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Simon WüestView profile

Lecturer

• Gravitational Biology
• Cellular Mechanosensation
• Microgravity Effects on Cartilage Cells
• +3 more

Simon Wüest is a Lecturer at the Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture (HSLU), focusing on gravitational biology and cellular mechanosensation. His research explores microgravity effects on cartilage cells and mechanosensitive ion channels, supported by parabolic flight and sounding rocket experiments. He developed instrumentation like Random Positioning Machines (RPMs) and the OoClamp device for space biology studies. Education: Apprenticeship in Mechanics at ETH Zurich Bachelor's in Systems Engineering at University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland Master's in Biomedical Engineering at University of Bern (part-time) PhD in Biomedical Engineering from University of Bern (collaborating with HSLU) Research Interests: Gravity's influence on biological systems Cartilage cell mechanosensation Ion channel function under microgravity Development of microgravity simulators (RPMs) Projects: Space Bioreactor COSMOS Data Cockpit OoDrop CaSiPaC (Calcium Signaling in Chondrocytes) Rexus CEMIOS (Frog Oocyte Experiments) Advising & Grants: Focus on chondrocyte dedifferentiation and mechanotransduction Collaborations with ESA and DLR on parabolic flight experiments Labs & Teams: Institute of Medical Engineering at HSLU Collaborations with University of Bern and international space agencies

Dior KelleyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Auxin Signaling
• Plant Development
• Proteomics
• +7 more

Dior Kelley is an Assistant Professor at Iowa State University's Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology. Her research focuses on auxin signaling, plant development, and proteomics, particularly in Arabidopsis and maize. She joined Iowa State in 2015 after completing a Ph.D. in Plant Biology at UC Davis (2009) and a B.S. in Chemistry from UC Santa Cruz (2000). Education: B.S., Chemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, 2000 Ph.D., Plant Biology, University of California Davis, 2009 Research Interests: Dr. Kelley investigates how auxin directs plant growth and development. Key areas include auxin-regulated proteomes, root morphogenesis, and the interplay between auxin and cell wall dynamics. Her work integrates molecular genetics, systems biology, and biochemistry to understand hormone-mediated processes in maize and Arabidopsis. Recent studies highlight roles for myosins like ATM1 in sugar-dependent growth and GAUT10 in pectin biosynthesis. Publications: Her recent work includes studies on maize root development, ubiquitination networks, and auxin signaling. Notable findings include the identification of ZmPILS6 as an auxin efflux carrier and the role of ATM1 in root meristem function. Grants and Collaborations: Funded by NSF (MCB Award 2419621 and IOS Award 2118253), her lab collaborates with researchers like Justin Walley and Olga Zabotina. Projects include the Arabidopsis root ubiquitinome and maize root physiology. Labs and Teams: Her lab (Kelley Lab) focuses on auxin-mediated processes, combining proteomics, genetics, and phenotyping to advance plant science and crop resilience.

Gregory EmeryView profile

Professor

• Cell Signaling
• Vesicular Transport
• Collective Cell Migration
• +3 more

Gregory Emery is a Full Professor at the Université de Montréal, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology. He leads the Vesicular Trafficking and Cell Signaling Research Unit at the Institut de recherche en immunologie et en cancérologie (IRIC). His research focuses on understanding how vesicular transport regulates cell signaling during development and cancer progression, using Drosophila melanogaster as a primary model system. Education: PhD in Biochemistry, University of Geneva (2002) Postdoctoral training at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (Vienna) under Juergen Knoblich Research Interests: Emery's work centers on vesicular transport mechanisms, particularly their roles in collective cell migration, Notch signaling, and cancer metastasis. Key projects include studying Rab GTPases, endocytic regulation, and supracellular actin networks in metastatic cell coordination. His team investigates how these processes control cell polarization, receptor activity, and tumor progression. Grants & Collaborations: Lead researcher on multiple grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and Canadian Cancer Society Core member of IRIC's Bio-Imaging Facility and collaborator on projects involving optogenetics and live-cell microscopy Labs & Teams: The Emery Lab at IRIC employs advanced imaging and proteomics to probe molecular mechanisms of collective migration, with a focus on translational applications to cancer biology. Recent discoveries include roles for Rab11 and Moesin in cell coordination during metastasis.

Stefan LinderView profile

Professor

• Medical Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Stefan Linder is a Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene at the University of Hamburg’s Faculty of Medicine. He leads the research group focusing on cellular mechanisms of pathogen interaction and cancer biology. His work spans medical microbiology, molecular cytology, and cell biology, with a focus on podosome biology, matrix metalloproteinases, and bacterial phagocytosis. Affiliations: Head of Research Group at the Center for Diagnostics, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University of Hamburg. Editorial Roles: Editor of European Journal of Cell Biology (2010-2021), Associate Editor of Frontiers in Immunology/Microbiology (since 2022), and Board member of multiple journals. Research interests include: Podosomes and invadopodia in cell invasion and phagocytosis. Role of MT1-MMP in cancer metastasis and macrophage activity. Bacterial pathogenesis, particularly Borrelia burgdorferi and Staphylococcus epidermidis . Protein trafficking and endosomal pathways in immune responses. Key achievements include: Co-Founder of The Invadosome Consortium. Scientific Coordinator of the T3Net Training Network. Recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Microscopical Society (2024). His publications span over two decades, with recent work focusing on tumor co-invasion mechanisms, macrophage polarization, and advanced microscopy techniques.

Lepu ZhouView profile

Researcher

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +3 more

Dr. Lepu Zhou is a Researcher at the Institute of Neuroanatomy, part of the Center for Experimental Medicine within the Faculty of Medicine at Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). His research focuses on neurobiology and neuroendocrinology, particularly exploring synaptic plasticity mechanisms, hormonal regulation of neural circuits, and the roles of neurosteroids in brain function. Zhou's work investigates how sex hormones like estrogen influence synaptic connectivity and cognitive processes, with applications to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS. He investigates molecular pathways involving aromatase enzymes, reelin signaling, and tau protein dysfunction. Key areas of interest include: Sex-specific differences in synaptic plasticity Neuroprotective mechanisms against neurodegeneration Estrogen's role in synaptogenesis and memory formation Protein aggregation in tauopathies Zhou's recent publications (2010–2020) highlight advancements in understanding synaptic modulation by hormones, with studies demonstrating estrogen's critical role in maintaining hippocampal function and synaptic density. His research bridges molecular neuroscience with clinical implications for age-related cognitive decline. He is affiliated with the Institute of Neuroanatomy's lab groups studying synaptic wiring, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Collaborations include work with the European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS) on translational neuroscience projects.

Jessica SawyerView profile

Research Professor

• Organ boundary communication
• Tissue regeneration
• Cell cycle regulation
• +4 more

Jessica Sawyer is an Assistant Research Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University since 2018, affiliated with the Basic Science Departments. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 2010. Her research focuses on organ boundary communication, non-stem-cell repair mechanisms, and Drosophila models of tissue regeneration and cell cycle regulation. She directs undergraduate summer research programs (AMGEN and SURPH) and serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Pharmacology. Education Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2010) Research Interests : Dr. Sawyer’s work explores how tissues coordinate regeneration and repair through mechanisms like rare codon regulation in mRNA expression, interorgan boundary signaling, and cell cycle dynamics. Her studies use Drosophila as a model organism to investigate processes such as neuronal differentiation, hindgut regeneration, and stem cell proliferation control. Recent Publications Trends : Her articles highlight advancements in understanding codon usage effects on protein expression, mechanical feedback in cell migration, and interorgan signaling during tissue repair. Key themes include genetic modifiers of signaling pathways, cell cycle regulation under developmental constraints, and molecular mechanisms governing organ boundary zones. Grants & Awards Principal Investigator: ASPET SURF Institutional Award (2018–2028) Co-Investigator: Amgen Scholars Program at Duke (2025–2027, 2023–2025) National Institute of General Medical Sciences grant on polyploidy after tissue injury (2016–2025) Teaching & Mentorship : Teaches courses including Regenerative Biology, Pharmacology, and Drug Development. Supervises research independent studies and mentors through undergraduate programs. Labs & Teams : Conducts research in the Fox Lab, focusing on regenerative biology and molecular mechanisms of repair.

Melissa WestwoodView profile

Professor

• Pregnancy Research
• Placental Development
• Maternal Hormonal/Nutritional Signals
• +4 more

Melissa Westwood is a Professor of Endocrinology and Associate Vice-President for Research (2018) at the University of Manchester. She holds roles in the Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine and the Office of the President and Vice Chancellor. Her research focuses on pregnancy complications, placental development, and maternal-fetal health. She leads the Manchester Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, aiming to translate research into clinical practice. Education: BSc (Hons) Anatomical Sciences (1st class), University of Manchester (1991) PhD in Medicine, University of Manchester (1995) PGCE in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, University of Manchester (2006) Research Interests: Placental function in normal and compromised pregnancies Maternal hormones and nutrition influencing implantation Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction mechanisms Plant-based therapies for pregnancy complications Awards: Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship (1997) Teaching & Advising: Contributes to undergraduate programs in Human Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. Supervises postgraduate research students and leads the Centre for Women's Health (2011–2015). Active in promoting postgraduate researcher wellbeing through institutional roles. Labs & Projects: Leads the Manchester Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre. Current projects include plant-derived extracellular vesicles for maternal obesity and Tommy's Annual Budget collaborations.

Abdi GhaffariView profile

Adjunct Assistant Professor

• Cancer metastasis
• Breast cancer
• Molecular medicine
• +5 more

Abdi Ghaffari serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine within the School of Medicine at Queen's University. His academic role is focused on advancing research in cancer biology, particularly in the areas of metastasis and molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression. Dr. Ghaffari's research interests center on cancer metastasis, tumor growth, biomarkers, and molecular medicine. He has made significant contributions to understanding the role of cytoskeletal proteins, especially ezrin, in breast cancer metastasis. His work explores how ezrin inhibition can impede cancer cell migration and lymph node metastasis, and he has also investigated novel therapeutic approaches using nitric oxide for treating infections such as Mycobacterium abscessus in cystic fibrosis patients. His expertise spans molecular target identification, biomarker validation, and therapeutic development for solid tumors. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on breast cancer metastasis, with a focus on molecular targets like ezrin and pTEN. His research also extends to ovarian cancer and the development of combination therapies involving STING agonists and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Additionally, his work on nitric oxide therapy demonstrates a cross-disciplinary approach between oncology and infectious disease, highlighting potential new treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections. Dr. Ghaffari is actively associated with the Queen's Laboratory for Molecular Pathology (QLMP), where he contributes to collaborative research efforts aimed at identifying molecular targets for cancer therapy and developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Comert KuralView profile

Associate Professor

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Comert Kural is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at The Ohio State University, affiliated with the Biophysics Graduate Program, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Program, and the Biochemistry Program. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Bilkent University and a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on understanding clathrin-mediated endocytosis and cellular interactions with their environment using advanced live-cell imaging techniques. Key areas include membrane tension effects on endocytosis, mechanotransduction, and the role of endocytosis in cancer cell behavior. The Intracellular Dynamics Laboratory combines biophysics, cellular biology, and developmental biology to study processes like cell migration, senescence, and fibrosis. Kural's lab has developed microscopy tools such as TraCKer and Slope Finder, enhancing super-resolution imaging. Notable achievements include the NSF Early Career Award (2017) and publications in journals like Nature Methods and Developmental Cell. His team includes postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates, with active collaborations and funding support.

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Biochemistry
• +4 more

Peter Chung, MD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , specializing in neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. His research focuses on: Alpha-synuclein and tau protein interactions with membranes Cytoskeletal dynamics in neurodegeneration Mechanistic studies of membrane binding and trafficking Neurofilament network organization and phase behavior Recent publications highlight his work on: Lipid packing defects in α-synuclein binding (2025) Tau-tubulin viscoelastic networks (2024) Mechanistic insights from tauopathy conferences (2025) His studies employ advanced biophysical techniques including fluorescence anisotropy, X-ray scattering, and osmotic pressure measurements to analyze protein-membrane interactions and cytoskeletal organization.

• Cell Biology
• Immunology
• Hemostasis and Thrombosis
• +3 more

Tatiana Ugarova is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion and signaling mediated by integrins, particularly in the context of hemostasis, inflammation, and biomaterial interactions. She investigates how integrins regulate macrophage fusion, leukocyte responses, and thrombus formation, with an emphasis on fibrinogen and fibrin as key mediators. Her work spans structural biochemistry, cell biology, and translational research in biomaterials. Key contributions include elucidating integrin-ligand interactions, the role of fibrinogen in anti-adhesive matrices, and the molecular basis of macrophage-driven foreign body reactions. She has held NIH-funded grants exploring fibrinogen-integrin dynamics and nonadhesive properties of fibrin matrices. Dr. Ugarova has served on multiple NIH study sections, including the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Study Section, and holds leadership roles in the International Fibrinogen Research Society as Treasurer and Board Member. She teaches advanced courses in molecular and cellular biology, including MCB 555 and undergraduate research supervision. Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding integrin function in health and disease, with recent work focusing on cytokine-integrin interactions and novel anti-inflammatory mechanisms involving platelet factor 4.

Leopold EckhartView profile

Associate Professor

• Skin Biology
• Molecular Evolution
• Epidermal Differentiation
• +6 more

Leopold Eckhart is an Associate Professor at the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna. He leads the Skin Biology Lab, focusing on molecular evolution of skin structures, autophagy mechanisms, and epidermal cornification. His work explores interactions between skin biology and environmental adaptation. Principal Investigator, Skin Biology Lab Research: Evolution of skin appendages, transglutaminase activity, keratinocyte differentiation Current FWF-funded projects on molecular evolution (2023-2026) and autophagy PhD advisees: Julia Steinbinder, Corina Dörner Recent publications include: 2024: Hoxc13 role in amphibian skin appendages (Nature Communications) 2024: Autophagy regulation of hair shaft proteins (J. Invest. Dermatol.) 2023: Transglutaminase conservation in epithelia (Int. J. Mol. Sci.) 2020-2014: Keratin evolution, DNase2-dependent sebum secretion, cornification genes He serves as Associate Editor for Journal of Investigative Dermatology and Frontiers in Immunology , and participates in COST Actions and European research networks.

Erin J. CramView profile

Professor

• Cell Migration
• Mechanotransduction
• C. elegans Biology
• +3 more

Erin J. Cram is a Professor of Biology and Associate Dean for Research at Northeastern University's College of Science. She holds an affiliation with the Bioengineering department. Her research focuses on cell migration and mechanotransduction in C. elegans, as well as enhancing drug compound production in medicinal plants like Catharanthus roseus. She has led or co-led multiple NSF and NIH-funded projects, including the PlantSynBio initiative to reprogram alkaloid biosynthesis and studies on ERM proteins' roles in cytoskeletal orientation. Dr. Cram earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley (2000) and B.S. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is a member of Northeastern's Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems. Her work bridges genetics, cell biology, and plant biotechnology, with recent publications in Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) , PLoS Genetics , and Frontiers in Plant Science . Her grants include NSF awards for CRISPR-based plant synthetic biology and NIH funding for in vivo mechanotransduction analysis. She collaborates across disciplines, exemplified by her co-PI role in the PlantSynBio project with Carolyn Lee-Parsons.

• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Richard Francis is a researcher affiliated with James Cook University, focusing on cilia biology, genetic disorders, and developmental anomalies. His work explores the role of cilia in structural birth defects, congenital heart disease, and ciliopathies such as Joubert syndrome and primary ciliary dyskinesia. He employs advanced imaging techniques like μOCT and CUBIC to study ciliary function and protein localization. Collaborations with institutions worldwide highlight his research impact. Notable contributions include mouse model development for genetic studies and investigations into cilia's role in organ patterning and embryonic development. Research interests span molecular mechanisms of cilia dysfunction, genetic interactions in congenital disorders, and translational applications of imaging technologies. His studies bridge basic science and clinical insights, addressing pathophysiological mechanisms underlying respiratory and cardiac defects. Francis has published extensively in journals such as *PLoS Biology*, *Nature*, and *Human Molecular Genetics*, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work.

• Nephrology
• Glomerular Diseases
• Podocyte Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Xuefei Tian is a Research Scientist in Nephrology at Yale School of Medicine, affiliated with the Ishibe Lab. He holds an MD from Tong Ji Medical University and a PhD from Peking Union Medical College. His clinical training includes residency and nephrology fellowship at China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology (FASN) and certified by ECFMG. His research focuses on podocyte biology, proteinuric glomerular diseases, and kidney pathology mechanisms. Recent work explores podocyte cytoskeletal regulation, glomerular injury pathways, and therapeutic strategies for conditions like lupus nephritis and sepsis-associated AKI. Publications span mechanistic studies (e.g., GIT ArfGAP2's role in podocytes) to clinical case analyses (e.g., belimumab efficacy in lupus nephritis). Over 70 peer-reviewed articles highlight his contributions to nephrology. Awards include FASN (2010) and ECFMG certification (2015). Collaborations with experts like Shuta Ishibe and David Calderwood drive interdisciplinary research. His work bridges basic science (cell signaling, molecular biology) and clinical nephrology, addressing unmet needs in kidney disease treatment and diagnostics.