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Mary MunsonView profile

Professor

• Vesicle Targeting and Fusion
• Membrane Trafficking
• Exocyst Complex
• +3 more

Mary Munson is a Professor at UMass Chan Medical School, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology. She holds multiple affiliations including the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and the NeuroNexus Institute. Her academic journey includes a B.A. in Chemistry & Biology from Washington University (1989) and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry from Yale University (1996). She completed postdoctoral research at Princeton University, focusing on molecular biology, before joining UMass Chan in 2001. Her research investigates the regulation of vesicle targeting and fusion in eukaryotic cells, particularly using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model. Key areas include the structural and functional analysis of the Exocyst complex, SNARE protein interactions, and membrane fusion mechanisms. Techniques employed span biochemical assays, structural biology (e.g., X-ray crystallography), yeast genetics, and microscopy. Current projects include understanding Exocyst architecture, identifying novel regulators of exocytosis, and characterizing the role of Vps45p in endosomal SNARE assembly. Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to membrane trafficking, with contributions to understanding exocyst-SNARE interactions, Rab protein functions, and the structural dynamics of protein complexes. Despite no explicitly listed awards, her work frequently appears in high-impact journals like Nature Structural & Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology of the Cell . She mentors graduate students through programs in Biophysical Chemical and Computational Biology, Immunology, and Neuroscience. Lab activities include cloning and protein purification studies, structural analysis of Exocyst domains, and genetic screens to identify new regulators. Future directions aim to bridge yeast findings to human cellular processes, with implications for neurological disorders and genetic diseases linked to exocyst dysfunction.

Sarris PanagiotisView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Microbiology
• Molecular Pathogen-Host Interactions
• Microbiomes analysis
• +4 more

Sarris Panagiotis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Applied Biology at the University of Crete, where he conducts research at the intersection of plant-microbe interactions and molecular immunology. His work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying plant immune responses to bacterial pathogens, with particular emphasis on effector-triggered immunity and host-pathogen coevolution. His primary research interests include Molecular Microbiology, Molecular Pathogen-Host Interactions, Microbiomes analysis, Molecular Immunology of plant organisms, Molecular bacteriology, and Plants and microbes genomic sequencing annotation and analysis. His laboratory investigates how plant immune receptors recognize pathogen effectors and how these interactions shape plant defense responses. Dr. Sarris's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on plant immune receptor architecture, particularly NLR (Nucleotide-binding Leucine-rich Repeat) receptors, and their role in recognizing bacterial effectors. His work spans structural biology, molecular genetics, and functional genomics approaches to dissect plant-pathogen interactions. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding how bacterial effectors target host cellular machinery and how plants have evolved countermeasures to detect these virulence strategies. His research has significant implications for developing novel strategies for crop protection against bacterial diseases. The laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and advanced imaging techniques to investigate plant immune mechanisms.

Ying GuView profile

Professor

• Cellulose Biosynthesis
• Plant Cell Wall Biology
• Microtubule Dynamics
• +3 more

Ying Gu is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on cellulose biosynthesis in plants, particularly the identification and characterization of novel components in cellulose synthase complexes to enhance biomass-based energy production. She is affiliated with the Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE) under the theme of Integrated Energy Systems. Her work integrates molecular genetics, cell biology, and biophysical techniques to understand plant cell wall architecture and its implications for bioenergy applications. Key research interests include the regulation of cellulose synthase complexes, microtubule dynamics, and the interplay between plant cell walls and energy production. Dr. Gu’s lab develops innovative tools like the Dot Scanner software for live-cell imaging, advancing quantitative analysis of plant cell processes. Her recent publications highlight discoveries in cellulose synthase trafficking mechanisms, the role of calcium-dependent protein kinases, and the structural properties of plant cell walls. Collaborations with institutions like the Center for Quantitative Imaging and Radiocarbon Laboratory at Penn State support interdisciplinary approaches to plant biology challenges. Dr. Gu has been recognized for research excellence, including awards from the IEE. Her work bridges fundamental plant biology with applied bioenergy research, contributing to sustainable biomass utilization strategies.

John Fowler JrView profile

Professor

• Plant Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Genomics
• +5 more

John Fowler Jr. is a Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University, affiliated with the College of Agricultural Sciences. His research focuses on plant cell and developmental biology, particularly the molecular mechanisms governing cellular morphogenesis and development in plants, with a focus on cell polarity and exocytosis. He holds leadership roles, including Associate Head of his department and contributions to curriculum development. Education: Ph.D. in Genetics (UC Berkeley, 1994), B.S. in Genetics (University of Georgia, 1987). Research Interests: Plant cell polarity, exocytosis, pollen development, maize and Arabidopsis models, systems biology approaches, and genome-driven research. His work integrates genetics, cell biology, and 'omics-scale methods. Recent projects include high-throughput phenotyping of maize kernels and investigating exocyst complex functions. He has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, contributing to over 50 publications. Awards include the Loyd Carter Award for Excellence in Teaching (2003) and NSF fellowships. Service includes leadership in professional organizations, such as the Maize Genetics Conference, and public outreach on GMOs. His grants total over $6.7 million, with funding from NSF, USDA-NIFA, and EPA.

Hannes MaibView profile

Research Fellow

• Membrane Biology
• Phosphoinositide Signaling
• Organelle Communication
• +3 more

Dr. Hannes Maib is a Wellcome Trust Early Career Fellow at the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield. His research focuses on membrane identity regulation and its role in cellular processes, particularly membrane contact site formation. He holds a PhD from the University of Sheffield (2015-2019) and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Dundee (2019-2023). Education: BSc in Molecular Biomedicine, University of Bonn (2010-2013) MSc in Life and Medical Sciences, University of Bonn (2013-2015) PhD in Cell Biology, University of Sheffield (2015-2019) Research Interests: Membrane identity changes, phosphoinositide signaling, organelle communication via contact sites, lipid transport defects in disease. His lab combines advanced imaging and biochemical reconstitution techniques to study these mechanisms. Awards: Wellcome Trust Early Career Fellowship (2023-Present) Grants & Advising: Led independent research since 2023 Advising PhD student Ben Allouis and postdoc Lewis Hancock Labs/Teams: Maib Lab focuses on integrating imaging and biochemical approaches to uncover molecular mechanisms of membrane identity regulation.

Assaad Gerbert FarhahView profile

Professor

• Plant resilience to climate stress
• Agroforestry systems
• Membrane trafficking in plants
• +3 more

Prof. Assaad Gerbert Farhah is a Professor in the TUM School of Life Sciences at the Technical University of Munich, leading the Biotechnology of Natural Products group under Prof. Wilfried Schwab. His research focuses on plant resilience to climate stresses like heat, drought, and low light, spanning from ecosystem-level agroforestry systems to molecular mechanisms of growth decisions. He holds a PhD from MIT and has held key roles at institutions including the Carnegie Institution at Stanford and LMU Munich. Education: PhD in Biology, MIT, 1992 MSc in Biology, University of Geneva, 1986 International Baccalaureate, International School of Geneva, 1981 Research Interests: Plant stress adaptation at genetic/molecular levels Agroforestry scalability and soil regeneration TRAPP complex signaling and Rab GTPase interactions Grants/Projects: DFG AS110/8-1 (Decision-making in Arabidopsis) Horizon 2020-funded BSLchlamy project TUMmesa ecotron climate simulations Labs/Teams: Collaborations with Carnegie Institution, Finck Stiftung, and TUM Venture Labs for climate mitigation tech integration.

Gulcin PekkurnazView profile

Associate Professor

• Neurobiology
• Mitochondrial Biology
• Neuronal Metabolism
• +3 more

Gulcin Pekkurnaz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). Her research focuses on understanding how mitochondrial function is coupled with neuronal metabolism, particularly in the context of neurological diseases. Her lab employs interdisciplinary approaches including molecular biology, mouse genetics, metabolic flux analysis, and advanced imaging techniques like super-resolution microscopy. Key research interests include mitochondrial dynamics, energy homeostasis at synapses, and the role of mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases. She investigates how metabolic requirements vary across neuronal subtypes and how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to disease pathogenesis. Her work integrates systems biology modeling with experimental methods to study mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites and calcium signaling. Her lab utilizes cutting-edge tools such as deep learning-based super-resolution imaging and computational modeling to unravel novel metabolic pathways. Current projects explore O-GlcNAcylation's role in mitochondrial plasticity, glycolytic metabolon assembly, and glucose-dependent mitochondrial trafficking mechanisms. Contact: gpekkurnaz@ucsd.edu

• Plant Pathology
• Exocytosis
• Phytophthora infestans
• +7 more

Elysa Overdijk is a Lecturer at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology , Wageningen University. Her work bridges plant pathology , cell biology , and molecular imaging to uncover defense mechanisms against pathogens. PhD in Plant Physiology (2019) from Wageningen University Current role: Lecturer in plant physiology teaching Overdijk's research examines exocytosis and microtubule dynamics during plant-pathogen interactions, with a focus on Phytophthora infestans and Physcomitrium patens models. Her work integrates confocal microscopy and exocyst complex analysis to visualize cellular responses. Key publication trends include: Investigating RXLR effectors and their impact on plant growth Mapping exocyst subunit localization during infection Elucidating microtubule overlaps in phragmoplast function Exploring small RNA mechanisms in disease resistance She collaborates with experts like Prof. Francine Govers and Dr. K. Bouwmeester in projects such as " The plant exocyst as an expeller of pathogens " (2014-2019). Her methodological toolkit spans time-gated microscopy , RNA interference studies , and cytoskeleton analysis .

Brittany MillerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Microbiology
• +3 more

Brittany Miller is an Assistant Professor of Biology with expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, and microbiology. Her research focuses on understanding cellular asymmetry and polarity through the study of the exocyst complex in budding yeast. She teaches courses in cell biology, genomics, and bioinformatics at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Education: PhD in Biology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill BA in Biology from St. Mary's College of Maryland Research Interests: Dr. Miller's lab investigates how cells maintain specialized shapes and functions through polarized exocytosis. Using genetic, cell biological, and biochemical tools in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, her work explores the molecular mechanisms of exocyst regulation and its role in disease pathways. Key areas include: Mechanisms of vesicle targeting and membrane trafficking Consequences of trafficking errors in tumorigenesis and disease Conserved pathways across eukaryotic organisms Advising & Labs: She mentors undergraduate researchers through independent study and honors thesis programs. Her lab utilizes yeast as a model system to study fundamental cellular processes with implications for human health.

Fen-Biao GaoView profile

Professor

• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• +5 more

Fen-Biao Gao is a Professor of RNA Therapeutics and Neurology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, holding the Paul Cellucci Chair in Neuroscience Research since 2017. He directs the Frontotemporal Dementia Research Center and is affiliated with the RNA Therapeutics Institute. Previously, he held roles at UCSF’s Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease from 2000–2010. Education: PhD in RNA Biology from Duke University (1995), postdoctoral training at University College London (1995–1997) and UCSF (1997–2000). Research Focus: Investigates molecular mechanisms underlying FTD and ALS using Drosophila, mouse models, and patient-derived iPSCs. Key areas include RNA metabolism, polydipeptide repeat toxicity, and therapeutic interventions targeting C9ORF72 and TDP-43 pathways. His lab employs multidisciplinary approaches (molecular/cellular biology, genetics, and neurobiology). Recent Trends in Publications: Focuses on translational research linking basic molecular mechanisms (e.g., RNA repeats, autophagy defects) to neurodegenerative phenotypes. Highlights include CRISPR-based therapies, biomarker discovery, and drug targets like PIKFYVE inhibitors. Studies emphasize cross-talk between RNA dysfunction and cellular pathways (e.g., mitochondrial function, stress granules). Awards: NIH Javits Award (2018), McKnight Neuroscience Award (2002), and multiple fellowships. Active in professional service, including advisory roles for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and Muscular Dystrophy Association. Lab & Collaborations: Current lab members include postdocs (e.g., Gopinath Krishnan, Soojin Lee) and graduate students. Collaborations span iPSC modeling, drug development, and genetic screening. Active in organizing conferences on RNA metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases.

• Plant Cell Biology
• Endomembrane Trafficking
• Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Polarity
• +5 more

Dr. Li Ruixi serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), where her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing plant cell biology and endomembrane trafficking. Her work investigates how plant cells regulate membrane protein polarity in response to hormonal activation and developmental signals, with implications for understanding fundamental cellular processes in plants. Dr. Li earned her Ph.D. in Biology from Peking University (2005-2011) following undergraduate studies at China Agricultural University (2001-2005). She then completed postdoctoral training at the University of California, Riverside's Department of Botany and Plant Sciences (2011-2016) before joining SUSTech's faculty. Her research program centers on four key areas: identifying regulators of plant endomembrane trafficking through chemical genomic approaches; exploring the molecular machinery maintaining plasma membrane protein polarity; investigating RabA GTPases in endomembrane recycling; and screening compounds that promote root hair growth. Dr. Li employs chemical biology methods to study vesicle transport mechanisms and examines how plant cells respond to phytohormones and developmental signals at the cellular level. Analysis of Dr. Li's publications reveals a consistent focus on plant cell polarity mechanisms and endomembrane trafficking pathways, with increasing integration of chemical biology tools over time. Her work frequently examines the intersection of auxin signaling with cellular trafficking systems, primarily using Arabidopsis as a model system. The research spans molecular genetics, chemical screening, and cell biological approaches to address fundamental questions in plant cell biology. Dr. Li's contributions to the field have been recognized through several prestigious awards: CEPCEB Award for Best Postdoctoral Fellow (2012) Best Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Plant Cell Biology, UC Riverside (2012) Second Class of National Academic Forum for Young Scholars (2010) International Auxin Conference Travel Grant Award (2016) National First-Class Scholarship (awarded consecutively 2002-2004) DuPont Scholarship (2003) As part of SUSTech's Department of Biology, Dr. Li contributes to a dynamic research environment focused on addressing fundamental biological questions while developing new strategies for complex disease treatment. The department emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration across diverse research areas including systems biology, neurobiology, and structural biology. While specific advising details aren't provided in the available information, Dr. Li's active research program likely involves mentoring graduate students in plant cell biology through the university's graduate programs. Based in Shenzhen, Dr. Li's laboratory benefits from SUSTech's strong institutional support and collaborative research environment. The university's Department of Biology, established in 2012, has rapidly developed into a hub for biological research with internationally recognized faculty working across multiple biological disciplines. Dr. Li's research on plant cell membrane trafficking represents an important component of the department's broader mission to advance biological knowledge and its applications.

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Neurobiology
• +6 more

Brennwald P is a Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of exocytosis, vesicle trafficking, and GTPase signaling in cellular and neuronal contexts. Key research areas include: Structural and functional analysis of exocyst complex regulation Role of Rab GTPases and SNARE proteins in membrane dynamics Neuronal trafficking mechanisms in schizophrenia-linked pathways Development of cryo-EM methodologies for protein complex visualization Training program innovations for biomedical career preparation Recent work (2020–2025) reveals trends in: Allosteric activation of tethering complexes Phosphoinositide-sensitive trafficking regulation Structural transitions in exocytic machinery Multi-user facility cryo-EM protocols Quantitative proteomics of vesicle populations

Mark MetzsteinView profile

Associate Professor

• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Mark Metzstein , Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Utah , affiliated with the School of Medicine and the Department of Genetics . He serves as Director of Graduate Studies and Director of Medical Education, focusing on mentoring graduate students and teaching the preclinical curriculum in the Medical School. His research integrates genetics with medical education, particularly in functional genomic analysis and Drosophila developmental biology. Director of Graduate Studies Director of Medical Education Co-Director of Metabolism and Reproduction Course Metzstein's research explores genetic mechanisms such as nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) and exocyst-mediated membrane trafficking, using Drosophila as a model organism. His work includes studies on RNA processing, intracellular lumen formation, and tracheal development, contributing to understanding gene regulation and cellular processes. His publications highlight advancements in functional genomics, with a focus on RNA degradation, developmental biology, and membrane dynamics. These articles demonstrate interdisciplinary research bridging molecular genetics and developmental mechanisms. Metzstein advises graduate students through journal clubs and research presentations, fostering critical reading and presentation skills. He also facilitates courses across the medical school curriculum. His lab is located in EIHG 6160A (Eccles Institute of Human Genetics), supporting cross-departmental research training initiatives.

Pedro MonteiroView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Cancer Biology
• Cell Biology
• Metastasis
• +4 more

Dr. Pedro Monteiro serves as a Senior Lecturer and Group Leader at the Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, where he leads research on cancer cell invasion mechanisms. His work centers on plasma membrane dynamics and cancer cell interactions with the extracellular matrix. His primary research interests include cancer metastasis, invadopodia formation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and breast cancer progression. He employs advanced imaging techniques to study how cancer cells remodel their microenvironment through plasma membrane dynamics and proteolytic activity, with particular focus on mechanotransduction pathways and cytoskeletal regulation. Monteiro's recent publications (2013-2023) reveal a consistent focus on molecular mechanisms of cancer cell invasion, emphasizing invadopodia regulation by signaling cascades (TKS5/CDC42), endosomal trafficking (WASH/exocyst complexes), and mechanical regulators (caveolae, LINC complex). His work demonstrates how cancer cells exploit membrane dynamics and matrix metalloproteinases for invasion in confined microenvironments. He actively participates in collaborative research networks as a member of the French Society for Cell Biology (SBCF), the Invadosome Consortium, and the French Exo-Endo consortium, contributing to interdisciplinary studies in cell biology and cancer metastasis.

Moua YangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Thrombosis Mechanisms
• Redox Biology
• Oxidative Cysteine Modification
• +5 more

Moua Yang, Ph.D. is an Academic Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and an Assistant Member at the Bloodworks Northwest Research Institute in Seattle, Washington. His research focuses on redox mechanisms in thrombosis, with particular emphasis on oxidative cysteine modifications and thiol isomerases in clot formation. Dr. Yang received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, followed by a Ph.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed postdoctoral training at the Medical College of Wisconsin and later at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Yang's primary research investigates the redox mechanisms that promote thrombosis, with specific focus on oxidative cysteine modification and its role in thrombotic machinery. His laboratory employs chemical biology, protein biochemistry, and real-time intravital imaging to unravel these mechanisms. He also studies thiol isomerases - enzymes that function to make and break disulfides during protein folding - which escape into the bloodstream and play critical roles in clot formation. His research explores how these enzymes promote thrombus formation in oxidative stress conditions, with specific areas of study including mechanisms of vaso-occlusion by thiol isomerases and natural compounds as anti-thrombotics. Analysis of Dr. Yang's recent publications reveals a strong focus on redox biology in thrombosis, with particular emphasis on cysteine oxidation, thiol isomerases, and CD36 signaling pathways. His work spans basic mechanisms of thrombosis, translational applications for antithrombotic therapy, and even extends to research on high-altitude physiology and diversity in STEMM fields. A notable trend is his exploration of natural compounds, particularly polyphenols, as potential antithrombotic agents targeting redox-sensitive pathways. Dr. Yang leads a research laboratory at Bloodworks Northwest Research Institute, where he mentors research technologists including Osamede C. Owegie and John K. Ryan. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of thrombosis with applications for developing novel antithrombotic therapies.