Find Academic Supervisors

J. Mark ShrimptonView profile

Professor

• Environmental Physiology
• Molecular Ecology
• Population Structure
• +4 more

J. Mark Shrimpton is a Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia in the Ecosystem Science and Management (Biology) Program . He focuses on the physiological and ecological responses of fish to environmental changes, particularly salmonids. His research integrates environmental physiology , molecular ecology , and population structure to address how anthropogenic disturbances affect fish behavior, survival, and genomic architecture. Recent studies emphasize temperature, flow, and salinity impacts on smolt development and spawning migrations. Key themes in his publications include hormonal regulation in osmoregulation, life history strategies, and conservation of migratory fish populations. Collaborative work spans institutions like the University of Windsor and Thompson Rivers University. Education: PhD in Zoology, University of British Columbia (1993) MSc in Zoology, University of British Columbia (1987) BSc (Honours) in Biology, University of Victoria (1985) Students: Sarah Ballard (2011), Arctic grayling distribution Marley Bassett (2012), sockeye salmon life history Melinda Bahr (2002), bull trout life history Adrian Clarke (2004), fish otolith analysis Rachel Johnson (2003), Chinook salmon induction efficiency Cathy Mackay (2006), logging impacts on aquatic ecosystems Crystal McRae (2009), coho salmon spawning sites Kyla Warren (2010), coho salmon movement Cory Williamson (2006), bull trout habitat use

Chris SmithView profile

Professor

• Alternative pre-mRNA splicing
• Vascular smooth muscle cells
• RNA-binding proteins
• +3 more

Chris Smith is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, leading research on the mechanisms of regulated alternative pre-mRNA splicing. His work combines molecular, biochemical, and computational approaches to study splicing regulators in vascular smooth muscle cells and lymphoid systems. Key research focuses include the master regulator RBPMS, phosphorylation-driven splicing activity, and PTBP1's role in B cell selection. Research Interests: Mechanisms of alternative splicing regulation RBPMS's role in smooth muscle cell differentiation PTBP proteins in immune cell function Global splicing networks and regulatory interactions Collaborations include Sanjay Sinha (Cambridge Stem Cell Institute), Helle Jørgensen (Department of Medicine), and Martin Turner (Babraham Institute). The group investigates splicing's role in cell-specific phenotypes and disease relevance. Lab activities include transcriptomic, proteomic, and structural studies. Contact: cwjs1@cam.ac.uk

Julia Schulze-HentrichView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Gene Expression
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +12 more

Prof. Dr. Julia Schulze-Hentrich is a full Professor of Genetics at Saarland University, within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology and the Department of Biosciences. She leads an active research group focused on epigenetic and transcriptomic mechanisms in health and disease, with a strong emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders, ageing, and sex-specific differences. She is also an INM Fellow at the Leibniz Institute for New Materials starting 2025, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration in biomaterials and epigenetics. Her research interests include: Epigenetic modifications in neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s and Huntington’s) Role of gene-environment interactions in disease pathogenesis Ageing-related epigenetic and transcriptomic changes Sex-dimorphic gene regulation in brain disorders Development of epigenetic signatures for diagnosing rare diseases Integration of multi-omics data and computational epigenomics Prof. Schulze-Hentrich leads the DFG Priority Program SPP2561 "SEXandGLIA", is part of the Center for Gender-specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM), and leads the epigenomics workgroup in the international solveRD consortium. Her lab operates the Epigenomics Sequencing Facility (ESF), equipped with advanced NGS platforms and bioinformatics pipelines. She co-developed widely used tools such as RnBeads, BiQ Analyzer HiMod, and MeDeCom. She is actively involved in academic training, co-organizing the GENIE Summer School on sex differences in glia-neuron interactions. She supervises students and researchers, offering B.Sc. and M.Sc. projects, and welcomes graduate and postdoctoral candidates. Scientific collaborations include the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, University Hospital Regensburg, Ruhr University Bochum, and the INM. Her team includes several scientific and technical staff, reflecting a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment.

Chloe E. AtreyaView profile

Professor

• Gastrointestinal Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Tumor Genetics
• +5 more

Dr. Chloe E. Atreya is a Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, specializing in gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers at the UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center. She co-directs the Integrative Oncology Program and Research Hub, focusing on tumor genetics, personalized therapy, and gut microbiome interactions to improve patient outcomes. Her research integrates clinical trials with molecular analysis to overcome treatment resistance. Dr. Atreya's educational background includes: BA in Molecular Biology with Visual Art Certificate from Princeton University (1998) PhD in Pharmacology and MD from Yale University (2004, 2005) Internal Medicine residency at University of Washington (2008) Medical Oncology fellowship and Advanced Clinical Research Training at UCSF (2010, 2014) Clinical Fellowship in Integrative Medicine (2018-2019) Her research spans tumor genetics, gut microbiome interactions, and integrative oncology approaches. Recent publications reveal strong focus on microbiome-mediated drug metabolism, precision medicine strategies for KRAS/BRAF-mutant cancers, and patient-centered interventions for cancer survivors. She leads multiple NIH-funded projects examining resistance mechanisms and nutritional interventions. Dr. Atreya has received significant recognition including: ASCO Young Investigator Award (2011) Multiple UCSF research awards (2012-2017) Sandler Program Breakthrough Award (2022) ASCO-Integrative Oncology Clinical Guidelines leadership As Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants including R01CA229447 and R37CA266549, she directs translational research programs examining kinome-guided targeting and KRAS inhibition resistance. Her work bridges basic science with clinical applications through the Integrative Oncology Research Hub, developing evidence-based complementary approaches for symptom management and quality of life improvement.

Jacquin C. NilesView profile

Associate Professor

• Malaria
• Infectious Disease
• Plasmodium falciparum
• +7 more

Jacquin C. Niles is the Whitaker Professor in Biomedical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he holds a joint appointment in the Department of Biological Engineering. He serves as Director of the MIT Center for Environmental Health Sciences and is an Associate Member of the Broad Institute. As an HHMI-Gates Faculty Scholar, Dr. Niles leads a research program focused on developing molecular tools to combat infectious diseases, particularly malaria. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology M.D., Harvard Medical School Ph.D. in Molecular Toxicology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Postdoctoral training, Department of Chemistry, UC Berkeley (Michael Marletta's lab) Dr. Niles' research program centers on developing innovative molecular tools to address critical questions in infectious disease biology, with a specific focus on malaria and Plasmodium falciparum . His lab emphasizes creating a versatile molecular toolkit for controlling gene expression and protein function in malaria parasites, which enables the elucidation of parasite gene function. This work integrates expertise across biomolecular engineering, chemical biology, synthetic biology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular and cell biology to develop solutions applicable across various pathogens and model organisms. Analysis of Dr. Niles' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on developing and applying novel molecular technologies to malaria research. His work spans CRISPR-based genome editing, RNA-protein interaction systems for gene regulation, biosensor development for heme and zinc metabolism, and microfluidic approaches for malaria diagnostics. These publications demonstrate a progression from fundamental tool development to increasingly sophisticated applications in parasite biology and host-pathogen interactions. Scientific Awards: HHMI-Gates Faculty Scholar Dr. Niles has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduates through the Niles Laboratory. His former students have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and medicine. His research program has been supported by various grants that enable the development of novel molecular approaches to studying and combating malaria. The lab consists of a multidisciplinary team of Biological Engineers, Chemists, and Microbiologists working collaboratively to address challenges in infectious disease research. The Niles Laboratory, located at MIT, serves as a hub for innovative research at the intersection of engineering and infectious disease biology. The lab's collaborative environment fosters the development of new technologies that have applications beyond malaria research, contributing to broader advances in molecular biology and biomedical engineering.

Sara EkView profile

Professor

• Lymphoma
• B Cell Lymphomas
• Cancer and Oncology
• +4 more

Sara Ek is a Professor and Deputy Head of Department at the Department of Immunotechnology within the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) at Lund University. She serves as Principal Investigator at the Lund University Cancer Centre (LUCC), Director of Create Health, and is a Researcher in the eSSENCE: The e-Science Collaboration. Her academic profile demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing cancer research, particularly in lymphoid malignancies. Dr. Ek's research program, "Cancer Target Group– molecular and functional analysis in lymphoid proliferative disorders," focuses on finding biological solutions to clinically important questions involving improved diagnosis, stratification, and treatment of lymphoma patients. Recognizing that cancer heterogeneity presents a major challenge to successful treatment, her team develops tools to capture this heterogeneity and identify variations in tumor-related signaling pathways and interactions with the immune microenvironment. This work involves close collaboration with clinicians to perform advanced molecular investigations using sequencing, spatial omics technologies, serum protein profiling, and functional screening of patient materials from clinical trials. Her publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of impactful research in lymphoma, particularly mantle cell lymphoma, with groundbreaking work on the SOX11 transcription factor as a diagnostic biomarker. More recently, her research has expanded into spatial analysis of tumor immune microenvironments across different cancer types, including ovarian cancer. This evolution demonstrates her ability to leverage emerging technologies to address complex questions in cancer biology. Active Projects: A cellular and molecular dissection of the lymphoma tumor immune microenvironment to understand and address treatment resistances (2025-2028) MULTIPLY: MULITlayer Predictive models for relapsed MCL after ibrutinib as first line therapy (2024-2027) Primary ibrutinib resistance in mantle cell lymphoma – translational immuno-oncology investigations (2024-2026) Dr. Ek manages the SpatialOmics@LU infrastructure facility and has organized multiple scientific events including the LUCC Immunology minisymposium on digital spatial profiling in February 2024, demonstrating her leadership in both research and academic community building.

• Metabolic Disease
• Epigenetics
• Cardiovascular Disease
• +3 more

Brad Ferguson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences & Health at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research investigates the epigenetic mechanisms linking metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes to cardiac remodeling, with a focus on histone deacetylases (HDACs), acetyltransferases (HATs), and dietary bioactives. Key techniques: bioinformatics, cell culture, animal models. Primary research themes: chromatin regulation, metabolic-cardiovascular crosstalk, microbiome-epigenome interactions. The lab emphasizes dietary epigenetic modifiers and translational approaches to develop therapies for cardio-metabolic disorders. Recent publications highlight intersections between: Epigenetic aging and caloric restriction HDAC inhibition in cardiac/hypertension models Muscle physiology and post-translational modifications Nutritional programming in livestock and human systems No scientific awards were explicitly documented in the provided materials.

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +7 more

Paul Brett is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. With over 25 years of experience researching Burkholderia pseudomallei , the causative agent of melioidosis, Dr. Brett leads a laboratory focused on understanding molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and developing effective vaccines against this significant infectious disease. Dr. Brett received his B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Victoria and his Ph.D. in Bacterial Pathogenesis from the University of Calgary. His academic credentials have supported a distinguished career investigating bacterial virulence mechanisms, particularly focusing on how B. pseudomallei evades host immune defenses through specialized surface structures. Dr. Brett's research program centers on elucidating how lipopolysaccharides and capsular polysaccharides expressed by B. pseudomallei contribute to immune evasion. His laboratory has developed significant expertise in carbohydrate purification/characterization, glycoconjugate synthesis, and comprehensive analysis of humoral/cellular immune responses. The ultimate goal of his research is to identify correlates of antigen-induced immunity against B. pseudomallei to develop safe, affordable, and effective melioidosis vaccines that could address this serious public health threat. Analysis of Dr. Brett's publication history reveals a consistent research trajectory with publications spanning from the early 2000s through 2025. His work demonstrates increasing sophistication in vaccine development approaches, with recent publications focusing on glycoconjugate vaccines, structural analysis of bacterial components, and innovative diagnostic methods for melioidosis. His research bridges molecular microbiology and translational immunology, with direct applications to vaccine design and development. Dr. Brett has participated in significant collaborative efforts, including the Melioidosis Diagnostic Workshop in 2013 and the Steering Group on Melioidosis Vaccine Development. These collaborations highlight his standing as a recognized expert in the field and his commitment to advancing international efforts to combat melioidosis. Though specific details about current students and grants are not provided in the available materials, Dr. Brett's active publication record through 2025 and his laboratory's described capabilities suggest he maintains a vibrant research program with ongoing funding and mentorship of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. His work has direct relevance to both public health initiatives in melioidosis-endemic regions and biodefense preparedness efforts given B. pseudomallei 's classification as a Tier 1 select agent.

Ian DoddView profile

Professor

• Plant Physiology
• Drought Stress
• Crop Water Use Efficiency
• +6 more

Professor Ian Dodd is a Professor of Sustainable Agriculture at Lancaster University's Lancaster Environment Centre, specializing in plant responses to drought stress and irrigation management. He serves as Director of Study for the Food Security (Distance Learning) MSc program and has published over 100 refereed journal papers focusing on improving crop water use efficiency. Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University Professor of Sustainable Agriculture Director of Study for Food Security MSc Handling editor for Journal of Experimental Botany and Plant and Soil His research investigates fundamental mechanisms by which plant root systems communicate drought effects to shoots, aiming to improve 'crop per drop' in changing climates. He studies irrigation techniques including 'partial rootzone drying' and 'alternate wetting and drying,' soil amendments, and root physiology. His work has practical applications in the UK and internationally through projects funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund and European Union. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on plant hormone signaling under drought conditions, particularly abscisic acid (ABA) transport and interactions with other hormones. His research spans multiple crops including soybean, tomato, potato, and grapevines, with emphasis on root-shoot communication, irrigation management, and practical solutions for water conservation in agriculture. Professor Dodd supervises 6 postgraduate research students working on topics including root physiology, rootzone CO 2 enrichment, and soil amendments. His laboratory regularly receives international visitors from countries including Spain, Italy, Turkey, and China. He has secured significant research funding from diverse sources including the Global Challenges Research Fund (RECIRCULATE), European Union (SHUI, DROPS, ROOTOPOWER, SIRRIMED, WATBIO), Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, British Council Newton Fund, and Royal Society. His laboratory investigates root physiology and phenotyping, with current projects examining rootzone CO 2 enrichment and various soil amendments including alternative liming agents, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, and surfactants. He collaborates extensively with international researchers on agricultural water management projects.

Eve RomanView profile

Professor

• Cancer Epidemiology
• Haematological Malignancies
• Childhood Cancer
• +3 more

Eve Roman is a Professor in Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics at the University of York's Department of Health Sciences. She co-founded the Haematological Malignancy Research Network (HMRN) in 2004, which utilizes NHS infrastructure to track 38,000 blood cancer patients for clinical and research purposes. Her work focuses on cancer epidemiology with a specific interest in haematological malignancies and childhood cancer using population-based data. Education : BSc in Applied Biology, Brunel University PhD in Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Her research explores epidemiological study design and routinely collected health data to analyze risk factors like maternal health and adverse reproductive outcomes. She has contributed to major projects such as the UK Childhood Cancer Study (UKCCS) and European Myelodysplastic Syndromes Registry (EUMDS) , emphasizing real-world data for informed clinical decisions. Recent publications highlight her work on chronic blood cancer patient experiences (2024), maternal pregnancy exposures and childhood cancer (2024), and genetic subtypes in lymphoma (2022). These studies demonstrate her expertise in qualitative research methods and genetic epidemiology . Scientific awards include: Editor-in-Chief of Cancer Epidemiology (Elsevier) Honorary Visiting Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Member of the Childhood Leukaemia International Consortium (CLIC) Contributor to the International Lymphoma Epidemiology Consortium (InterLymph) She supervises PhD and Master’s students in haematological malignancy epidemiology and teaches undergraduate modules like Understanding Health and Disease . Her external roles involve advisory positions on the Yorkshire and Humber Haematology Cancer Network and the UKCCS Research Committee .

• Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
• Childhood Cancer Survivorship
• Long-term Effects of Cancer Treatment
• +3 more

Caroline Laverdière is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Medicine, affiliated with the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center (CHU Sainte-Justine). She specializes in pediatric hematology-oncology, with a focus on long-term effects in childhood cancer survivors. Medical Doctor (MD) from University of Montreal (1996) Residency in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at University of Montreal (2001) 3-year Fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (2001-2004) Her research centers on pediatric cancer survivorship , particularly late effects of treatment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and neuroblastoma survivors. She co-led the CIHR-funded $3M PETALE study on ALL survivorship and directs Sainte-Justine's Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Residency Program. Publications highlight her work on treatment optimization, pharmacogenetics, and survivorship biomarkers. Key trends in her research include: Long-term health impacts of pediatric cancer therapies Pharmacokinetic and genetic factors in ALL treatment Development of standardized survivorship care protocols Translational studies linking clinical outcomes to molecular markers Collaborative clinical trials in pediatric oncology Transition medicine for adult survivors of pediatric cancers Dr. Laverdière mentors residents and clinical instructors as program director. She co-authored seminal studies on neuroblastoma survivorship, ALL chemotherapy protocols, and senescence markers in survivors. Her affiliations span the University of Montreal, CHU Sainte-Justine, and the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS).

Martha L. BulykView profile

Professor

• Transcription factors
• DNA regulatory elements
• Genomics
• +5 more

Martha L. Bulyk is a Professor of Medicine and Pathology at Harvard Medical School, with appointments in the Division of Genetics at Brigham & Women's Hospital. She serves as Co-Chair of the Harvard Biophysics Graduate Program and holds associate memberships at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Systems Biology. Her laboratory is located in the New Research Building at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Her research focuses on decoding transcriptional regulation through the study of transcription factors (TFs) and DNA regulatory elements. Using integrated experimental and computational genomics approaches, her lab investigates: High-throughput analysis of TF-DNA binding specificities Cis-regulatory codes in eukaryotic genomes Effects of protein interactions and DNA structure on TF function Molecular determinants of protein-DNA binding specificity and evolution Impact of genetic variation on human transcription factors Pioneer factor interactions with nucleosomes Regulatory functions of alternative TF isoforms in breast cancer Quantitative information encoding in transcriptional enhancers/silencers Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on mechanistic studies of transcriptional regulation, with recurring themes in chromatin dynamics, cancer biology (particularly neuroblastoma and breast cancer), developmental gene regulation, and computational method development. Her work frequently integrates structural, evolutionary, and functional genomics approaches. The Bulyk Laboratory currently comprises 2 graduate students, 3 postdoctoral fellows, 4 technicians, and 2 undergraduate students. The lab participates in multiple Harvard University programs including the Biophysics PhD Program, Biological & Biomedical Sciences (BBS) PhD Program, Systems/Synthetic/Quantitative Biology PhD Program, Bioinformatics & Integrative Genomics (BIG) PhD Program, and the School of Public Health Program in Quantitative Genomics.

Kangmin DuanView profile

Professor

• Bacterial pathogenicity
• Antimicrobial drug resistance
• Host-microbe interactions
• +6 more

Kangmin Duan, PhD, is a Professor at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and cross-appointed to the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. He serves as a scientist at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) and a principal investigator in the Manitoba Chemosensory Biology Research Group (MCSB). Education: Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Calgary Doctor of Philosophy, University of New South Wales Master of Applied Science, University of New South Wales Master of Science, Northwest University (China) Doctor of Philosophy, Northwest University (China) Dr. Duan's research program focuses on bacterial pathogenicity, oral microbiome, antimicrobial drug resistance, and host-microbe interactions. His work explores how pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans cause infectious diseases, interact within microbial communities, and develop resistance to antimicrobial agents. He integrates genetics, biochemistry, and multi-omics to investigate virulence systems like Type III and VI secretion, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation. Recent publications highlight trends in targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence through bitter taste receptor modulation, quorum sensing inhibition, and herbal compounds. His lab specializes in antimicrobial discovery, focusing on host-microbe interactions and cross-kingdom communication in polymicrobial environments. Teaching and Mentorship: Dr. Duan actively mentors graduate students, emphasizing rigorous, discovery-driven research. Ideal candidates possess motivation, logical thinking, and a background in biological sciences. Laboratory: Located at the Bannatyne Campus, Room D35B, the Duan Lab combines molecular microbiology and biotechnology to combat infectious diseases through novel chemical agents and therapeutic strategies.

Linda LindströmView profile

Associate Professor

• Breast Cancer
• Cancer Epidemiology
• Endocrine Treatment
• +4 more

Linda Lindström is an Associate Professor and Senior Researcher at the Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet. She leads a research group focused on translational breast cancer studies, particularly long-term risk factors and endocrine treatment benefits for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients. Her work addresses the heterogeneity of tumor progression and the clinical implications of intra-tumor variability in receptor expression. Education: MSc in Molecular Biotechnology, Uppsala University (1997-2001); PhD in Cancer Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet (2004-2008). Employment: Postdoctoral positions at Karolinska Institutet (2008-2012) and UCSF (2012-2014); Senior Researcher (2022-present). Her research integrates molecular and clinical expertise to identify biomarkers for metastasis risk prediction, with a focus on ER+ tumors, gene signatures, and tumor microenvironment interactions. She investigates how intra-tumor heterogeneity affects treatment outcomes and survival, particularly in premenopausal vs. postmenopausal patients. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary collaborations analyzing tamoxifen’s long-term efficacy, genomic risk stratification, and immune microenvironment influences. Awards include the Swedish Cancer Society Senior Investigator Award (2022-2028), supporting her team’s work on individualized treatment strategies.

• Forensic Science
• Epigenetics
• Genetics
• +3 more

Professor Graham Williams (BSc, MSc, PhD, SFHEA, FCSFS, FRSB) is a Professor of Forensic Science and Programme Director for Forensic Science at the University of Hull since May 2022. Previously served as Head of Department at Staffordshire University (2017-2019) and held academic roles at University of Huddersfield (2007-2017). Key affiliations include Centre for Biomedicine and Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences . Core Research Areas : Forensic Epigenetics, Body Fluid Identification, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, AI in Forensic Science, Space Forensics Scientific Awards : Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2014) Senior Fellow of Advance HE (2017) Fellow of Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (2018) UKCGE Recognised Research Supervisor (2021) Teaching Leadership : Directs BSc Forensic Science programs and teaches Crime Scene to Court Room modules. Supervises 8 PhD projects exploring: AI-based bloodstain analysis Forensic strategies for sexual assault cases DNA on counterfeit banknotes Microgravity bloodstain dynamics Epigenetic hearing loss research