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Gregory DickView profile

Research Professor

• Coronary Circulation
• Ion Channel Physiology
• Vascular Tone Regulation
• +3 more

Gregory Dick, PhD, is a Research Professor in the Department of Physiology & Anatomy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center's College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences. His research focuses on ion channel regulation in coronary arteries, particularly how potassium channels control vascular tone under normal and pathological conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes). He has led multiple NIH-funded projects exploring coronary vascular dysfunction and metabolic signaling. Education: Bachelor of Science in Physiology, Oklahoma State University Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology, University of Missouri Research Interests: Electro-metabolic signaling in coronary vasodilation Role of K+ channels in coronary blood flow regulation Impact of metabolic syndrome and obesity on cardiovascular health Vascular smooth muscle plasticity in disease states Key Projects (2024–2026): Role of potassium as a coronary metabolic vasodilator (Principal Investigator) Disentangling the Mechanisms of Coronary Dysfunction (Co-Investigator) Grants & Funding: NIH R01 Grant: Mineralocorticoid Receptor-Dependent Coronary Vascular Dysfunction in Obesity Multiple collaborative grants with University of Michigan and University of Missouri Collaborations: Active partnerships with institutions studying coronary autoregulation, metabolic syndrome, and swine models of cardiovascular disease.

Andrew BraunView profile

Professor

• KCa Channels
• Nitric Oxide
• Calcium Signaling
• +7 more

Andrew Braun is a Professor at the University of Calgary, affiliated with the Libin, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Snyder Institute. His research focuses on vascular physiology, particularly the role of potassium channels in regulating blood flow and pressure, with applications in diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. He utilizes advanced techniques like patch clamping and arterial pressure myography. His work explores KCa channels , nitric oxide signaling , and calcium dynamics in vascular cells, aiming to develop novel therapies for endothelial dysfunction. He investigates how these channels affect myogenic tone , vasodilation , and coronary circulation in diseased states such as Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's. The 15 most recent publications highlight his focus on pharmacological targeting of KCa channels to treat vascular complications in diabetes, aging, and atherosclerosis. Key subfields include platelet aggregation , genetic mutations in IP3 receptors , glycation effects on vascular function , and sex-dependent cerebrovascular defects . Contact information: Email abraun@ucalgary.ca. Administrative Assistant: Theresea Connolly (tconnoll@ucalgary.ca, 403-220-3018).

Geoffrey GoodhillView profile

Professor

• Computational Neuroscience
• Neural Development
• Zebrafish Behavioral Modeling
• +5 more

Geoffrey Goodhill is Professor of Neuroscience and Professor of Developmental Biology at Washington University School of Medicine, where he directs the Center for Theoretical & Computational Neuroscience. His laboratory bridges experimental and theoretical approaches to study brain development. Goodhill earned his BSc in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Bristol (1986), MSc in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh (1988), and PhD in Cognitive Science from the University of Sussex (1992). His postdoctoral training included a Medical Research Council Fellowship and a Sloan Theoretical Neuroscience Fellowship at the Salk Institute. His research focuses on computational principles of brain development, particularly using larval zebrafish to investigate neural coding development, behavioral emergence, and alterations in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Key projects examine neural coding and spontaneous activity patterns zebrafish behavioral development autism-related circuit dysfunction calcium imaging analysis methods historical work on axon guidance mechanisms His recent publications show a clear trajectory from molecular gradient studies toward complex systems neuroscience using zebrafish models. Scientific recognition includes: Paxinos-Watson Prize (2012) Elspeth McLachlan Plenary Lecture (2019) Keynote at Computational Neuroscience Meeting (2020) Sloan Theoretical Neuroscience Fellowship (1995) The Goodhill Lab maintains an interdisciplinary team with backgrounds in biology, mathematics, physics and engineering. Current research analyzes human video data for early autism detection while continuing zebrafish neural circuit investigations. The lab has received consistent funding for its innovative approaches to developmental neuroscience questions.

• Neurobiology
• Neuroscience
• Cortical Plasticity
• +4 more

Joshua Trachtenberg is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) . His research focuses on understanding how early sensory experiences shape synaptic and network connectivity in cortical circuits, particularly in the visual system. Key Research Areas: Mechanisms of experience-dependent cortical plasticity Role of vision in neural circuit development Molecular pathways in autism-related models Inhibitory interneuron dynamics Long-term in vivo imaging of dendritic spines Recent Publications highlight studies on dendritic spine clustering, critical period plasticity, and retinal cell type evolution, with methodologies spanning multi-photon imaging and single-cell transcriptomics. Funding Highlights: NIH R01EY027407 (Disinhibition & Visual Plasticity) NIH R01EY023871 (Inhibitory Circuit Regulation) NIH R01MH082935 (PTEN-Associated Autism Models) Labs & Collaborations include work with the Silva, Golshani, and Geschwind groups, focusing on synaptic stability, cortical dysfunction, and autism-related protein studies.

• Diabetes Research
• Pancreatic Islet Physiology
• Insulin Secretion
• +3 more

Patrik Rorsman is a Professor of Diabetic Medicine at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Harris Manchester College and the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM). His research focuses on pancreatic islet physiology, particularly the regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion in health and diabetes. He leads a multidisciplinary group studying cellular mechanisms underlying hormone secretion, including metabolic signaling, ion channel function, and intercellular communication within islets. Key research interests include α-cell and δ-cell function, electrical coupling between islet cells, and the pathophysiological defects in diabetes. Notable contributions include discoveries on glucagon regulation by AVP, nicotinic signaling, and somatostatin receptor antagonists. His team employs advanced electrophysiology, imaging, and stem cell models to explore therapeutic targets for diabetes. Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) and Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci). Grants/Funding: Supported by Wellcome Trust, Diabetes UK, JDRF, and MRC. Collaborations: Prof Frances Ashcroft, Prof Antony Galione, Prof Bernard Thorens. Current projects include investigating α-cell heterogeneity, optogenetic control of δ-cells, and clinical trials (e.g., LEGEND-A study). The Rorsman Group also trains PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, emphasizing translational research to improve diabetes treatment.

• Ion Channels
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Endo-Lysosomal Trafficking
• +4 more

Christian Wahl-Schott is a Professor at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich , leading the Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology group at the Biomedical Center Munich. His research spans ion channel mechanisms in cardiac, neurological, and metabolic diseases. Focus on HCN channels in cardiac pacemaking and autonomic regulation Endo-lysosomal ion channels in cholesterol homeostasis and viral pathogenesis Neural rhythms and epilepsy mechanisms Developed endo-lysosomal patch clamp and high-speed optical mapping Recent work explores the role of TPC2 and TRPML channels in Ebola virus entry and cardiac arrhythmia . Funded by the DFG and CRC 870 , his lab combines electrophysiology , optogenetics , and human organoid models . Key publications include: 2024: HCN4 channel regulation in sinoatrial node 2023: E-selectin and neutrophil inflammasome activation 2021: Heart-forming organoids for developmental studies 2020: cAMP-dependent pacemaker entrainment 2015: TPC channels as Ebola drug targets The lab maintains collaborations with institutions like the German Research Foundation and DZHK , and has developed Nature Protocols -cited methodologies in FRET microscopy and endo-lysosomal patch clamping .

Ramon Jose AyonView profile

Researcher

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Pharmacology
• Physiology
• +3 more

Ramon Jose Ayon is a Researcher in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. His work focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying vascular contractility and pulmonary hypertension, particularly involving calcium signaling networks and ion channel regulation. Education: BS in Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Reno PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Nevada, Reno Research Interests: His research explores novel signaling networks regulating vascular contractility, with emphasis on the sodium calcium exchanger (NCX1) and its role in cardiovascular biology. Key areas include molecular pharmacology, pulmonary arterial hypertension, calcium signaling, ion channel regulation, vascular physiology, and signal transduction. Publication Trends: His recent work spans 2016–2020, highlighting calcium-sensing receptors, TRPV1 channels, TMEM16A regulation, and metabolic pathways in pulmonary hypertension. Articles focus on molecular physiology, cardiovascular disease, and targeted therapies.

Edward BalogView profile

Associate Professor

• Muscle Physiology
• Excitation-Contraction Coupling
• Ion Channels
• +3 more

Edward Balog serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences within the College of Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on ryanodine receptors (RyRs), the largest known intracellular ion channels critical for calcium release in skeletal and cardiac muscle. His primary research areas include: Regulation of RyR channels by endogenous effectors (ions, metabolites, proteins) Mechanisms linking RyR dysfunction to diseases like malignant hyperthermia and ventricular tachycardia Age-related alterations in RyR function Structural determinants of calmodulin-RyR interactions Dr. Balog employs multi-level experimental approaches: Sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicle [ 3 H]ryanodine binding for population channel analysis Artificial lipid bilayer recordings for single-channel kinetics Calcium release assays in permeabilized muscle fibers His laboratory maintains active research projects on: Molecular features for ligand action via RyR adenine nucleotide binding sites RyR function in aging skeletal muscle Structural requirements for calmodulin regulation of RyRs Educational background: Ph.D. in Physiology from Marquette University (1988) M.S. in Exercise Physiology from University of South Carolina (1988) B.A. in Exercise Science from Furman University (1983) The Ryanodine Receptor Laboratory operates under Dr. Balog's direction, with research goals centered on understanding intracellular calcium regulation and identifying pharmacological targets for calcium-related disorders.

Xiaowen BaiView profile

Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Neurodegeneration
• Cardiotoxicity
• +5 more

Xiaowen Bai, MD, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin. His research focuses on leveraging stem cells to model neurodegenerative diseases and cardiac disorders, with a particular emphasis on non-coding RNAs, mitochondria, and environmental stressors like anesthetics and alcohol. He holds a leadership role as Executive Director of Hematology at the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS). Education: MD, Shanxi Medical University (1993) PhD, Beijing University Stem Cell Center (2004) Postdoctoral Training, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (2007) Research Interests: Neurodegeneration mechanisms involving microRNAs, lncRNAs, and mitochondrial dysfunction Stem cell-based therapies for myocardial regeneration Diabetic cardiomyopathy pathogenesis and cardioprotection 3D organoid models for studying anesthetic and alcohol neurotoxicity Recent Work: Recent publications emphasize translational studies using human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models to investigate alcohol-induced brain injury, anesthetic neurotoxicity, and cardiac fibrosis. His lab also explores immunomodulatory pathways and redox signaling in inflammatory diseases. Labs/Teams: The Bai Lab develops novel in vitro models for disease modeling and drug testing, focusing on cerebral organoids and cardiac organoids to bridge basic research and clinical applications.

• Hypertension
• Vascular Inflammation
• Immune Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Disease
• +3 more

Dr. Ryszard Nosalski is an Honorary Research Fellow at the School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow. His research focuses on understanding immune mechanisms underlying hypertension, vascular inflammation, and cardiovascular disease progression. He collaborates extensively with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cardiovascular Research Centre. Key research interests include vascular inflammation pathways, T-cell-mediated fibrosis in hypertension, and therapeutic targeting of oxidative stress (e.g., NOX enzymes). His work bridges basic science and translational medicine, addressing clinical challenges such as chemotherapy-induced hypertension and periodontitis-hypertension associations. Recipient of a 2022-2023 grant from Tenovus Scotland for studying the IL-15/IL-15Ra axis in cardiac damage during hypertension. Published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals like Nature Reviews Cardiology , Hypertension , and Circulation Research . His recent work highlights novel therapeutic strategies for vascular inflammation and demonstrates how immune responses contribute to hypertension pathophysiology. Ongoing projects investigate neuroimmune interfaces in atherosclerosis and the role of microRNAs in fibrosis.

Antonios PantazisView profile

Associate Professor

• Ion Channel Biophysics
• Cellular Excitability
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Antonios Pantazis is an Associate Professor and Docent at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV) within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. He leads the Pantazis Laboratory of Cellular Excitability (PaLaCE), focusing on ion channel biophysics and their role in health and disease. His work integrates electrophysiological, optical, and computational methods to study ion channel structure-function relationships, particularly in cardiac and neuronal systems. Research interests include voltage-gated ion channels, cellular excitability, and the molecular mechanisms underlying arrhythmias and neurological disorders. Key contributions involve understanding mutations in genes like SCN5A and KCNA2, which are linked to epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias. He has been awarded the Swedish Fernström Prize (2021) for his work on ion channels. Publications span topics such as ion channel regulation, molecular transitions in voltage-dependent processes, and drug targets for arrhythmia suppression. His laboratory also explores cutting-edge techniques like voltage-clamp fluorometry and optical methods to visualize protein dynamics. Collaborations include institutions like the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) at Linköping University, emphasizing translational research in medical technology and bioengineering.

• Immunology
• Infection Immunology
• Respiratory Viral Infections
• +6 more

Prof. Dunja Bruder is a university professor of infection immunology at the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene at Otto von Guericke University (OVGU) and Head of the Immune Regulation Research Group at the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI). She obtained her PhD in immunology from TU Braunschweig and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Yale University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on immune regulation in respiratory viral infections, chronic inflammatory lung diseases, and mucosal immunity. She leads two research groups and holds leadership roles in the Research Focus on Respiratory Viral Infections (HZI), the CRC 854, and the Otto-von-Guericke Graduate Academy. Her work integrates innate and adaptive immunity, with particular emphasis on T-cell responses, microbiota interactions, and vaccine development. She also contributes to teaching in master's programs and human medicine. Education Bachelor/Master: Biotechnology, Technical University of Braunschweig PhD (1996–1999): Immunodominance and T-cell responses to bacterial toxins, HZI Habilitation (2009): Immunology, Hannover Medical School Research Interests Bruder’s work examines immune responses to respiratory pathogens like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, the role of epithelial-T-cell interactions in asthma, and the modulation of immune defenses by microbiota. She investigates vaccine strategies using defective interfering particles and antigen-targeting approaches. Her studies also address antitumor immune training via viral infections and metabolic control of T-cell function in asthma endotypes. Key Contributions She pioneered the analysis of alveolar macrophage dysfunction in chronic lung diseases and demonstrated the protective role of IL-33 in microbiota-mediated antibacterial defenses. Her team developed predictive models for influenza infection using hematological data and identified CD47 as a critical regulator of antiviral macrophage activity. Labs/Teams Leads the Immune Regulation Group at HZI and collaborates with the Institute of Medical Microbiology at OVGU. Active in the HZI’s Respiratory Viral Infections Research Focus and the CRC 854.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Metabolic Signaling and Mitochondrial Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Fadi Gabriel Akar is a Professor of Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) and Biomedical Engineering at Yale University School of Medicine. He holds affiliations with the Cardiovascular Medicine Department, the Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, and the Molecular Medicine Program. His primary appointment is as a Professor in the Department of Medicine, specializing in cardiovascular research and translational medicine. Dr. Akar’s research focuses on unraveling mechanisms promoting arrhythmias in structural heart diseases and developing gene-based therapies to prevent malignant arrhythmias. His lab investigates mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic signaling, and mechano-electrical feedback in arrhythmogenesis, with a translational pipeline from target identification to pre-clinical testing in large animal models. Key areas include arrhythmias in heart failure, myocardial infarction, obesity, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary hypertension. Notable achievements include his role as Chairman of the AHA Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowships Committee (2022). His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing mechanism-based therapies over traditional antiarrhythmic approaches. Collaborations include studies on AMPK deletion models, mitochondrial network remodeling, and resolvin D1’s role in post-MI atrial remodeling. Publications highlight contributions to understanding arrhythmia mechanisms in metabolic diseases, mitochondrial dysfunction, and translational therapies. His research is supported by NIH grants and industry partnerships, focusing on advancing diagnostics and treatments for electrical cardiac disorders.

Eric C. BoltonView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer
• Developmental Biology
• Endocrinology
• +4 more

Eric C. Bolton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of prostate development and neoplasia, particularly the role of androgen receptor (AR) signaling in hormone-dependent cancers and developmental pathways. He holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins University and postdoctoral training at UCSF. Research interests include the AR's role in cell proliferation/differentiation, crosstalk with growth factor pathways, and the transition from normal prostate development to cancer. He employs mouse models and organ culture systems to study prostate gland morphogenesis and AR-mediated stress responses. Recent work also explores KCNQ2 mutations linked to epileptic encephalopathy, highlighting interdisciplinary research into neuroendocrine mechanisms. Teaching includes courses on human disease mechanisms and cancer pathophysiology. Bolton's lab investigates novel therapeutic targets for prostate cancer, including non-competitive AR inhibitors and pathways regulating cellular stress responses.

Manuel SalinasView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomechanics
• Thermal and fluid systems
• Engineering education
• +3 more

Manuel Salinas, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering at Nova Southeastern University's College of Computing and Engineering. He teaches core and biomedical engineering courses while mentoring students in honors theses and independent research. Postdoctorate, Harvard Medical School (2015) Ph.D. and B.S., Florida International University His research focuses on biomechanics and thermal/fluid systems, particularly how hemodynamic forces influence vascular inflammation, tissue engineering, and disease mechanisms. He develops bioreactor models for atherosclerosis and vasculitis studies, exploring oscillatory shear stress effects on stem cell differentiation and valvulogenesis. Recent work includes computational and experimental studies on vascular erosion, aortic valve tissue engineering, and mechanical stress in periodontitis-related osteoclast differentiation. Key collaborators include researchers from Harvard Medical School and Florida International University. Scientific Awards: Outstanding PhD Graduate Award (CEC, 2015) FIU Academy of Leaders Induction (2014) NIH Fellowship (2010) Alpha Eta Mu Beta Induction (2009) Salinas serves as a research mentor and NSU CEC representative for ASEE. He has led 28 courses in biomedical engineering, biomechanics, and physiological systems modeling. Current projects include Oticon-funded reverse engineering education initiatives.