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Lukas MillesView profile

Professor

• De novo protein design
• Deep learning
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Lukas Milles is a faculty member at the Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , where he has held the position of Professor (W2) since October 2024. He is also the Emmy Noether Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, leading the Biomolecular Design research group. His work bridges de novo protein design, deep learning, and single-molecule biophysics to engineer novel proteins and understand biological mechanisms. Education: PhD in Physics/Biophysics (2014–2018), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, with Hermann Gaub Postdoctoral Researcher (2019–2023), Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, with David Baker Acting Instructor (Jan–Jun 2024), Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle Research Interests: Prof. Milles' research lies at the intersection of computational protein design and experimental biophysics. His lab uses deep learning to design proteins de novo , focusing on creating synthetic enzymes and self-strengthening protein bonds inspired by bacterial pathogens. The group employs high-throughput single-molecule techniques to validate designs and explore protein mechanics, folding, and function. Scientific Awards: Human Frontier Science Program Cross Disciplinary Fellowship (2020–2023) EMBO Long Term Fellowship (2019–2020) Honourable Mention, Birnstiel Award (2019) PhD Prize, LMU Munich University Society (2019) Students & Team: Prof. Milles currently advises four PhD students: Nele Dierlamm, Lars Dornfeld, Iryna Poplevicheva, and Andreas Riedlberger. His lab is interdisciplinary and welcomes applications from candidates in biology, physics, chemistry, engineering, and computer science. Lab & Collaborations: The Milles lab operates jointly at the LMU Gene Center and the MPI of Biochemistry, supported by the DFG Emmy Noether programme. The team maintains a high-throughput pipeline for protein design and characterization, integrating computational modeling with experimental validation using atomic force microscopy and single-molecule force spectroscopy.

Willow Coyote-MaestasView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computational Biology
• Pharmacogenomics
• Protein Engineering
• +4 more

Willow Coyote-Maestas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), where she leads the Coyote-Maestas Lab. She holds affiliations with multiple graduate programs, including the Biophysics Graduate Program, Chemistry and Chemical Biology Graduate Program, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, and the Tetrad Graduate Program. Her research focuses on integrating computational biology, molecular biophysics, and pharmacogenomics to understand protein structure-function relationships and their implications in disease and drug development. Education PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2021) MS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology from the University of Minnesota (2019) BS in Chemistry and BA in Environmental Studies from Evergreen State College (2014) Research interests span molecular dynamics simulations, deep mutational scanning, and domain engineering in ion channels and drug transporters. Her work addresses critical questions in pharmacogenomics, systems pharmacology, and evolutionary constraints on protein function. Recent projects include the development of computational frameworks like Rosace and ORACLE, and functional studies on the MET receptor tyrosine kinase and OCT1 transporter mutations. Scientific Awards Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator (2023-2028) HHMI Hanna Gray Fellow (2021-2027) QBI Fellow (2021-2023) NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2017-2018) University of Minnesota Ross A. Gortner Award (2019) Publications highlight her expertise in computational genomics, protein engineering, and biophysics, with recent studies analyzing codon interplay, kinase resistance mechanisms, and bacterial secretion systems. Her methodological innovations, such as DIMPLE and Rosace, provide tools for studying protein variation and functional landscapes.

Chris F InglehearnView profile

Professor

• Human genetics
• Inherited blindness
• Retinal dystrophies
• +6 more

Professor Chris F Inglehearn is Professor of Molecular Ophthalmology at the University of Leeds, Faculty of Medicine and Health, where he heads the Division of Molecular Medicine. He established the Leeds Vision Research Group and leads cross-disciplinary programmes on inherited blindness, dental genetics and psychosis. Education: BSc Biological Sciences (2:1 Hons), University of Edinburgh, 1984 PhD Molecular Genetics, University of Edinburgh, 1988 Research interests span genomic dissection of inherited retinal dystrophies, amelogenesis imperfecta and neurodevelopmental disorders. His laboratory deploys high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, genome editing and stem-cell models to identify disease genes, elucidate pathogenic mechanisms and develop diagnostic assays. Recent work has discovered novel ubiquitously expressed splicing-factor defects underlying tissue-specific retinal disease, identified over a dozen genes for amelogenesis imperfecta, and created the first UK NHS diagnostic service for this condition. International collaborations include coordination of the EU EyeTN training network and leadership roles in the UK Retinal Disease Consortium and Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership. Selected professional service: Chair, Management Group, European Retinal Disease Consortium (2018-2021) Member, Genomics England GeCIP Hearing & Sight Domain Chair, Candlelighters Science Advisory Board (2003-2010) Wellcome Trust Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Panel (2004-2008) He has supervised 30 PhD students to completion, delivered undergraduate and MSc teaching on human inherited disease, and published >213 peer-reviewed articles.

• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• Molecular Enzymology
• +4 more

Stefan Hofbauer is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. His research focuses on the molecular enzymology of heme biosynthesis in prokaryotes, particularly the structure-function relationships of enzymes such as coproheme decarboxylase and coproporphyrin ferrochelatase. Research Focus: Elucidating the coproporphyrin-dependent heme biosynthesis pathway for antibiotic development Methods: X-ray structural analysis, spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations Scientific Leadership: He leads multiple Austrian Science Fund (FWF)-supported projects including Biomolecular Technology of Protein Interactions (Biotopia) and Biochemistry of Coproporphyrin Ferrochelatases . His work has implications for combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Key Collaborations: Structural and Computational Biology, University of Vienna (2014-2016) Presentation Highlights: Keynote talks at Minisymposium on Peroxygenase Discovery (2024), Gordon Research Conference (2022) Peer Review: Active as Guest Editor for Frontiers in Genetics and reviewer for 12 journals including FEBS Letters and Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry.

Vessela N. KristensenView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Breast Cancer Research
• +3 more

Vessela N. Kristensen is a Professor at the Department of Medical Genetics , Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo University Hospital. Her research focuses on inherited genetic variation in breast and ovarian cancers, particularly how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) influence tumor susceptibility, clinical presentation, treatment response, and gene regulation. Leadership: Head of the Kristensen Research Group at Oslo University Hospital Key collaborations: BRIDGES sequencing dataset, international consortia Research interests span: Cancer Genetics: Identifying germline variants affecting tumor biology and drug response Epigenetics: Mechanisms linking enhancer methylation to transcriptional networks Functional Genomics: Exploring gene-environment interactions in cancer risk Clinical Applications: Developing polygenic risk scores for personalized prevention Recent publications highlight her work on: BRCA1/2 variant classification using large-scale case-control data Tumor immunogenomics (CTLA4 expression as a prognostic biomarker) Computational models for predicting treatment outcomes in Luminal B cancer Epigenetic drivers of hormone-dependent breast cancer phenotypes Spatial transcriptomics applications in tumor heterogeneity analysis Key contributions include integrating multi-omics approaches to understand cancer progression and developing tools for molecular risk stratification in clinical settings.

Andres F OberhauserView profile

Professor

• Single-Molecule Biophysics
• Protein Folding
• Muscle Biology
• +3 more

Andres F. Oberhauser is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) , with a secondary affiliation at the Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics . His research focuses on single-molecule biophysics, particularly the molecular mechanisms of chaperones like UNC-45 and Hsp90 in myosin folding and sarcomere assembly. PhD in Physiology & Biophysics, University of Chile Postdoctoral training at University of Pennsylvania and Mayo Clinic His work utilizes advanced techniques such as single-molecule atomic force microscopy , site-specific fluorescence probes , and in vitro myosin motility assays to investigate protein mechanics in muscle development and repair. Key findings include the role of UNC-45 in preventing premature myosin powerstrokes and Hsp90's involvement in relieving this inhibition. Recent publications highlight his expanding research into mechanobiology , muscle aging , and cancer cell adhesion . Collaborative projects span C. elegans genetics , cardiovascular protein interactions , and anti-fibrotic therapies . His lab's work has implications for skeletal myopathies , cardiomyopathies , and tumor invasiveness . Selected Contributions: Elucidated UNC-45's dual role in myosin folding and powerstroke inhibition Developed novel single-molecule approaches for chaperone studies Identified nucleolin as a key mediator in cancer cell-L-selectin interactions Explored temperature-dependent structural changes in molecular chaperones

Andrea KrögerView profile

Professor

• Innate Immunity
• Viral Pathogenesis
• Interferon Signaling
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Andrea Kröger serves as Research Group Leader of the Innate Immunity and Infection group at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig and holds a Professorship in Molecular Microbiology at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg since June 2015. Her career spans over 25 years at HZI, beginning with doctoral studies in 1995 under Dr. Hansjörg Hauser. Her research focuses on interferon-mediated immune defense mechanisms against viral infections, particularly neurotropic viruses like tick-borne encephalitis virus and SARS-CoV-2. Key interests include: Type I interferon signaling in neuronal and glial cells Immune response dynamics during viral CNS invasion Interferon regulatory factors (IRF-1, IRF-7) in infection control Neuroinflammation mechanisms in viral pathogenesis Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2021-2024) reveals a strong emphasis on neurovirology and interferon responses , with significant contributions to understanding SARS-CoV-2 immunity, flavivirus pathogenesis, and interferon signaling in brain aging. Her work bridges molecular virology, neuroimmunology, and translational infection research. Her laboratory actively investigates how innate immune responses protect against viral CNS invasion while balancing inflammatory damage. Current projects examine cGAS-STING signaling in brain aging, astrocyte-mediated interferon responses, and MAIT cell antiviral programming.

Deborah FullerView profile

Professor

• Vaccines development
• Antivirals
• HIV research
• +7 more

Deborah Fuller is a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Washington and serves as the Associate Director of Research at the Washington National Primate Research Center. She also directs the Virology & Immunology Core at the Washington National Primate Research Center. Her research program is focused on developing novel antivirals, vaccines, and immunotherapies for SARS-CoV-2, HIV, influenza, hepatitis B, Zika virus, and Valley Fever using non-human primate models. Dr. Fuller's research interests center on virology and immunology with a particular emphasis on mucosal immune responses. Her laboratory investigates new vaccine and antiviral concepts aimed at achieving broader, more universal protection against highly variable viruses. She developed the first Particle-Mediated Epidermal Delivery (PMED) device (gene gun) to deliver plasmid DNA directly into cells in the skin for more effective DNA vaccination. Her work has shown that PMED consistently induces strong immune responses and protection against HIV and a wide range of other viral infections. The lab also works on computational protein designs for universal influenza vaccines and antivirals, CD180-targeted vaccines, and Zika virus pathogenesis. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on RNA vaccine technologies, particularly self-amplifying RNA platforms, for rapid response to emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 variants. Her work demonstrates significant contributions to understanding cross-protective immunity, mucosal responses, and vaccine durability. Much of her research employs non-human primate models to bridge basic science with clinical applications. Dr. Fuller leads a comprehensive research team including postdoctoral fellows, research scientists, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers. Her laboratory collaborates extensively with the Institute for Protein Design, Abacus Bioscience, HDT Bio, and other institutions to advance vaccine and antiviral development. The Virology and Immunology Core she directs provides cutting-edge virologic and immunologic assays to support NHP research across multiple infectious diseases.

Nicola CampView profile

Professor

• Statistical Genetics
• Genetic Epidemiology
• Cancer Genetics
• +5 more

Nicola Camp is Professor of Hematology and Adjunct Professor in Human Genetics, Biomedical Informatics, and Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah, focusing on identifying inherited genetic risk variants for complex diseases through novel statistical methodologies and applied gene-finding projects. Her work addresses critical challenges in cancer genetics including genetic heterogeneity and disease complexity. Her educational background includes: B.S. in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Sheffield, UK Ph.D. in Statistical Genetics from the University of Sheffield, UK Dr. Camp's research integrates theoretical statistical genetics with practical applications in cancer susceptibility, particularly for breast cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and multiple myeloma (MM). She leverages the unique Utah Population Database (UPDB) and high-risk pedigrees to develop methods incorporating genomic, transcriptomic, and molecular phenotypic data. Current projects involve whole-exome/genome sequencing in CLL pedigrees, high-density SNP genotyping in hematological malignancies, and apoptosis pathway analysis in breast cancer. Analysis of her recent publications reveals dominant trends in polygenic risk score development across diverse populations, BRCA variant classification using multi-modal evidence, and shared genomic segment analysis in high-risk pedigrees for cancer and reproductive disorders. Her work increasingly emphasizes cross-cancer pleiotropy and multi-omics integration to address complex disease mechanisms. Dr. Camp maintains an active research laboratory utilizing the UPDB's genealogical resources and collaborates extensively across campus and within international consortia including InterLymph. Her team specializes in developing statistical frameworks that bridge theoretical innovation with real-world data challenges in genetic epidemiology.

• Coronavirus Immunology
• Viral Immunology
• Veterinary Pathology
• +7 more

Rudra Channappanavar, DVM, PhD is an Associate Professor in Viral Immunology and Veterinary Pathology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University. He also serves as faculty for the Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases (OCRID). His research focuses on coronavirus-host interactions, mechanisms of protective and pathogenic immunity, and development of antiviral therapeutics. Dr. Channappanavar earned his DVM from Veterinary College, KVAFSU, India, his MVSc in Veterinary Pathology from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, and his PhD in Biology with a focus on Immunology and Infectious Diseases from Oakland University. He completed postdoctoral training at the University of Iowa in Coronavirus Immunobiology and Virology. His research program has three primary focuses: (1) Understanding coronavirus-host interactions and mechanisms of protective and pathogenic immunity, using in vitro and in vivo approaches including knockout and transgenic mouse models; (2) Improving immune responses to human coronavirus infections and vaccinations in the elderly, investigating the role of interferons and monocytes-macrophages in age-related susceptibility; and (3) Identifying and evaluating antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents to reduce coronavirus disease severity, with work on compounds like Camostat Mesylate and amniotic fluid-derived extracellular vesicles. Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strong focus on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, particularly investigating TLR-mediated immune responses, macrodomain functions in viral replication, and therapeutic approaches including nanoliposome drug delivery systems. His work spans basic molecular virology to translational therapeutic development, with a consistent emphasis on understanding dysregulated immunity in severe coronavirus disease. Dr. Channappanavar has secured significant funding for his research, including multiple NIH grants such as 'Role of ERK1/2 signaling in SARS-CoV-2-induced dysregulated immunity and lung pathology' (2024-2029) and 'Myeloid cell TRAF6 signaling in SARS-CoV-2-induced dysregulated lung immunity' (2024-2026). He also contributes to the Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases (OCRID), a NIH-funded Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (CoBRE). As an educator, he teaches PhD Research and Dissertation courses and Undergraduate Research Problems, mentoring the next generation of veterinary and biomedical researchers. His laboratory serves as an important training ground for students interested in viral immunology and respiratory infectious diseases.

Melissa MitchumView profile

Professor

• Plant-Nematode Interactions
• Nematode Effector Biology
• Crop Resistance
• +3 more

Melissa Mitchum is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia, with joint appointments in the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics and the Center for Applied Genetic Technologies. She directs research on molecular plant-nematode interactions, focusing on effector biology, plant resistance mechanisms, and nematode virulence evolution. Research Focus: Her lab studies cyst and root-knot nematodes using molecular, biochemical, and genomic approaches to develop novel resistance strategies in crops like soybean and corn. Key areas include nematode effector proteins, CLE peptide hormone mimicry, and the molecular basis of soybean cyst nematode resistance. Education: Ph.D. Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University (2001) M.S. Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska (1995) B.S. Biology, University of Puget Sound (1993) Recent Publications: Work published in high-impact journals including Nature Communications , PNAS , and PLOS Pathogens focuses on nematode genome evolution, effector function, and resistance gene characterization. Awards: Silver Anvil Team Award for SCN Coalition outreach (2022) Molecular Plant Pathology Highlight for work on nematode feeding sites (2022) Student Career Success Influencer Award (2024) She leads the multi-state SCN Coalition project to enhance soybean resistance durability and collaborates extensively with plant breeders.

Christine ChowView profile

Professor

• Nucleic Acid Chemistry
• Bioorganic Chemistry
• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• +6 more

Christine Chow is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on RNA modifications and their structural-functional relationships, utilizing bioorganic, bioinorganic, and biophysical methodologies. Education: A.B., Bowdoin College, 1987 M.A., Columbia University, 1988 Ph.D., Caltech, 1992 NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, M.I.T., 1992-94 Dr. Chow's work investigates site-specific RNA modifications, particularly pseudouridines in ribosomal RNA helix 69. Her group employs platinum complexes, fluorescence spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to probe RNA structure and develop novel antibiotics targeting drug-resistant pathogens. Recent publications highlight innovations in RNA probing techniques, metal-drug interactions, and structural characterization of RNA-ligand complexes. Her research is supported by NIH grants including 4DP7OD018427-04 and T32GM139807 , along with NSF funding CHE 1904754 . Current projects examine RNA dynamics, antibiotic-RNA interactions, and computational modeling of modified nucleobases. Scientific Awards: NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship Dr. Chow teaches advanced courses in bioorganic chemistry and biological chemistry laboratory work, contributing to graduate and undergraduate education. Her lab maintains a focus on RNA structural biology and translational applications for antimicrobial development.

Jessie HuangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Lung Regeneration
• Pulmonary Diseases
• +6 more

Jessie Huang is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine , affiliated with the Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research and the Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine . Her lab focuses on elucidating mechanisms of lung injury and repair using human iPSC-derived platforms and genetic mouse models. The Huang Lab investigates how lung progenitor cells self-renew and transdifferentiate post-injury, aiming to identify therapeutic targets for diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and lung adenocarcinoma. Their work spans iPSC modeling of alveolar epithelial responses signaling pathway analysis in lung regeneration host-pathogen interactions in SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanical stress effects on TGFβ activation cell volume regulation via YAP/TAZ . Recent research trends from her publications include stem cell-derived lung tissue engineering viral replication and host responses transcriptomic profiling of alveolar cell cultures CRISPR-based functional genomics in COPD drug repurposing for respiratory diseases mechanobiology in pulmonary disorders . The lab is part of the Cancer Biology and Genomics , Development, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine , and Molecular Medicine Ph.D. programs within Programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (PIBBS) at USC. They actively recruit students and postdocs, with open positions advertised via jessieh@usc.edu.

Jonathan TillyView profile

Professor

• Aging
• Germ Cell Biology
• Infertility
• +5 more

Jonathan Tilly is the University Distinguished Professor of Biology at Northeastern University’s College of Science, leading Tilly’s Lab. His research focuses on genetic/epigenetic drivers of cell lineage specification, mitochondrial biology, and regenerative medicine. He has been NIH-funded since 1994 and co-founded OvaScience (2011), a biotech firm addressing infertility. Key achievements include the first baby born with stem cell assistance (2015) and groundbreaking studies on ovarian stem cells overturning traditional reproductive biology dogma. Tilly’s work is published in top journals like Nature , Cell , and PNAS , with 10 patents and 12 Boston Globe recognition as a top innovator (2013). His lab’s research integrates stem cell biology, mitochondrial dynamics, and reproductive health. Major projects include: Mechanics of germline stem cell differentiation Postnatal oocyte formation mechanisms Mitochondrial inheritance during embryogenesis Stem cell-based organ engineering for regenerative medicine Notable awards include the Boston Business Journal’s Champion in Healthcare award (2013). His lab collaborates with industry (e.g., OvaScience) and academia, advancing translational applications of basic science discoveries. Advising includes mentoring PhD students like Hannah Alberico and Zoe Fleischmann. Grants total over 25 years of continuous NIH support. Labs/centers affiliated include the Mugar Life Sciences Building and interdisciplinary collaborations within Northeastern’s research institutes.

Trine SørensenView profile

Researcher

• Fungal genetics
• Secondary metabolites
• Comparative genomics
• +4 more

Trine Sørensen is a Researcher in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Aalborg University, Faculty of Engineering and Science. Her work bridges fungal genetics, secondary metabolite exploration, and applied biotechnology. Current affiliations: Aalborg University (Mathematical Sciences) Projects: Rettidig omhu (2023-2027), MASPot population maintenance (2023-2025), RESPOT (2020-2024), and Fusarium pigmentation studies (2019-2021) Research Focus: Fungal genetics and secondary metabolites characterization CRISPR/Cas9 and Oxford Nanopore Technology applications Redox flow battery development using fungal quinones Plant-pathogen interactions for crop protection Environmental detoxification of micropollutants Publication Trends (2019-2025): 17 research outputs including fungal biotechnology for energy storage, comparative genomics, and environmental remediation. Key areas: fungal pigmentation pathways (Fusarium solani), carbohydrate-active enzymes (Apiospora), and CRISPR-based genomic tools. Collaborations: Active in cross-disciplinary projects with 20+ collaborators across fungal biology, potato breeding, and environmental engineering. Notable work on SARS-CoV-2 genomic datasets and enzyme optimization systems.