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Ana Maria CuervoView profile

Professor

• Autophagy
• Cellular Quality Control
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +5 more

Ana Maria Cuervo, M.D., Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor in the Departments of Developmental & Molecular Biology and Medicine (Hepatology) at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She holds the Robert and Renée Belfer Chair for the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases and serves as co-director of the Einstein Institute for Aging Research. She is affiliated with the Einstein Liver Research Center and Cancer Center. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of autophagy dysfunction in aging and its role in neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Dr. Cuervo’s work has demonstrated how restoring autophagy can prevent protein accumulation in aging and revealed links between autophagy and metabolism. She has received numerous honors, including membership in the National Academy of Sciences (2019), American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2018), and Royal Academies of Medicine. Her research has been presented in prestigious lectures and she chairs international scientific committees. Dr. Cuervo’s lab pioneered studies on autophagy’s role in diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and she advocates for translational applications of autophagy research in clinical settings. Her contributions include over 200 publications, with key work on chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) mechanisms, the role of CMA in tumor growth, and its regulation by metabolic pathways. She has organized major conferences and serves on editorial boards, including as co-editor-in-chief of Aging Cell .

Laura L. MarcotteView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biochemistry
• Virology
• Structural Biology
• +3 more

Laura L. Marcotte is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Assumption University. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology from Harvard University (2007) and a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Sweet Briar College (2002). Her research focuses on structural and biochemical studies of viral proteins, including poliovirus components and RNA-dependent polymerases. She also investigates vesicle trafficking mechanisms and environmental chemistry, such as analyzing antimicrobial compounds in wastewater. Dr. Marcotte’s academic contributions include courses like Introductory Chemistry, Biochemistry, and laboratory modules. She has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Harvard University, exploring topics like exocyst complexes and viral protein structures. Her work employs techniques such as X-ray crystallography, fluorescence anisotropy, and mass spectrometry. Research Highlights: Structural characterization of poliovirus 3CD protein and its RNA interactions Investigation of anthrax toxin mechanisms Analysis of triclosan in wastewater and bacterial resistance Dr. Marcotte has received numerous accolades, including the Barry Goldwater Scholarship (2001) and multiple honors from Sweet Briar College for academic excellence. Her grants include Alpha Lambda Delta fellowships and awards recognizing leadership and scientific achievement.

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

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

Ben FogelgrenView profile

Associate Professor

• Intracellular Protein Trafficking
• Membrane Trafficking
• Exocyst Complex
• +6 more

Ben Fogelgren, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology at the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine. He is also affiliated with the Institute for Biogenesis Research. BSE in Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania (1997) PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Hawaii (2005) Dr. Fogelgren's research focuses on intracellular protein and membrane trafficking, particularly the exocyst complex 's role in diseases like polycystic kidney disease and Alzheimer's disease . His work spans cell biology, developmental biology, and molecular physiology. Recent studies have explored the exocyst's involvement in amyloid precursor protein trafficking in neurons, renal epithelial ciliogenesis , and urothelial differentiation . His publications cover fields such as cell biology, nephrology, and developmental biology. Dr. Fogelgren has collaborated with researchers like Noemi Polgar, Joshua Lipschutz, and Scott Lozanoff, utilizing mouse models and cell culture systems to investigate trafficking mechanisms in health and disease. His laboratory investigates how exocyst dysfunction contributes to congenital obstructive nephropathy and renal pathologies , with recent projects examining exocyst interactions with Rab GTPases and kinases.

Daniel FazakerleyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Insulin Signaling
• Glucose Metabolism
• Adipocyte Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel Fazakerley is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Metabolic Science, Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge. He serves as Course Director for the MPhil in Obesity, Endocrinology, and Metabolism. His research focuses on insulin signaling, glucose transport in fat and muscle cells, and molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Role: Principal Investigator Collaborators: Professors Antonio Vidal-Puig, Sadaf Farooqi, Stephen O'Rahilly Funding: MRC Career Development Award, Wellcome ISSF Award, MRC project grant Research Approach: Utilizes interdisciplinary methods including in vitro and in vivo models, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics to study insulin action, GLUT4 trafficking, and metabolic disease mechanisms. Scientific Contributions: Identified novel regulators of GLUT4 (e.g., Picalm), elucidated mitochondrial roles in insulin resistance, and developed live-cell trafficking assays. Articles highlight themes in adipocyte biology, exercise physiology, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Awards: MRC Career Development Award Wellcome ISSF Award MRC project grant His lab collaborates with the Cambridge Metabolism network and trains students like PhD researcher Eleanor Fox.

• Membrane Trafficking
• Organelle Biology
• Rare Genetic Diseases
• +3 more

Dr David Gershlick is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow and Principal Investigator at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, specializing in secretory pathway machinery within the Department of Clinical Biochemistry. His research investigates cellular compartmentalization mechanisms and their critical role in neurodegenerative disorders. His work centers on Membrane Trafficking , Organelle Biology , and Rare Genetic Diseases , examining how protein sorting defects cause Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Utilizing subcellular proteomics, single-molecule tracking, and genetic models, his lab explores vesicular trafficking, lysosomal dynamics, and adaptor complex functions across cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegeneration. Analysis of recent publications reveals dominant themes in Rab GTPase regulation, amyloid processing, and phase separation in secretory granule formation. His research bridges fundamental cell biology with translational insights into disease mechanisms, particularly highlighting trafficking defects in prostate cancer and leptin secretion deficiencies. Dr Gershlick holds the prestigious Sir Henry Dale Fellowship and receives major funding from the Wellcome Trust and Royal Society. Sir Henry Dale Fellowship He supervises PhD students and leads a research team including Eleanor Fox, Marie Pereira, Daniele Stalder, and Georgia Miller. His laboratory at CIMR leverages advanced microscopy and proteomics facilities to investigate membrane trafficking pathways, with consultancy services available for industry partnerships. Based at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, his group operates within CIMR's strategic themes of Membrane Trafficking and Organelle Biology, utilizing core facilities for flow cytometry, super-resolution microscopy, and structural biology to advance understanding of cellular organization in health and disease.

CongCong HeView profile

Associate Professor

• Autophagy
• Metabolism
• Neurological Disorders
• +6 more

CongCong He, PhD is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , where he leads the He Lab with a focus on autophagy's role in metabolism and neurological disorders. Education BS in Biological Sciences from Zhejiang University (2004) PhD in Biological Chemistry from University of Michigan (2009) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Autophagy and Metabolism at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (2013) Research Focus The He Lab investigates autophagy's dual roles in cellular maintenance and metabolic regulation, particularly its involvement in obesity, type 2 diabetes, neurodegeneration, and drug abuse. Research spans from fundamental autophagy mechanisms to translational applications, including therapeutic strategies to modulate autophagy for disease prevention. Publication Trends Recent work explores autophagy's therapeutic potential in metabolic disorders, its role in exercise-induced benefits, and its impact on neurodegenerative diseases. The lab frequently employs mouse models and combines molecular biology with physiological studies to uncover autophagy's regulatory pathways. Scientific Recognition 2023 Tenured Associate Professor promotion Multiple R01 grants from NIDDK and NIDA Lurie Cancer Center Translational Bridge Award AFAR New Investigator Award in Alzheimer's Disease BrightFocus Foundation and Northwestern Alzheimer's Center grants Training & Mentorship Dr. He actively mentors graduate students (NUIN and DGP programs) and postdoctoral fellows, with lab members like Kenta Kuramoto and Pingdong Liang contributing to high-impact publications in journals such as Cell Metabolism and Science Advances . The lab has received multiple competitive grant renewals and best poster awards. Research Infrastructure The He Lab is housed at Ward Building Room 8-007, with a relocated and expanded space in Ward Building 8-321. The lab collaborates with multiple institutes including the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease and Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS) .

Sebastian Y. BednarekView profile

Professor

• Plant Cytokinesis
• Membrane Trafficking
• Plant Cell Biology
• +4 more

Sebastian Y. Bednarek is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he leads research on molecular mechanisms of plant cell division and expansion using Arabidopsis thaliana and Physcomitrium patens as model systems. His laboratory investigates cytokinesis, membrane trafficking, and cell plate formation through biochemical, genetic, and imaging approaches. His educational background includes: B.S. from University of Wisconsin–Madison Ph.D. from Michigan State University Bednarek's research centers on plant cytokinesis, specifically the fusion of Golgi-derived vesicles during cell plate formation. His lab examines the roles of CDC48, the SCD complex, and clathrin-mediated endocytosis in membrane dynamics, with emphasis on evolutionarily conserved and plant-specific mechanisms. Key interests include phragmoplast function, intracellular protein trafficking, and membrane biogenesis in plant development. Recent publications reveal trends in plant membrane trafficking, highlighting proteomic characterization of clathrin-coated vesicles, structural mechanics of endocytosis, and cross-talk between post-Golgi and endocytic pathways. Work spans Arabidopsis root cells and moss models, identifying both conserved eukaryotic machinery and novel plant-specific components. Bednarek mentors graduate students Dana Dahhan and Edward Hoey, and supervises a research team including Research Associate Jessica Cárdenas and undergraduate researchers. His laboratory employs transgenic, biochemical, and morphological studies to dissect molecular networks governing plant cell division, with future work focused on genetic screens for cytokinesis-defective mutants.

Cinzia Anita Maria ProgidaView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Membrane Trafficking
• +5 more

Cinzia Anita Maria Progida is a Professor in the Department of Biosciences at the University of Oslo, where she leads the Cell Dynamics research group within the Section for Physiology and Cell Biology (FYSCELL). Her laboratory is housed in the Institute of Biosciences building at Blindern campus in Oslo. Professor Progida's primary research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular trafficking and the interplay between membrane transport and cytoskeleton dynamics. Her work particularly emphasizes the Rab family of small GTPases, which serve as master regulators of intracellular transport and also influence cytoskeleton remodeling. Her research group employs a combination of molecular and cell biology methods with state-of-the-art imaging techniques to unravel the spatio-temporal regulation of these cellular processes. An analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory centered on Rab GTPases and their roles in membrane trafficking, cell migration, and disease mechanisms. Her work spans fundamental cell biology to applications in cancer and immunology, with increasing emphasis on mechanobiology and the role of the endoplasmic reticulum in cellular processes. Recent publications demonstrate growing international collaboration with institutions across Europe and North America. Funding from Anders Jahres fond Funding from S. G. Sønneland Foundation Funding from Astri og Birger Torsteds legat Professor Progida actively mentors a diverse research team including current members Sathiaruby Sivaganesh, Marie Bergundhaugen, Jonathan Marcus Townson, and several others, along with numerous former lab members who have contributed to her extensive publication record. She has organized significant scientific events including the 'Cells on the Move' conference in 2016, demonstrating her leadership in the field of cell dynamics. Her laboratory maintains strong collaborations with institutions including Oslo University Hospital, Technical University of Denmark, Institute Curie in France, University of Salento in Italy, Leiden University in the Netherlands, and University of California Berkeley in the USA. Her research group 'Cell Dynamics - Progida' investigates how membrane traffic is regulated in eukaryotic cells and functions in concert with the cytoskeleton, with special emphasis on the molecular mechanisms controlling spatio-temporal dynamics and coordination between membrane traffic, cytoskeleton, and cell motility. They employ various imaging approaches, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology techniques to functionally characterize these processes.

• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• Oncology
• +5 more

Adam Gromley is a Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Lamar University, located in the Hamilton Math & Science Building. His research focuses on centrosome proteins, cancer mechanisms, cell cycle regulation, and primary cilia biology. He has contributed significantly to understanding cytokinesis, tumor suppression, and genetic signaling pathways in diseases like melanoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. His educational contributions include developing integrated textbooks on biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as pedagogical modules for medical education. Notable research areas include the roles of centriolin, pericentrin, and HECTD1 in cellular processes, alongside studies on ARF and p53-responsive genes in cancer suppression. Recent work (2022–2025) emphasizes CRISPR/Cas9 applications in cytokinesis studies, metabolic learning strategies, and centrosome interactions in oncogenesis. His findings have advanced understanding of primary cilia disruption in myoblasts and therapeutic potential of stem cell therapies. Academic advising and grants are not explicitly detailed in available records. His lab focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to cell biology and cancer research, though specific lab/team names are not mentioned here.

• Plant Cell Biology
• Vesicle Trafficking
• Endomembrane Systems
• +4 more

Emily Ruth Larson is an Associate Professor at the University of Montreal's Department of Biological Sciences (Faculty of Arts and Sciences). She joined the university in September 2024 and leads the Larson Lab at the IRBV (Institut de recherche en biologie végétale). Her research focuses on plant vesicle trafficking dynamics and their role in cellular function, growth, and environmental adaptation. Key interests include endomembrane system coordination, root-soil interactions, and the interplay between vesicle pathways under perturbations or external stimuli. Education and Career: B.A., Bennington College (2003) Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biosciences, University of Vermont (2013) Postdoctoral research at University of Glasgow (vesicle trafficking dynamics) and University of Bristol (root cell biology) Research Expertise: Vesicle trafficking in plant cells Endomembrane system specialization Root biology and soil interactions Plant cell wall dynamics Lab and Affiliations: Membre at IRBV Teaches BIO-3103 (Molecular Biology Lab: Proteins) Recruits students interested in plant cell biology and endomembrane systems

Noemi PolgarView profile

Assistant Professor

• Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Glucose Uptake Regulation
• Fatty Acid Metabolism
• +3 more

Noemi Polgar is an Assistant Professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, within the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology. Her research focuses on mechanisms underlying type-2 diabetes, particularly glucose and fatty acid uptake regulation in skeletal muscle, and the role of exercise in improving metabolic health. She investigates the exocyst complex's role in cellular trafficking and its implications for kidney and metabolic disorders. Previously, she contributed to genetic studies of neurofibromatosis and Rett syndrome in Hungary before joining the University of Hawaii in 2012. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical applications, addressing health disparities in Pacific Islander communities. Education: PhD in Biotechnology and Genetics from the University of Szeged, Hungary Research Interests: Polgar's lab explores insulin resistance, exercise-mediated metabolic pathways, and exocyst-mediated trafficking in diabetes. Key areas include: GLUT4 transporter regulation in skeletal muscle Exocyst's role in fatty acid translocase (CD36) trafficking Mechanisms of insulin-independent glucose uptake Genetic and environmental factors in metabolic syndrome Publications: Her recent work emphasizes exocyst's role in glucose homeostasis (2021), fatty acid transport (2022), and renal epithelial biology (2019). Earlier studies include genetic analyses of inflammatory bowel disease (2012) and Rett syndrome databases (2012). Labs/Teams: Leads the Polgar Lab, part of the Diabetes COBRE grant-funded research group, focusing on translational diabetes research.

Patrick BrennwaldView profile

Professor

• Cellular membrane trafficking
• Protein targeting
• Rho GTPase signaling
• +5 more

Patrick Brennwald, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology & Physiology at the UNC School of Medicine. His research focuses on mechanisms of polarized membrane trafficking, particularly the roles of Rho GTPases, SNARE proteins, and the exocyst complex in coordinating cell polarity and protein delivery. He holds affiliations with the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, integrating his findings into cancer research contexts. Education: B.A., Carleton College, 1985 Ph.D., University of Illinois, 1990 Postdoctoral Training, Yale University, 1990-1994 Research Interests: Dr. Brennwald's lab investigates how cells spatially regulate exocytosis through the interplay of Rho GTPases (Cdc42/Rho3), SNARE proteins, and the exocyst complex. Key studies include: Mechanisms of exocyst activation and conformational changes Role of tSNARE1 in neuronal endosomal trafficking linked to schizophrenia Conservation of polarity pathways from yeast to mammalian systems Cryo-EM structural analysis of protein complexes Recent Article Trends: Recent work emphasizes structural biology advances using lipid-monolayer affinity grids for cryo-EM, cross-institutional trainee development programs, and expanding understanding of exocyst regulation in neurological contexts. Over 30 years of continuous NIH funding supports these investigations. Education Initiatives: Dr. Brennwald leads innovative programs like the career cohort model and internship frameworks to enhance trainee career outcomes in biomedical sciences. These programs emphasize transferable skills and interdisciplinary collaboration. Labs/Teams: Directs the Brennwald Lab within the UNC Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, collaborating closely with the Lineberger Cancer Center on polarity pathways relevant to tumor progression.

Shundai LiView profile

Research Professor

• Plant Cell Biology
• Cell Wall Biosynthesis
• Cytoskeleton Dynamics
• +3 more

Shundai Li is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant cell wall biosynthesis, particularly cellulose synthesis. He investigates how cellulose synthase complexes are regulated, transported, and integrated into cell walls through interactions with microtubules, cytoskeleton components, and cellular trafficking pathways. Key areas of exploration include the role of calcium-dependent protein kinases in cellulose biosynthesis, the dynamics of cellulose synthase complexes during plant cell elongation, and the impact of genetic mutations on cell wall architecture. His work integrates biochemical, genetic, and cell biological approaches to unravel the interplay between cytoskeletal elements and cell wall biogenesis. Liang Li has published extensively on topics such as exocyst complex-mediated delivery of cellulose synthase, clathrin-mediated endocytosis of cellulose synthase complexes, and the functional analysis of microtubule-associated proteins in plant cells. His research contributes to foundational understanding of plant cell wall formation and its implications for agriculture and plant physiology. Despite his significant contributions, no scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. He is affiliated with the North Frear Laboratory at Penn State and can be reached at sul38@psu.edu .

Ning WangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Genetics
• +7 more

Ning Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on organelle homeostasis through biogenesis and degradation mechanisms, with affiliations to the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program and Biomedical Genetics and Genomics Program. PhD in Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University Postdoctoral training in Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School Dr. Wang's research explores: Organelle biogenesis, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), including morphology generation, inheritance during cell division, and protein/lipid insertion. Organelle degradation via receptor-mediated selective autophagy, linking dysfunction to neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Asymmetric organelle inheritance in Schizosaccharomyces japonicus hyphae. Research trends from publications include: 2023 study on autophagosome formation in fission yeast 2021 work on ER tubule shaping proteins 2019 analysis of ER network reconstitution 2014-2016 investigations of cytokinesis mechanisms in yeast Her lab employs fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe/japonicus), budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and mammalian cell cultures for genetic studies, combined with protein purification and structural biology techniques.