Germ Layer Development Professors and Supervisors

Eden AmirView profile

Professor

The Hebrew University of JerusalemIsrael

Dr. Eden Amir is a Professor at the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation in cancer, particularly DNA methylation and chromatin dynamics. He leads a lab studying epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes and its implications for cancer therapy. Amir collaborates with Prof. Yuval Dor on cell proliferation markers and develops transgenic mouse models for cancer research. He teaches advanced cell biology and chromatin structure courses. His work bridges epigenetics, chromatin biology, and cancer mechanisms, with contributions to understanding genomic instability in tumors. Key research areas include: epigenetic silencing mechanisms, cancer epigenetics, chromatin remodeling in malignant rhabdoid tumors, and direct reprogramming of epigenetic defects. His lab employs mouse models, high-throughput genomic techniques, and computational analysis. Major findings include the role of macroH2A in gene silencing and the impact of DNA hypomethylation on tumor development. Amir’s contributions to the field are evident in over 50 peer-reviewed publications, including studies in Nature and Science . He is affiliated with the Institute of Life Sciences and collaborates internationally. His research also explores therapeutic strategies targeting aberrant epigenetic states in cancer cells.

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Esther BellView profile

Professor

King’s College LondonUnited Kingdom

Professor Esther Bell is a faculty member at King's College London, serving as the Programme Director of the Biomedical Science BSc and a Professor in Bioscience Education within the School of Neuroscience and Developmental Neurobiology department. She holds a PhD and BSc from UCL University College London. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of neural induction and embryonic development, particularly in Xenopus laevis. She has pioneered innovative teaching methods, such as integrating science fiction and role-play into embryology education. Key publications span developmental biology and medical education, addressing topics like BMP signaling in neural crest induction and germ layer specification. Awards: EMBO fellowship (2000), MRC Career Development Award (2004), Rockefeller Women in Science fellowship (1999) Recent grants include projects on cytoskeletal differentiation in cranial ectoderm (2015–2016) and pharyngeal remodelling in development (2015–2019). She actively participates in academic outreach, including school engagement and public lectures like her 2024 inaugural talk on 'Hopping into Education: from Frogs to Pedagogues'.

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Min Seong KimView profile

Research Professor

University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaUnited States

Min Seong Kim serves as a Research Professor in the Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology at Sejong University, with foundational training from Yonsei University and extensive postdoctoral experience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His career bridges stem cell biology and clinical translational research. Education: Ph.D., Yonsei University (2015) B.S., Yonsei University (2010) Dr. Kim's research centers on human pluripotent stem cell applications for neurological disease modeling and therapeutic development, with emphasis on: Epigenetic regulation in embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cell-targeted drug development Parkinson's disease modeling via iPSCs using the OASIS (Optogenetic Alpha-Synuclein aggregation Induction System) Novel protocols for generating functional human Schwann cells His 2025 publications demonstrate dual expertise: advancing neural disease modeling through stem cell engineering while contributing clinical insights into bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis in Alzheimer's patients. This reflects an integrative approach spanning molecular mechanisms to population health outcomes. Scientific Awards: No awards documented in source materials Advising and Grants: While specific advisees and grants are unlisted, Dr. Kim's leadership of the Kim Stem Lab indicates active mentorship in stem cell research and secured funding for neurological disease modeling projects, with work contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals in health innovation. Laboratory: The Kim Stem Lab (https://sites.google.com/view/kimstemlab) drives cutting-edge research in pluripotent stem cell differentiation, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine applications, with recent work spanning Parkinson's mechanisms to osteoporosis therapeutics.

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Chun Jeih RyuView profile

Professor

University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaUnited States

Chun Jeih Ryu is a full-time Professor at the Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, with a career spanning over 25 years in academia. He has held key roles including Principal Investigator at the Antibody Engineering Lab, KRIBB (2003-2006), and postdoctoral research at MIT's Center for Cancer Research (1998-2001). Ph.D., KAIST (1997) M.S., KAIST (1989) B.S., Yonsei University (1987) His research interests focus on Stem Cell Biology , Cancer Stem Cells , Circulating Tumor Cells , and Antibody Engineering , with a strong emphasis on cancer cell surface markers and their therapeutic applications. Recent research trends (2020-2025) highlight his work in: Engineering monoclonal antibodies for tumor suppression Investigating stem cell antigens in pluripotency regulation Elucidating signaling pathways in cancer progression Exploring molecular chaperones in stem cell states Scientific awards include the Domestic Best Paper Award from KOFST (2017). He has authored 83 SCI(E) papers and holds 30 domestic/6 international patents, reflecting his prolific contributions to biomedical research. As Principal Investigator at KRIBB's Antibody Engineering Lab (2003-2006), he pioneered antibody-based cancer therapies. His collaborations span global institutions, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals for health and innovation.

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Lionel CavinView profile

Professor

University of GenevaSwitzerland

Lionel Cavin is a Full Professor in Genetics & Evolution at the University of Geneva, affiliated with the MuseumLab research team based at the Natural History Museum of Geneva (MHNG). His research focuses on the evolutionary histories of bony fishes, particularly coelacanths and actinopterygians from the Mesozoic Era. His research aims to decipher patterns and processes characterizing the evolution of bony fishes, which comprise three clades representing more than half of vertebrate diversity. He studies several aspects of the evolutionary history of ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii), lungfishes (Dipnoi), and coelacanths (Actinistia) by analyzing their anatomy, phylogeny, diversity dynamics over time, and paleogeographic and paleoecological history. His work focuses on the Mesozoic Era (252-66 million years ago) with synthetic approaches, testing these perspectives using case studies based on fossil assemblages mainly from Western Europe, North Africa, the Near East, and Southeast Asia. Cavin's research relies on fine anatomical reconstructions based on direct observations, micro-CT, and synchrotron imaging. His main current research interests include coelacanths, which display remarkable anatomical features and evolutionary traits, such as an unexpected hearing function based on a lung-inner ear connection in some fossil forms, and exceptionally long morphological stases observed in lineages during the Cretaceous. His publication record shows consistent high-impact research output across multiple disciplines including paleontology, evolutionary biology, and ichthyology, with a particular emphasis on understanding evolutionary patterns in "living fossil" lineages like coelacanths. His work demonstrates how detailed fossil analyses can reveal unexpected bursts of morphological disparity even in lineages traditionally considered to evolve slowly. Among his notable scientific contributions is research demonstrating that coelacanths, despite being considered "living fossils" due to their slow morphological evolution, experienced an early Mesozoic burst of morphological disparity following the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. Cavin has been actively involved in numerous international collaborations, working with researchers across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America to understand the global distribution and evolutionary history of ancient fish lineages. His work on the biogeography of mawsoniid coelacanths has demonstrated how wide geographic distribution may contribute to the resilience of certain lineages to extinction events.

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Joshua Mark BrickmanView profile

Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Joshua Mark Brickman is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He leads the Brickman Group at reNEW (Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine), a global research center focused on stem cell medicine. His laboratory, the Brickman Lab, is located at Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N, Denmark. Professor Brickman earned his B.A. in Chemistry & Philosophy from the University of Vermont in 1985, followed by a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Harvard University in 1996. After completing his doctoral studies focusing on transcription, he pursued post-doctoral training in developmental biology, working with early mouse development and embryonic stem cells as models for understanding developmental processes. Brickman's research focuses on understanding how transcription factors regulate cell fate choice in embryonic stem cells and early embryos. His group investigates transcriptional priming and commitment in stem cells, particularly in the specification of the endoderm lineage. They aim to understand how these priming events relate to stem and progenitor cell potency. The Brickman Group explores three main research themes: the molecular biology of enhancer function, transcription factors and metabolic influence in stem cell competence, and transcriptional regulation in the endoderm lineage. Their work has led to significant innovations including the development of human hypoblast stem cells, drugs for improved organ differentiation, and new approaches to IVF culture. Professor Brickman's laboratory has received funding from prestigious sources including the European Research Council, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond, Lundbeck Foundation, and the BRIDGE - Translational Excellence Program. His research on FGF/ERK signaling has proposed a new paradigm for understanding transcription factor function as enablers of signaling response rather than determinants of transcription itself. The Brickman Group consists of a diverse team of approximately 28 researchers including postdocs, PhD students, research assistants, and visiting scientists. Current members include Assistant Professor Molly Lowndes, Researcher Rita S. Monteiro, Postdocs Joji Marie Yap Teves and S M Nazmus Salehin, Master Students Hanna Kreilgaard McNamara and Sarah Sølling Brendstrup, and several others working collaboratively on various aspects of stem cell biology and developmental regulation.

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Zachary SmithView profile

Assistant Professor

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and GeneticsGermany

Zachary Smith is an Assistant Professor (Adjunct) in the Department of Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, with additional affiliations at the Yale Stem Cell Center, Center for RNA Science and Medicine, and the Genomics, Genetics, and Epigenetics program. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation during mammalian development. Dr. Smith received his B.S. in Biology from M.I.T. in 2008 and his Ph.D. in Biology from Harvard University in 2019. His doctoral work focused on applying cutting-edge genomic technologies to understand chromatin dynamics during mammalian development. He joined the Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Genetics as an Assistant Professor in September 2020. Dr. Smith's research program investigates three critical developmental processes: fertilization, implantation, and gastrulation. His lab seeks to understand how the genome is reconstructed after fertilization, how distinct epigenetic states are established in embryonic versus extraembryonic lineages, and how chromatin regulators orchestrate the complex process of gastrulation. They employ advanced genomic techniques including single-cell sequencing, Cas9-mediated genome editing, and novel molecular recording technologies. His recent publications highlight significant contributions to understanding DNA methylation dynamics in development and disease, X-chromosome biology, and the development of innovative genomic technologies. Dr. Smith's work bridges fundamental developmental biology with potential applications to understanding developmental disorders and cancer. Epigenetic regulation of mammalian development Chromatin dynamics during embryogenesis DNA methylation reprogramming Single-cell genomic analysis Novel molecular recording technologies Dr. Smith's lab collaborates extensively with researchers at Yale and other institutions, including Michael Caplan, Berna Sozen, and Biff Forbush. His interdisciplinary approach combines expertise in genetics, developmental biology, and technology development to address fundamental questions about how epigenetic mechanisms shape development. Students and postdocs in Dr. Smith's lab have opportunities to work at the forefront of developmental epigenetics, gaining expertise in both experimental and computational approaches to studying genome regulation during development.

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Mary KinkelView profile

Associate Professor

Appalachian State UniversityUnited States

Mary Kinkel is an Associate Professor of Developmental Biology in the Department of Biology at Appalachian State University. Her research focuses on vertebrate developmental biology, particularly the patterning of the endodermal germ layer and pancreas development using zebrafish models. Education: PhD, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, OH MA, Biological Anthropology, Kent State University, OH BA, Anthropology, University of South Florida Dr. Kinkel's research centers on understanding how pancreas cell types are specified, how organ size is determined, and how the pancreas is correctly localized within the embryo. Her work particularly focuses on pancreatic beta cells, which synthesize and secrete insulin and play a critical role in blood sugar control. She employs zebrafish as a model organism, utilizing genetic tools including transgenic and mutant fish lines. Her research has significant implications for understanding diabetes, as beta cell failure is the ultimate cause of all types of diabetes. Analysis of her publication history reveals a clear research trajectory from anthropological studies in the early 1990s to specialized developmental biology with a focus on pancreatic development and beta cell formation. Her most recent work (2017-2019) continues to build on her expertise in zebrafish models for pancreatic disease and larval rearing methods, demonstrating sustained research activity in her field. Dr. Kinkel's laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of endoderm patterning, with particular emphasis on retinoic acid signaling, Cyp26 enzymes, and Cdx4 factors in determining pancreatic field size and localization. Her research integrates multiple signaling pathways including canonical Wnt signaling to refine models of endoderm development. Her professional experience includes positions as Associate Scientist/Assistant Professor at Sanford Research Center/University of South Dakota and Research Associate (Assistant Professor) at The University of Chicago, following postdoctoral training at the same institution.

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Jakub SedzinskiView profile

Associate Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Jakub Sedzinski is an Associate Professor and Group Leader at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, where he leads the Sedzinski Lab as part of reNEW (Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine). His research focuses on understanding cellular mechanisms in development and tissue regeneration, with particular emphasis on epithelial integration, multiciliated cell development, and the mechanical interplay between cells and their microenvironment. Dr. Sedzinski's research interests span developmental biology, cell biology, and biomechanics. His work investigates how cells integrate into tissues during development and regeneration, with a special focus on multiciliated cells and their role in epithelial function. He employs advanced techniques including in vivo imaging, single-cell profiling, and mechanical analysis to uncover fundamental principles of tissue organization and cell behavior. His research has significant implications for understanding developmental disorders and regenerative processes. Analysis of Dr. Sedzinski's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the mechanical aspects of cell integration and tissue morphogenesis. His work bridges developmental biology with biophysics, examining how physical forces influence cell fate decisions and tissue organization. A recurring theme is the investigation of multiciliated cells and their integration into epithelial tissues, with implications for understanding respiratory and other epithelial disorders. His research spans from molecular mechanisms to tissue-level organization, providing comprehensive insights into developmental processes. Dr. Sedzinski leads the Sedzinski Lab at reNEW, which includes postdocs, PhD fellows, and master's students working collaboratively on various aspects of cell and developmental biology. His team employs interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, imaging, and biomechanical analysis to address fundamental questions in tissue development and regeneration. The lab's work is highly collaborative, with connections to other research groups within reNEW and internationally.

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