Find Academic Supervisors

• cellular metabolism
• biochemistry
• genetics
• +3 more

Hongying (Hoy) Shen is an Assistant Professor in Cellular & Molecular Physiology at Yale School of Medicine and Systems Biology Institute at Yale West Campus since January 2020. Her research focuses on cellular metabolism, using interdisciplinary approaches including biochemistry, genetics, and metabolomics to study enzymes and transporters critical to human health and disease. She is particularly known for her work on 'deorphanizing' uncharacterized proteins in the human genome, especially those involved in mitochondrial function and metabolism. Dr. Shen received her B.S. in Chemistry from Nanjing University (2006) and her Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University (2013). Her postdoctoral training at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School with Dr. Vamsi Mootha established her expertise in CRISPR screens and metabolomics. She has been recognized with prestigious awards including the Rita Allen Foundation Scholar (2023) and the Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship (2021). Her lab investigates mitochondrial transporters, metabolic pathways, and their roles in diseases like cancer and cystic disorders. Recent work includes identifying NAT10 as a master regulator of brain metastasis and elucidating the role of SLC25A39 in mitochondrial glutathione transport. Collaborations span Yale’s Diabetes Research Center, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, and the Wu Tsai Institute. Notable achievements include over 30 peer-reviewed publications, including high-impact articles in Cell , Nature Communications , and Molecular Cell . Her research bridges basic science and translational medicine, aiming to uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Benjamin G. NeelView profile

Professor

• Cell Signaling
• Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatases
• Cancer Biology
• +12 more

Benjamin G. Neel, MD, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. His research is centered on cell signaling pathways, particularly those involving protein-tyrosine phosphatases such as SHP2, and their implications in cancer and genetic disorders like RASopathies. He leads an active research laboratory that integrates molecular biology, genomics, and translational models to uncover mechanisms of oncogenesis and therapy resistance. MD from Cornell University PhD from Rockefeller University Dr. Neel’s research focuses on the role of tyrosine phosphatases in signal transduction, especially the RAS-ERK pathway, and how dysregulation contributes to diseases including breast and ovarian cancers, lung cancer, and developmental syndromes. His lab employs advanced techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 screens, proteomics, organoids, and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) to dissect signaling networks and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. His recent publications highlight key advances in understanding resistance to SHP2 inhibitors, hypoxia-induced cell death, neoantigen creation via covalent drugs, and tumor microenvironment remodeling. These works span high-impact journals like Nature , PNAS , and Cancer Cell , reflecting a strong trend toward integrating targeted therapy with immunomodulation and systems biology. Dr. Neel has mentored several successful scientists, including Dr. Wei Wei and Dr. Shengqing Gu, who have gone on to leadership roles in academia and cancer research. His lab fosters collaboration, notably with the Koide Lab, to develop novel immunotherapies. His scientific contributions have not been explicitly tied to named awards in the provided text, but his publication record and leadership position indicate national recognition. Through the Neel Lab, he continues to explore fundamental mechanisms in cancer signaling, with implications for drug development and precision oncology.

Zev GartnerView profile

Professor

• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Zev Gartner is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco, leading a multidisciplinary research lab focused on cellular self-organization in tissue development and cancer progression. His work integrates chemistry, biology, and engineering to uncover how tissue structure regulates information flow between cells, with applications in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. Education: University of California, Berkeley (B.S. in Chemistry, 1994-1999) Harvard University (M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Biology, 1999-2004) University of California, Berkeley (Postdoctoral in Chemical Biology, 2005-2008) His research spans tissue engineering, single-cell analysis, and mechanobiology, with particular emphasis on intestinal morphogenesis and breast cancer mechanics. Recent work includes 4D bioprinting technologies and computational modeling of gene regulatory networks. Scientific Awards: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2000) Bristol-Myers Squibb Fellowship (2003) NIH New Innovator Award (2017) Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator (2020)

Avlant NilssonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• +7 more

Avlant Nilsson is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet. His research focuses on applying interactome-based deep learning to unravel cancer mechanisms, particularly in pancreatic cancer stroma interactions and drug target discovery. Education: PhD in Biology and Biological Engineering (Chalmers, 2019), M.S. Engineering Physics (Chalmers, 2014), B.S. Biological Engineering (Chalmers, 2012) The group develops constrained deep learning models aligned with physical biomolecular interactions, integrating transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics data to study metabolism, signal transduction, and gene regulation networks in cancer. Key research themes include: Precision cancer medicine Drug resistance mechanisms Tumor microenvironment modeling Computer-aided drug design Metabolic network simulations Scientific awards include: DDLS Fellow (Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, 2024-2029) Junior Investigator Award (Swedish Cancer Society, 2024-2026) Deep learning grants from Swedish Cancer Society and Vetenskapsrådet Current lab members: Avlant Nilsson (Group Leader) Olof Nordenstorm (PhD Student) Xinhe Xing (PhD Student) Xuechun Xu (Postdoctoral Researcher)

Vilceu BordignonView profile

Associate Professor

• Sustainable crop and livestock production systems
• Human nutrition and One Health
• Animal models
• +13 more

Vilceu Bordignon serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at McGill University's Macdonald Campus, focusing on sustainable agricultural systems and interdisciplinary connections between animal production, human health, and environmental sustainability. His research spans critical domains in modern agricultural science: Sustainable crop and livestock production systems addressing food security challenges Human nutrition and One Health frameworks integrating animal, human, and ecosystem health Advanced biotechnological applications including reproductive biology, genome editing, and cellular reprogramming Specialized investigations into animal models, dairy production, gene-environment interactions, and wildlife health Development of emerging tools for precision plant and animal production systems Dr. Bordignon's work bridges fundamental biological mechanisms with practical agricultural innovations, emphasizing genomic and cellular approaches to enhance productivity while maintaining ecological balance and addressing global food system challenges.

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• +3 more

Christina E Baer is an Associate Professor at UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the Department of Microbiology, T.H. Chan School of Medicine, and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. She directs the Sanderson Center for Optics Experimentation (SCOPE) and contributes to interdisciplinary research across the RNA Therapeutics Institute and Neuroscience. Education: BA in Physics & English from Wellesley College, PhD in Biophysics from University of California, Berkeley Her research spans Microbiology , Immunology , and Cell Biology , focusing on host-pathogen interactions in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections, immune signaling pathways, and cellular mechanisms in neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. Recent work includes studies on interferon signaling, oligodendrocyte renewal, and spatial transcriptomics. Key institutional roles include cross-departmental collaboration in Immunology and Microbiology Program and NeuroNexus Institute . Her publications reflect expertise in Cell Biology , Neurology , and Biochemistry , with significant contributions to understanding TB pathogenesis and precision medicine technologies. She leads interdisciplinary teams in SCOPE and works with co-authors like Christopher Sassetti and Arthur Mercurio on translational research projects. Her citations indicate impact in PubMed Central and Mendeley community engagement.

Joerg HuelskenView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Tumor Heterogeneity
• Cancer Stem Cells
• +11 more

Joerg Huelsken is an Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he leads the Huelsken Lab at the Institut de Recherche en Ingénierie Moléculaire et en Imagerie Cellulaire (ISREC). He holds multiple teaching appointments within EPFL’s graduate programs, including roles in the Doctoral Program in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences (EDMS) and the School of Life Sciences (SSV). His research is centered on cancer biology, particularly tumor heterogeneity, cancer stem cells, metastasis, and the role of the microenvironment and signaling pathways such as Wnt and integrin in disease progression. His research interests span cancer stem cells , metastatic niches , organoid models , Wnt/β-catenin signaling , integrin-mediated adhesion , and hematopoietic stem cell regulation . His lab employs cutting-edge approaches including patient-derived organoids, single-cell transcriptomics, and in vivo mouse models to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. A major focus is understanding how cancer cells adopt stem-like states in response to therapy, particularly immunotherapy, and how the niche supports metastatic colonization. The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong integration of basic molecular mechanisms with translational applications . His work bridges developmental biology, stem cell regulation, and oncology, with recurring themes of signaling crosstalk, cellular plasticity, and microenvironmental control. He has developed platforms for personalized cancer treatment using organoids and statistical modeling, and his team investigates metabolic dependencies in metastasis-initiating cells. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature , Cell Stem Cell , Nature Communications , and Cancer Cell . Metabolic dependencies of metastasis-initiating cells in female breast cancer (Nature Communications, 2023) IFNγ-induced stem-like state of cancer cells as a driver of metastatic progression following immunotherapy (Cell Stem Cell, 2023) Platform combining statistical modeling and patient-derived organoids to facilitate personalized treatment of colorectal carcinoma (Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 2023) Prof. Huelsken has supervised numerous PhD students at EPFL, including Maxim Norkin, Candice Young, Angela Madurga Alonso, Mathieu Girardin, and Zuzana Tatárová. His lab is actively involved in teaching, offering courses such as Cancer Biology II and practical lab modules. He also contributes to institutional education through roles in the EDMS and SSV-ENS programs. The Huelsken Lab operates at EPFL’s SV campus, focusing on interdisciplinary research that combines molecular oncology, stem cell biology, and systems approaches to understand and target the root causes of cancer progression and therapy resistance.

Michael G. KharasView profile

Professor

• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology
• Leukemia Pathogenesis
• RNA Regulation
• +5 more

Michael G. Kharas is a Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine's Pharmacology Graduate Program and an Investigator at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Molecular Pharmacology Program. His research focuses on RNA regulators in hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia pathogenesis, particularly Musashi-2 and m6A methylation mechanisms. Dr. Kharas investigates how post-transcriptional RNA regulation affects symmetric/asymmetric cell division balance in HSCs and leukemic stem cells. His lab develops small molecules targeting RNA-binding proteins and studies metabolic adaptations in leukemia, including fructose utilization and serine synthesis pathways. Current projects explore RNA methylation, chromatin regulation, and screening approaches for self-renewal modulation. His publications reveal trends in RNA biology, epigenetics, and leukemic stem cell targeting. Key subfields include m6A-dependent differentiation control, Musashi-2 networks, metabolic dependencies, chromatin maintenance, and therapeutic strategies against RNA regulators. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Career Development Award Alex Lemonade Stand Foundation ‘A’ Award American Society of Hematology Junior Faculty Scholar Award Kimmel and V-Scholar Awards Louis V. Gerstner Young Investigator Award As lab head, he mentors researchers and collaborates across institutions. His work spans basic HSC biology, translational leukemia models, and drug discovery platforms targeting RNA-protein interactions.

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

Pekka Katajisto is a Professor at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, affiliated with the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme. His research focuses on stem cell metabolism, aging, and tissue regeneration. Active projects include investigating mitochondrial inheritance in stem cells and its role in aging Developing 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering (2025) Exploring metabolic regulation in intestinal regeneration and cancer Recent publications highlight mitochondrial dynamics in stem cell fate determination and metabolic reprogramming in age-related diseases. He supervises doctoral students in biomedicine and integrative life sciences, with funding from Business Finland and private foundations. Media coverage includes discoveries on cancer cells exploiting aging pathways (2021).

• Cancer Research
• Oncology
• Medulloblastoma
• +3 more

Marsaud V. is a researcher at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), actively contributing to cancer research with recent publications in high-impact journals. Their work focuses on molecular mechanisms of pediatric brain tumors and leukemias, particularly medulloblastoma and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Research interests span cancer biology, molecular signaling pathways, and epigenetic regulation in tumor progression. Their recent work examines Netrin-1 signaling in medulloblastoma survival, epigenomic reprogramming in cancer progression, and proteogenomic approaches to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities in leukemia subtypes. Analysis of recent publications reveals a strong focus on translational cancer research with emphasis on identifying molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. The research spans basic molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications, particularly in pediatric cancers. Marsaud V. collaborates with international research teams across multiple high-impact publications in Nature family journals, demonstrating active engagement in the global cancer research community.

• Cancer Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Immunotherapy
• +3 more

Xiao Z. is a research scientist at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, Germany, affiliated with the National Center for Tumor Diseases. Their research focuses on molecular oncology, particularly in the areas of cancer genomics, bioinformatics, and immunotherapy. Xiao Z.'s research interests span multiple cancer types with emphasis on soft tissue sarcomas and medulloblastoma. Their work integrates bioinformatics analysis with experimental validation to identify prognostic biomarkers and understand epigenetic mechanisms driving cancer progression. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in tumor immunology , chromatin modification abnormalities , and CRISPR screening data analysis . Their publication record shows a strong focus on identifying therapeutic targets and understanding resistance mechanisms, particularly in immunotherapy contexts. The research trajectory indicates increasing specialization in molecular mechanisms of cancer progression with translational applications. Xiao Z. has contributed to multiple high-impact publications in journals including Cell Reports , npj Precision Oncology , and Developmental Cell , demonstrating collaborative research across international teams.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Epigenetics
• Genome Editing
• +3 more

Wolfgang Wagner serves as a Professor at RWTH Aachen University, leading the Division of Stem Cell Biology within the Institute of Stem Cell Biology at the Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering. His research centers on molecular regulatory mechanisms in stem cell specialization, with emphasis on epigenetic modifications of the genome and their roles in differentiation, aging, and tumor diseases. His core research domains include: Stem Cell Biology and Differentiation Mechanisms Epigenetic Regulation (DNA Methylation Dynamics) CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing Applications Regenerative Medicine Therapies Aging Process Biomarkers Tumor Diagnostics and Cellular Biomarkers Publications demonstrate consistent focus on biomaterial-stem cell interactions, particularly how surface structures influence self-organization and differentiation for regenerative applications, as evidenced by the 2022 Biomaterials journal article. Research integrates molecular biology with engineering approaches to develop clinical solutions. Professor Wagner actively mentors students through structured educational programs in cell culture, stem cell biology, and epigenetics for medical, biological, biotechnological, and biomedical engineering cohorts. His institute maintains intensive collaborative networks with hematology, transfusion medicine, immunology, biomaterials research, and aging research divisions. The Institute of Stem Cell Biology operates as an interdisciplinary hub combining cell biology and epigenetics expertise, driving innovations in cellular reprogramming, biomarker development, and tissue engineering for next-generation regenerative therapies and diagnostic tools.

David R. HydeView profile

Professor

• Regenerative Biology
• Retinal Development and Regeneration
• Neuroscience
• +7 more

David R. Hyde is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame and serves as the Kenna Director of the Center for Zebrafish Research and Director of the Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of retinal neuron regeneration in zebrafish, with implications for treating human neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Hyde earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Pennsylvania State University in 1985 and completed postdoctoral training at the California Institute of Technology. He joined the University of Notre Dame faculty in 1988, rising through the ranks to full Professor by 2000. He has directed zebrafish and stem cell research facilities at Notre Dame since the mid-1990s. His research explores how Müller glia in zebrafish dedifferentiate and regenerate retinal neurons after injury, a process absent in humans. Key areas include retinal development , neuronal regeneration , stem cell reprogramming , and signaling pathways such as Notch, TNFα, Sox2, Ascl1a, Stat3, Hippo-Yap, and NF-kB. His lab uses transcriptomics and epigenomics to identify conserved and species-specific mechanisms across zebrafish, chick, and mouse models. The recent publications highlight a strong emphasis on Müller glia reprogramming , live-cell imaging , gene editing , and interkinetic nuclear migration . These works collectively advance the understanding of regenerative neurobiology and offer potential pathways to induce regeneration in mammalian systems. Dr. Hyde collaborates with leading institutions including Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Ohio State University, and University of Florida. His lab has received sustained funding, as evidenced by long-term projects and facility leadership, although specific grants are not listed. He has mentored numerous trainees and contributed significantly to the field through publications and facility development. His team operates the University of Notre Dame Zebrafish Research Facility, supporting cutting-edge research in developmental and regenerative biology.

Christopher PatzkeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Development and Regeneration
• +7 more

Christopher Patzke is the John M. and Mary Jo Boler Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. His research focuses on human neurons and synapses, particularly their development, function, and role in neuropsychiatric diseases. He leads the Patzke Lab, which utilizes human pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal models to investigate genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Research Interests: His work centers on synaptic signal transmission, neuromodulation, and the impact of genetic mutations on neuronal communication. He investigates how genes and proteins shape synaptic structure and function, with a focus on cell adhesion molecules and synaptic organizers. His lab combines advanced techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, live-cell imaging, biochemistry, brain organoids, and electrophysiology. Recent Research Trends: Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on synaptic vesicle dynamics, neuromodulatory pathways (e.g., cannabinoid and retinoic acid signaling), and the functional consequences of mutations in genes such as SHANK3, STXBP1, and RIMBP1. His research bridges molecular neuroscience with human disease modeling, emphasizing translational relevance. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Patzke mentors a diverse team of graduate students, research associates, and undergraduates in his lab. He teaches advanced courses in neurobiology and stem cell models, including BIOS 30338 (Advanced Neurobiology) and BIOS 60570 (Stem Cell-Derived Neurons). His lab actively recruits students and postdocs, emphasizing inclusive and collaborative research culture. While specific grants are not listed, his extensive publication record suggests active funding support. Labs and Teams: The Patzke Lab at Notre Dame is a vibrant research group focused on human cellular neuroscience. The lab fosters a creative and inclusive environment, with ongoing projects in synaptic biology, disease modeling, and neurodevelopment. Lab members include graduate students, research technicians, and undergraduates from diverse backgrounds.

Anna Lena IllertView profile

Professor

• Personalized Oncology
• Translational Cancer Research
• Hematological Malignancies
• +13 more

Lena Illert is Chair for Personalized Oncology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Medical Director of the Centre for Personalized Medicine (ZPM) at University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar in Munich. She leads the research group focused on personalized oncology and plays a central role in translational cancer research and clinical implementation of molecular therapies. Her research interests lie at the intersection of molecular oncology and personalized medicine, with a focus on identifying novel therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers. Her work employs genetically defined mouse models of hematological (AML, T-NHL) and non-hematological (NSCLC) malignancies to study tumor microenvironment, immune escape, DNA damage repair, ubiquitin signaling, and oncogenic tyrosine kinases. Her lab utilizes cutting-edge multi-OMIC analyses and spatial imaging technologies to characterize key molecular players in tumor development and assess their therapeutic vulnerability. A major emphasis of her research is the bidirectional translation of findings between bench and bedside through collaboration with the TUM Molecular Tumor Board (MTB). Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in translational oncology, with a focus on rare cancers, molecular tumor boards, and precision therapy. Articles span genomics, transcriptomics, leukemia biology, and immunotherapy, demonstrating an integrative approach to cancer research. She has contributed significantly to understanding mechanisms in chronic myeloid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, lymphoma, and bone marrow failure syndromes. Mildred Scheel Professorship (W3), German Cancer Aid (2023) Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellowship, DGIM (2020) Poster Awards, DGHO (2018, 2023) Eleonore und Fritz Hodeige-Prize (2017) Brigitte-Schlieben-Langen-Fellowship (2015) Mathilde-Wagner-Habilitation-Prize (2015) ASH/EHA Abstract and Travel Awards (2009–2013) Fellowship, DFG Graduate College 80 (1999) Lena Illert has played a significant role in mentoring researchers and advancing clinical trials, having led research groups and participated in early-phase clinical studies. She has held leadership positions including Co-Director of CCC Freiburg and spokesperson for its Molecular Tumor Board. She is actively involved in national and regional networks, serving as Spokesperson for the German Network of Personalized Oncology (DNPM) and the Bavarian ZPM Working Group on Molecular Tumor Boards. She also contributes to major oncology guidelines and serves as Section Editor for Der Onkologe . Her work is conducted within a multidisciplinary environment at TranslaTUM, TUM’s Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, where she collaborates with clinicians, molecular biologists, and bioinformaticians to advance personalized cancer care.