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Danny NedialkovaView profile

Professor

• Molecular Cell Biology
• Protein Biogenesis
• Translation Regulation
• +7 more

Danny Nedialkova is a Professor for Biochemistry of Gene Expression at the Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technische Universität München, and a Max Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. Her research focuses on mechanisms of protein biogenesis, translation regulation, and systems biology, particularly in the context of proteostasis networks and their role in aging and neurological diseases. Molecular Cell Biology Protein Biogenesis Translation Regulation Systems Biology Proteostasis tRNA Biology Her recent work explores how translation dynamics and tRNA modifications influence protein folding and cellular health. She has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Science , Nature Structural & Molecular Biology , and Cell . Notably, her group has developed the mim-tRNAseq method for high-resolution tRNA analysis and investigates stem cell models to study proteostasis in aging and disease. Scientific awards include: EMBO Young Investigator Award (2021) ERC Starting Grant 'TransTempoFold' (2018) Free-floating Max Planck Research Group Grant (2016) Participation in Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (2014) EMBO Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship (2010) PhD cum laude (2010) BSc cum laude (2004)

• RNA Biology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• +1 more

Natoya Peart is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo , specializing in RNA biology and epithelial cell regulation. Her research focuses on RNA binding proteins (RBPs) like ESRP1 and their roles in tissue development and disease through processes such as alternative splicing and polyadenylation. Education: Ph.D. (2016) from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center/UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; B.S. (2010) from Yale University. Research Interests span RNA processing, protein-RNA interactions, epithelial cell integrity, and developmental defects like cleft lip/palate and kidney agenesis. Her lab employs 2D/3D cell culture and genome-wide molecular techniques to study RBP-mediated gene regulation. Recent publications highlight her work on ESRP1's role in epithelial function, developmental ciliopathies, and RNA processing mechanisms. She is affiliated with professional societies including the RNA Society and the Canadian Black Scientist Network. Scientific Awards: Johnson Foundation Fellow (2021) Stanford/Berkely/UCSF Next Generation Faculty Fellow (2021) Listed in Cell Mentor 1000 Inspiring Black Scientists (2020) Friends of FSH Research Graduate Fellowship (2015) UTHealth Dean’s Research Scholarship (2015) Schissler Foundation Fellowship (2013) Prime Minister’s Youth Award (2006) She supervises students through the Peart Lab , offering opportunities in Honours theses and graduate studies. Contact: n2peart@uwaterloo.ca or natoya.peart@uwaterloo.ca .

Ruxandra Bachmann-GagescuView profile

Associate Professor

• Developmental Genetics
• Ciliopathies
• Medical Genetics
• +8 more

Prof. Dr. med. Ruxandra Bachmann-Gagescu is an Associate Professor in Developmental Genetics at the University of Zurich , leading a research group within the Department of Molecular Life Sciences and the URPP Adaptive Neural Circuits (AdaBD) . Her work bridges human genetics , zebrafish models , and iPSC-based cellular systems to unravel the molecular basis of monogenic developmental diseases affecting the brain, kidney, and retina . Current focus: Ciliopathies (e.g., Joubert Syndrome) and their multisystem manifestations Clinical practice: Genetic diagnosis/counseling for inherited retinal/renal diseases Research Highlights: Her group investigates primary cilia —cellular antennae regulating signaling and homeostasis—through: Zebrafish mutants modeling CNS and retinal defects iPSC-derived 2D/3D models to study neuronal/kidney pathomechanisms Proteomic approaches to define cell-type-specific ciliary composition The lab contributes to large-scale initiatives like the European PREDICT Consortium (genetic modifiers in ciliopathies) and PRAECLARE (variant interpretation assays). Scientific Awards: SNSF Ambizione Fellowship (2012): Established her research niche in ciliopathies SNSF Professorship Grant (2017): Enabled independent lab leadership Advising & Collaborations: Mentors PhD and Master’s students in cilia biology and translational genetics. Collaborates with international experts in retinal disease (Sophie Saunier, Paris), kidney disorders (Carsten Wagner, Zurich), and bioinformatics (Pedro Beltrao, ETH Zurich). Labs & Teams: Based at the University of Zurich Irchel Campus (Y13-K-48/Y13-K-03), her team includes postdocs (Markus Masek), PhD students (Ellen Aarts, Arianna Cuoco), and lab manager Claudia Hofmann . Projects span zebrafish genetics , human iPSC differentiation , and clinical-genetic correlations .

H. Christian ReinhardtView profile

Professor

• Oncology
• DNA Damage Response
• Cancer Genomics
• +3 more

H. Christian Reinhardt is a Professor and Director of the Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation at the University Hospital Essen (University of Duisburg-Essen). Previously, he held key roles at the University of Cologne, including Professor of Clinical and Molecular Oncology and leadership positions in research consortia such as the Excellence Cluster CECAD and the Clinical Research Unit-286. He obtained his medical degree summa cum laude from the University of Freiburg (2003) and completed postdoctoral training at MIT. His research focuses on exploiting molecular vulnerabilities in cancer, particularly DNA damage response mechanisms in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and leukemia. He uses genetically engineered mouse models and functional genomics to identify therapeutic targets, with emphasis on PARP1, Chk1/MK2 inhibitors, and synthetic lethal interactions. His work bridges basic science and clinical translation, aiming to overcome drug resistance. Reinhardt has received 14 prestigious awards, including the Theodor Frerichs Award (2016), Emmy-Noether Fellowship (2009), and NIH K99/R00 grant. He leads collaborative projects like CRC 1399 at the University of Cologne and mentors junior researchers. His lab focuses on clonal evolution in cancer and immune microenvironment modulation.

Filippo BeleggiaView profile

Researcher

• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) biology
• Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs)
• DNA damage response
• +5 more

Dr. Filippo Beleggia is a Junior Group Leader at the Department of Translational Genomics, University Hospital of Cologne, and a key contributor to SFB 1399's research on drug sensitivity mechanisms in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Holding dual qualifications in medicine (University of Bologna, 2010) and translational genomics (University of Cologne, 2014), he combines clinical and molecular expertise to investigate SCLC biology, DNA damage response pathways, and novel therapeutic strategies. PhD in Translational Genomics (University of Cologne) MD (University of Bologna) His research focuses on: Identifying molecular vulnerabilities in SCLC through genetically engineered mouse models Studying tobacco smoke's impact on TP53/RB1 mutations Characterizing DNA damage response inhibitors and glutamatergic signaling pathways Developing synthetic lethal approaches for cancer therapy Recent publications highlight his work on: Ferroptosis-based differentiation of SCLC neuroendocrine subtypes ATM-dependent immune surveillance in lymphoma PARP1 and ATR/CHK1 dependencies in aggressive cancers Role of CRIM1 in ocular development Awards include: Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Junior Group Leader (2021) Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research PhD fellowship (2010) Contact: +49-221-478-98777 | info@sfb1399.de

• Molecular Genetics
• Aging Research
• Longevity
• +7 more

Robert J. S. Reis is a Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, affiliated with the College of Medicine and departments of Geriatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Pharmacology and Toxicology. His research focuses on the molecular genetics of aging and longevity, particularly through the study of model organisms like C. elegans and mammalian systems. Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Sussex B.A. in Biology from Harvard University Dr. Reis pioneered gene mapping in C. elegans to identify over 27 loci affecting lifespan and stress resistance. His work includes the discovery of the Pirin gene's role in post-menopausal bone loss and the involvement of Rad51 recombinase in cancer progression. Recent research explores how homologous recombination contributes to treatment resistance in myeloma, prostate, and breast cancers. His publications reveal a consistent focus on aging mechanisms, genetic pathways, and their implications for age-related diseases. While no formal awards are listed, his contributions to aging and cancer genetics are foundational. Dr. Reis operates from the VA Medical Center and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving bioinformatics and metabolic profiling.

Fen XiaView profile

Professor

• Radiation Oncology
• Central Nervous System Tumors
• DNA Damage Repair
• +5 more

Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D., FASTRO, serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine, where she also directs the residency program. Specializing in central nervous system tumors, her clinical practice operates from Little Rock, AR, with expertise in stereotactic radiosurgery. Her academic credentials include: M.D. from Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, China Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts Residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee Dr. Xia's research investigates replication stress response and DNA damage repair mechanisms in tumor and normal cells following radiation/chemotherapy, aiming to exploit defective DNA repair pathways for novel cancer prevention and personalized treatment strategies. Her federally funded laboratory at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Center drives this translational work. Professional recognition includes: Fellow of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (FASTRO) As Residency Director, she oversees radiation oncology trainee education while leading grant-funded research on cellular stress responses. Her laboratory team focuses on bridging DNA repair biology with clinical radiation oncology applications to improve therapeutic outcomes.

• Cancer Immunotherapy
• T cell biology
• Single-cell Genomics
• +7 more

Yong-Chen William Lu, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. His research program focuses on Cancer Biology , specifically developing T cell-based immunotherapies for metastatic malignancies. Dr. Lu utilizes cutting-edge single-cell genomic technologies to isolate neoantigen-specific T cell receptors, with applications in melanoma, gastrointestinal, breast, and brain cancers. Research Interests: Dr. Lu's work spans basic and clinical research, emphasizing: Cancer Immunotherapy : Engineering T cells to target shared cancer antigens and patient-specific neoantigens. Translational Genomics : Applying single-cell sequencing to identify actionable immune targets. Health Disparities & Informatics : Optimizing therapeutic strategies for diverse patient populations. His research keywords include: T cell biology, mutated antigens, and immunotherapy resistance mechanisms . Publication Trends (2021-2025): Dr. Lu's 15 most recent articles concentrate on isolating mutation-specific T cell receptors (e.g., KRAS-G12D, p53), developing TCR-based therapies for solid tumors, and clinical trial design. Dominant themes include neoantigen discovery, high-throughput TCR screening, and mechanistic studies of T cell responses in hepatocellular carcinoma, glioblastoma, and HPV-associated neoplasia.

Alok JoglekarView profile

Assistant Professor

• Immunology
• Computational Biology
• Systems Biology
• +7 more

Alok Joglekar, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh with joint appointments in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology and Department of Immunology. His research focuses on systems immunology approaches to T cell antigen discovery, computational modeling of T cell receptor (TCR) interactions, and engineering immune responses for autoimmune and cancer therapies. Key research areas include: Decoding TCR-peptide-MHC interaction rules High-throughput antigen discovery platforms Autoimmune disease immunotherapy T cell repertoire dynamics in disease Lentiviral vector engineering His work spans immunology, computational biology, and systems biology, with publications covering antigen discovery, T cell engineering, and disease-specific immunological mechanisms. The lab develops technologies to predict TCR ligands and modulate immune responses through synthetic receptors. Contact: joglekar@pitt.edu

Matthew Jason YoungView profile

Assistant Professor

• Mitochondrial Biology
• DNA Replication
• Genetic Disorders
• +3 more

Matthew Jason Young is an Assistant Professor at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine , affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He joined the faculty in 2015 after postdoctoral work at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and earned his B.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Manitoba. Research Focus: Mitochondrial DNA replication, repair, and toxicant/drug-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Key Techniques: Human cell culture, bioenergetic assays, molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy. Research Themes: His lab investigates how mutations in mitochondrial DNA maintenance machinery (e.g., POLG, POLG2) and drugs like NRTIs cause mitochondrial diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and mtDNA depletion syndromes. They use HepaRG liver cell models and develop mitochondrial disease models. mtDNA Replication: Mechanisms of pol γ and associated proteins. Toxicant Targets: NRTI-induced mitochondrial myopathy. Disease Models: CRISPR-based mitochondrial dysfunction systems. Laboratory Members: Dr. Matt Young (PI) Carolyn Young (Researcher II) Grace Forrest (Researcher I) Joel Wheeler (M.S. Student) Isabel Yunker (Undergraduate Student Worker) Michael Lay (Undergraduate Student)

• Microfluidics
• Quantitative Biology
• Antibiotic Resistance
• +3 more

Charles Baroud is a Principal Investigator and Researcher at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. He leads a multidisciplinary Quantitative Biology Program group integrating microfluidics , mathematical modeling , and biomedical engineering to study biological processes at single-cell resolution. Research Focus: The group develops anchored microfluidic droplet platforms for quantifying antibiotic resistance in monoclonal bacterial populations and analyzing mechanical forces in 3D tumor models . Their work bridges physical sciences with cell biology to address challenges in infectious diseases and cancer. Scientific Contributions: Recent articles highlight probabilistic antibiotic susceptibility curves (2024), APC mutation effects on T cell interactions (2024), and 3D mechanobiology of cell aggregates (2024). The lab actively engages in technology transfer via startup spin-offs and licensing agreements. Laboratory: The BaroudLab combines microfabrication , image analysis , and data science tools. Former members have founded three startup companies and secured faculty positions internationally, demonstrating the lab's impact on both academia and industry.

• DNA Adducts
• DNA Damage
• DNA Repair
• +10 more

Douglas E Brash is a Senior Research Scientist and Clinical Professor at Yale School of Medicine, with joint appointments in Therapeutic Radiology and Dermatology. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of UV-induced DNA damage and its role in skin cancer development. BS in Engineering Physics from University of Illinois PhD in Biophysics from Ohio State University Postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health Brash's work has established critical links between UV photoproducts (CPDs and (6-4) photoproducts) and mutation patterns in skin cancer genes like p53 and PTCH. His lab discovered that UV damage leads to physiological clonal expansion of mutant keratinocytes, and recently identified 'chemiexcitation' as a novel dark chemical carcinogenic mechanism involving melanin. Recent publications highlight his work on genomic UV dosimeters, triplet-energy quenching antioxidants, and applications of chemiexcitation in macular degeneration. Collaborations with David Leffell, Ruth Halaban, and others demonstrate interdisciplinary impact. Principal Investigator in molecular markers of UV exposure Key contributor to Yale SPORE in Skin Cancer

John MaciejowskiView profile

Researcher

• Genome Instability
• Telomere Biology
• Cancer Genomics
• +5 more

Dr. John Maciejowski is a leading molecular biologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and the Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on understanding how nuclear envelope rupture contributes to genome instability in cancer, particularly through mechanisms like chromothripsis and kataegis during telomere crisis. PhD in Biomedical Sciences from MSKCC Current lab at MSKCC investigates TREX1 and APOBEC3B roles in DNA repair Uses cell biology, biochemistry, and genomics approaches His work has significant implications for cancer genome architecture and mutation patterns. Key publications include mechanistic studies on TREX1's role in micronuclei repair and APOBEC3B's contribution to mutagenesis. Scientific honors include: NIH Pathway to Independence Award (2016) Tri-Institutional Breakout Prize (2016) Regeneron Prize for Creative Innovation (2016) Pew Biomedical Scholar Current research explores connections between telomere dysfunction, DNA repair pathways, and immune system interactions with genomic DNA, supported by multiple NIH grants including R00 CA212290 and R35 CA210036.

• Medical Oncology
• Immunotherapy
• Prostate Cancer Research
• +4 more

Vivek K. Narayan, MD, MS is an Associate Professor of Medicine specializing in Hematology-Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. He practices clinically at the Abramson Cancer Center within the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia, treating adult patients with genitourinary cancers. His educational background includes: Medical School: University of Virginia Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Fellowship: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Dr. Narayan's research focuses on translational and clinical aspects of prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma, with particular expertise in immunotherapy and cellular therapies. His laboratory work centers on the Prostate Cancer Cellular Therapy Program where he investigates novel CAR T-cell approaches and combination treatments for advanced disease. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on biomarker-driven therapies, treatment resistance mechanisms, and innovative clinical trial designs for genitourinary malignancies. Notable scientific contributions include: Phase 1 trial of PSMA-targeting TGFβ-insensitive CAR T-cells for metastatic prostate cancer (Nature Medicine 2022) Belzutifan for Von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated renal cell carcinoma (NEJM 2021) Leadership in the CheckMate 650 immunotherapy trial for prostate cancer (Cancer Cell 2020) As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Narayan maintains active involvement in patient care with a 5.0 average patient rating across 646 reviews, while directing translational research programs and mentoring through the Perelman School of Medicine. His work bridges basic science discoveries with clinical applications through numerous multi-institutional collaborations and clinical trials.

• Genetics
• Reproductive Biology
• Chromosome Biology
• +5 more

Jennifer Rose Gruhn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen, working within the Molecular Aging Program. She is an active member of the Hoffmann Group, where she conducts research at the intersection of reproductive biology, chromosome dynamics, and aging. Dr. Gruhn's research focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of human reproduction, particularly the high error rates in chromosome segregation during egg development. Her work addresses why human reproduction is particularly error-prone, with 50% of pre-implantation embryos showing developmental defects and 20%-85% of human eggs exhibiting aneuploidy (extra or missing chromosomes). Maternal age is identified as the strongest risk factor for aneuploidy, making reproductive aging a central focus of her investigations. Her recent publications reveal a consistent research trajectory examining the molecular basis of chromosomal abnormalities in human reproduction. Studies span from basic mechanisms of DNA repair and chromosome recombination to clinical applications in pregnancy loss diagnostics. Her work combines model organisms (mouse and yeast) with human egg and embryo research to investigate the DNA damage response and cell cycle proteins governing genetic changes in the germline. Dr. Gruhn has been involved in significant collaborative efforts, including the Copenhagen Pregnancy Loss Study (COPL), which has generated high-impact publications in journals like Nature and The Lancet. Her research has garnered substantial attention, with multiple papers picked up by news outlets, blogged about, and widely shared on social media platforms. As part of the Hoffmann Group, Dr. Gruhn contributes to advancing our understanding of the genetic changes that occur during human reproduction, with implications for both reproductive health and cancer research, as many of the same genes involved in maintaining germline genome stability are also implicated in oncogenesis.