Find Academic Supervisors

Brooke GardnerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Peroxisome Biogenesis
• Cellular Adaptation
• Metabolic Disorders
• +4 more

Brooke Gardner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at UC Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on peroxisome biogenesis and homeostasis, particularly investigating how organelle dysfunction contributes to aging-related diseases. She leads the Gardner Lab, which employs biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics to study peroxisome regulation. Dr. Gardner holds a BA from Middlebury College, a PhD from UCSF, and completed postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley. She joined UCSB in 2019 and is affiliated with the Center for Aging and Longevity Studies (CALS). Education: PhD in Biochemistry, UC San Francisco (Walter Lab, 201X) BA in Biochemistry, Middlebury College Miller Fellow, UC Berkeley (Martin Lab) Research Interests: Peroxisome biogenesis and degeneration Role of Pex proteins in organelle formation Impact of peroxisomal dysfunction on aging and metabolic disorders Mechanisms of protein translocation across peroxisomal membranes Lab Members and Advising: Graduate students: Bashir Ali, Soham Chowdhury, Milagros Esmerode, Nikki Jacobsen, Connor Sheedy Undergraduates: David Boehm, Sambhav Jain, Alexei Miller Lab Manager: Julien Bacal Labs & Affiliations: Gardner Lab, UC Santa Barbara Center for Aging and Longevity Studies (CALS) Neuroscience Research Institute

Michael MeineckeView profile

Professor

• Membrane Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Meinecke is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Heidelberg University's Biochemistry Center (BZH), Medical Faculty. His research focuses on the molecular principles governing membrane morphology and the interplay between membrane proteins and organelle structures. He has held academic positions at the University Medical Center Göttingen and the European Neuroscience Institute. Education includes a Dr. rer. nat. from the University of Osnabrück (2007) and postdoctoral training at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK (2008–2012). His work combines biochemical, biophysical, and imaging techniques to study ion channels and mitochondrial membrane dynamics. Research interests include membrane protein function, mitochondrial cristae morphology, and the role of membrane curvature in cellular processes. His recent publications highlight advancements in understanding MICOS complex activity and Hrd1-mediated retrotranslocation. He leads a research group at the BZH, contributing to interdisciplinary projects in biomolecular structure and dynamics.

Anna Blumental-PerryView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Apoptosis and Cell Death
• Cell Growth, Differentiation and Development
• +12 more

Anna Blumental-Perry is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of cellular stress responses in lung diseases, particularly in the context of cigarette smoke exposure, aging, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She leads a multidisciplinary research program integrating protein chemistry, cell and molecular biology, advanced microscopy, and animal models. Research Interests: Apoptosis and cell death Cell growth, differentiation, and development Metabolism Molecular and Cellular Biology Molecular Basis of Disease Protein Folding and Function Pulmonary Biology RNA Biology Stem Cells Mitochondrial and ER stress responses Her recent publications highlight groundbreaking work on mitochondrial non-coding RNAs, especially mito-ncR-805, which mediates retrograde signaling between mitochondria and the nucleus to preserve bioenergetics under stress. She has also made significant contributions to understanding how cigarette smoke disrupts protein folding via oxidation of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), triggering ER stress and fibrosis in COPD. Her work bridges basic science with therapeutic development, including patented innovations targeting mitochondrial signaling. Scientific Awards: Science Daily mentioning (2016) Dr Shmerler Foundation Award for Msc Thesis with distinction (1995) The Golda Meir Foundation Award for Master Students with distinction (1993) Rigas Medical School Dean List Scholarship (1990) Grants and Advising: Dr. Blumental-Perry has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grants from the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute, American Thoracic Society, and American Heart Association. She actively mentors students and researchers in her lab, though specific advisees are not listed. She is deeply involved in university service, including peer review, editorial board membership, and leadership roles in the Faculty Senate. Labs and Teams: Her laboratory investigates proteostasis networks in lung aging and disease, with a focus on mitochondrial-ER crosstalk. She collaborates widely across institutions and contributes to national scientific panels and conferences.

Linda MatsuuchiView profile

Professor

• Cell Signaling
• B Cell Receptor (BCR) Function
• Gap Junction Proteins
• +7 more

Linda Matsuuchi is a Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia, with a focus on Cell and Developmental Biology. She is affiliated with the Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology and served as Associate Director of the Life Sciences Institute (2008-2013). Education : A.B., Barnard College M.A., M.Phil, Ph.D., Columbia University Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California Berkeley (1981-1985) Her research investigates the structure and function of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR), including its signaling pathways and interactions with protein tyrosine kinases, phosphatases, and the gap junction protein Connexin43. Her work reveals how BCR signaling affects cytoskeletal architecture and lymphocyte responses, with recent studies on Cx43's role in B cell spreading. Scientific trends in her publications span immunology, cell signaling, and gap junction biology, emphasizing molecular mechanisms in lymphocyte function. Scientific Awards : CSI Investigator Award (2007) - For Research Faculty of Science Achievement Award (2007) - For Service She has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including PhD student Farnaz Pournia and past members like Victor Mo and Shaun Foy. Her lab's work is supported by grants from UBC's Development Fund and affiliated departments.

John MaciejowskiView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Genomic Instability
• Innate Immunity
• +7 more

John Maciejowski, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Molecular Biology Program at the Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. His research bridges cancer biology and innate immunity, focusing on how genomic instability activates immune pathways such as cGAS-STING and drives mutagenesis via APOBEC3 enzymes. His research interests include: Chromosomal instability and micronuclei formation cGAS-STING pathway regulation in cancer APOBEC3-mediated mutagenesis Cancer genome evolution Therapeutic targeting of DNA damage responses The recent publications from the Maciejowski lab highlight a strong focus on the mechanistic regulation of innate immune sensors by cellular nucleases, particularly TREX1, and how these processes influence tumor immunogenicity and genome integrity. The work combines molecular biology, genetics, and cancer models to uncover fundamental mechanisms with translational relevance. His scientific awards include: Pershing Square Sohn Prize Pew Biomedical Scholar V Foundation Scholar Pathway to Independence Award Regeneron Prize for Creative Innovation Tri-Institutional Breakout Prize Jane Coffin Childs Fellowship Dr. Maciejowski mentors trainees and leads an active research program supported by competitive grants. His lab has deposited multiple plasmids at Addgene, indicating collaborative engagement with the broader scientific community. He is involved in key initiatives at the Tri-Institutional level, reflecting deep integration within the New York biomedical research ecosystem. The Maciejowski Lab investigates mechanisms linking genomic instability to innate immune activation, operating at the intersection of cancer biology, DNA repair, and immunology. The lab uses advanced cell models and genetic tools to dissect pathways such as cGAS-STING and APOBEC3, with implications for cancer therapy and genome evolution.

Jocelyn McDonaldView profile

Professor

• Developmental and cell biology
• Cell migration
• Tissue morphogenesis
• +3 more

Jocelyn McDonald is a Professor at the Division of Biology , Kansas State University. Her research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of collective cell migration using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Her work bridges fundamental developmental biology with translational cancer research, particularly in glioblastoma invasion. She earned her Ph.D. in 1998 from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in Cell and Developmental Biology. Her lab investigates how genes controlling collective migration in Drosophila can inform therapeutic strategies for human cancers, with ongoing collaboration at the Cleveland Clinic. Research interests include: Genetic regulation of cell migration Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions Cytoskeletal dynamics Tumor invasion mechanisms Drosophila as a cancer model Cell adhesion in collective movement Article trends show a focus on Drosophila border cell models (2023-2024), uncovering conserved genes in glioblastoma (2022-2023), and mechanisms of myosin oscillation (2018). Key themes include protein phosphatases, Rap1 signaling, and cadherin functions. Labs & Collaborations : McDonald Lab (Kansas State), Cleveland Clinic (glioblastoma research), and interdisciplinary teams in cell biology and cancer genomics.

• Metabolic Dysfunction
• Calcium Signaling
• Liver Diseases
• +3 more

Mateus Guerra, PhD, is a Senior Staff Scientist at the Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine (Digestive Diseases). He holds appointments in Digestive Diseases and is affiliated with the Center for Cellular and Molecular Imaging (CCMI). His research focuses on calcium signaling pathways in liver pathophysiology, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (NASH), and mitochondrial biology. Guerra earned his PhD in Pharmacology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (2010), with a visiting research stint at Università di Roma La Sapienza (2008), and earlier degrees including an MSc in Biochemical Pharmacology (2004) and BS in Pharmacy (2000). Key research interests include the role of cytosolic calcium in hepatic metabolism, neutrophil-mediated liver injury in alcoholic hepatitis, and lipid droplet cholesterol regulation in NASH. His work integrates molecular biology, cell signaling, and advanced imaging techniques to study liver diseases. Collaborations with prominent researchers like Michael H. Nathanson and Gerald I. Shulman highlight his contributions to translational hepatology. Guerra's lab at the CCMI explores cellular mechanisms linking metabolic stress and liver injury, with recent studies published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , Cell Metabolism , and Journal of Clinical Investigation . His research has identified novel therapeutic targets for NASH and alcohol-related liver diseases through insights into mitochondrial calcium dynamics and lipid droplet biology. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record underscores peer recognition. He advises a collaborative network of researchers but no named students are documented here. Funding sources and grants are not specified in the provided text.

Judith A. SmithView profile

Associate Professor

• Immunology
• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• +3 more

Judith A. Smith, MD, PhD, serves as an Associate Professor in both the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. Her research focuses on the intersection of cellular stress responses and immune function, particularly examining how the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) influences immune signaling during infection. Dr. Smith's work primarily investigates how intracellular pathogens like Brucella manipulate the host endoplasmic reticulum stress response to enhance their survival while modulating inflammatory cytokine production. Her laboratory has demonstrated that macrophages undergoing UPR produce amplified type I IFN, TNF-α, and IL-23 in response to infectious stimuli, suggesting UPR functions as a "danger signal" immune amplifier. Focuses on ER stress response (UPR) in immune cells during infection Studies Brucella manipulation of host UPR pathways Investigates cytokine regulation through UPR signaling Examines cross-talk between stress response and immune pathways Her research has important implications for understanding diverse conditions including viral infections, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Smith has secured significant funding including an R21 from NIAID, an R01 renewal for Brucella research, and a substantial Merck grant for respiratory virus research. R21 from National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Merck grant ($203,983) for epithelial determinants of respiratory syncytial virus Department of Pediatrics Research and Development Award Dr. Smith actively mentors undergraduate researchers through the Hilldale Faculty/Undergraduate Research Fellowship program and contributes to graduate education through the Cellular & Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, Cellular & Molecular Biology Graduate Program, and Microbiology Doctoral Training Program at UW-Madison.

• Structural biochemistry
• Chemistry and chemical methodology of biomolecules
• Collagen research
• +3 more

Kazunori Fujii is an Assistant Professor at Waseda University, affiliated with the School of Advanced Science and Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Science from Waseda University and has been working at the university since 2022 in a non-tenure-track position. His research focuses on structural biochemistry and chemistry and chemical methodology of biomolecules , with particular emphasis on collagen structure, folding, and function. His work explores how collagen triple helix stability is affected by environmental factors and molecular chaperones like HSP47. Dr. Fujii's research combines biochemical, biophysical, and structural approaches to investigate collagen biosynthesis, visualization techniques, and integrin-collagen interactions. His work on temperature-dependent collagen stability in poikilotherms and the role of HSP47 in collagen folding represents significant contributions to the field. As an educator, Dr. Fujii teaches various chemistry and science courses across multiple schools at Waseda University, including Chemistry C, Science and Engineering Laboratory courses, and Fundamental Chemistry exercises for the 2025 academic year. Research focuses on collagen triple helix stability Investigates molecular chaperone HSP47 function Develops novel collagen visualization techniques Designs triple-helical peptide ligands for integrin targeting He supervises several research projects focusing on collagen structure and function, molecular chaperones, and artificial collagen systems. His research group investigates topics such as HSP47's role in collagen stabilization, collagen-like supramolecules, and regulatory mechanisms of neuronal differentiation using artificial collagen.

Jason SelloView profile

Professor

• Bacterial Proteins
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Proteasome Inhibitors
• +3 more

Jason Sello is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), holding roles as Vice Dean of Academic Affairs and Executive Committee Member. His research focuses on bacterial proteins, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and natural product synthesis, particularly targeting pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida species. He leads efforts in developing proteasome inhibitors and novel antibacterial agents through multidisciplinary approaches. Key affiliations include the Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) and the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub. His work spans chemical synthesis, microbial genetics, and drug discovery, with contributions to understanding efflux pump mechanisms and retrograde trafficking inhibitors. Notable achievements include the synthesis of cyclomarin natural products and the development of small molecules restoring antifungal efficacy against drug-resistant Candida strains. His research integrates organic chemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology, addressing challenges in antibiotic resistance and drug delivery. Recent publications highlight in vivo approaches for neuroactive molecules and the mechanistic study of ClpP proteases in tuberculosis. Sello also contributes to institutional leadership, including equity initiatives in pharmacy education and diversity outreach programs.

Chongmin HuanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Immunology
• Autoimmunity
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Chongmin Huan, PhD, MD, serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University's College of Medicine, with additional appointments as Principal Investigator and Graduate Student Supervisor in the School of Graduate Studies' Molecular and Cellular Biology Program. His research focuses on autoimmune disease mechanisms, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), utilizing genetically modified mouse models and human clinical samples to investigate B cell tolerance pathways. Dr. Huan's primary research centers on sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SMS2) as a critical regulator of B cell tolerance in germinal centers. His seminal work demonstrates that SMS2 prevents lupus pathogenesis by activating protein kinase C delta (PKCd)-mediated apoptosis in autoreactive B cells. Current investigations examine SMS2/PKCd pathway impairment in lupus patients and its role in existing therapeutic mechanisms, with pharmacologic SMS2 activation showing promise in preclinical models. Analysis of his publication record reveals a consistent research trajectory in sphingolipid metabolism across immunology, gastroenterology, and cardiology. His work spans lupus pathogenesis, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and atherosclerosis, consistently identifying sphingomyelin synthases as pivotal regulators of immune tolerance and inflammatory responses through molecular and in vivo approaches. No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the provided information. Dr. Huan actively mentors graduate researchers including PhD candidate Sailee Chavan and MD/PhD candidate Shreya Desikan. His collaborative team includes Dr. Christopher Roman (Cell Biology) and Dr. Ellen Ginzler (Medicine: Rheumatology). He teaches Histology and Physiology courses for the College of Medicine, specializing in small intestine and pancreas structure and carbohydrate/water/electrolyte absorption mechanisms. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including germinal center B cell purification protocols to investigate how sphingolipid metabolism governs immune tolerance. The research program maintains strong translational focus with ongoing efforts to develop SMS2-targeted therapies for lupus and related autoimmune conditions.

Dana ReichmannView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Chaperones
• Redox Biology
• Proteomics
• +7 more

Dana Reichmann is an Associate Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in the Department of Biological Chemistry . Her research focuses on protein plasticity under stress conditions , redox biology , and structural mass spectrometry to study protein dynamics and interactions. Previously, she held postdoctoral positions at the University of Michigan and the Weizmann Institute of Science . Education: PhD in Biological Chemistry (2007), Weizmann Institute MSc in Molecular Genetics (2002), Weizmann Institute BSc in Biochemistry (1997), Tel Aviv University Her research spans redox-regulated chaperones , protein homeostasis , and redox-dependent cellular heterogeneity , with applications in aging , stress responses , and oxidative signaling . Recent work highlights the role of Cdc48 in redox homeostasis and Spy chaperone in membrane protein folding. She employs cutting-edge techniques like hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and redox-sensitive GFP fusions to map protein interactions and redox states. Her publications (46 total) emphasize redox biology , molecular chaperones , and structural proteomics , with collaborations across biochemistry , microbiology , and cancer therapy . Contact: danare@mail.huji.ac.il .

Tom A. RapoportView profile

Professor

• Protein Transport Across Membranes
• ERAD (Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation)
• Membrane Biology
• +5 more

Tom A. Rapoport is the Don W. Fawcett Professor of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School (HMS), where he has been a faculty member since 1995. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Humboldt University (East Berlin) and a Habilitation in enzymology. His research focuses on mechanisms of protein transport across membranes, ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and membrane morphology regulation. Rapoport is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator and leads the Rapoport Lab, which employs biochemical and structural techniques like X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM. Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Humboldt University, East Berlin (1980s) Habilitation in Enzymology, Humboldt University (post-Ph.D.) Research Interests: Rapoport's work centers on understanding how proteins are transported across membranes, particularly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and how misfolded proteins are degraded via ERAD. His lab also investigates ER tubule formation and peroxisomal protein import. Recent projects include studies on lung surfactant proteins and their role in lamellar body formation. Awards: Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (1997–present) Grants & Funding: R01HL150520 (NIH): Function and application of lung surfactant proteins (2020–2025) R01GM052586 (NIH): Protein Transport Across Membranes (1995–2027) Labs/Teams: The Rapoport Lab collaborates extensively, using interdisciplinary approaches to solve structural and mechanistic questions in membrane biology. Key techniques include cell-free reconstitution assays and cryo-EM.

Xianrui ChengView profile

Assistant Professor

• Systems biology
• Cell biology
• Biochemistry
• +7 more

Xianrui Cheng serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California's Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, where he investigates cytoplasmic spatial organization and its implications for neurological diseases, developmental disorders, and cancer. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics from Duke University (2012) Postdoctoral training at Stanford University (2013-2020) under Professor James Ferrell Cheng's research centers on the self-organization of cytoplasmic structures using Xenopus laevis egg extracts to study de novo assembly of microtubule cytoskeleton and endoplasmic reticulum networks. His work bridges biophysics, cell biology, and systems biology to uncover fundamental design principles of living systems, with applications in synthetic biology and understanding disease mechanisms through the lens of spatial architecture. Analysis of his publications (2013-2022) reveals a progression from computational modeling of gene networks to experimental dissection of cytoplasmic self-organization. Key discoveries include enhanced protein diffusion in organized cytoplasm, trigger-wave propagation of apoptosis, and spontaneous emergence of cell-like structures in scrambled extracts. His interdisciplinary approach consistently integrates live imaging with mathematical modeling to explore emergent properties of biological systems. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. The provided text does not specify student advising roles or research grant details. Cheng's laboratory employs a multidisciplinary methodology combining molecular biology, biochemistry, and engineering tools. His team utilizes Xenopus egg extracts for in vitro reconstitution of cytoplasmic organization while extending to in vivo models including C. elegans and sea urchin embryos. The lab focuses on four core questions regarding microtubule-ER organization, pattern length scales, cell cycle functions, and synthetic cell engineering through live imaging, quantitative image analysis, and mathematical modeling.

Xuming ZhangView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Virology
• Coronavirus Pathogenesis
• +5 more

Xuming Zhang is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. He holds a Ph.D. from Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany, with postdoctoral training at Louisiana State University and the University of Southern California School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of coronavirus pathogenesis, particularly using murine coronavirus (MHV) as a model to study multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Key interests include viral RNA persistence in central nervous system (CNS) cells, viral-induced apoptosis in oligodendrocytes, and regulation of viral RNA synthesis through cellular signaling pathways such as MEK/ERK. His lab also explores antiviral drug discovery and development of viral vectors for vaccine applications. Recent work highlights studies on resveratrol's antiviral effects via sirtuins, identification of anti-coronavirus compounds, and analysis of coronavirus stability on food surfaces. His research bridges molecular virology, neuroimmunology, and host-pathogen interactions, with implications for developing therapies against viral CNS infections. Dr. Zhang's laboratory investigates cellular gene regulation during coronavirus infection, including over 200 differentially expressed genes identified via microarray analysis. Current efforts focus on mechanisms linking viral persistence to oligodendrocyte dysfunction and the role of transcription factors like Egr-1 in viral replication.