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Ryan O'ConnellView profile

Professor

• Noncoding RNAs
• Inflammation
• Cancer
• +3 more

Ryan O'Connell is a Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Utah and Chief of Microbiology and Immunology. His research laboratory is located at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He also serves as Co-Director of the Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious Disease (3i) Initiative, Associate Chief of the Microbiology and Immunology Division, and Program Co-Director of the Neuroimmunology Training Grant. Education: B.S. California Lutheran University Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles Research Interests: Dr. O'Connell's research focuses on the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating both physiological and pathological immune cell functions in mammals, with an emphasis on inflammation and cancer. His laboratory is currently investigating: Communication between the mammalian host and gut microbiota via extracellular vesicles and their RNA cargo during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) The role of miRNAs in coordinating antitumor and immunotherapeutic responses to gastrointestinal (GI) and blood cancers Development and mechanistic study of mRNA vaccines to induce immunity against GI and blood cancers Interplay between miRNAs and cellular metabolism during age-related inflammation and cancer Publications: Dr. O'Connell has published over 100 high-impact primary research manuscripts and review articles. His recent work spans diverse areas including cancer immunotherapy, microbiota interactions, metabolic regulation in immune cells, and the development of bioinformatics tools for cancer genomics. Leadership and Mentorship: He has mentored 14 graduate students (including 4 MD/PhD students) and 6 postdoctoral scholars, many of whom have advanced to positions in academia and industry. His leadership roles include directing major initiatives in immunology and inflammation research at the University of Utah.

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.

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Medicinal Chemistry
• +7 more

Enyedi Kata Nóra is a Lecturer at the Department of Organic Chemistry , Faculty of Science , ELTE Eötvös Loránd University , Budapest. Her research focuses on peptide-based drug conjugates, molecular targeting in cancer therapy, and structural studies of biologically active molecules. Role: Lecturer Email: kata.nora.enyedi@ttk.elte.hu Address: 1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/a, Room 448 Research Interests: Enyedi's work spans Biochemistry , Molecular Biology , and Medicinal Chemistry , with a focus on: Design and synthesis of NGR and F3 peptide-drug conjugates Epigenetic regulation via histone variants (H2A.Z) Development of hydrogel systems for cancer cell viability Medical imaging techniques (PET/MRI) for tumor angiogenesis Structural studies of protein stability (Asn/Asp isomerization) Publication Trends: Recent studies emphasize targeted tumor therapy, radiolabeled peptides, 3D hydrogel models, and control peptide design. Key keywords include Drug Delivery , Molecular Imaging , and Peptide Synthesis .

Jill DowenView profile

Professor

• Gene Regulation
• Chromosome Structure
• Genome Organization
• +7 more

Jill Dowen is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on the interplay between genome organization and gene expression. Her lab investigates how DNA looping influences cellular identity during development and disease, utilizing embryonic stem cells, cancer cells, and functional genomics approaches. Research interests include: Chromatin structure and transcriptional regulation 3D genome architecture in disease contexts Role of cohesin and Polycomb complexes in gene expression Histone modifications and their impact on chromatin dynamics Her recent publications highlight advancements in understanding cohesin's regulatory mechanisms, histone acetylation's role in MLL complex function, and Polycomb repressive complex interactions with lncRNA. The lab actively trains scientists and accepts applications for postdoctoral and graduate positions through the UNC BBSP PhD Program.

• Inflammatory skin diseases
• Epidemiology
• Psoriasis
• +2 more

Marita Jenssen is a Senior Lecturer in Skin and Venereological Diseases at the Department of Clinical Medicine , UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Her research focuses on inflammatory skin disorders, particularly psoriasis, and the interplay between vitamin D metabolism and disease epidemiology. Recent studies highlight her work in: Genetic and environmental risk factors for psoriasis miRNA profiling in psoriatic skin Vitamin D supplementation trials for skin disease management Her research spans molecular biology, clinical dermatology, and population health in Arctic regions. Key collaborative efforts include: Dermatoplastic Imaging Research Group Chronic Disease Epidemiology Group

Hui ChenView profile

Academic

• Plant Pathology
• Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Wheat Genetics
• +3 more

Hui Chen, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University, affiliated with the USDA Central Small Grain Genotyping Lab in Kansas. His research focuses on understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms of wheat resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB), Leaf rust (Lr), Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) and other diseases, as well as exploring novel genetic transformation and genome editing strategies in wheat. Dr. Chen received his B.S. in Tropical Agriculture and M.S. in Crop Genetics and Breeding at Hainan University (former South China University of Tropical Agriculture) in China. He then pursued his M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology and Virology at Ehime University, Japan. Following his doctoral studies, he held a research position at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) before joining Kansas State University in 2016. Dr. Chen's research program centers on wheat disease resistance mechanisms, particularly focusing on Fusarium head blight, a devastating disease affecting wheat production worldwide. His work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and advanced genome editing techniques to identify and characterize resistance genes and pathways. He has developed innovative approaches using Barley stripe mosaic virus-mediated gene editing systems and nanoparticle delivery for improving FHB resistance in wheat. His research on the TaHRC gene has revealed critical insights into how wheat susceptibility to FHB is regulated through calcium-mediated immune responses. Additionally, Dr. Chen has made significant contributions to understanding wheat resistance to leaf rust and pre-harvest sprouting. Analysis of Dr. Chen's recent publications (2020-2024) reveals a strong focus on applying cutting-edge genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas systems, to enhance disease resistance in wheat. His work spans multiple approaches including transgene-free editing, virus-mediated delivery systems, and nanoparticle-based technologies. The research consistently targets Fusarium head blight resistance mechanisms while also addressing other important wheat diseases like leaf rust. A significant portion of his work involves characterizing specific genes and pathways (such as TaHRC and FHB1) that control disease susceptibility and resistance in wheat. Dr. Chen maintains an active research program focused on bridging fundamental molecular discoveries with practical applications for wheat breeding and disease management. His collaborative work with the USDA Central Small Grain Genotyping Lab provides critical resources for developing wheat varieties with improved resistance to major diseases affecting U.S. wheat production.

Daniel LevyView profile

Professor

• Nuclear Biology
• Cellular Organelle Size Regulation
• Cancer Biology
• +4 more

Dr. Daniel Levy is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Wyoming, affiliated with the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. His research focuses on nuclear size regulation, organelle scaling, and their roles in cancer and development. He leads the Levy Lab, which uses Xenopus models and microfluidic technologies to study cellular mechanisms. Research Interests: Mechanisms of nuclear size regulation in embryos and cancer cells Organelle scaling during development and disease Role of nuclear morphology in gene expression and oncogenesis Development of synthetic cell models using microfluidics Key Achievements: NIH-funded grants on nuclear morphology and organelle scaling (R35GM134885, R01GM113028) Identification of nuclear import factors (e.g., NTF2, nucleoplasmin) in size control Collaborative studies on epigenetic modulators and nuclear shape dynamics Lab Members: Current advisees include PhD students (Priscilla Phan, Haritha Prabha) and undergraduates (Ella Reed). Alumni have transitioned to postdocs at top institutions, including UT Southwestern and UC Berkeley. Awards: Recipient of the AES Early Career Research Award. Active in mentoring and interdisciplinary collaborations, including work with induced pluripotent stem cells and C. elegans models.

Deni S. GalileoView profile

Professor

• Cell Migration
• Neurobiology
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Deni S. Galileo is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware. His research focuses on cell migration mechanisms in the developing brain and malignant gliomas, utilizing chick embryo models and retroviral gene transfer technologies. His work explores how integrins, extracellular matrix molecules, and adhesion proteins like L1CAM regulate normal and abnormal cell migration. Key projects include developing novel models for studying glioma invasiveness and breast cancer brain metastases, and investigating the role of QSOX1 and PMCA4 in tumor progression. Education: B.A., New College of Florida Ph.D., University of Florida College of Medicine and Whitney Laboratory Postdoctoral Research, Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis) Research interests span developmental neurobiology, tumor biology, and gene therapy. Current projects include: Control of glioma invasiveness via L1CAM Integrins' roles in neuronal migration and survival Ex vivo analysis of glioblastoma behavior using chick embryos His lab has pioneered the use of replication-competent retroviral vectors and in ovo electroporation for widespread protein misexpression in developing brains. Collaborations with Dr. John Koh (Chemistry and Biochemistry) explore axon outgrowth on gene-patterned cell monolayers. Lab Resources: Office 232 Wolf Hall, Lab 248 Wolf Hall Teaching: Courses include Cell Biology (BISC 305), Developmental Neurobiology (BISC 439/639), and Special Topics in Modern Biological Microscopy (BISC 400). Notable contributions include establishing chick embryo models for studying glioma and breast cancer metastasis to the brain, and discovering roles for integrin α6β1 and α8β1 in cell migration and survival.

Yang CaoView profile

Associate Professor

• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• High-Performance Computing (HPC)
• +3 more

Yang Cao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech, affiliated with the College of Engineering. His research focuses on computational biology, bioinformatics, and high-performance computing, particularly in modeling cell cycle dynamics and stochastic processes in biochemical systems. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and degrees from Tsinghua University. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, University of California at Santa Barbara (2003) M.S., Computational Math, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (1998) B.S., Applied Math, Tsinghua University (1993) Research Interests: Computational modeling of biological systems, including Caulobacter crescentus and budding yeast cell cycles Stochastic simulation algorithms for biochemical reactions HPC applications in systems biology and computational science Recent Work Trends: Recent articles highlight advancements in cell cycle regulation, parameter estimation for stochastic models, and algorithmic improvements for hybrid simulation methods, emphasizing computational efficiency and biological accuracy.

Ullas PedmaleView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Biology
• Environmental Science
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Ullas Pedmale is an Associate Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), leading the Pedmale Lab. His research focuses on understanding how environmental cues, such as light and temperature, modulate plant growth and development. This work has significant implications for agriculture and climate resilience. Pedmale earned his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri (2008) and completed postdoctoral training at the Salk Institute under Joanne Chory. He is also an Adjunct Faculty Member at Stony Brook University. His research interests include plant-environment interactions, light signaling pathways, and the molecular mechanisms underlying plant adaptation. Key projects involve studying shade avoidance responses, DNA damage repair in plants, and the role of histone modifications in flowering time regulation. Pedmale’s lab utilizes advanced technologies like state-of-the-art growth chambers to simulate climate change effects on plants. Notable achievements include the NIH Outstanding Investigator Award (2017) and recognition for groundbreaking work on plant photoreceptors. His recent publications highlight discoveries in RNA methylation, ubiquitin regulation, and epigenetic mechanisms controlling plant growth. Pedmale has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a collaborative environment focused on advancing plant science. Lab activities emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, combining genetics, molecular biology, and computational tools. Current projects explore how plants integrate light and temperature signals to optimize resource allocation, with potential applications in crop improvement. The lab’s innovations, such as rapid protein expression in tobacco for pandemic response, demonstrate versatility in addressing global challenges.

Alexander GannView profile

Professor

• Gene Regulation
• History of Molecular Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Alexander Gann is a Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), where he previously served as Dean from 2012 to 2022. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh (1989) and a B.Sc. in Microbiology and Genetics from University College London (1985). His research interests focus on gene regulation mechanisms and the history of molecular biology, with notable contributions to textbooks such as Molecular Biology of the Gene (co-authored with James Watson) and Genes and Signals (with Mark Ptashne). He has also edited historical collections like Life Illuminated and The Annotated and Illustrated Double Helix . Before joining CSHL, Gann conducted research on restriction enzymes (Edinburgh), gene regulation (Harvard), and newt limb regeneration (UCL). His transition to scientific publishing included roles at Nature and CSHL Press, where he developed lab manuals and monographs. His work bridges academic research, historical scholarship, and educational outreach, emphasizing the interplay between molecular mechanisms and their historical context. Publications highlight his expertise in biographical studies of key scientists (e.g., Sydney Brenner, Francis Crick) and foundational molecular biology concepts. His research has explored transcriptional regulation, developmental genetics, and regenerative biology, with collaborations spanning decades in both experimental and historical domains.

• Adoptive Cell Therapy
• CAR T-cells
• Cancer Immunology
• +9 more

Dr. Kavitha Gowrishankar is a Senior Lecturer in Immunology at the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences, under the Faculty of Medicine and Health. She is affiliated with the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Kids Research (The Children's Hospital Westmead), and Sydney Cancer Partners. Her research focuses on adoptive cell therapy, CAR T-cells for cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and pediatric solid tumors (sarcoma, brain cancer), as well as T cell receptor engineering and HIV viral reservoir eradication. She has pioneered the use of piggyBac transposase for T-cell genetic modification and investigated combination therapies targeting melanoma and other malignancies. Academic Background: PhD in Immunology (University of Sydney, 2005–2008) Research Training (Indian Institute of Science, India, 1992–1995) Master of Science in Bio-Medical Genetics (University of Madras, India, 1990–1992) Bachelor of Science in Botany (University of Madras, India, 1987–1990) Schooling in India (1975–1987) Research Interests: Her work bridges basic immunology and translational applications. She explores CAR T-cell engineering for pediatric and adult cancers, particularly targeting the tumor microenvironment and latent HIV reservoirs in CD4 T cells. Key innovations include optimizing transposon tools for CAR insertion and developing strategies to enhance CAR T-cell efficacy against solid tumors. She also investigates epigenetic regulators (e.g., BET/HDAC inhibitors) to combat melanoma resistance mechanisms. Articles Trends: Recent publications emphasize CAR T-cell safety (e.g., lymphoma risks), novel CAR designs (e.g., piggyBat transposase), and combination therapies targeting HIV reservoirs. Her work spans preclinical studies to clinical trials, with a focus on melanoma, myeloma, and pediatric sarcomas. She frequently collaborates on projects involving T-cell receptors and interferon modulation strategies. Awards: APA Scholarship (2005–2008) CSIR Research Fellowship (India, 1992–1995) Gold Medallist in M.Sc. (Bio-Medical Genetics, 1992) Gold Medallist in B.Sc. (Botany, 1990) Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD students in CAR T-cell applications for HIV and pediatric sarcomas. Leads grants including the E2CAR Trial (Phase I clinical trial for EphA2-targeted CAR T-cells in sarcoma), and collaborations targeting dual-specific CAR T-cells for HIV eradication. Her grants reflect a mix of preclinical and clinical translational research. Labs & Teams: Active in the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Kids Research. Collaborates with the Sydney Cancer Partners consortium, focusing on novel cellular therapies and cross-disciplinary oncology solutions.

Martha Hotz VitaternaView profile

Research Professor

• Neurogenetics
• Brain and Behavior
• Circadian Rhythms
• +3 more

Martha Hotz Vitaterna is a Research Professor at Northwestern University and serves as Executive Director of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology. Her research focuses on mouse behavioral genetics, particularly the interplay between circadian rhythms, sleep, and mammalian health. She holds a PhD from Northwestern University and has extensive experience in genetic approaches to study health-related physiological processes. Her research interests include neurogenetics and brain-behavior relationships, with a specific emphasis on circadian rhythms, sleep architecture, and affective responses in mice. Key topics explored in her work involve the impact of circadian disruptions on gut microbiota, pregnancy outcomes, weight regulation, and voluntary physical activity. Publications highlight her contributions to understanding circadian clock genes like Clock and Csnk1e , as well as their roles in sleep-wake cycles and metabolic processes. Her studies often integrate genetic, molecular, and behavioral analyses in mouse models. Martha Vitaterna collaborates closely with researchers such as Fred W. Turek and Joseph S. Takahashi, advancing knowledge in chronobiology and its clinical implications. No formal awards or grants are explicitly listed, though her leadership at the Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology underscores her institutional contributions.

• Bitter Taste
• Food Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• +7 more

Veronika Somoza is a University Professor at the University of Vienna , affiliated with the Faculty of Chemistry and the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science . Her research focuses on Bitter Taste , Food Chemistry , and Pharmacology , particularly exploring interactions between taste receptors and bioactive compounds. Key Research Areas Bitter Taste Receptors (TAS2R4, TAS2R43, TAS2R16) Gastric Acid Secretion Serotonin Release Plant-Derived Compounds (Resveratrol, Nonivamide, Capsaicin) Mass Spectrometry Imaging Scientific Awards AGFD Fellow Award 2020 Her work spans Gastric Physiology , Food Toxicology , and Sustainable Nutrition , aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Recent publications highlight LA-ICP-MS imaging for zinc mapping and AFM probing of bitter peptide interactions. She has also contributed to understanding Chlorogenic Acid and Advanced Glycation End-Products in food science. Veronika Somoza actively participates in scientific communication , including invited talks on flavor research and media engagement on food chemistry topics.

• Circadian Rhythms
• Cancer Biology
• Genetics
• +4 more

Dr. Steve Kay is a University and Provost Professor of Neurology, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Engineering, and Biological Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He holds the David L. Lee and Simon Ramo Chair in Health Science and Technology and serves as Director of the MESH Academy and USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience. Previously, he was Dean of USC Dornsife College (2012–2015) and President of The Scripps Research Institute (2015–2016). His research focuses on circadian rhythms, plant genetics, and their applications in cancer therapy and drug development. Education: PhD and DSc from the University of Bristol, UK Research Interests: Circadian rhythms are central to Dr. Kay’s work, exploring their role in health, disease, and cancer. He investigates how genetic and environmental factors influence biological clocks, with applications in developing targeted therapies for glioblastoma and other cancers. His lab also studies plant circadian mechanisms, particularly nitrate transport and stress responses. Publications: His 200+ papers span circadian biology, cancer, and plant science. Recent work highlights circadian-based therapies, clock protein modulators, and the role of BMAL1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Awards: National Academy of Sciences Member (2008) AAAS Fellow (2009) Martin Gibbs Medal (2011) Thomson Reuters’ Most Influential Scientific Minds (2014–2017) Grants & Labs: He leads the Kay Laboratory at USC, focusing on translational research. His work bridges academia and industry, founding biotech companies to advance circadian medicine.