Find Academic Supervisors

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Axonal Regeneration
• +3 more

Atrayee Basu is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine, conducting cutting-edge research in neural repair mechanisms and axonal regeneration. Her work bridges molecular biology and neuroscience to understand fundamental processes of neural recovery following injury. Her primary research interests include Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Axonal Regeneration, miRNA Research, Neural Repair Mechanisms, and Caenorhabditis elegans Genetics. Dr. Basu's work investigates how neurons can self-repair following injury, with particular focus on molecular pathways involving let-7 miRNA, UNC-40/DCC signaling, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Her research employs Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system to study fundamental processes that have implications for understanding and potentially treating neural injuries in humans. Dr. Basu's publication record demonstrates expertise in axonal regeneration, neural rewiring, and molecular repair mechanisms. Her work spans multiple approaches including genetic analysis, molecular signaling pathways, and behavioral studies to understand how neurons restore function following injury. The research shows particular strength in connecting molecular mechanisms to functional recovery outcomes. Inspiring Science Award, 2019 (for one of the best published paper in Life Science in 2017-2018 from India.) Dr. Basu is affiliated with the Strittmatter lab at Yale School of Medicine, where she conducts research on neural repair mechanisms. Her educational background includes a PhD in Neuroscience from the National Brain Research Centre (2022), an MSc in Neuroscience from the same institution (2014), and a BSc (Honors) in Microbiology from Lady Brabourne College, Calcutta University (2013). Her work represents a significant contribution to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of neural repair and regeneration.

• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology
• +6 more

Zhongyuan Zuo is a Senior Staff Scientist at the Yale School of Medicine, affiliated with the Department of Cell Biology and the Center for Cellular and Molecular Imaging. He holds an MS in Molecular and Cellular Biology (2014) and a BS in Molecular Biology (2012) from the University of Denver. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, mitochondrial biology, and lysosomal dysfunction, utilizing Drosophila models and CRISPR-based tools. Collaborations include frequent work with Berrak Ugur, PhD, and other Yale investigators. Key research areas include mitochondrial dynamics, neuroinflammation, and the effects of environmental toxins like spinosad and neonicotinoid insecticides. His lab contributes to developing therapeutic strategies for disorders like infantile neuronal axonal dystrophy (INAD/PARK14) and advancing CRISPR gene-editing techniques. Zuo’s work bridges cell biology, genetics, and neurology, addressing fundamental questions in cellular homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Publications span high-impact journals such as Nature Communications , Cell Metabolism , and Science Advances , highlighting his contributions to understanding Wnt signaling, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction. His lab is part of the Electron Microscopy Facility at Yale CCMI, leveraging advanced imaging techniques for cellular and molecular studies.

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research
• +3 more

Alana Cowell is a Research Fellow at Birkbeck, University of London, affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences. She is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Professor Carolyn Moores' lab, focusing on the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton using advanced techniques like single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) and cell tomography. Her research explores cellular processes such as filopodia formation, endothelial barrier integrity, and the role of proteins like Talin1 and TLNRD1 in cancer and genetic disorders. Her work bridges molecular biology, structural biology, and cell biology, with a particular emphasis on protein function, cytoskeletal dynamics, and their implications in diseases. Recent studies include investigations into Talin1 dysfunction linked to systemic capillary leak syndrome and the biochemical characterization of integrin interactomes. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided information. She is part of Carolyn Moore's research group, contributing to projects that integrate cutting-edge microscopy techniques with biochemical analyses to unravel cellular mechanisms.

Anne HoudusseView profile

Researcher

• Molecular motors
• Myosin
• Kinesin
• +10 more

Anne Houdusse is a Senior Research Director (1st class CNRS) at the Structural Motility team of the Cell Biology and Cancer (UMR144) unit at Institut Curie, France. She has held this position since 2009 and previously served as a Research Director (2nd class) from 2004-2009. Her career spans structural biology, molecular motor research, and biophysics, with post-doctoral work at Brandeis University and a PhD at Institut Pasteur. Research Focus : Structural studies of molecular motors (myosin, kinesin, dynein), actin-myosin interactions, microtubule binding, and allosteric regulation mechanisms. Scientific Contributions : Key discoveries in myosin structural states, unconventional motor mechanisms, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Scientific Awards : CNRS Silver Medal (2013) EMBO/FEBS Women in Science Award (2009) FEBS Anniversary Prize (2005) CNRS Bronze Medal (2004) Simone and Cino del Duca Foundation award (2010) EMBO/HFSPO Long-Term Fellowships (1993-1995) Professional Roles : Member of CNRS advisory committees, SOLEIL synchrotron program committee, and Biophysical Journal editorial board (2008-2014). She has authored 54 publications and presented at 53 international conferences.

• Cell Biology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Pregnancy
• +3 more

Dr. Laura Lindsay is a Lecturer in Anatomy & Histology at the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences. Her research focuses on reproductive biology, particularly uterine epithelial cell biology, pregnancy mechanisms, and fertility-related pathologies. She has contributed to studies on cell membrane dynamics, desmosome redistribution, and the role of zinc in non-hormonal contraception. Research Interests Cellular and molecular mechanisms of uterine receptivity Infertility and endometriosis pathogenesis Reproductive physiology across species Role of aquaporins and VEGF in pregnancy Publications Trends Her recent work emphasizes uterine epithelial cell adaptations during early pregnancy, membrane trafficking, and the impact of ovarian hyperstimulation. Key themes include cellular junction remodeling, zinc-based contraception, and comparative reproductive biology in mammals and marine species. Grants 2010: Hormone-responsive uterine epithelial cell culture and implantation process

James SmithView profile

Professor

• Antimicrobial Research
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• +4 more

James Smith is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas A&M University. He joined the department in 2010 and leads the Smith Lab, focusing on antimicrobial discovery and functional characterization. His academic background includes a B.S. in Biology and Secondary Science/Math Teaching (1996, Florida State University), an M.B.A. in Finance/Competitive Strategy (2002, University of Florida), and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Microbiology (2002, University of Florida). He completed postdoctoral research at Oragenics Inc. and previously held a faculty position at Mississippi State University. Smith's research emphasizes novel antimicrobial agents and their roles in understanding cellular/membrane physiology and developing therapeutic strategies. Key areas include biofilm inhibition, probiotic potential of oral microbiota, and antifungal agents like occidiofungin. His work bridges natural product discovery with synthetic chemistry and drug delivery systems, addressing microbial pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. Publications highlight advancements in peptide analog engineering, antifungal mechanisms, and sustained drug delivery systems. Collaborative efforts explore clinical applications of antimicrobials in infection models and probiotic reservoirs. His lab continues to investigate enzymatic pathways in antimicrobial synthesis, contributing to both fundamental biology and translational medicine. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. The Smith Lab Webpage provides further details on ongoing projects, funding, and team collaborations.

Gonzalo BlancoView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Muscle Plasticity
• Muscle Biology
• Genetic Disorders
• +4 more

Dr. Gonzalo Blanco is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology at the University of York. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle plasticity, particularly the role of Z-disc proteins like KY and ZAK in muscle adaptation and disease. He explores how mechanical stress signals trigger transcriptional changes and protein turnover via autophagy pathways. His work uses mouse, fish, and cellular models to study rare genetic myopathies, such as those caused by ZAK mutations. Collaborations include projects with Betsy Pownall investigating ZAK signaling pathways and muscle integrity. Teaching involves a module on human genetics, where students analyze pedigrees, calculate genetic risks, and use research papers to interpret disease mechanisms. He emphasizes hands-on lab techniques and innovative projects in science communication, such as creating media pieces to explain biomedical discoveries. Key grants include the CFH1 Research Project (2017–2018) on ZAK-linked myopathy models and C2D2 initiatives exploring Z-disc proteins' roles in muscle function. His research bridges mouse models and human conditions, aiming to identify therapeutic targets for rare muscle disorders.

• Cell Biology
• Endocytosis
• Membrane Dynamics
• +5 more

Min Wu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at Yale University, part of the Yale School of Medicine. She holds affiliations with the Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BQBS) program, the Cell Biology Center, the Cancer Signaling Networks group, the Center for Biomedical Data Science, and the Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development program. Her research focuses on cellular oscillations, membrane curvature dynamics, and cell size homeostasis. Prior to Yale, she was an Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore and a National Research Foundation Fellow. Education: BSc in Chemistry from Peking University (2000), DPhil in Chemistry from Cornell University (2006). Postdoctoral training at Yale University under Pietro De Camilli. Her work bridges cell biology, biophysics, and systems biology, with key contributions to reconstituted endocytic systems and cortical wave mechanisms. Research Interests: Endocytic trafficking mechanisms, actin wave dynamics, phosphoinositide signaling, and the biophysical principles governing cell size and shape. Her lab investigates how oscillations and waves coordinate cellular processes, with implications for cancer signaling and developmental biology. Awards: Recognized as a National Research Foundation Fellow. Her research has been highlighted in high-impact journals like Nature Cell Biology, Developmental Cell, and Cell Reports. Collaborations span disciplines, including with the Mechanobiology Institute and the Center for Bioimaging Sciences. Labs/Teams: Leads the Wu Lab, which employs advanced microscopy and systems approaches to study single-cell dynamics. Engages in interdisciplinary projects, integrating computational modeling with experimental cell biology.

• Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• Protein Enzymology
• +3 more

Wenxiang Cao is a Research Scientist in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale School of Medicine. His research focuses on the biophysical and biochemical mechanisms of protein enzymes and the mechanical properties of protein polymers. He holds a PhD in Physics from Northeastern University (2003) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University (2008). Key research areas include actin filament mechanics, cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-ET) method development, and the structural basis of protein interactions. Notable contributions include studies on cation-induced stiffening of actin filaments and phosphate release mechanisms in actin-branching complexes. His work frequently involves collaborations with researchers like Enrique De La Cruz and Chuck Sindelar, yielding over 60 peer-reviewed publications. Awards include an American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (2006). Current affiliations include the Yale School of Medicine and the Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry department. Research highlights include quantitative studies of ENPP1 variants in bone disease and structural analysis of bacterial microcompartments using Cryo-ET.

Jesús AvilaView profile

Research Professor

• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Tauopathies
• Molecular Neurobiology
• +3 more

Jesús Avila serves as a Research Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), specializing in molecular neuropathology with focus on tau protein mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders. His work is affiliated with the Molecular Neuropathology program at the Center of Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa, a joint institution of CSIC and the Autonomous University of Madrid. Previously, he directed this center during 1984-1986 and 2002-2004. Avila's research centers on tauopathies, particularly Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. His investigations explore tau protein's role in neuronal cytoskeleton disruption, mechanisms of tau hyperphosphorylation via GSK-3beta, extracellular tau neurotoxicity, and caspase activation pathways. His experimental approaches utilize transgenic mouse models to dissect molecular pathways linking tau dysfunction to hippocampal degeneration and cognitive deficits. Analysis of his 2010 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory examining tau-GSK-3beta interactions across multiple experimental systems, with consistent focus on therapeutic intervention points for neurodegenerative processes. His work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with translational implications for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Key scientific recognitions include: National Research Award Santiago Ramón y Cajal Lilly Foundation Award in Biomedical Research Pfizer Prize Foundation for Aging and Quality of Life Medal of the University of Helsinki Membership in the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences As director of the Center of Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa during two distinct periods, Avila demonstrated significant leadership in Spanish neuroscience. His current position within CSIC's Molecular Neuropathology program continues to advance understanding of tau-related neurodegeneration, with implications for diagnostic and therapeutic development in age-related cognitive disorders.

Joshua SmalleyView profile

Academic

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• +4 more

Joshua Smalley is a Research Assistant Professor in Neuroscience at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. He holds expertise in biochemistry, neuroscience, and bioinformatics with a focus on GABA A receptors, ion transport mechanisms, and large-scale 'omic' technologies. Education: B.Sc. Biochemistry, University of Surrey, UK M.Sc. Toxicology, University of Surrey, UK Ph.D. Genetics & Bioinformatics, MRC Toxicology Unit, UK Research Interests: Josh's work centers on understanding GABA A receptor subunit composition, their interactions with proteins, and pharmacology. He develops bioinformatic tools like the connectivity map (cMap) to identify novel drug targets for neurological diseases. Key areas include ion channel regulation (Kv2.1, KCC2), synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Publications Trends: Recent articles highlight advancements in KCC2 function (e.g., epilepsy treatment, neuron survival) and GABAA receptor assembly. Cross-cutting themes include drug discovery via 'omic' data and translational neuroscience applications. Grants & Collaborations: His postdoctoral training included collaborations with Genometry Inc. (Boston), University of Leicester, and Tufts University labs. Research has spanned academic-industry partnerships focused on neuropharmacology and computational biology. Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the Tufts University School of Medicine Neuroscience department, contributing to multidisciplinary projects on inhibitory neurotransmission and neurological disorder treatments.

• Cell Signaling
• Cancer Biology
• Systems Biology
• +4 more

Boris Kholodenko is a Professor at Yale School of Medicine, specializing in systems biology and cancer research. His work focuses on understanding cellular signaling networks, drug resistance mechanisms, and cell state transitions in cancer. Key research areas include computational modeling of signaling pathways, ERK signaling inhibition, and therapeutic target identification in oncology. Research Interests: Cell signaling, cancer biology, systems biology, drug resistance, computational modeling, and network dynamics. Recent Publications Highlight: Analysis of endothelial cell cycle regulation in vascular remodeling (Science Advances, 2025), and development of drug combinations for RAS-mutant leukemia (Blood, 2024). Collaborations: Works with researchers like Oleg Rukhlenko, William Kolch, and Martin Schwartz on cancer cell state transitions and signaling networks. His articles emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining systems biology with clinical oncology, particularly targeting ERK signaling and therapeutic strategies to reverse pathological cell states.

Phill StansfeldView profile

Professor

• Membrane Proteins
• Computational Biochemistry
• Bacterial Cell Wall Biogenesis
• +3 more

Prof. Phill Stansfeld is a Professor of Computational Biochemistry at the University of Warwick. His research focuses on visualizing biomolecular machines, particularly integral membrane proteins, using computational methods like molecular dynamics simulations. Key interests include bacterial membrane proteins, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and lipid-protein interactions. His group develops tools such as MemProtMD, CG2AT, and PyLipID to study membrane protein dynamics and interactions. Education: PhD Biochemistry, University of Leicester (2007) BSc Biological Sciences (1st Class), University of Edinburgh (2003) Research Interests: His work targets fundamental challenges in membrane protein structural biology, including peptidoglycan biogenesis, lipopolysaccharide transport, protein secretion, and lipoprotein maturation. By animating static protein structures via simulations, his group explores drug-binding mechanisms and essential bacterial processes to combat antimicrobial resistance. Labs/Teams: Head of the Stansfeld Research Group, affiliated with the Howard Dalton Centre for Mechanistic Enzymology and Centre for Computational Chemistry at the University of Warwick.

José M. ValpuestaView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• Molecular Chaperones
• Protein Folding
• +3 more

José M. Valpuesta is a Full Professor and Head of Department at the Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC) since 2013. He has held leadership roles including Director (2007-2013) and Vicedirector (2006-2007) of CNB-CSIC. His academic career spans over three decades, starting with his PhD from Universidad del País Vasco (1985) and postdoctoral research at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge (1986-1989). Research focuses on structural biology, molecular chaperones, protein folding, and electron microscopy. Notable achievements include groundbreaking studies on CCT (TRiC) chaperonin complexes and influenza virion structures. His work bridges microscopy techniques with molecular mechanisms, particularly in cellular protein homeostasis and cytoskeleton dynamics. Key awards include the FEI Award (2004) and Bruker Award (2002). He has secured international grants from EU, HFSP, and NIH, and serves as Chief Editor for the Encyclopedia of Life Sciences (ELS) Structural Biology section. Professional memberships include leadership roles in the Spanish Microscopy Society and evaluation roles for global funding agencies. Valpuesta’s lab at CNB-CSIC investigates macromolecular complexes using advanced imaging and biophysical methods. His interdisciplinary approach addresses fundamental questions in cellular biology with implications for diseases linked to protein misfolding and cellular stress responses.

Valtorta FlaviaView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic function
• Neurotransmission
• +5 more

Flavia Valtorta is a Full Professor of Pharmacology and Dean of the Medical School at San Raffaele Vita-Salute University in Milan. She leads the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute and has held numerous leadership roles, including Director of the Division of Neuroscience and President of the National Committee on Doping. Her research focuses on synaptic function, synaptic vesicle dynamics, and protein phosphorylation in neurological disorders. Valtorta holds a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Milan (cum laude) and completed postdoctoral training at The Rockefeller University under Nobel laureate Paul Greengard. Her research interests include synaptic development, neurotransmission, and the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptopathies. Key achievements include identifying the alpha-latrotoxin receptor and discovering phosphorylation-dependent links between synaptic vesicles and the cytoskeleton. She has secured grants from the European Union, Telethon, and multiple foundations. Awards include the Harvard-Armenise Neuroscience Award and the Novartis Prize for Basic Research in Neuroscience. Valtorta has served on review panels for INSERM, CNRS, and the NIH. Her work spans over 150 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Science, Nature, and Neuron. She is a member of the Academia Europaea and Top Italian Women Scientists (TIWS).