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James BriscoeView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Signaling
• Transcriptional Networks
• +4 more

James Briscoe is a Senior Group Leader at The Francis Crick Institute in London, where he leads a research group focused on developmental biology and morphogen signaling. He previously held positions at the Medical Research Council's National Institute for Medical Research, which later became part of the Francis Crick Institute. Education: BSc in Microbiology and Virology from the University of Warwick, UK PhD from Imperial Cancer Research Fund/King's College London Postdoctoral training at Columbia University with Thomas Jessell Dr. Briscoe's research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of graded signaling by morphogens and the role of transcriptional networks in cell fate specification. His laboratory employs a range of experimental and computational techniques using model systems including mouse and chick embryos and embryonic stem cells. His work has significant implications for understanding developmental processes and their relationship to disease. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on morphogen gradients, neural tube development, and computational approaches to understanding cell fate decisions. His research increasingly integrates single-cell technologies and computational modeling to unravel the complexities of developmental patterning. Scientific Awards and Honors: EMBO Young Investigator (2001) EMBO Gold Medal (2008) Elected to EMBO (2009) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2019) Fellow of the Royal Society (2019) As Editor-in-Chief of the journal Development since 2018, Dr. Briscoe plays a significant role in shaping the field of developmental biology. His leadership extends to mentoring researchers and contributing to scientific policy discussions, as evidenced by his recent publication 'Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times.' Dr. Briscoe's laboratory at the Crick Institute is well-equipped with access to advanced facilities including light microscopy, flow cytometry, genomics, and computational resources, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to developmental biology questions.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Genetic Engineering
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a Professor at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) of Dresden University of Technology , leading the Stem Cell Engineering group at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) . His research focuses on unraveling molecular pathways regulating stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment, with a strong emphasis on genetic engineering tool development and epigenetic mechanisms during cellular reprogramming. The lab utilizes mouse and human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their investigations. Core Research Areas: Molecular regulation of stem cell fate Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., UTX/UTY histone demethylases) Genetic engineering tool development (Flp, Dre, Vika recombinases, CRISPR protocols) Conditional immortalization systems for rare cell expansion Publications highlight his contributions to understanding: Role of histone methyltransferases (MLL1, MLL2, Setd1b) in hematopoiesis and cancer Epigenetic regulation during mouse development and spermatogenesis Genetic tools for protein tagging, transposon-mediated BAC transgenesis Interactions between stem cells and niche microenvironments Transcriptional and mechanical markers during reprogramming Collaborations span immunology , developmental biology , and bioinformatics . The lab actively participates in teaching activities at CMCB and maintains a focus on translational applications of stem cell research.

• Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
• Developmental Biology
• Organogenesis
• +7 more

Clifford W. Bogue, MD , is the Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Pediatrics, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine, and Chief of Pediatrics for the Yale New Haven Health System. He has been a faculty member at Yale since 1993 and has held numerous leadership roles, including Interim Chairman of Pediatrics, Chief Medical Officer of Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, and Director of Pediatric Critical Care programs. Education: BA and MD from the University of Virginia; Residency and Chief Residency at Vanderbilt University; Fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care at Yale. Dr. Bogue is a pediatric critical care specialist whose research centers on the molecular mechanisms of organ development, particularly the role of the Hhex gene in liver, cardiovascular, and lung organogenesis. His lab used mouse models to uncover critical genetic pathways in embryonic development, with implications for regenerative medicine. His recent work also extends into pediatric public health, critical care infrastructure, and health equity. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a sustained focus on developmental genetics, with increasing engagement in clinical and policy-oriented research in pediatrics. His work spans molecular biology, translational models, and national health initiatives, reflecting a broad scholarly impact. His scientific honors include: President of the American Pediatric Society (2024–2025) Norman J. Siegel Faculty Award Marna P. Borgstrom Lifetime Achievement Award Consistent recognition in Best Doctors in America since 2004 Honorary M.A. from Yale University Dr. Bogue has been deeply involved in training the next generation of physician-scientists, serving as PI of an NIH T32 program, Training Director of the Yale Child Health Research Center (K12), and mentor in the MD/PhD program. He has contributed to national pediatric research policy through roles in the American Academy of Pediatrics, NIH advisory committees, and the Charles H. Hood Foundation. He leads or has led significant research initiatives, including an NIH-funded program on cardiopulmonary development and the Bedside to Bench seminar for medical students. His leadership extends to national boards and editorial roles, including Section Editor for Current Opinion in Pediatrics .

• Immunology
• Cancer Therapy
• Oncology
• +3 more

Angelo Porciuncula is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Pathology at Yale School of Medicine, affiliated with the Schalper Lab. He holds a PhD from the University of Navarra. His research focuses on immunology, cancer therapy, and stem cell biology, with a particular emphasis on immune microenvironment modulation in oncology and translational drug development. Key projects include studying STING pathway activation via antibody-drug conjugates (e.g., TAK-500) targeting CCR2-expressing myeloid cells, as well as investigating immunotherapeutic biomarkers in lung cancer and glioblastoma. His work spans clinical-stage drug evaluation, tumor immunology, and epigenetic reprogramming of stem cells. Publications highlight contributions to understanding senescence mechanisms in cancer, pancreatic differentiation of iPSCs, and the role of OX40/OX40L pathways in tumor immunity. Porciuncula collaborates widely, including with Kurt Schalper and teams at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. His research bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to advance targeted therapies and regenerative medicine strategies.

Magdalena Zernicka-GoetzView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Embryology
• +3 more

Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz is a Bren Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where she leads a lab focused on understanding early mammalian development. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Warsaw (1993) and has held visiting roles at Caltech since 2018. Her research spans mouse and human embryo models, emphasizing cell lineage specification, self-organization of stem cells, and developmental mechanisms. Education: Ph.D., University of Warsaw, 1993 Research Interests: Her work explores how embryos self-organize from stem cells, focusing on mechanisms driving lineage allocation, morphogenesis, and the transition from totipotency to pluripotency. Key areas include synthetic embryo models, developmental clocks, and the role of signaling pathways (e.g., BMP4, PLC) in shaping embryonic patterns. Grant & Advising: Funded by NIH grants for projects like synthetic placenta systems and maternal-fetal interface studies. Advises over 15 graduate students and postdocs on topics ranging from stem cell engineering to IVF optimization. Labs & Collaborations: Her Caltech lab collaborates with the University of Cambridge and institutions globally, advancing embryo modeling technologies and ethical discourse on synthetic embryos.

• Systems Biology
• Stress Response
• Stem Cell Differentiation
• +3 more

Ala Trusina is an Associate Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute , University of Copenhagen , specializing in Biocomplexity and Biophysics . Her research integrates coarse-grained modeling to study complex biological systems. Key Research Areas Stress Response Systems (diabetes, aging, cancer, inflammation) Stem Cell Differentiation (cell fate coordination, reversibility of states) Complex Systems (species coexistence, epidemics, CRISPR-phage interactions) Methodologies Theoretical: Agent-based modeling, in-silico simulations Experimental: Quantitative single-cell imaging, RNA/protein profiling Collaborations Joshua Brickman (ES cells), Anne Grapin-Botton (pancreas), Feroz Papa (diabetes), Else Kai Hoffman (p53 dynamics) Thomas Mandrup-Poulsen (inflammation), Savas Tay (spatio-temporal regulation) Teaching Physics of Molecular Diseases Numerical Methods in Physics

Francesco NeriView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Aging Research
• Cancer Biology
• +5 more

Francesco Neri is a Professor at the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS) at the University of Turin, Italy. His research focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms underlying aging and cancer development, particularly in intestinal stem cells. He leads the Epigenetics of Aging & Cancer Lab located at the Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) "Guido Tarone" in Turin and maintains collaborations with the Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena, Germany. Professor Neri's research interests span several interconnected areas related to aging and disease: Epigenetic drift and DNA methylation changes during aging Intestinal stem cell biology and regeneration in aging Inflammaging (age-related chronic inflammation) Gut microbiome dysbiosis in elderly individuals Development of dietary interventions for healthy aging Colon cancer development and epigenetic mechanisms His research group employs cutting-edge technologies including single-cell RNA sequencing, organoid culture systems, and various genome-wide approaches (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, Bisulfite-seq) to investigate the molecular mechanisms connecting aging with intestinal dysfunction and cancer. Recent work has revealed important connections between interferon gamma signaling, intestinal stem cell function, and tissue regeneration in aging. Professor Neri's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on aging, epigenetics, and intestinal biology, with numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Nature Communications, Cell Reports, and Nature Reviews. His work shows a clear trajectory from fundamental epigenetic mechanisms to translational applications in aging and cancer. His research has important implications for developing interventions to improve intestinal health in elderly individuals and potentially prevent age-related diseases including cancer.

Amy Cherie RalstonView profile

Professor

• Mouse Embryonic Development
• Pluripotent Stem Cells
• Cell Signaling Pathways
• +3 more

Amy Cherie Ralston is a Professor at Michigan State University's College of Natural Science in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , where she also serves as Associate Dean - Graduate Studies . Her research focuses on the genetic and molecular mechanisms governing early mouse embryonic development, particularly the specification of pluripotent and extraembryonic lineages. Education: Ph.D. in Zoology, University of Wisconsin (2004) B.A. in Biochemistry, Oberlin College (1995) Research Interests encompass mouse embryonic development, pluripotent stem cell regulation, HIPPO signaling pathway functions, and transcription factor dynamics during lineage specification. She has extensively studied the roles of OCT4, SOX2, Cdx2, and TEAD4 in developmental fate determination. Publications highlight trends in mouse blastocyst lineage segregation, stem cell maintenance mechanisms, and signaling pathway interactions. Notable work includes studies on HIPPO pathway members' restriction of pluripotency factors and culture condition impacts on developmental signaling. Students and Lab : Dr. Ralston leads the Ralston Laboratory, mentoring graduate and postdoctoral researchers in developmental biology and stem cell research. While specific student names aren't listed, her lab's work has produced significant insights into extraembryonic endoderm stem cell lines and transcription factor functions in reprogramming.

George Q. DaleyView profile

Professor

• Stem Cell Science
• Cancer Biology
• Hematology
• +5 more

George Q. Daley, MD, PhD, serves as Dean of Harvard Medical School and holds the Caroline Shields Walker Professorship of Medicine. He is a Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School, with extensive affiliations including the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research at Boston Children's Hospital. Daley's research focuses on using mouse and human disease models to identify mechanisms underlying blood disorders and cancer. His laboratory aims to define fundamental principles of stem cell contributions to tissue regeneration and repair, with applications for improving drug and transplantation therapies for patients with malignant and genetic bone marrow diseases. His work spans stem cell biology, cancer research, hematopoiesis, and regenerative medicine. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on stem cell applications in disease modeling, with particular emphasis on hematopoietic development, immunotherapy applications, and the translation of basic research into clinical applications. His work increasingly incorporates advanced technologies including single-cell analysis and genetic engineering approaches. NIH Director's Pioneer Award (2004) Judson Daland Prize from American Philosophical Society E. Mead Johnson Award from American Pediatric Society E. Donnall Thomas Prize from American Society of Hematology Janet Rowley Prize from International Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Foundation HMS A. Clifford Barger Excellence in Mentoring Award (2012) Daley has trained dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows throughout his career. He has served in leadership roles for the International Society for Stem Cell Research, including as president (2007-08), and has been instrumental in developing international guidelines for stem cell research. His laboratory has made significant contributions to the field, including creating customized stem cells for treating genetic immune deficiencies and demonstrating the role of the LIN28/let-7 pathway in cancer. Daley leads research initiatives focused on stem cell applications for blood disorders and cancer treatment, with particular emphasis on translating basic discoveries into clinical applications through collaborations with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital.

Todd R. EvansView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Research
• Cardiac Development
• +5 more

Todd R. Evans is a Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine with appointments in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. His research program bridges developmental biology, stem cell science, and disease modeling, with particular focus on cardiac development, diabetes research, and organoid systems. Dr. Evans maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions and serves as Principal Investigator on several NIH-funded research projects. Dr. Evans' research focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing embryonic development, particularly in cardiac and pancreatic systems. His laboratory investigates transcription factor networks (especially GATA factors), signaling pathways (WNT, BMP, NODAL), and epigenetic regulation during organ formation. Developmental mechanisms of heart formation Stem cell differentiation into functional organ systems Organoid models for disease research Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation during development Diabetes pathogenesis and beta cell biology Analysis of Dr. Evans' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on using human pluripotent stem cells and organoid models to investigate developmental processes and disease mechanisms. His work increasingly integrates CRISPR-based screening, chemical biology approaches, and advanced imaging techniques to dissect molecular pathways in cardiac and pancreatic development. A notable trend is the application of these models to study viral pathogenesis (particularly SARS-CoV-2) and immune-mediated tissue damage. Dr. Evans' research has been recognized through substantial federal funding and high-impact publications, with several papers receiving over 100 citations. Notable work includes foundational studies on GATA transcription factors in development and innovative organoid models for studying diabetes and viral infections. Dr. Evans serves as Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants, including projects funded by the National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute and the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. His laboratory has trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. Current research directions include the development of novel organoid systems and the application of chemical biology approaches to manipulate stem cell differentiation. Dr. Evans leads a multidisciplinary research team that includes developmental biologists, stem cell experts, and computational biologists. His laboratory maintains state-of-the-art facilities for stem cell culture, organoid development, and advanced microscopy, supporting collaborative projects across Weill Cornell Medicine and with external partners.

Julie SneddonView profile

Associate Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Genomics
• +3 more

Julie Sneddon, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Tissue Biology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Her research focuses on pancreatic development and Type I Diabetes, employing stem cell biology, developmental biology, genomics, and tissue engineering to understand cellular microenvironment dynamics. Her laboratory investigates non-epithelial 'niche' cell types in the pancreas to advance regenerative medicine approaches for replacing lost cell and organ function. Research Interests: Dr. Sneddon’s work centers on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic organogenesis, adult organ function, and disease. Key areas include stem cell niche biology, single-cell analysis of developing tissues, and bioengineering strategies for cell encapsulation and transplantation. Her studies aim to bridge basic science with clinical applications in diabetes treatment and regenerative medicine. Articles Overview: Dr. Sneddon’s publications span topics such as pancreatic developmental genetics, stem cell differentiation, and engineered biomaterials for cell-based therapies. Her work emphasizes multi-omics approaches (e.g., chromatin accessibility, single-cell transcriptomics) to map cell state transitions and gene regulatory networks in developing organs. Labs/Teams: The Sneddon Lab integrates molecular biology, genomics, and bioengineering to address pancreatic biology challenges. Collaborations span UCSF’s Diabetes Center, Tissue Engineering groups, and industry partners in regenerative medicine.

• Biomedical Imaging
• Developmental Biology
• Optical Microscopy
• +5 more

Jan Huisken is a Professor at the University of Göttingen, Germany, holding the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship since October 2021. He remains an affiliate of the Morgridge Institute for Research in Madison, Wisconsin, where he served as Director of Morgridge Medical Engineering since 2016. Previously, he was a Visiting Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology (2010-2017) and a Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (2005-2009). His educational background includes: PhD in Physics, University of Freiburg (conducted at EMBL-Heidelberg) Postdoctoral work at EMBL-Heidelberg (2000-2004) Postdoctoral work at UCSF (2004-2005) Dr. Huisken's research focuses on developing noninvasive biomedical imaging techniques, particularly optical microscopy, to study developmental processes in living organisms. His lab specializes in organogenesis in zebrafish, with emphasis on the cardiovascular system and endoderm. He pioneers quantitative microscopy tools including selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) and high-speed fluorescence microscopy to capture cellular dynamics during organ formation. His publication portfolio reveals a dominant trend in advancing light-sheet microscopy for multiscale embryonic imaging, with recurring applications in cardiovascular dynamics, endoderm formation, and vascular growth. This work consistently bridges physics and biology, creating custom microscopes that solve fundamental biological problems through interdisciplinary collaboration. His notable scientific achievement is: Alexander von Humboldt Professorship Dr. Huisken leads an interdisciplinary laboratory where biologists and physicists jointly develop cutting-edge microscopy instrumentation and immediately apply it to biological discovery. The lab operates across the full experimental spectrum from transgenic model systems and optical engineering to computational image analysis, fostering a unique environment where technological innovation directly drives biological insight.

Craig C. MalbonView profile

Professor

• Signal Transduction
• Molecular Scaffold Biology
• Wnt Signaling Pathways
• +6 more

Craig C. Malbon is a Leading Professor at Stony Brook University's School of Medicine, holding primary appointments in the Department of Pharmacological Sciences and secondary affiliation with the Department of Family, Population & Preventive Medicine. He directs an active research laboratory established in 1978 and serves as Director-emeritus of the NIH-funded Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases Research Program (1986-2015). Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Case Western Reserve University Postdoctoral training at Brown University and Harvard University M.Div. in Ethics from Union Theological Seminary Visiting Scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary His research focuses on signal transduction mechanisms in development and disease, specializing in molecular scaffold proteins (Dishevelleds and AKAPs) that organize signaling complexes. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, proteomics, and live-cell imaging to study Wnt signaling and GPCR regulation. His 290+ publications reveal consistent emphasis on spatiotemporal aspects of cellular signaling with applications to cancer, metabolic disorders, and developmental biology. Recent work increasingly integrates his dual expertise through investigations into consciousness, moral formation, and bioethics failures . Recipient of the American Cancer Society Research Award (1997) Top 10 Researchers recognition (1990-2000) Goodman & Gilman Award from ASPET (2008) Fellow of AAAS (2008) Overseas Fellow, Royal Society of Medicine (2015) As an ethicist and ordained United Church of Christ minister, he directs bioethics training within NIH postdoctoral programs and has authored three books: Abortion in 21st Century America (2013), Assaulted Personhood (2021), and GUN-AMERICA (2022). His laboratory has trained over 75 doctoral students and 100 NIH fellows through the NIDDK-funded program, with alumni pursuing careers in academia, industry, and clinical research.

Tim KiefferView profile

Professor

• Diabetes Research
• Molecular Endocrinology
• Stem Cell Differentiation
• +3 more

Tim Kieffer is a Professor in the Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences and Surgery at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine. He leads the Diabetes Research Group and the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, focusing on diabetes and metabolic disorders. His work bridges stem cell biology, islet transplantation, and leptin signaling. PhD in Physiology, University of British Columbia Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School His research explores diabetes pathophysiology , stem cell differentiation into insulin-producing cells , and leptin’s role in glucose homeostasis . Recent studies highlight encapsulated β-cell therapies and pancreatic progenitor cell morphogenesis . Publications in Nature Biotechnology , Cell Stem Cell , and Endocrine Reviews reflect his impact. Scientific awards include: MSFHR Senior Scholar JDRF Career Development Award CIHR New Investigator Peter Wall Early Career Scholar His lab trains graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with ongoing recruitment for diabetes-focused research. Collaborations span institutions like Harvard, UBC, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Lay Teng AngView profile

Assistant Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• +4 more

Lay Teng Ang is an Assistant Professor of Urology at Stanford University, with concurrent appointments at the Bio-X , Cardiovascular Institute , and Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine . His research focuses on stem cell differentiation mechanisms and their applications in vascular biology, hematopoiesis, and neuroinflammation. Doctoral training at University of Cambridge and A*STAR Professional background includes Genome Institute of Singapore and Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology Research interests span pluripotent stem cell lineage specification , endothelial cell heterogeneity , and therapeutic targeting of EPAS1/ACKR1 pathways . His work has produced protocols for generating highly pure hematopoietic progenitors and organ-specific endothelial cells . Key publications include: 2025: Venous dysfunction in vascular dementia (Nature Communications) 2024: Hematopoietic stem cell lineage tracing (Developmental Cell) 2023: Germ cell specification mechanisms (Nature Communications) 2022: Meningococcal disease susceptibility via CFHR3 variation (AJHG) Awards include Catalyst to Independence and Siebel Investigatorship grants, with affiliations spanning the American Heart Association and Stanford Maternal & Child Health Research Institute .