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Molinari MaurizioView profile

Researcher

• Protein Folding
• Proteostasis
• Endoplasmic Reticulum Quality Control
• +4 more

Maurizio Molinari is a Group Leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona, Switzerland, since October 2000. He earned his PhD in Biochemistry from ETH-Zurich in 1995 and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Padua and ETH-Zurich. His work focuses on protein folding, quality control, and degradation mechanisms within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), with implications for rare diseases and Alzheimer’s pathology. Affiliation: IRB Bellinzona, Adjunct Professor at EPFL since 2008 Education: PhD in Biochemistry (ETH-Zurich, 1995) Dr. Molinari’s research explores the ER-phagy pathway , proteostasis , and lysosomal degradation as failsafe mechanisms during ER stress. His studies link these processes to neurodegenerative diseases , myelin maintenance , and rare genetic disorders . Recent publications highlight his contributions to allosteric enzyme modulation , organelle fragmentation , and computational tools for autophagy quantification . He received the Friedrich-Miescher Award in 2006 for his work in molecular biology. Scientific Networks: European Research Council (ERC), Rare Diseases Platform (Switzerland) Leadership Roles: Advisory Board, Centro Malattie Rare della Svizzera italiana

• Chemical Biology
• Biophysics
• Organic Chemistry

Weixin Tang is the Neubauer Family Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosciences at the University of Chicago. Her research focuses on harnessing the unique properties of nucleic acid-modifying enzymes to profile, edit, and reprogram the human genome and transcriptome. Dr. Tang's research interests span across multiple disciplines: Chemical Biology Biophysics Organic Chemistry Her work at the Tang Lab explores the intersection of these fields to develop novel approaches for genome and transcriptome engineering. The lab's research has applications in medical adaptation of CRISPR-derived gene-editing agents, as highlighted in a Nature Biotechnology feature from October 2024 that profiled her scientific journey and challenges of leading a lab while teaching undergraduates. Dr. Tang's work bridges chemical approaches with biological systems to create precision tools for genetic modification. Dr. Tang maintains an active research program with her laboratory located in Room E519B of the Gordon Center for Integrative Science at the University of Chicago, where she continues to advance the field of genome engineering while mentoring students and contributing to academic discourse in chemical biology.

Kirk W. DeitschView profile

Professor

• Malaria Biology
• Plasmodium falciparum Pathogenesis
• Gene Regulation
• +5 more

Kirk W. Deitsch is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine , where he leads research on Plasmodium falciparum pathogenesis. His work focuses on gene regulation and antigenic variation through the var gene family, which enables immune evasion by malaria parasites. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine Research spans molecular mechanisms of var gene switching and immune avoidance Investigates genome plasticity via DNA repair and telomere dynamics His laboratory explores how chromatin structure and DNA double-strand break repair contribute to antigenic diversity. Recent studies highlight the role of transcriptional plasticity and epigenetic memory in malaria pathogenesis. Key findings include insights into mitotic recombination and environmental sensing for immune evasion. Notable article trends include: 2025 work on scRNA-seq for var gene plasticity 2024 analysis of var gene evolutionary importance 2023 studies on sexual differentiation epigenetics and environmental response 2022 reviews of antigenic variation mechanisms 2021 investigations into telomere dynamics His research team has secured multiple National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases grants to study transcriptional switching networks and genome diversification. The lab also examines Plasmodium -host interactions and applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in malaria genetics.

Maria JasinView profile

Professor

• Homologous Recombination
• DNA Repair
• Genomic Integrity
• +6 more

Maria Jasin is a Professor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, holding the William E. Snee Chair. She is affiliated with the Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and leads the Developmental Biology Program . PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Chair: William E. Snee Chair Her research focuses on homologous recombination and DNA repair , particularly double-strand break mechanisms and their implications in cancer biology . She investigates how BRCA2 and RAD51 proteins regulate replication fork stability , gap suppression , and genomic integrity . Recent publications highlight her work on saturation genome editing for BRCA2 mutation analysis, PRIMPOL activity in DNA repair, and PARP inhibitor resistance mechanisms. These studies span genetics , molecular oncology , and biochemical pathways . Awarded by prestigious institutions, she is a member of the National Academy of Sciences (2015), National Academy of Medicine (2016), and recipient of the Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine (2019). Her work is funded by multiple NIH/NCI grants. She mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in DNA repair, including Su (Alex) Jia , Yi-Zhen Jiang , and Fang Zhang , while leading a team of senior researchers and lab alumni.

Alison WardView profile

Associate Professor

• Nutritional Epigenetics
• Developmental Programming
• Livestock Production
• +6 more

Alison Ward is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. Her research focuses on nutritional epigenetics, developmental programming, and molecular genetics in livestock, particularly examining how maternal nutrition affects fetal development and long-term health outcomes in beef cattle. She integrates multi-omics approaches, including transcriptomics and metabolomics, to study nutrient-gene interactions and improve precision agriculture practices. PhD (Animal Science), University of Saskatchewan MSc (Animal Science), University of Saskatchewan BSc (Animal Science), University of Saskatchewan Ward’s work bridges molecular biology, physiology, and genomics to address how maternal micronutrient and one-carbon metabolite supplementation during critical gestational periods alter fetal organ development, placental function, and epigenetic gene regulation. Her recent publications emphasize fetal liver programming, mitochondrial function, and transgenerational effects of maternal nutrition, with a strong focus on sustainable livestock production. Her research has been supported by grants from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, North Dakota Beef Commission, and other agricultural research bodies. She teaches ANSC 313 – Animal Breeding and Genetics, and has received teaching excellence awards from the University of Saskatchewan Students Union. 2024 Open Resources Initiative Award USSU Teaching Excellence Award

Danijela Đunisijević BojovićView profile

Professor

• Landscape Architecture
• Horticulture
• Plant Physiology
• +8 more

Dr. Danijela Đunisijević Bojović is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade , specializing in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture . She earned her PhD in 2013 from the same faculty, focusing on heavy metal impacts on woody plants. Education: PhD in Biotechnical Sciences (2013), Master of Biological Sciences (2005), BS in Landscape Architecture (2001) Her research spans plant ecophysiology , phytoremediation , and urban green space dynamics , with 89 publications (9 SCI-indexed). Key projects include EU-funded LE NOTRE and Serbian Ministry research on heavy metal pollution , climate change adaptation , and urban revegetation . Recent articles highlight her work on urban air quality monitoring via tree leaves, transgenic poplar stress tolerance , and in vitro propagation of endangered species . She teaches undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral courses in plant physiology, ecology, and hortotechnology. Her collaborations include projects with institutions across Europe, focusing on green infrastructure , invasive species , and ecosystem services in urban settings.

Anthony Arie HymanView profile

Professor

• Molecular Cell Biology
• Cytoskeleton Dynamics
• Microtubule Organization
• +4 more

Anthony A. Hyman FRS MAE is a British molecular cell biologist, director and scientific member at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden, Germany, and honorary professor at the Faculty of Biology, TU Dresden . Since 1999 he has co-directed MPI-CBG, serving as Managing Director from 2010–2013. He is celebrated for elucidating how microtubule cytoskeleton networks control cell division, spindle positioning and cell polarity, and for discovering that membrane-less cellular compartments arise via liquid–liquid phase separation—a paradigm honoured by the 2023 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. Education : BSc, University College London PhD, University of Cambridge (1987) – thesis on establishment of division axes in C. elegans early embryonic divisions Research Interests : Hyman’s laboratory integrates quantitative imaging, biophysics and biochemistry to decipher cytoplasmic organization. Core themes include: • Microtubule dynamics and spindle assembly : discovery of key stabilizing (XMAP215) and destabilizing (XKCM1) factors. • Phase separation & biomolecular condensates : revealing how intrinsically disordered proteins and RNA demix to form liquid droplets, with implications for ALS and age-related diseases. • Cell division parts lists : pioneering genome-wide RNAi screens in C. elegans and human cells (EU MITOCHECK & MitoSys consortia). Scientific Awards & Honours : EMBO Member (2000) and Gold Medal (2003) Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, Germany’s highest research award (2011) Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS, 2007) Member, Academia Europaea (2014) Schleiden Medal, Leopoldina (2017) NOMIS Distinguished Scientist Award (2020) Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences (2021) HFSP Nakasone Award (2021) Körber European Science Prize (2022) Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2023) Member, National Academy of Sciences (2020) Member, German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (2021) Leadership & Service : Beyond directing MPI-CBG, Hyman served on the Strategic Advisory Board of the Wellcome Trust and co-founded Dewpoint Therapeutics to translate condensate biology into medical applications. His group continues to lead international consortia investigating the physical basis of cellular compartmentalization. Laboratory & Teams : The Hyman Lab at MPI-CBG comprises physicists, chemists and biologists who exploit advanced live-cell imaging, in vitro reconstitution and genome engineering to dissect how phase separation governs cytoplasmic architecture. Ongoing projects target the molecular grammar of condensate formation and therapeutic modulation in neurodegeneration.

Benjamin WolozinView profile

Professor

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Parkinson's Disease
• +7 more

Benjamin Wolozin is a Professor at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine in the Department of Pharmacology , with an adjunct position in Neurology. He specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's , Parkinson's , and ALS . MD/PhD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Past Associate Professor at Loyola University Medical Center (1996-2004) Current affiliations: Alzheimer's Disease Center, Boston University Graduate Program for Neuroscience His research investigates RNA binding proteins (RBPs) , stress granules , and liquid-liquid phase separation in neurodegenerative disease. Key projects include the role of TIA1 and HNRNPA2B1 in tauopathy, m6A RNA methylation in Alzheimer's pathology, and development of 3D iPS-neuron/astrocyte assembloids to model dementia. His lab has identified disease-linked circRNA changes and explores nanobodies targeting stress granule components. Recent awards include the Donald B. Lindsley Prize (Society for Neuroscience) and A. E. Bennett Award . He serves on NIH CDIN study sections and editorial boards for Journal of Biological Chemistry and Neurodegenerative Diseases . Grants include multiple NIH R01 and U01 awards for AD/tauopathy research.

Claude BeckerView profile

Professor

• Plant Epigenetics
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Allelopathy
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Claude Becker is a faculty member at the Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich , specializing in plant genetics and epigenetics. His research focuses on biochemical interactions in plant communities and the role of epigenetic marks in environmental adaptation. Specializations: Epigenetic regulation, allelopathy, plant-microbe interactions, DNA methylation dynamics Key Projects: Studying heritable phenotypic variation in clonal plants, analyzing stress-responsive epigenetic hotspots, and investigating gene cluster evolution in Oryza species. Recent publications highlight his work on transposable element dynamics, microbiome feedback mechanisms, and metabolic specialization in plant interactions. His research combines molecular biology with ecological perspectives to understand plant adaptation strategies. Contact: claude.becker@biologie.uni-muenchen.de

Silke RobatzekView profile

Professor

• Plant Genetics
• Plant Immunology
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• +3 more

Silke Robatzek is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at LMU Munich's Faculty of Biology. Her research focuses on plant immune signaling mechanisms and their regulation of host-microbe interactions, particularly regarding pathogens like Xylella fastidiosa and Phytophthora infestans . Current member of Graduate School Life Science Munich Research themes: plant immune receptors, extracellular vesicles, microbial homeostasis, stomatal immunity, pathogen effectors Key methodologies: quantitative imaging, proteomic analyses, receptor trafficking studies Recent research trends show heavy emphasis on extracellular vesicles and their roles in plant-pathogen communication, receptor kinase signaling (e.g., QSK1, SOBIR1), and microbiome dynamics in disease resistance. Her work spans molecular mechanisms (S-acylation, phosphorylation) to ecological implications in sustainable agriculture. Contact: robatzek@biologie.uni-muenchen.de

Ira KurtzView profile

Professor

• Renal Physiology
• Acid-Base Homeostasis
• Molecular Transport Mechanisms
• +3 more

Dr. Ira Kurtz is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Chief of Nephrology. He is also a Member of the Brain Research Institute. His research focuses on renal physiology, acid-base homeostasis, and molecular transport mechanisms, particularly within the SLC4 transporter family. His work spans structural biology, molecular dynamics, and clinical nephrology. His scientific contributions include structural characterization of SLC4 transporters using cryo-EM and molecular dynamics simulations, revealing key insights into ion translocation pathways and conformational dynamics. He has extensively studied the molecular basis of proximal renal tubular acidosis and electrolyte disorders, with particular emphasis on NBCe1 transporter function and regulation. Dr. Kurtz's publications demonstrate expertise in renal acid-base physiology, membrane transporter characterization, and clinical applications. His work connects fundamental molecular mechanisms with human diseases, including corneal endothelial dystrophies, thrombotic microangiopathy from anti-VEGF treatments, and genetic disorders affecting ion transport. His research methodology integrates computational biology, structural biology, and translational medicine approaches. He has developed novel quantitative models for acid-base analysis and electrolyte disorders, challenging established paradigms like the Stewart approach through critical evaluation of bicarbonate-centered models.

Kathleen E. SullivanView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics of inflammation
• Primary immune deficiencies
• Immunology
• +3 more

Kathleen E. Sullivan is a Professor of Pediatrics (Allergy/Immunology) at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , affiliated with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) . Her research focuses on the epigenetics of inflammation and primary immune deficiencies , particularly examining enhancer-promoter interactions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using techniques like ChIP-seq and RNA expression analysis. Research Trends from her publications highlight: (1) epigenetic mechanisms in autoimmune diseases, (2) genetic basis of immune dysregulation, and (3) clinical-genomic correlations in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Her work bridges molecular immunology and pediatric clinical immunology . Contact: sullivank@email.chop.edu | Office: 267-426-2836

Justin A. BoschView profile

Assistant Professor

• Inter-organ communication
• Blood proteomics
• Drosophila genetics
• +6 more

Justin A. Bosch is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Utah. His research focuses on inter-organ communication through blood-borne proteins, primarily using Drosophila as a model system with human-like organ systems. The Bosch Lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining experimental and computational techniques to map protein origins and destinations in circulation. Research interests center on discovering novel circulating inter-organ factors that mediate communication between organ systems. Key areas include hormone signaling, protein trafficking mechanisms, and the functional characterization of blood proteomes. The lab develops innovative tools such as protein proximity labeling (TurboID), computational prediction of protein complexes (AlphaFold), and CRISPR-based genome engineering to overcome technical barriers in studying inter-organ communication. Analysis of recent publications reveals a strong focus on Drosophila genetics, proteomics, and CRISPR technologies. The research trajectory shows progression from foundational genetic tools development toward comprehensive mapping of inter-organ communication networks, with increasing integration of computational approaches and human disease relevance. The Bosch Lab maintains active funding and collaborations, including recent support from the U of U Health Philanthropic Partners Group for high-risk, high-reward projects. The lab has established critical infrastructure including a GPU node at the Center for High Performance Computing and utilizes the Cell Imaging Core for advanced microscopy. Current lab personnel include research technicians and undergraduate researchers working on projects related to characterizing candidate inter-organ factors, developing novel experimental tools, and investigating human missense variants in hormones and their receptors. The lab actively participates in academic symposia and retreats within the Department of Human Genetics and broader university community.

Chi-Lien ChengView profile

Professor

• Plant Developmental Biology
• Plant Genetics
• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• +1 more

Chi-Lien Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Iowa, where she investigates fundamental mechanisms of plant development with emphasis on alternation of generations in land plants and vegetative phase change in maize. Her research program leverages the model fern Ceratopteris richardii to dissect asexual life cycle transitions and identify evolutionarily conserved genetic pathways. Education: PhD, University of Connecticut Dr. Cheng's research integrates genetics, molecular biology, and evolutionary perspectives to understand how plants regulate developmental transitions across generations. Her laboratory focuses on molecular mechanisms controlling gametophyte-sporophyte switching in ferns and phase change in maize, utilizing genomic, transcriptomic, and functional approaches to elucidate conserved regulatory networks. This work provides critical insights into the evolution of developmental processes from non-seed to seed plants. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2018-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) WOX gene family evolution and function in fern gametophyte development, (2) hormonal and epigenetic regulation of vegetative phase change in maize, and (3) molecular adaptation mechanisms in mangroves under environmental stress. Her publications consistently bridge model systems—from ferns to maize to mangroves—demonstrating how comparative approaches uncover universal principles in plant development. Dr. Cheng leads an active research laboratory that pioneered transformation techniques for Ceratopteris gametophytes, enabling genetic dissection of asexual reproduction pathways. Her team's identification of key genes in apogamy and apospory provides foundational knowledge for understanding apomixis in crop plants, with potential applications for agricultural innovation through clonal seed production.

Daniel J BratView profile

Professor

• Neuropathology
• Glioblastoma Research
• Cancer Biology
• +8 more

Daniel J Brat serves as Chair of the Department of Pathology and holds the Magerstadt Professorship at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. He maintains dual professorial appointments in Pathology (Experimental Pathology) and Pathology (Neuropathology), leading significant research initiatives at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Brat's research focuses on the biological mechanisms underlying glioma progression, particularly glioblastoma (GBM). His laboratory investigates genetics, hypoxia, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and glioma stem cell behavior. Key research areas include asymmetric cell division regulation, hypoxia-induced microvascular hyperplasia, and the role of vaso-occlusion in tumor necrosis. His team employs patient-derived samples, mouse models, and Drosophila systems to elucidate fundamental cancer biology principles. Analysis of Dr. Brat's publication record reveals consistent research themes spanning molecular mechanisms of glioblastoma progression, with particular emphasis on tumor microenvironment interactions, stem cell regulation, and translational applications. His work demonstrates strong integration of basic science with clinical pathology, leveraging large datasets like TCGA while maintaining experimental validation through sophisticated in vivo models including intravital microscopy. Dr. Brat leads multiple clinical trials focused on pathology specimen collection and analysis, serving as principal investigator for the Pathology Core Facility and Breast Cancer Program tissue collection initiatives. His laboratory currently mentors a diverse team including graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, medical students, and undergraduates, with numerous former trainees now established in academic and clinical pathology positions. The Brat Lab, located in the Montgomery Ward Building at Northwestern's Chicago campus, maintains active research programs in glioblastoma progression mechanisms, asymmetric cell division in glioma stem cells, and in silico brain tumor research. The lab collaborates extensively with the Simpson Querrey Center for Neurogenetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, and Center for Human Immunobiology, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern cancer research.