has also served as Visiting Professor at La Sapienza University in Rome and Rockefeller University in New York. As Director of the Nanyang Institute of Structural Biology, she leads a research team focused on advancing structural approaches to understanding biomolecular complexes, particularly in the areas of chromatin organization and nucleic acid-protein interactions. Her work bridges traditional biochemistry with cutting-edge structural methodologies to address fundamental questions in molecular biology.

Edel HylandView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Genome Architecture
• Chromatin Biology
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Edel Hyland is a Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry at Queen's University Belfast's School of Biological Sciences, affiliated with the Institute for Global Food Security since 2015. Her research examines how genome architecture influences environmental adaptation through chromatin dynamics, utilizing yeast pathogens from the Saccharomycotina subphylum with active PhD recruitment in antifungal resistance. Her academic training includes a BSc in Biochemistry from Trinity College Dublin (1996-2000), PhD under Prof. Jef Boeke at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2002-2008), and postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School (2001-2002), Harvard University (2009-2014), and Dublin City University (2014-2015). Research centers on chromatin-based gene regulation mechanisms across evolutionary timescales, specifically investigating: experimental evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae histone variants, CRISPR-Cas9 reverse genetics in Candida glabrata virulence, and comparative epigenomics of histone marks in fungal pathogens. This work directly addresses antifungal resistance and phenotypic plasticity in human-infecting yeasts. Recent publications (2019-2023) reveal strong interdisciplinary trends combining medical mycology with evolutionary genomics, particularly in Candida drug resistance mechanisms. Parallel work extends to malaria pathogenesis (Plasmodium transporters) and innate immune evolution, consistently applying chromatin analysis to pathogen adaptation challenges. She holds the Charles A. King Postdoctoral Fellowship award and serves as Co-Investigator on two major research projects: IMMACULATE: Improving Mass Spectrometry Sustainability in Food, Environmental, and Health Research (2023-present) Phosphorus from wastewater: Novel technologies for advanced treatment and re-use (2014-present) Hyland coordinates undergraduate Experimental Biochemistry (BIO2102) and MSc Protein Structure & Function (BBC8039) modules while actively supervising PhD students. Her laboratory focuses on yeast epigenetics within the Institute for Global Food Security, maintaining international collaborations evidenced by co-author networks spanning the USA, Ireland, and UK, and participates in science outreach including the Northern Ireland Science Festival.

• Computational Genomics
• Gene Regulation
• RNA Biology
• +4 more

Susanne Bornelöv is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on computational genomics and gene regulation, particularly exploring posttranscriptional mechanisms such as codon optimality-mediated mRNA decay and transposon silencing. She uses computational methods, ribosome profiling, and Drosophila models to study how codon usage, tRNA availability, and RNA modifications influence gene regulation and genome evolution. Her work integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and comparative genomics to model gene regulatory processes and design novel regulatory elements. Key research areas include piRNA clusters' roles in suppressing retroviruses, codon usage bias in pluripotent stem cells, and the interplay between mRNA methylation and protein synthesis. The Bornelöv Group collaborates widely, including with institutions like Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, to advance understanding of fundamental gene expression principles. Publications highlight contributions to topics like deep learning in genomics, evolutionary conserved piRNA mechanisms, and transcriptional regulation. She leads a group open to interns, students, and researchers, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to address complex biological questions.

Zhishan WangView profile

Research Professor

• Environmental Carcinogenesis
• Cancer Biology
• Cancer Therapy
• +4 more

Zhishan Wang, MD, PhD is a Research Professor in the Department of Pathology at Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine . His work focuses on environmental carcinogenesis , particularly mechanisms of cancer biology and cancer therapy , with a specialization in metal-induced carcinogenicity. Research Interests: Environmental Carcinogenesis Epigenetic and Epitranscriptomic Mechanisms Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling Metal Toxicity Pathobiology Non-Coding RNA Regulatory Networks Scientific Contributions: Analysis of 15 recent publications reveals expertise in: Metal-Induced Oncogenic Pathways (e.g., NF-κB activation, Hedgehog signaling) RNA Modification Dynamics (m6A, lncRNA-splicing interactions) Stem Cell Plasticity in Carcinogenesis Multi-Carcinogen Synergy Mechanisms Epigenetic-Genotoxic Interplay Transcriptomic Reprogramming by Toxicants

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.

• Chromosome Segregation
• DNA Topoisomerase
• Mitosis
• +7 more

Duncan J Clarke is a Professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development at the University of Minnesota Medical School. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of chromosome segregation during cell division, with particular emphasis on the role of DNA topoisomerases and related proteins. Dr. Clarke's research interests include: Mechanisms of chromosome segregation during mitosis Function of DNA topoisomerase II in centromere and kinetochore regulation Role of SUMOylation in chromosome dynamics Spindle assembly checkpoint mechanisms Interactions between histone modifications and chromosome segregation machinery Connections between DNA topology and cell division His recent publications reveal a strong focus on the molecular details of chromosome segregation, particularly examining how DNA topoisomerases, histone modifications, and microtubule dynamics coordinate to ensure accurate chromosome distribution during cell division. His work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with potential clinical applications in cancer therapy, as evidenced by his research on topoisomerase inhibitors. Dr. Clarke has received significant research funding from NIH, including: Control of Chromosome Segregation by DNA Topoisomerase II (2024-2028) A high-throughput screen for inhibitors of Plk1-interacting checkpoint helicase (PICH) (2022-2025) Multiple previous NIH-funded projects dating back to 2003 His laboratory utilizes both yeast and mammalian model systems to investigate fundamental mechanisms of chromosome segregation that are conserved across species, with potential implications for understanding cancer development and improving cancer therapies.

• Cancer Metabolism
• Stem Cell Metabolism
• Metabolic Regulation of Cell Growth
• +5 more

Heather R. Christofk is a Professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Her research focuses on the intricate relationship between cellular metabolism and various biological processes, particularly in the contexts of cancer development, stem cell function, and viral infections. Education: PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard University (2007) BS in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology from UCLA (2001) Dr. Christofk's research program centers on understanding how metabolic pathways regulate cellular processes in both normal physiology and disease states. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to support rapid growth and proliferation, with particular focus on glucose metabolism, amino acid utilization, and metabolic adaptations in tumor microenvironments. She has also pioneered work on the metabolic regulation of stem cell function, especially in hair follicle stem cells, demonstrating how metabolic pathways control stem cell activation and differentiation. Her research has important implications for developing novel therapeutic approaches that target cancer metabolism while preserving normal tissue function. Analysis of Dr. Christofk's recent publications reveals a strong focus on metabolic heterogeneity across different biological contexts. Her work spans cancer metabolism (particularly in liposarcoma, melanoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma), stem cell metabolism (especially hair follicle stem cells), viral metabolism (including Epstein-Barr virus and Zika virus), and developmental metabolism (fetal development and organogenesis). A recurring theme is how metabolic pathways serve as regulatory nodes that control cell fate decisions, tumor progression, and therapeutic responses. Selected Research Funding: Metabolic Control of Hair Follicle Stem Cell Homeostasis and Tumorigenesis (NIH R01AR070245, 2018-2023) - Co-Principal Investigator Nutrient regulation of cancer cell growth (NIH R01CA215185, 2017-2022) - Principal Investigator Regulation of the Warburg Effect in Cancer (NIH DP2OD008454, 2011-2016) - Principal Investigator Dr. Christofk's laboratory maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines, working with clinicians, basic scientists, and computational biologists to address complex questions in metabolism and disease. Her team employs a range of cutting-edge techniques including metabolomics, stable isotope tracing, molecular biology, and in vivo models to investigate metabolic regulation in health and disease.

Chongli YuanView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Environmental Toxicology
• Cancer Therapeutics
• +3 more

Chongli Yuan is the Charles Davidson Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University. She joined Purdue in 2009 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at ETH Zurich (2007–2009), following her PhD in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University (2007) and a B.S. from East China University of Science and Technology (2002). Her research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, environmental chemical exposure impacts, cancer drug resistance, and point-of-care diagnostic tools. Key awards include the Edna O. and William C. Hooey Prize (2006) and Dow Scholarship (2001). Research Interests: Developing single-cell tools to track epigenetic changes in disease and normal development Investigating epigenetic memory from environmental chemical exposure (e.g., lead, pesticides) Uncovering epigenetic contributions to cancer drug resistance Creating low-cost, point-of-care devices for disease detection using smartphone-integrated technologies Lab & Team: Current students: Agnes Mendonca, Nathan Nurse, Oscar Sanchez Medina, and others Alumni include industry professionals (e.g., Sanofi, Intel) and academic researchers Facilities: The lab hosts advanced equipment like high-content microscopes, quantitative PCR systems, and nano-drop spectrometers.