Find Academic Supervisors

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Antigen Processing
• +3 more

Andrea Lipińska is a Lecturer at the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology (University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk) and serves as Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Education. She leads the Team of Teaching Laboratories and holds a position in the Department of Molecular Biology of Viruses. Her research focuses on viral immune evasion mechanisms, particularly herpesvirus proteins like UL49.5, which inhibit the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP). She also investigates viral protein interactions, extracellular vesicle functions, and innovative biotechnology tools such as aptasensors and LYTACs. Her interdisciplinary work bridges molecular virology, structural biology, and translational medicine. Her publications span 20 years, addressing viral pathogenesis, protein degradation pathways, and antiviral strategies. Notable areas include understanding how alphaherpesviruses manipulate host cellular machinery to evade immune detection and developing novel peptide-based inhibitors. Lipińska emphasizes concept-based teaching methods to enhance biotechnology education, integrating active learning and interdisciplinary approaches. As an academic leader, she oversees student affairs and laboratory operations, ensuring high-quality educational infrastructure. Her research group employs advanced techniques like molecular dynamics simulations and fluorescent protein engineering, contributing to both basic science and applied biotechnology solutions.

• Membrane Protein Biogenesis
• Structural Biology
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Melanie McDowell is a Researcher and Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, focusing on membrane protein biogenesis. Her work employs structural and biophysical methods like cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography to study protein insertion mechanisms at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Key research areas include the GET and Oxa1 pathways for tail-anchored protein targeting and the structural dynamics of membrane protein complexes. Her studies reveal how ER insertases navigate biophysical challenges posed by transmembrane domains, with implications for drug targeting and cellular physiology. Recent advancements include elucidating conformational plasticity in the GET complex and membrane thinning effects. Publications highlight structural insights into the GET insertase, T3SS bacterial secretion systems, and ubiquitin ligase mechanisms. Collaborations involve interdisciplinary teams using cutting-edge microscopy and biochemical reconstitution approaches.

• Cellular Quality Control
• Ubiquitin System
• Autophagy
• +3 more

Ivan Đikić is a Professor and Director of the Institute of Biochemistry II at Goethe University Frankfurt. Appointed as a Max Planck Fellow in October 2018, he collaborates with the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics to advance research in cellular quality control mechanisms. He is also a founding member of the Frankfurt Cancer Institute, which has secured significant funding for a LOEWE center and new research facilities. Đikić's research centers on two major cellular quality control pathways: the ubiquitin system and autophagy. His group recently discovered a novel ubiquitination mechanism induced by bacterial enzymes during human cell infection and is investigating ER-phagy, a selective form of autophagy involved in endoplasmic reticulum remodeling. These pathways are critical for protection against diseases and cellular signaling. Professor Đikić has received numerous prestigious awards: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize 2013 Two ERC Advanced Grants Ernst Jung Prize for Medicine German Cancer Prize Order of Duke Branimir from the President of Croatia Đikić is deeply committed to educating the next generation of scientists and public science communication. His group at Goethe University and the Max Planck Institute provides a platform for training researchers in molecular signaling and cellular quality control. He has secured significant funding, including ERC Advanced Grants and support for the Frankfurt Cancer Institute. He leads the Đikić Molecular Signaling Group, which spans both Goethe University Frankfurt and the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics. The group employs a wide range of expertise to study structure-function relationships in cellular pathways.

Valerică RaicuView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Spectroscopy
• +5 more

Valerică Raicu is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), holding an adjunct appointment in Biological Sciences. He served as Chair of Physics (2012–2015) and is a Senior Researcher with the RIIO Alliance. His research integrates biophysics, photonics, and biological physics to study protein interactions, cellular systems, and nonlinear optical microscopy. Education: - Physics Diploma (1991), University of Bucharest - PhD in Biophysics (1998), University of Bucharest Previous Positions: - Research Scientist, Institute of Physical Chemistry (1992–1996) - Research & Design Institute for Rare Metals (1996–1998) - Research Instructor, Kochi Medical School (Japan, 2000–2002) - Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Toronto (2002) Research Interests: Focuses on spectral fluorescence imaging, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), and nonlinear microscopy for studying protein complexes in vivo. Explores heterogeneous systems' physical properties (cells, biomembranes, polymers) and dielectric/mechanical relaxation in biological systems. Also develops nonlinear laser spectroscopy techniques for probing protein dynamics. Recent Research Trends: Publications emphasize ligand-driven oligomerization analysis , in-cell detection of receptor conformations , and methodological advancements in microscopy. Highlights include real-time epidemic modeling via relaxation processes and hierarchical system analysis. Grants & Funding: Funded by the National Science Foundation (Physics of Living Systems, MRI), Bradley Foundation, UWM Research Growth Initiative, and Aurora Spectral Technologies. Supports instrument development and interdisciplinary research. Labs & Facilities: Directs the Raicu Research Group and the Microspectroscopy Imaging Facility , part of the RIIO Alliance. Collaborates on optical microscopy innovations and molecular imaging tools.

Vivian PogenbergView profile

Researcher

• Biochemistry
• Cell Signaling
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Vivian Pogenberg is a Researcher at the Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, part of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hamburg. Her primary affiliation is with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of signal transduction, transcription factor regulation (particularly MITF), AMPylation pathways, and bacterial pathogenesis. She investigates topics such as protein modifications (acetylation, AMPylation), cancer biology (melanoma, breast cancer), and autophagy regulation. Key research areas include the structural and functional analysis of proteins involved in cell signaling, such as Fic enzymes, Rab GTPases, and transcription factors like MITF. Her work also explores bacterial toxins and host-pathogen interactions, particularly in Legionella and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. She has contributed to understanding mechanisms of protein acetylation and its impact on transcriptional specificity and chromatin dynamics. Publications from 2018–2025 highlight her focus on cancer cell biology, epigenetic regulation, and enzymatic mechanisms. Though no awards are listed, her extensive publication record reflects significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular cell biology. Her laboratory is located at N25 - Campus Forschung II, Ground Floor, Room 00.1.015. She can be contacted via v.pogenberg@uke.de.

• Autophagy
• Developmental Biology
• Cell Death Mechanisms
• +5 more

Panagiotis Velentzas is an Instructor in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMass Chan), affiliated with the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. His research focuses on autophagy mechanisms, developmental biology, and cell death processes using Drosophila as a model system. Dr. Velentzas holds a BS in Biology and a PhD in Cell Biology & Biophysics from the University of Athens, Greece. Research Interests: Dr. Velentzas investigates autophagy regulation in development and disease, particularly the role of PINK1, Keap1, and endoplasmic reticulum clearance during metamorphosis. His work also explores proteasome function in Drosophila development, including its effects on eye/wing morphogenesis and cellular stress responses. Key topics include Drosophila oogenesis, eggshell morphogenesis (s36/s38 proteins), and the interplay between apoptosis, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Collaborations: He collaborates with prominent researchers such as Eric Baehrecke (autophagy expert) and Neal Silverman (immunology), contributing to high-impact studies like the Autophagy journal guidelines (2016, 2804 citations). His work spans molecular mechanisms (e.g., Ral GTPase/exocyst regulation, Relish-NF-κB signaling) and technical advancements (e.g., Drosophila pupal intestine isolation methods). Publications: His 20+ publications in Cell , Developmental Biology , and STAR Protocols reflect a focus on Drosophila models to study fundamental biological processes. Notable contributions include elucidating autophagy's role in developmental cell death and characterizing proteins critical for eggshell formation.

• Mitochondrial Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Nils-Göran Larsson is a Professor and Senior Consultant at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB), Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, and an External Member at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne, Germany. His research focuses on mitochondrial DNA maintenance, respiratory chain supercomplexes, and their implications in aging and human disease. Education: MD and PhD in Medicine from Göteborg University Key roles: Director at Max Planck Institute (2008-2018), Professor in Mitochondrial Genetics Research involves mtDNA replication mechanisms , respiratory chain superassemblies , and mitochondrial diseases , using mouse models and BN-PAGE techniques. His work explores tissue-specific mtDNA maintenance and the role of supercomplexes in normal physiology and aging. Recent publications analyze mtDNA replication factors (e.g., MGME1, RNase H1), mitochondrial transcription inhibitors, and metabolic adaptations in mitochondrial diseases. Grants include ERC Advanced Grant mtDNA-CURE and DFG SFB 1218 . 2008 Hilda and Alfred Erikssons Prize 2006 Jubilee Prize from Swedish Medical Society 2004 Descartes Prize (EU) 2002 Göran Gustafsson Prize As a member of the Nobel Committee and EMBO, Larsson bridges mitochondrial research with broader scientific policy. His group studies mtDNA regulation and supercomplex functions, emphasizing therapeutic applications.

Hong-Li ChouView profile

Research Professor

• RNA Biology
• Plant Molecular Biology
• Post-Transcriptional Regulation
• +3 more

Hong-Li Chou is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biology at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Assmann Lab. His research focuses on RNA biology, molecular mechanisms of mRNA localization, and plant developmental processes, particularly in rice endosperm and seed storage proteins. His work investigates RNA-binding proteins like OsTudor-SN and RBP-L that regulate mRNA transport and subcellular localization, impacting seed development and storage protein synthesis. Chou also explores liquid-liquid phase separation mediated by RNA multimerization and the structural-functional relationships of RNA molecules. Publications highlight advancements in understanding plant mRNA trafficking pathways, paramural body formation in rice mutants, and applications in biotechnology such as enhancing cellulase expression in transgenic rice. While no awards are explicitly mentioned, his contributions span plant molecular biology, cellular mechanisms, and environmental health studies. Chou collaborates within the Assmann Lab to advance knowledge of post-transcriptional regulation and its implications for plant growth and agricultural biotechnology.

• Calcium Signaling
• Neuropharmacology
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• +1 more

Carla Distasi is Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale. Her research investigates calcium signaling mechanisms in neurological disorders, particularly chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Her laboratory focuses on endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria interactions, ion channel regulation, and cellular responses to neurotoxic agents. Recent NIH-funded projects examine how chemotherapeutic drugs alter calcium homeostasis in sensory neurons. Publications in Cell Calcium (2025) and Communications Biology (2024) demonstrate her work on paclitaxel neurotoxicity mechanisms and organelle dynamics. This research aims to identify therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain management.

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Daniel DiMaio is the Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Genetics and Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and Therapeutic Radiology at Yale University School of Medicine. He serves as Deputy Director of the Yale Cancer Center. His research focuses on viral mechanisms of infection, particularly human papillomaviruses (HPV) and their roles in cancer. He holds leadership roles in the American Society for Microbiology and has served on the Board of Scientific Advisors at the National Cancer Institute. Education: B.S. in Biology (Yale University, 1974), M.D. and Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University, 1978 and 1981), Postdoctoral Fellowship (Harvard University, 1983). Research interests include viral entry mechanisms, transmembrane protein engineering, and oncogenesis. His lab studies HPV E5 protein signaling, artificial transmembrane proteins, and host-virus interactions. Key findings include the role of retromer in HPV trafficking and γ-secretase's role in membrane processes. Scientific achievements include the Outstanding Investigator Award from the NCI (2020) and recognition as a AAAS Fellow (2003). His work bridges virology with cancer biology and protein engineering. Advising and grants: Mentor to postdocs and students in molecular virology. Involved in grant initiatives for interdisciplinary research. Collaborations include studies on viral pathogenesis, receptor activation, and antiviral strategies. Labs/Teams: DiMaio Lab at Yale, contributing to the HPV Working Group and Yale Cancer Center. Active in translational research and virology policy discussions.

• Vascular Diseases
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular Health
• +7 more

Delyth Graham is a Senior Research Scientist in the Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Science (C&MS) at the British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow. Her research is focused on vascular diseases and comorbidities, with particular emphasis on hypertension, kidney disease, pregnancy complications, and stroke. Dr. Graham's research interests span vascular structure and function, cellular signaling mechanisms, kidney disease biomarkers, cardiac remodeling, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Her work frequently examines the role of uromodulin in blood pressure regulation and salt-sensitive hypertension, as well as sex differences in preclinical models of hypertension and the cardiovascular effects of pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia. She has made significant contributions to understanding vascular collagen type-IV in hypertension and cerebral small vessel disease. Analysis of Dr. Graham's recent publications reveals a strong focus on molecular mechanisms underlying hypertension and vascular dysfunction, with particular attention to uromodulin biology, sex differences in cardiovascular disease, and the interplay between kidney function and blood pressure regulation. Her work often employs the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat model to investigate genetic and molecular pathways involved in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Graham has been actively involved in mentoring and collaborative research, with numerous publications featuring junior researchers and students. Her work spans basic science investigations into molecular mechanisms through to translational research with potential clinical applications. She is part of the research team at the British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, working within the Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Science. Her laboratory likely focuses on vascular physiology, molecular mechanisms of hypertension, and the role of kidney function in cardiovascular disease, utilizing both in vitro and animal model approaches.

• Membrane Proteins
• Structural Biology
• Drug Development
• +3 more

Professor Liz Carpenter leads the Integral Membrane Protein group at the Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford. Her research focuses on solving three-dimensional structures of human membrane proteins using X-ray crystallography to develop improved treatments for diseases including cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. Research interests include membrane protein biochemistry, ion channel mechanisms, and therapeutic targeting. Her group studies diverse membrane protein families including transporters, enzymes, and ABC transporters to understand disease mechanisms and drug interactions. Recent publications demonstrate a focus on structural mechanisms of ion channel regulation and membrane protein functions, with applications in pharmacology and therapeutic development.

Dong WangView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant-Microbe Symbiosis
• Nitrogen Fixation
• Protein Secretory Pathways
• +3 more

Associate Professor Dong Wang is affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of symbiotic associations between legume plants and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, with a particular emphasis on understanding how hosts recognize and internalize beneficial microbes while establishing specialized symbiotic organs like root nodules. He also explores the secretory pathways and signaling networks critical for maintaining these symbiotic relationships. Dr. Wang earned his PhD from Duke University and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University. His work bridges genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to uncover the complex interplay between plants and their microbial partners, aiming to enhance agricultural sustainability by reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. His research interests span symbiotic recognition, protein secretion dynamics, and the genetic basis of symbiotic capability. Recent studies highlight innovations in high-throughput screening methods for gene discovery, targeting proteins involved in symbiosome formation and symbiotic gene networks. These efforts aim to reveal how host organisms manage the delicate balance of nutrient exchange and microbial regulation within symbiotic systems. While no specific scientific awards are listed, his work has garnered recognition for its contributions to plant-microbe interaction studies. His advising and grant activities are integral to lab operations, though specific student names or grant details are not explicitly provided in the text. The lab’s interdisciplinary approach underscores its commitment to advancing symbiosis research through collaborative strategies.

Pamela WearschView profile

Assistant Professor

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Pamela Wearsch is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine . Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of immune recognition and bacterial pathogenesis, particularly the role of extracellular vesicles in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. She developed in vitro assays to study antigen processing and MHC class I peptide loading. Education: PhD in Cell Biology from Duke University, postdoctoral work at Yale University (HHMI). Research Projects: Investigate Mtb membrane vesicle biogenesis, immune evasion strategies, and intercellular communication via vesicles. Her work has elucidated how Mtb-derived vesicles transport virulence factors to manipulate host immune responses and how tapasin-ERp57 heterodimers optimize MHC class I peptide loading. This research has implications for tuberculosis diagnosis and therapeutic development. Key scientific domains include immunology, cell biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. Her publications address antigen processing, vesicle-mediated signaling, and bacterial virulence mechanisms.

• Structural Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Plant Immunity
• +3 more

Eliza Martin is a Researcher affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine. Her work focuses on structural biology, molecular genetics, and computational methods applied to immunology and plant immunity. She has contributed to studies on RAG proteins, NLR receptors in plants, and the development of software tools like Robosample and NLRexpress. Her research often integrates machine learning and bioinformatics to address questions in protein function, evolution, and disease mechanisms. Key contributions include insights into V(D)J recombination, plant immune signaling pathways, and drug discovery for viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges computational modeling and experimental biology. Education details are not explicitly provided in the text, but her research trajectory suggests advanced training in molecular biology or biochemistry. She collaborates across disciplines, as evidenced by publications spanning structural biology, evolutionary genetics, and computational methods. Awards and grants are not listed here, but her active publication record indicates sustained research engagement.