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Jeffrey J EssnerView profile

Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Angiogenesis
• Zebrafish Genetics
• +3 more

Jeffrey J Essner is a Professor in the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology at Iowa State University. His research focuses on using zebrafish models to study tumor angiogenesis and cancer progression. Dr. Essner holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Iowa (1987) and a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics from the University of Minnesota (1996). Before joining Iowa State in 2005, he conducted postdoctoral work at the Scripps Research Institute and the Huntsman Cancer Institute. His work integrates genetic engineering techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs to study vascular development and tumor biology. Research interests include understanding genes regulating endothelial cell behavior during angiogenesis, particularly how new blood vessels form to support tumors. His lab develops transgenic zebrafish models to investigate molecular mechanisms of cancer, including studies on retinoblastoma and neural progenitor tumors. Notable contributions include pioneering methods for efficient genome editing using short homology arms and developing fluorescent transgenic fish lines for research and commercial applications. Recent publications highlight advancements in CRISPR-based tools for targeted gene integration, conditional gene inactivation systems, and molecular characterization of vascular development. His work bridges fundamental biology with translational applications in biotechnology and medical research.

Terence OzolinsView profile

Associate Professor

• Developmental Toxicology
• Cardiac Birth Defects
• Ventricular Septation
• +2 more

Terence Ozolins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen's University's Faculty of Health Sciences. He holds cross-appointments with the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME) and teaches courses in pharmacology and toxicology, including PHAR 480: Drug Discovery and Development. His research focuses on the etiology of ventricular septation defects (VSD) using rat models to understand how environmental influences during gestation cause structural heart defects and long-term postnatal cardiac dysfunction even after spontaneous repair. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying teratogen-induced cardiac malformations and persistent physiological abnormalities. Publications demonstrate expertise in high-resolution fetal ultrasound imaging, molecular pathways of teratogenesis, and transgenerational effects of chemical exposures. Recent work explores AP-1 transcription factor regulation in embryotoxicity. Scientific Awards: Safety Sciences Award for Scientific Excellence (2003) Dr. Ozolins maintains collaborations with clinical researchers and previously spent 11 years in pharmaceutical industry research. Current projects examine epigenetic mechanisms in congenital heart defects and developmental origins of adult cardiovascular disease.

• Healthcare Informatics
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Patient Safety
• +6 more

Julie Li is a Researcher in the Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research at Macquarie University's Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy and focuses on healthcare informatics, patient safety, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Her research explores DNA repair mechanisms, protein misfolding, and ER-Golgi trafficking dysregulation in neurodegenerative disorders. With an h-index of 13 and over 944 citations, her work bridges clinical and molecular insights, emphasizing translational applications in healthcare technology and safety. Her research interests include understanding the molecular pathways underlying ALS pathology, particularly the role of TDP-43, C9orf72 mutations, and cyclin F defects. She has contributed to studies on ER stress, Golgi fragmentation, and the protective roles of proteins like PDI and ERp57. Julie has also explored healthcare information systems, advocating for safer patient care through technological interventions. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Key achievements include awards such as the Australian Institute of Health Innovation Three Minute Thesis (2024), Best Poster at the Context Sensitive Health Informatics Conference (2023), and the Branko Cesnick Award (2024). Her work has been published in high-impact journals, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and healthcare innovation. Julie collaborates internationally on projects addressing ER-Golgi trafficking defects in ALS and FTD. Her lab’s work on real-time clinical dashboards and mobile point-of-care testing (PoCT) aims to enhance diagnostic efficiency in healthcare settings.

• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Alzheimer's disease (AD)
• +7 more

Sandra Cristina Vicente Almeida is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at UMass Chan Medical School, with additional appointments in the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, NeuroNexus Institute, and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (Departments of Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Neuroscience, and Translational Science). Education: BS in Biochemistry from University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal PhD in Cell Biology from University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal Dr. Almeida's primary research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Her laboratory employs patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines to generate disease-relevant neuronal cells. She has developed iPSC lines from FTD and ALS/FTD patients carrying mutations in progranulin, C9ORF72, TDP-43, and MAPT, as well as healthy controls. These iPSCs are differentiated into post-mitotic cortical and motor neurons to uncover underlying molecular and cellular defects. Her work also involves gene editing approaches to create CHMP2B mutant iPSCs for studying AD cellular pathogenesis. Analysis of Dr. Almeida's publication record from 2012 to 2024 reveals a strong focus on C9ORF72-related mechanisms in ALS/FTD, with particular emphasis on dipeptide repeat proteins, RNA toxicity, and cellular models using iPSC technology. Her research spans molecular biology, cellular neuroscience, and translational approaches to neurodegenerative diseases, with a consistent emphasis on understanding pathogenic mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic interventions. The most cited works focus on poly(GR) toxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nucleocytoplasmic transport defects in ALS/FTD. Dr. Almeida collaborates extensively with Dr. Fen-Biao Gao and other researchers in the field, as evidenced by her numerous co-authored publications. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided text, her extensive publication record in high-impact journals suggests significant research funding support. Her laboratory appears to focus on cellular models of neurodegeneration, particularly using iPSC technology to study patient-specific mechanisms of disease. The research emphasizes both basic molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches for ALS, FTD, and related neurodegenerative disorders.

Marlene OeffingerView profile

Associate Professor

• RNA Processing
• Ribosome Biogenesis
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Marlene Oeffinger is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal and holds a cross-appointment at the Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University . She serves as Research Director of the Ribonucleoprotein Biochemistry Research Unit at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM). Her research focuses on RNA maturation pathways, ribosome biogenesis, and their links to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS through RNA-protein complex dynamics. Education : Master's in Cell Biology (University of Vienna), PhD in Molecular Biology (University of Edinburgh). Training : Postdoctoral work in David Tollervey's lab (Edinburgh) and Mike Rout's lab (Rockefeller University). Her work combines proteomics , biochemical assays , and computational approaches to map RNA maturation networks and their connections to DNA damage repair. Recent articles highlight discoveries in archaeal ribosome evolution, mRNA export mechanisms, and RNA structure probing in yeast. She has received prestigious awards including the CIHR New Investigator Award , FRQ-S Junior Scholar Fellowships , and Revson Foundation Biomedical Fellowship . Marlene's lab trains students and researchers in RNA biology, with current members like Master's student Mauricio Hernandez Magana. Her affiliations span multiple platforms at the IRCM, including bioinformatics , proteomics , and molecular biology . She leads grants from CIHR , FRQNT , and Brain Canada , advancing understanding of RNA's role in disease etiology.

Sugandha BhatiaView profile

Research Fellow

• Cancer Biology
• Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
• Chromosomal Instability
• +4 more

Dr. Sugandha Bhatia is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), working within the Faculty of Health and School of Biomedical Sciences. Her research primarily focuses on cancer biology, particularly examining epithelial-mesenchymal transition, chromosomal instability, and tissue engineering applications for cancer treatment and bone regeneration. Dr. Bhatia completed her PhD in Cancer Biology at Queensland University of Technology. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her current work on cellular plasticity in cancer progression and treatment resistance. Dr. Bhatia's research interests center on understanding the mechanisms of cancer progression, with particular emphasis on: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its role in cancer metastasis Chromosomal instability and aneuploidy in cancer development Tissue engineering approaches for bone regeneration post-cancer treatment Mechanisms of chemoresistance in breast and lung cancers Metabolic reprogramming during cancer cell state transitions Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on the intersection of cancer biology, cellular plasticity, and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Bhatia has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, Acta Biomaterialia, and Cancers, with her work frequently exploring how cellular state transitions influence cancer progression and treatment response. Dr. Bhatia actively collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines, contributing to interdisciplinary projects that bridge basic cancer biology with clinical applications. Her work on tissue-engineered bone constructs shows promise for improving outcomes following osteosarcoma resection. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr. Bhatia contributes to research training and mentoring of graduate students working on related projects, particularly in the areas of cancer cell biology and tissue engineering.

• Genome Stability
• Chromosomal Instability
• Cancer Biology
• +5 more

Rui Cui is a Guest Researcher at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and Molecular Aging Program, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Contactable via phone (+4535324771) and email (cuirui@sund.ku.dk), Cui investigates chromosomal instability mechanisms and their impact on human diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration, and infertility. Research centers on genome maintenance pathways, with emphasis on common fragile sites as models for difficult-to-replicate genomic regions and the characterization of ultra-fine anaphase bridges (UFBs)—DNA structures connecting sister chromatids during mitosis. UFBs are coated with proteins like PICH and BLM helicase (mutated in Bloom's syndrome), studied through protein biochemistry, molecular/cell biology, high-resolution imaging, and microfluidics-based single-molecule techniques for in vitro DNA metabolism reconstitution. Recent work trends show a focus on mitotic regulation, exemplified by the 2025 EMBO Journal article on anaphase bridge signaling to the abscission checkpoint, revealing how UFBs influence cell division fidelity and disease pathogenesis. This aligns with broader efforts to link defective genome maintenance to cancer predisposition. Cui operates within the Hickson Group, a research team dedicated to understanding disease-causing mutations in genome maintenance genes. Collaborative efforts span country-level networks in molecular aging research, leveraging advanced biophysical tools to dissect DNA metabolism pathways.

Yiqiang ZhangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• +6 more

Yiqiang Zhang, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, affiliated with the Center for Cardiovascular Research. He holds graduate faculty roles in Developmental and Reproductive Biology (DRB) and Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB). Dr. Zhang earned his B.Sc. in Biology (Zoology) and M.Sc. in Physiology from Sun Yat-sen University (China), followed by a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Montreal (2006). His postdoctoral training included Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Cardiology Fellowship Program and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, focusing on developmental cell biology and cardiac electrophysiology. He has held prior roles as a Staff Scientist at City of Hope National Medical Center and Acting Assistant Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. His research integrates multi-omics, bioinformatics, and advanced cellular/molecular techniques to study cardiac development, disease mechanisms, and regenerative therapies. Key projects include: epigenetic regulation of cardiomyocyte cell cycle re-entry, single-cell analysis of heart failure mechanisms, and leveraging stem cell models to understand congenital heart defects. His work addresses diabetic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and heart failure through translational approaches. Supported by NIH, American Heart Association, and other funding agencies, his lab seeks to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Zhang teaches across undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs, emphasizing translational research and clinical education. His contributions span over 60 peer-reviewed publications, including high-impact studies in Cell , Circulation , and Nature journals. Current research emphasizes computational genomics, epigenetic modifiers, and inflammatory pathways in cardiac disorders.

Min ZhangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Pharmacogenomics
• Computational Toxicology
• +3 more

Dr. Min Zhang is an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy. She holds a PhD in bioinformatics from Harbin Medical University and has conducted postdoctoral research at the FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her research focuses on bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics, and computational toxicology, with an emphasis on developing computational tools for precision medicine and predicting adverse drug reactions. She is affiliated with the Center for Pharmacogenetics and has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. Her work integrates multi-omics data to advance cancer therapies and drug safety. Education & Training: PhD in Bioinformatics, Harbin Medical University ORISE Fellow, FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research Postdoctoral Training, MD Anderson Cancer Center Research Interests: Dr. Zhang’s research bridges computational biology and translational medicine. She develops algorithms to analyze genomic and transcriptomic data, with applications in: Cancer immunotherapy response prediction Drug-induced toxicity screening Non-coding RNA roles in cancer progression Multi-omics integration for personalized treatment strategies Grants & Advising: While specific grants are not listed, her publications indicate sustained research activity. She is currently accepting graduate students for training in pharmacogenomics and systems pharmacology. Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the Center for Pharmacogenetics , collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to translate genomic insights into clinical practice.

• Molecular Cardiology
• Clinical Cardiology
• Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease
• +3 more

Anthony White is an Associate Professor at Monash University's Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, serving as academic co-director of the Clinical Years of the Medical Degree. He holds an external position as a Cardiologist at the Victorian Heart Hospital since 2010. His research integrates molecular biology with clinical cardiology, focusing on coronary artery disease mechanisms, stem cell therapies, and genetic determinants of cardiovascular conditions. He has led three NHMRC-funded projects exploring cardiac stem cells and miRNA roles in cardiomyocyte specification. Education: MBBS from University of Melbourne (1996) and a PhD in Biomechanical, Biochemical and Genetic Determinants of Unstable Coronary Disease. Research Interests Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) genetics (F11R gene) Pluripotent stem cells and cardiac tissue regeneration CRISPR-based DNA editing applications Coronary plaque instability mechanisms Cardiac regeneration via organoids and stem cell therapies Advising & Grants Supervised 4 students (2 BMedSc(Hons), 1 Science Honours, 1 PhD). Principal Investigator on projects totaling over AUD 1M including NHMRC grants (2008-2013) and Collier Charitable Fund (2011). Labs/Teams Associated with Victorian Heart Institute and Monash University's Cardiovascular Research Group.

Jan LammerdingView profile

Professor

• Cell nucleus mechanobiology
• Mechanotransduction
• Cancer cell migration and metastasis
• +5 more

Jan Lammerding is a Professor at Cornell University's Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering and the Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology. His research focuses on nuclear mechanobiology, investigating how mechanical forces affect nuclear structure and function in cancer metastasis and muscular dystrophies. He has developed microfluidic platforms to study nuclear deformation and holds fellowships from BMES, AIMBE, and ASCB. Education: Diplom Ingenieur (RWTH Aachen), B.E. (Dartmouth), Ph.D. (MIT) Leadership: Director of Graduate Studies (2011-2024), Associate Director of Meinig School (2024-) Research spans nuclear envelope rupture in cancer cells, mechanotransduction pathways, and Ledercq Foundation-funded projects on laminopathies. His lab has produced 15+ articles (2023-2025) covering topics like microtubule-induced nuclear damage , 3D hydrogel migration , and mechanical stress epigenetic effects . Awards include Keith Porter Medal , NSF CAREER , and Cornell Teaching Excellence honors.

• Molecular Dermatology
• Genodermatoses
• Gene Therapy
• +4 more

Stefan Hainzl serves as a Research Associate at Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, holding dual appointments in the Research Program for Molecular Therapy in Genodermatoses and the University Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology. With 82 publications spanning from 2010 to 2025, his research program demonstrates sustained productivity in molecular dermatology. Dr. Hainzl's research focuses on genetic skin disorders, particularly epidermolysis bullosa and related genodermatoses. His work spans multiple approaches including CRISPR-Cas gene editing , antisense oligonucleotide therapy , and molecular diagnostics . The research fingerprint shows strong concentration in revertant mosaicism (100%), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (100%), squamous cell biology (100%), and antisense applications (100%), with additional focus on oligonucleotide therapeutics and squamous cell carcinoma. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward developing molecular therapies for inherited skin disorders, with increasing emphasis on gene editing technologies. His 2024-2025 work shows particular focus on CRISPR applications for keratin disorders and splicing modulation approaches for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. His scientific contributions include: Development of fluorescence-based screening for gene editing molecules Investigation of HMCN1 variants in epidermolysis bullosa CRISPR-Cas applications for keratin disorders Antisense oligonucleotide approaches for splicing modulation Dr. Hainzl frequently collaborates with senior researchers including Koller, Kocher, and Bauer, often contributing as co-author though occasionally serving as first author on significant therapeutic development papers. His work has gained attention across multiple platforms with mentions on social media, news outlets, and academic networks.

David K. OrrenView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Biology
• DNA Repair
• Molecular Biology
• +5 more

David K. Orren, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology at the University of Kentucky, and a member of the Markey Cancer Center. He holds a B.A. in Chemistry and Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1979) and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from the same institution (1991). Post-doctoral training was completed at the National Cancer Institute and National Institute on Aging, NIH. Research interests focus on DNA repair mechanisms, Werner syndrome, aging processes, and lung cancer etiology. Key areas include genomic stability, protein function in replication stress, and environmental toxicology. Recent work explores epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung cancer and regional disparities in cancer outcomes in Kentucky. Publications span molecular biology, genetics, and oncology, with contributions to understanding DNA repair pathways and epidemiological studies of lung cancer. Collaborative efforts integrate basic science with clinical insights, particularly in Markey Cancer Center initiatives.

• DNA Repair
• Hereditary Cancer Genetics
• Genomic Integrity
• +3 more

Sharon Cantor is a Professor and Gladys Smith Martin Chair in Oncology at UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the T.H. Chan School of Medicine and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Her research focuses on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, FANCJ) and their roles in DNA repair, genomic integrity, and Fanconi anemia. She investigates mechanisms underlying DNA replication stress, replication fork stability, and therapeutic vulnerabilities in cancer. Education: BS Biology from University of Michigan, PhD Biochemistry from Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences. Key research interests include BRCA-FANCJ interactions, DNA crosslink repair, and developing therapies targeting replication gaps in BRCA-deficient cancers. Her lab explores biomarkers of 'BRCAness,' translesion synthesis inhibition, and functional genomic screens for chemotherapy resistance mechanisms. Publications span 1995–2025, emphasizing DNA repair pathways, replication stress, and cancer biology. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to translate findings into treatments for BRCA-associated cancers and syndromes.

Francisco Emilio Vera-BadilloView profile

Associate Professor

• Clinical Oncology
• Cancer Clinical Trials
• Prognostic Biomarkers
• +4 more

Dr. Francisco Emilio Vera-Badillo is an Associate Professor at Queen's University and a Regular Attending Staff in Medical Oncology at Kingston General Hospital. He leads the Canadian Cancer Trials Group's Thoracic and Genito-urinary malignancies team. His clinical expertise spans Genitourinary, Lung, and Breast Cancers, with a focus on clinical trials and meta-analyses evaluating prognostic markers and treatment efficacy. Education: MD: School of Medicine Ignacio A. Santos, Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, 2003 Internal Medicine: Hospital San Jose – TEC de Monterrey, 2008 Medical Oncology: Centro Universitario Contra el Cancer, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, 2011 MSc: Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 2014 Research Focus: Clinical trials design, biomarker-driven therapies, and outcomes analysis in oncology, particularly in prostate, bladder, and lung cancers. His research emphasizes translational applications of biomarkers (e.g., ctDNA, NECTIN4) and novel therapeutic combinations (e.g., immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors). Recent work includes evaluating cannabinoids' impact on checkpoint inhibitors and assessing real-world treatment patterns in metastatic cancers. Dr. Vera-Badillo’s contributions include leadership in cooperative trials like the ENZAMET phase III study and the CCTG IND.234 ctDNA-directed trial. He advocates for methodological rigor in clinical research and addresses disparities in healthcare access, particularly in Latin America.