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Chao HeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Immunometabolism
• Macrophage Biology
• +3 more

Chao He is an Assistant Professor at the College of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine , specializing in Pulmonary Medicine. His research focuses on the intersection of immunometabolism, macrophage biology, and mechanobiology in lung diseases. Education: Residency in Internal Medicine at University of Alabama at Birmingham Fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at University of Alabama at Birmingham Research Interests center on understanding how mechanosignaling and lactate metabolism regulate macrophage function in pulmonary fibrosis, with implications for immunometabolic therapies. Scientific Funding: NIH/NHLBI Grant (2023-2028): Mechanosignaling regulates macrophage immunometabolism Parker B Francis Foundation Grant: Targeting MCT1-Mediated Lactate Intercellular Shutting in Pulmonary Fibrosis

• Mechanobiology
• Cellular Biophysics
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Xavier Trepat is an ICREA Research Professor and Group Leader at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), affiliated with the University of Barcelona. His academic journey includes a BSc in Physics (2000), a BSc in Engineering (2001), and a PhD in Medical Sciences (2004) from the University of Barcelona. He conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University and later held positions at the University of Barcelona and IBEC, becoming an ICREA Research Professor in 2011. His research focuses on mechanobiology, integrating physics and biology to study cellular and tissue dynamics. Key areas include cytoskeletal mechanics, collective cell migration, cancer metastasis, and organoid engineering. He has pioneered techniques like traction force microscopy and microfluidic platforms (e.g., MIRO chip) to model tumor-stroma interactions. Recent work highlights include uncovering mechanical signaling pathways (YAP/TAZ-TEAD), the role of nuclear mechanics in cancer, and the development of 3D tissue models. His studies on durotaxis and collective cell migration have advanced understanding of how cells sense and respond to mechanical cues. Collaborations span institutions like Harvard, MIT, and leading research centers globally.

Premdass RamdasView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Cancer Cell Biology
• Quantitative Proteomics
• Genomics
• +12 more

Dr. Premdass Ramdas is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University Malaysia, affiliated with the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He joined in October 2023 with over 13 years of experience in medical biotechnology and health sciences, focusing on cancer research and bioactive natural compounds. PhD in Cancer Proteomics and Genomics, University of Malaya MSc in Medical Sciences (Cancer Genomics and Natural Products), International Medical University BSc with First-Class Honors His research focuses on the anticancer mechanisms of tocotrienols, utilizing proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics, and mouse models. He explores epigenetics, nutrigenomics, RNA/microRNA analysis, exosome biology, and AI-driven big data in cancer. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in health and well-being. Recent publications show a strong trend in systematic reviews and mechanistic studies on vitamin E analogues in cancer, particularly colorectal and breast cancers. His research integrates molecular biology with computational approaches, including molecular docking and data mining. First-class honors for BSc Malaysian Palm Oil Board Scholarship for MSc MyBrain15 Scholarship for PhD Dr. Ramdas has secured research grants such as FRGS and actively supervises research projects. He is currently accepting PhD students and has co-supervised non-HDR reviews, indicating active mentorship. He has no known labs or teams explicitly mentioned, but collaborates extensively, particularly with Prof. Radhakrishnan A.K.

• Nanobiotechnology
• Biophysics
• Colloid and Interface Science
• +4 more

Assoc. Prof. Dietmar Pum is a leading researcher at the Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). With a career spanning over three decades, he has pioneered work on S-layer proteins as nanobiotechnological tools and biomimetic surface functionalization. His research bridges microbiology, biophysics, and nanomaterials science. Education & Career Doctorate (1984) and Habilitation (1992) at Vienna University of Technology Awarded FEBS (1987) and EMBO (1982) fellowships Assoc. Univ. Prof. since 1997, Deputy Head of Biophysics Institute since 2014 Research Focus Dr. Pum's work centers on leveraging S-layer proteins for nanoscale fluid mechanics , molecular imprinting , and biohybrid materials . His projects explore: Self-assembly of 2D protein crystals Functionalization of carbon nanotubes Biomimetic sensor development Applications in diagnostics and environmental technology Publication Trends His recent publications (2025-2019) highlight interdisciplinary advancements in: Nanoscale biofluid dynamics Gold nanoparticle synthesis via microbial enzymes Archaeal S-layer characterization Protein-directed nanomaterials Biosensor platforms Lipid quantification via machine learning Scientific Recognition Philip Morris Research Prize (1998) Cardinal Innitzer Prize (1992) ÖAGM Prize (1986) Peer reviewer for Nature Materials , Advanced Materials , and Biophysical Journal Advising & Collaborations Dr. Pum has supervised over 15 theses, mentoring students in topics ranging from Caenorhabditis elegans imaging to nanomembrane fabrication. He leads international collaborations under EU Horizon and FWF grants, including the Stimuli Responsive Materials project (2020-2025). Labs & Networks As a core member of BOKU's Center for NanoBiotechnology and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Molecular Nanotechnology , he develops bioinspired nanomaterials and contributes to global programs in molecular self-assembly.

• Membrane Biology
• Cellular Stress Response
• Lysosomal Function
• +2 more

Dr. Phyllis I. Hanson is the Minor J. Coon Professor and Chair of Biological Chemistry at the University of Michigan Medical School. She also holds secondary appointments in Neurology and Cell and Developmental Biology, with affiliations to the Rogel Cancer Center and Precision Health Initiative. Research Interests: Her lab investigates mechanisms of cellular membrane stress sensing and repair, focusing on lysosomes and the ESCRT pathway. Her work integrates biochemical, cell biological, and advanced imaging techniques to study organelle membrane dynamics in health and disease. Recent Publications highlight her contributions to understanding ESCRT function in endolysosomal trafficking, membrane resilience under osmotic stress, and protein degradation pathways. These studies intersect with neurodegeneration, cancer biology, and infectious disease. Scientific Awards: AAAS Fellow Keck Scholar Searle Scholar Sloan Scholar McKnight Scholar Grants from NIH and disease-focused foundations since 2018 support her work on ESCRT pathway analysis, HSC70 AMPylation, and signal relay during cell migration. Leadership: She co-chairs Michigan Medicine’s Endowment for the Basic Sciences and chaired the 2024 Gordon Research Conference on Lysosomes & Endocytosis. She serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Biological Chemistry .

• Mechanobiology
• Computational Mechanics
• Finite Element Methods
• +7 more

Jose J. Muñoz is a Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and the LACÀN research group. His work focuses on computational mechanics, mechanobiology, and inverse problems in biological systems. He holds a PhD in Aeronautics from Imperial College London (2004) and a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering from UPC and Civil Engineering from École Centrale Paris (1997). His research combines finite element methods, vertex models, and optimal control to study tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer mechanics. Current roles include leading the LACÀN research group and supervising PhD students in projects like optimal control of contractile systems and inverse mechanical analysis. Former students include Ashutosh Bijalwan and Cécilia Olivesi. He teaches Numerical Methods and Computational Mechanics at the UPC's Faculty of Mathematics and Statistics. His research interests span vertex and finite element modeling, cell rheology, and stability analysis of biological tissues. Notable contributions include models for epithelial wound healing, Drosophila embryo development, and mechanical oscillations in tissues. His work often integrates experimental data with computational frameworks to infer non-observable mechanical parameters.

Gurol SuelView profile

Professor

• Microbial Biofilms
• Electrical Signaling in Bacteria
• Systems Biology
• +3 more

Gurol Suel is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), affiliated with the Division of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on understanding electrical signaling in bacterial biofilms and the emergent collective behaviors they exhibit. His lab integrates quantitative biology, mathematical modeling, and synthetic biology approaches to explore principles of microbial organization and coordination. Dr. Suel earned his PhD in Molecular Biophysics from UT Southwestern Medical Center under Dr. Rama Ranganathan, followed by postdoctoral training in Dr. Michael Elowitz's lab at Caltech, combining biology and applied physics. His work has revealed groundbreaking discoveries about ion channel-mediated electrical signaling in biofilms, including their role in nutrient time-sharing between distant communities and the segmentation clock driving cellular differentiation. Key research areas include: biofilm signaling networks, bacterial collective computation, membrane potential dynamics, and engineering controllable microbial systems. His lab develops novel tools for studying bioelectronic interactions, such as potassium ion-based bioelectronic delivery systems. Spatial and temporal patterning in biofilms, including fractal interface formation and memory encoding through membrane potentials, are central themes in his work. Though no specific student names are listed, his lab actively conducts PhD rotations and trains researchers in experimental and theoretical microbiology. His work is supported by grants enabling exploration of biofilm communication and synthetic microbial systems. Contact information includes the UCSD Pacific Hall address and the email 'gsuel@ucsd.edu'. The lab's physical location includes specialized equipment for biofilm electrophysiology and quantitative imaging, as shown in lab photo collections.

Sergio Armando VillaltaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Muscle Fibrosis
• Macrophage Biology
• Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
• +3 more

Sergio Armando Villalta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics and the Department of Neurology at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine. His research focuses on elucidating the role of macrophages in skeletal muscle homeostasis and fibrosis, particularly in the context of muscular dystrophy and chronic inflammation. Using advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics (scRNAseq), spatial transcriptomics, and computational modeling of intercellular communication, Villalta and his collaborators have identified a novel macrophage subset characterized by high expression of fibrotic factors like galectin-3 (Lgals3) and osteopontin (Spp1). This work demonstrates that these macrophages are chronically activated in dystrophic muscle and play a key role in regulating stromal progenitor cell differentiation through Spp1 signaling. Their findings also reveal elevated levels of gal-3+ macrophages in human myopathies, suggesting translational relevance. His research has been supported by multiple NIH grants, including R01 AI168063, P30 AR075047, and R01 NS120060. These grants enable investigations into immune-muscle interactions, fibrosis mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets.

Cam Ha TranView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Neurovascular Coupling
• +4 more

Cam Ha Tran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience. Her research focuses on neurovascular unit interactions, particularly how blood flow regulation impacts brain function under health and disease conditions such as stroke and dementia. She employs advanced techniques like two-photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiology to study astrocyte-endothelial communication and vascular reactivity. Education: PhD in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences from the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary (Canada); Master of Biomedical Technology and Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta (Canada). Research emphasizes understanding how astrocytes and endothelial cells coordinate to maintain cerebral blood flow, with implications for neurological disorders. Her recent work explores TRPA1 channels in neurovascular coupling, astrocyte dysfunction in Alzheimer’s, and seizure-induced vascular changes. Techniques include in vivo imaging and chemogenetic approaches to dissect cellular mechanisms. Key contributions include uncovering astrocyte roles in functional hyperemia and identifying therapeutic targets for cerebrovascular diseases. Her lab’s findings bridge basic science and clinical applications, aiming to improve diagnostics and treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative conditions.

Hollis ClineView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +3 more

Hollis Cline, PhD, is the Hahn Professor of Neuroscience and Director of the Dorris Neuroscience Center at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). She holds adjunct positions at the University of California San Diego and the Salk Institute. Her research focuses on understanding how sensory experience shapes visual circuit development, plasticity, and function, with a focus on neurodevelopmental disorders. Cline earned her PhD in Neurobiology from UC Berkeley (1985) and conducted postdoctoral work at Yale and Stanford. She has served in leadership roles including Co-Chair of TSRI’s Department of Neuroscience and President of the Society for Neuroscience (2015–2016). Her research integrates molecular genetics, electrophysiology, and imaging to study structural dynamics in neural circuits, neurogenesis regulation, and excitation/inhibition balance. Key projects include the Dynamic Connectome (3D connectomics in the optic tectum), neurogenesis control, and the role of inhibition in visual circuit function. Her work revealed activity-dependent mechanisms driving synaptic maturation and topographic map formation, and identified molecular pathways linking visual experience to brain development. Education : PhD (UC Berkeley), B.A. (Bryn Mawr College) Awards : NIH Pioneer Award, AAAS Fellow, TSRI Mentor Award Labs/Teams : Cline Lab at TSRI, Dorris Neuroscience Center Grants : Not explicitly listed but implied via NIH advisory roles and research infrastructure Professional Service : NINDS Board, NIH Advisory Council, Society for Neuroscience leadership Her recent work bridges neurodevelopmental mechanisms with translational insights, using Xenopus models to study exosome-mediated intercellular communication and regeneration responses to injury. Collaborative efforts include the BigNeuron project for neuronal morphology analysis and AI-driven behavior recognition studies.

Deborah GoberdhanView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Cell Growth Regulation
• mTORC1 Signaling
• +5 more

Dr. Deborah Goberdhan is an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford , affiliated with the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) . She leads an independent research group investigating amino acid sensing , mTORC1 signaling , and exosome-mediated communication in cancer progression using both human cancer cells and Drosophila models . She serves on the Cancer Research UK Oxford Centre Research Committee , teaches Medical and Biomedical Sciences undergraduates , and acts as Academic Public Engagement Lead for her department. Her research focuses on cell growth regulation through Proton-assisted Amino acid Transporters (PATs) , which function as 'transceptors' modulating mTORC1 activity . This work has expanded to examine exosome heterogeneity and therapeutic delivery mechanisms with support from BBSRC and Cancer Research UK . She co-founded Oxosome , the Oxford extracellular vesicle interest group , to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Key research areas include Cancer cell communication via exosomes Amino acid signaling in tumor progression Drosophila as cancer model system Clinical collaborations with Prof Adrian L Harris , Prof Freddie C Hamdy , and Prof Clare Verrill Recent publications highlight her group's contributions to exosome biogenesis (2023), brain-targeted siRNA delivery (2021), and nutrient stress responses in cancer (2020). She actively promotes scientific communication through ISEV social media initiatives.

Marek BaslerView profile

Associate Professor

• Type VI Secretion System (T6SS)
• Bacterial Virulence
• Structural Biology of Nanomachines
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Marek Basler is an Associate Professor of Infection Biology at the Biozentrum, University of Basel , leading a research group focused on the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in bacterial pathogens. His work bridges structural biology, molecular microbiology, and computational analysis to unravel the mechanisms of this contractile nanomachine. PhD in Microbiology (2007, Institute of Microbiology, CAS, Prague) Postdoctoral Fellow (2007–2013, Harvard Medical School) Assistant Professor (2013–2018) and Associate Professor (since 2018) at Biozentrum His research explores the structure, assembly, and therapeutic potential of the T6SS, a critical virulence factor in pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Key themes include bacterial defense strategies , intermicrobial competition , and host-pathogen interactions . Recent projects highlight T6SS roles in antibiotic resistance and horizontal gene transfer . The most recent publications (2025–2024) reveal novel insights into T6SS activation by environmental stress , toxin diversity , and host cell targeting . Trends span microbial ecology , nanomachine dynamics , and computational modeling of bacterial interactions. Scientific Awards : EMBO Membership (2023) ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) EMBO Gold Medal (2018) Friedrich Miescher Award (2018) EMBO Young Investigator (2015) His lab (Basler Lab) utilizes state-of-the-art microscopy , biochemical techniques , and live-cell simulations (e.g., BacFighT6 ). Collaborations span institutions like Harvard Medical School and NCCR-AntiResist , with future work targeting antibacterial therapies .

Laura BurrusView profile

Professor

• Developmental biology
• Cancer biology
• Climate change
• +4 more

Laura (Kai) Burrus is a Professor in the Department of Biology within the College of Science and Engineering at San Francisco State University, where she has been a faculty member since 1997. Her research has evolved from studying Wnt signaling in developmental biology to addressing climate change resilience through microbial ecology. Education: BS in Chemistry - College of William and Mary (1986) PhD in Biochemistry - University of Wisconsin-Madison (1991) Post-doc in Developmental Biology - Harvard University (1996) Dr. Burrus' research has historically focused on the biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying Wnt gradient formation in chick embryos, with relevance to birth defects and cancer. Her work has been funded by NIH, NSF, CSUPERB, and MDA over the last 20 years. She is currently transitioning her research to analyze the role of microbes in climate change resilience, motivated by her recognition that 'climate change is inherently racist.' She is actively involved with Lifting Black Voices in STEM and is leading an effort to launch an interdisciplinary Certificate in Climate Change Causes, Impacts, and Solutions. As one of five LGBTQIA biology faculty at SFSU, she brings unique perspectives to her work on inclusive classroom practices. Her publication record spans from 1994 to 2021, with recent work focusing on Wnt signaling mechanisms, educational approaches in STEM, and the transition to climate change research. Her research shows a clear evolution from fundamental developmental biology to applied environmental science, while maintaining a strong foundation in molecular and cellular mechanisms. Scientific Contributions: Pioneering work on Wnt protein trafficking and modification Research connecting Wnt signaling to cancer biology Leadership in developing inclusive STEM education practices Transition to climate change resilience research with focus on microbial ecology Dr. Burrus has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students throughout her career, with many alumni going on to pursue advanced degrees and careers in science. She has been actively involved in pedagogical innovation and is pioneering new approaches to effectively communicate research to both scientific and lay communities. Her lab has received funding from multiple sources including NIH, NSF, CSUPERB, and MDA. She is currently involved in oyster reef restoration research in the San Francisco Bay, investigating microbial communities as indicators of climate resilience. This work represents an aspirational shift from her previous focus, leveraging molecular expertise to address pressing climate challenges while mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.

Holger KnautView profile

Associate Professor

• Collective Cell Migration
• Actin Polymerization
• RhoA Signaling
• +4 more

Holger Knaut is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine . His research focuses on understanding the molecular and mechanical mechanisms underlying collective cell migration, tissue morphogenesis, and cytoskeletal dynamics using zebrafish models and quantitative imaging techniques. Key research areas: Collective cell migration, RhoA signaling, focal adhesions, actin polymerization Methodologies: Genetics, live-cell imaging, biomechanical analysis Notable findings: Discovery of rear traction forces in tissue migration, integration of adhesion codes in pattern formation His publications in top journals like Nature Cell Biology and Science demonstrate his expertise in developmental biophysics and cell signaling regulation. Contact: Holger.Knaut@nyulangone.org

Seraphine V. WegnerView profile

Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Cell Biology
• Photochemistry
• +5 more

Seraphine V. Wegner is a Full Professor at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry within the Medical Faculty of the University of Münster. She leads an active research group focused on the spatiotemporal control of cell-material and cell-cell interactions using visible light. Her work bridges synthetic biology, cell biology, and photochemistry to create innovative approaches for tissue engineering and minimal cellular systems. Dr. Wegner's educational background includes a PhD from the University of Chicago (2005-2010) and undergraduate studies at Middle East Technical University in Turkey (2002-2005). Her career path has taken her through prestigious institutions including the Max Planck Institutes in Mainz and Heidelberg, where she established her independent research before joining the University of Münster as a Full Professor in 2019. Her research spans several interconnected areas including light-controlled minimal cellular systems, photoswitchable cell-cell interactions for tissue engineering, light-controlled cell-material interactions, and engineering designer biofilms with light. These research themes share a common thread of using light as a non-invasive tool to precisely control biological processes with high spatial and temporal resolution. Dr. Wegner's publication record shows consistent high-impact output across leading journals in cell biology, synthetic biology, and materials science. Her recent work demonstrates increasing sophistication in multi-color light control systems and applications in both fundamental biological questions and potential therapeutic approaches. ERC Consolidator Grant (2024): LIGHTHOUSE - Light as a signal for nonchemical cell-to-cell communication ERC Starting Grant (2018): ARTIST - Artificial cell-cell interactions for light switchable cell organization and signaling Young Leaders in Science Program, Schering Foundation (2016) MaxSynBio Independent Group Leader, BMBF/MPG (2015) Her research group actively collaborates across disciplines, with projects spanning from fundamental biophysics of cell adhesion to potential medical applications in tissue engineering and bacterial therapeutics. Dr. Wegner has established herself as a leader in the emerging field of optogenetic control of multicellular systems.