Find Academic Supervisors

• Lipoprotein metabolism
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) research
• Atherosclerosis
• +7 more

Mary Sorci Thomas, PhD is a Professor with Tenure in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and in the Department of Pathology Section on Lipid Sciences at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She serves as Associate Director of the Cardiovascular Center and Associate Program Director of the CVC T32 Training Program at MCW. Dr. Sorci Thomas is an internationally recognized expert in lipoprotein metabolism and HDL research with over 30 years of continuous NIH funding. Dr. Sorci Thomas's research program focuses on the structural and functional properties of apolipoprotein A-I and HDL, with particular emphasis on how these relate to cholesterol transport, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Her work has provided fundamental insights into the mechanisms of HDL biogenesis, the role of specific apolipoprotein domains in LCAT activation, and the relationship between HDL function and immune regulation. Her laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining protein chemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, and animal models to investigate these processes. Analysis of Dr. Sorci Thomas's recent publications reveals a continued focus on HDL structure-function relationships, with increasing attention to the connections between lipid metabolism, inflammation, and vascular biology. Her work spans basic mechanistic studies of apolipoprotein structure to translational investigations of HDL function in disease processes, demonstrating a consistent trajectory of high-impact research in lipoprotein biology. Established Investigator, American Heart Association (1994-1999) Women's Mentoring Award, American Heart Association (2002) Special Recognition Award, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Council (2002) Chair, Gordon Conference on Lipoprotein Metabolism (2006) Chair, Kern Aspen Lipid Meeting (2010-Present) Co-Chair, Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Council of AHA (2016-2022) Dr. Sorci Thomas has mentored numerous students, postdocs, and junior faculty throughout her career. As Associate Program Director of the CVC T32 Training Program at MCW, she continues to play an active role in training the next generation of cardiovascular researchers. Her mentorship extends beyond her own laboratory through her leadership roles in national organizations and scientific review panels.

• Genome Organization
• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Structure
• +5 more

Dr. Andrew Klocko is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry within the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. His research program focuses on understanding the three-dimensional organization of the genome in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa , with particular emphasis on how heterochromatic regions form a distinct bundle and how this architecture influences gene regulation. Dr. Klocko's research interests center on genome organization, chromatin structure, and epigenetic regulation. His lab investigates the macromolecular components that establish and maintain the non-stochastic organization of the Neurospora genome, where heterochromatic regions strongly interact to form a bundle while euchromatic regions loop out. This work has implications for understanding fundamental principles of eukaryotic genome architecture and gene expression control. His publication record shows consistent output since 2009, with recent high-impact papers in journals including PNAS, BMC Genomics, and FEMS Microbiology Reviews. The research trajectory demonstrates a progression from molecular mechanisms of transcription regulation to sophisticated analyses of three-dimensional genome organization. As an active researcher with publications through 2025, Dr. Klocko maintains a productive laboratory investigating fundamental questions in genome biology using Neurospora crassa as a model system. His work bridges molecular biology, genetics, and genomics to uncover principles of nuclear architecture that may be conserved across eukaryotic organisms.

Holger BierhoffView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetics
• Aging Research
• Non-coding RNA
• +6 more

Holger Bierhoff serves as an Associate Group Leader at Friedrich Schiller University Jena with an associated position at the Leibniz Institute on Aging (FLI), operating from the Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB). His research group maintains a guest status collaboration with FLI while being primarily based at the university. Professor Bierhoff's research focuses on epigenetics of aging, specifically investigating how non-coding RNAs form RNA:DNA triplex structures to regulate chromatin landscape. His lab has developed novel molecular tools to detect and characterize these triplex structures genome-wide, examining how they compete with protein binding or alternative nucleic acid structures at target sites. Current work explores connections between ribosome biogenesis, nucleolar function, and aging processes using human and mouse cell models. His publication record shows consistent high-impact output, with multiple significant papers in 2024 including research on RNA:DNA triplexes as epigenetic communication mechanisms, rRNA synthesis and longevity in C. elegans, and breast cancer mechanisms. His work appears in prestigious journals such as Nature Communications, Cell Reports, and Nucleic Acids Research. Professor Bierhoff leads two major funded projects: AgingComb (funded by European Regional Development Fund) investigating genomic alterations through high-throughput DNA analysis, and 'Nucleolus as a target' (funded by European Social Fund) developing nucleolar changes as biomarkers for healthy aging. Both projects involve interdisciplinary collaborations between university researchers and clinical partners. His lab maintains active supervision of doctoral, master's, and bachelor students, creating a collaborative research environment focused on cutting-edge epigenetic mechanisms in aging. The group is embedded within the Zentrum für Alternsforschung Jena (ZAJ) and the Leibniz Research Alliance Resilient Ageing, providing students with access to advanced facilities and interdisciplinary networks.

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Biology
• Environmental Epigenetics
• +4 more

Daphne Selvaggia Cabianca is a Group Leader at the Cabianca Lab , affiliated with Helmholtz Munich under the Functional Epigenetics (IFE) group . Her research focuses on understanding how environmental inputs modulate chromatin state, spatial organization, and function using the model organism C. elegans . Research Interests Epigenetic responses to environmental stress Chromatin 3D organization and gene regulation Nutrient and temperature effects on chromatin Stress memory mechanisms Key Techniques CRISPR-Cas9 genetic editing ChIP, DamID, ATACseq RNAseq and organismal stress assays Her work explores the interplay between environmental stimuli and chromatin dynamics across life stages, from development to aging. This research has implications for diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer with strong environmental links. Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding fasting-induced chromatin reorganization, ferroptosis suppression in neuronal development, and environmental stress memory mechanisms. Collaborative lab members include doctoral researchers and postdocs working on various aspects of chromatin biology and C. elegans genetics. Lab Members Iratxe Estivariz (Postdoc) Fernanda Pabst (Doctoral Researcher) Carole Zaratiegui (Doctoral Researcher) Yuri D'Alessio (Doctoral Researcher) Lorenz Pudelko (Doctoral Researcher)

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Non-coding RNA Research
• +4 more

Michelle Scott is a Full Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics at the University of Sherbrooke's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, with a concurrent appointment in the Computer Science Department. Her academic trajectory shows progressive advancement from Assistant Professor (2011) to Associate Professor (2016), culminating in her current Professorship (2021). She directs an active research program focused on non-coding RNA biology, particularly small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), with emphasis on their roles in ovarian cancer and transcriptomic regulation. Her research interests center on bioinformatic characterization of RNA networks , development of computational tools for RNA-seq analysis (including CoCo and snoDB), and molecular mechanisms of snoRNAs in cancer . Recent work employs low-structure-bias sequencing (TGIRT-seq) to overcome technical limitations in transcriptome analysis, revealing previously undetected non-coding RNAs and non-canonical snoRNA functions. Her group investigates snoRNA roles in alternative splicing regulation, cancer progression (particularly high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma), and nucleolar biology. The 15 most recent publications demonstrate strong focus on methodological innovation in transcriptomics (6 articles), snoRNA functional characterization (5 articles), and cancer genomics applications (4 articles). Key trends include addressing RNA-seq reproducibility issues, developing computational frameworks for multi-mapped read resolution, and expanding the functional landscape of snoRNAs beyond canonical roles. FRQS Senior Researcher Fellowship (2025) RECMUS Award for Supervision Excellence (2021) Tremplin Award for Early-Career Research (2021) Multiple FRQS Junior Fellowships (2017, 2021) Dean's List for Exceptional Performance (2015-2021) Scott has successfully mentored numerous graduate students (including 15 first-author publications by trainees) and secured substantial competitive funding, including a $$1\text{,}525\text{,}000$$ CIHR Project Grant (2021-2026) on proteogenomics approaches to define the human proteome. Her laboratory maintains strong affiliations with the CHUS Research Center and actively participates in the RiboClub network, which she has organized since 2014. Current work focuses on characterizing nucleolar snoRNAs in ovarian cancer and improving transcriptomic annotation frameworks.

• Cytogenetics
• Translocations and inversions
• Next generation sequencing
• +7 more

Niels Tommerup is a Professor of Medical Genetics at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, where he has served since 1996. He previously directed the Wilhelm Johannsen Centre for Functional Genome Research (2001-2013) and was Deputy Head of Department (2007-2019). His research group focuses on mapping balanced chromosomal rearrangements (BCR) to identify disease genes, regulatory domains (Topological Associating Domains), and novel genetic mechanisms, as well as characterizing germline chromothripsis and functional studies of non-coding RNA genes. Tommerup earned his DMSc. in genetics (1994) and medical degree (Cand.med., 1978) from the University of Copenhagen. His early career included positions as a junior doctor, research assistant, and senior doctor at the J.F. Kennedy Institute in Denmark (1978-89), and as a Consultant at the Department of Medical Genetics, Ullevål University Hospital in Oslo, Norway (1989-91). He has held visiting scientist positions at institutions in London, Australia, and Norway. His research spans multiple areas including cytogenetics, translocations and inversions, next generation sequencing, Topological Associating Domains, Long Range Position Effects, 3D-genome organization, and long noncoding RNAs. Tommerup coordinates the International Breakpoint Mapping Consortium (2014-present), involving over 100 diagnostic cytogenetic laboratories from more than 50 countries across six continents. His work has established that direct gene truncation may explain approximately 18% of BCR-associated developmental disorders, and that long-range position effects may be at least as frequent a cause as gene truncation. His recent publications reveal trends in understanding sex differential responses to viral infections (particularly focusing on the X-chromosome), linking anatomical variation to genetic variation, and developing methods for visualization of nuclear genome organization. His work bridges basic genomic research with clinical applications in developmental disorders, intellectual disability, autism, epilepsy, and other conditions. Det Classenske Fideicommis Boglegat (1987) Iris Preuss's Mindelegat (1994) First Harold Klinger Memmorial Award Lecture, Atlanta, USA (2006) Tommerup has supervised 27 PhD students and 10 postdocs. His editorial roles include service on the boards of Briefings in Functional Genomics, Clinical Genetics, Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, PeerJ, and Australasian Med J. He has organized numerous academic events including the International Summer School in Functional Genomics and the Wilhelm Johannsen Symposium. His international collaborations include the EU-concerted action Mendelian Cytogenetics Network and the International Breakpoint Mapping Consortium. Tommerup leads the Tommerup Group which coordinates the International Breakpoint Mapping Consortium and collaborates with Michael Talkowski's group at Harvard to accumulate the largest collection of sequence-resolved germline balanced chromosomal rearrangements. His laboratory combines DNA-DNA-interaction (Hi-C) studies with short and long read sequencing to improve the dissection of complex chromosomal rearrangements. The group has initiated systematic X-inactivation studies of sequence-resolved X;autosomal translocations and X-inversions, and conducts research on germline chromothripsis and host genetic factors underlying sex differential responses to viral infections.

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Structure
• Histone Modifications
• +4 more

Prof. Asifa Akhtar is Scientific Member and Director at the Max Planck Institute for Immunobiology and Epigenetics (Freiburg) and Vice President of the Biological-Medical Section at the Max Planck Society. Her academic journey includes: PhD from Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London (1997) Postdoctoral research at EMBL Heidelberg and Adolf Butenandt Institute Group Leader at EMBL Heidelberg (2001–2009) Her laboratory investigates epigenetic regulation through: Chromatin dynamics and histone modification mechanisms Functional roles of long non-coding RNAs Cross-species gene regulation in flies, mice, and humans Integration of biochemical, genetic, and bioinformatic methodologies Major scientific recognitions include: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2021) FEBS|EMBO Women in Science Award (2025) Election to EMBO (2013) and Leopoldina (2019) Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2023)

Antonio GiraldezView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Genomics
• +9 more

Antonio Giraldez is the Fergus F. Wallace Professor of Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, where he has led his research laboratory since 2007. He served as Director of Graduate Studies (2012-2016) and Chair of the Genetics Department (2017-2023). His academic appointments span multiple departments and centers including Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BQBS), the Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale Center for Genomic Health, Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), and the Yale Stem Cell Center. Professor Giraldez's research focuses on understanding the regulatory code that governs gene expression during vertebrate development after fertilization. His lab investigates four interconnected areas: genome activation during the maternal-to-zygotic transition, post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, modeling of therapeutic mRNA design, and modeling of gene regulatory networks. Using zebrafish as a primary model organism combined with advanced genomic, computational, and imaging approaches, his lab has made significant contributions to understanding how transcription factors activate the embryonic genome and how RNA regulatory elements control mRNA stability and translation. Analysis of Professor Giraldez's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms of embryonic development, particularly the maternal-to-zygotic transition where control of development passes from maternal to embryonic factors. His work increasingly integrates high-throughput genomic approaches with computational modeling to decode regulatory elements in RNA that determine stability, translation efficiency, and tissue-specific expression - knowledge directly applicable to therapeutic mRNA design for gene therapy and vaccines. Scientific Awards and Honors: HHMI Faculty Scholar (2016) Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists National Finalist (2016) Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science (2014) Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences (2008) NYAS Blavatnik Young Investigator Award Finalist (2007) Professor Giraldez has established a productive research program with consistent funding and publication in top-tier journals. His lab maintains active collaborations with researchers across Yale and beyond, as evidenced by his frequent co-authorship with scientists from multiple departments. He has trained numerous students and postdocs who have gone on to independent research careers. The Giraldez Lab maintains a diverse team of researchers working at the intersection of developmental biology and genomics. The lab provides extensive resources including published datasets, computational tools like CRISPRscan, and detailed genomic annotations available through their data repository. Professor Giraldez's research program continues to advance our understanding of fundamental gene regulatory mechanisms with implications for both basic science and therapeutic applications.

• RNA Biology
• Computational Biology
• Hematologic Neoplasms
• +5 more

Toma Tebaldi is an Assistant Professor Adjunct in the Medical Oncology and Hematology department at Yale School of Medicine and a member of the Yale Cancer Center. His interdisciplinary work bridges computational biology and cancer research, with a focus on RNA mechanisms in hematologic malignancies. Dr. Tebaldi maintains affiliations with multiple research programs including Genomics, Genetics, and Epigenetics, and Internal Medicine at Yale. Dr. Tebaldi's educational background includes a PhD in Information and Communication Technology from the University of Trento (2010), an MSc in Biotechnologies - Bioinformatics from University of Milano Bicocca (2006), and a BSc in Biotechnologies from the same institution (2003). His training includes postdoctoral fellowships at University of Trento, EMBO Short Fellowship at University of Edinburgh, and international internships at Harvard Medical School, University of Edinburgh, and University of Sheffield. His research focuses on RNA molecular mechanisms underlying disease dysregulation, combining experimental and computational approaches. Key areas include alternative splicing, non-coding RNA binding, mutant RNA binding proteins, RNA modifications (epitranscriptome), translation dynamics, and single-cell expression data. This work has significant implications for understanding and treating hematologic cancers. Dr. Tebaldi's publication record shows consistent output in high-impact journals from 2022-2025, with research spanning cancer biology, RNA mechanisms, and computational approaches. His work demonstrates increasing sophistication in integrating single-cell technologies with traditional molecular biology techniques to address complex questions in cancer biology. Italian National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor in Applied Biology (2021) Italian National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor in Molecular Biology (2020) Yale YCCEH Pilot and Feasibility Program Award (2018) RNA Society Travel Award: RNA2016, Kyoto (2016) EMBO Travel Grant Award: Protein synthesis and translational control (2015) Dr. Tebaldi serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Genetics - Computational Biology and as a reviewer for PRIN 2020 MIUR. His membership in the Yale Center for Biomedical Data Science and Yale Cancer Center provides access to extensive collaborative networks and resources. His research program benefits from interdisciplinary connections between computational biology, cancer genomics, and clinical hematology/oncology. Through his Italian Society of Yale Students and Affiliates board membership and Visiting Professor appointments at University of Trento, Dr. Tebaldi maintains strong international connections that enrich his research program and provide opportunities for student exchanges and collaborative projects across continents.

Andrey TsvetkovView profile

Associate Professor

• Brain aging
• Huntington's disease
• Autophagy
• +7 more

Andrey Tsvetkov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). Born in Kazakhstan, he received his Master's Degree in molecular biology from Moscow State University and his PhD in physiology and biophysics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He completed postdoctoral training with Steven Finkbeiner at the University of California, San Francisco, Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease. His research focuses on brain aging mechanisms, particularly investigating G-quadruplex DNA/RNA structures, autophagy processes, and sphingosine kinase signaling pathways. His laboratory provides a vibrant research environment for interdisciplinary interactions with colleagues across multiple institutions, including the University of Texas Health Science Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and other University of Texas institutions. Dr. Tsvetkov's publication record demonstrates significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. His recent work examines the relationship between G-quadruplex structures and cellular senescence, sphingosine kinase regulation of protein networks in neurons, and sex differences in lipid metabolism related to cognitive impairment. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NINDS and NIA) Active contributor to consensus guidelines for autophagy research Interdisciplinary collaborations across multiple UT institutions His research has important implications for understanding and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases including Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease, with particular attention to how nucleic acid structures and lipid metabolism contribute to brain aging processes.

Mamta Chawla SarkarView profile

Professor

• Virology
• Molecular Epidemiology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +5 more

Dr. Mamta Chawla Sarkar serves as Scientist G at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED), Kolkata, leading virology research under the Indian Council of Medical Research. Her work bridges fundamental molecular studies and public health implementation through NICED's WHO Collaborating Centre designation and national surveillance networks for rotavirus and influenza. Her research expertise spans: Molecular epidemiology of enteric/respiratory viruses Host-pathogen interactomics using proteomics and RNA-seq Development of low-cost diagnostic assays Host-targeted antiviral therapeutics Recent publications reveal a strategic pivot toward lncRNA-mediated mechanisms in viral pathogenesis, with 8 of 15 recent papers exploring non-coding RNA roles in rotavirus and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The work demonstrates sophisticated integration of clinical samples from NICED's hospital collaborations with advanced OMICS platforms to identify druggable host pathways. Her scientific recognition includes: Fellowship of Indian National Science Academy (2020) DBT National Women Bioscientist Award (2013) ICMR Kanishka Oration Award (2017) Fellowships from NASI and West Bengal Academy of Science Mentorship and funding reflect sustained excellence: 21 PhD students trained (15 awarded), continuous project funding since 2006 including ICMR's Centre for Product Development (2019-2024) and DST-SERB grants. During pandemics, her lab provided critical diagnostic support while advancing mechanistic studies - exemplifying translational research impact. The laboratory operates within NICED's BSL-3 facility as part of the Virology Division, coordinating eastern India's viral disease surveillance through 12+ network laboratories. Current work focuses on lncRNA-mediated ferroptosis in rotavirus infection and HDAC6 modulation in SARS-CoV-2 replication.

Graham McVickerView profile

Associate Professor

• Human Genetics
• Computational Biology
• Gene Regulation
• +6 more

Graham McVicker, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in the Laboratory of Genetics. Promoted to Associate Professor in April 2023, he leads the McVicker Laboratory which focuses on understanding how human genetic variation influences gene regulation, particularly non-coding variants. His research bridges computational and experimental approaches to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying complex human diseases. McVicker's educational background includes a BSc in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia, a PhD in Genome Sciences from the University of Washington, and postdoctoral training at the University of Chicago and Stanford University. His interdisciplinary expertise combines computer science with genomics to develop innovative approaches for studying genetic variation. His research interests center on human genetic variation, gene regulation, and non-coding variants. The McVicker laboratory employs a three-pronged approach: analyzing natural genetic variation, conducting genome perturbations using CRISPR technologies, and developing computational methods including machine learning algorithms. His work has significant implications for understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases including autoimmune conditions, cancer, and neurological disorders. Analysis of McVicker's recent publications reveals a strong focus on CRISPR-based screening methods, multi-omic integration, and machine learning applications in genomics. His research consistently bridges computational and experimental approaches, with particular emphasis on understanding enhancer function, quantitative trait loci mapping, and the regulatory consequences of genetic variation across different cell types. Awards and Distinctions: National Human Genome Research Institute Genomic Innovator Award (2021) Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Postdoctoral Fellowship (PGS-D2, 2007) Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Postdoctoral Fellowship (PGS-M, 2005) McVicker's laboratory has received significant grant support including a $2.85 million NHGRI Genomic Innovator Award. His research has been funded by organizations including Padres Pedal the Cause, which awarded multiple cancer research grants to Salk researchers including McVicker in 2018. The McVicker Lab actively collaborates with other research groups at Salk and beyond to investigate the molecular basis of disease through genetic variation.

• Synaptic Plasticity
• Mitochondrial Dynamics
• Neuronal Energy Metabolism
• +2 more

Ilika Ghosh serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), focusing on the intersection of synaptic plasticity and cellular energy dynamics. Her research examines how neuronal structures adapt to meet metabolic demands during plasticity events. Her primary research interests center on synaptic plasticity mechanisms , with specific expertise in mitochondrial dynamics at synapses , neuronal energy metabolism , and the role of non-coding RNA in structural plasticity . Current work investigates how mitochondria reposition near active synapses to supply ATP for sustained plasticity, and how RNA molecules like SLAMR regulate local protein synthesis. Recent publications reveal a consistent focus on energy-metabolism-plasticity coupling , demonstrating that synapses actively recruit mitochondria for localized ATP production and identifying RNA-mediated pathways controlling structural changes. This work spans molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience approaches. Ghosh collaborates extensively with leading neuroscience laboratories, as evidenced by co-authorship on high-impact publications in bioRxiv and Nature Communications. Her work receives significant attention in the neuroscience community for elucidating fundamental mechanisms of neuronal adaptation.

Jing ChenView profile

Professor

• Retinal Vascular Biology
• Ocular Neovascularization
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• +7 more

Jing Chen, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and leads the Chen Laboratory at Boston Children's Hospital. Her research focuses on retinal vascular biology in development and pathological vascular eye diseases. The Chen Laboratory investigates retinal vascular biology with emphasis on pathological vascular eye diseases including retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration, and rare hereditary diseases such as familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) and Norrie disease. Her research program is structured around three main projects: nuclear receptor-mediated ocular neovascularization and inflammation; small non-coding RNAs in retinal angiogenesis; and Wnt signaling control of vascular growth and permeability in retinopathy. Analysis of Dr. Chen's recent publications reveals consistent focus on molecular mechanisms underlying retinal vascular diseases, with particular emphasis on nuclear receptor signaling (especially RORalpha), Wnt pathway regulation, and microRNA function in ocular angiogenesis. Her work spans basic molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications, with numerous studies utilizing animal models to investigate disease pathogenesis. As principal investigator of the Chen Laboratory, Dr. Chen oversees research investigating disease mechanisms and potential therapeutics for vascular eye diseases. Her laboratory work involves multiple approaches including molecular biology, animal modeling, and translational research aimed at understanding and treating retinal vascular pathologies.

Piotr SlizView profile

Associate Professor

• Structural Biology
• Non-coding RNA Regulation
• Genomics
• +5 more

Dr. Piotr Sliz serves as an Associate Professor in Pediatrics and in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School, with primary affiliation at Boston Children's Hospital. He leads hospital-wide research computing initiatives and directs the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research programs. His research spans structural biology, non-coding RNA regulation, and computational genomics, with focus on orphan diseases and rare pediatric conditions. Key methodologies include cryo-EM, bioinformatics, and genomic data integration across international consortia. His work bridges basic structural biology with clinical applications through initiatives like Pediatric Scholar and Children's Rare-Disease Cohorts. Dr. Sliz founded and leads SBGrid, a global structural bioinformatics consortium facilitating software development and computational infrastructure for structural biologists worldwide. His leadership extends to the Longwood-wide CryoEM computing effort and bioinformatics consulting services at Boston Children's Hospital. His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent contributions to structural biology, RNA regulation mechanisms, and pediatric genomics, with recent emphasis on global capacity building (BioStruct-Africa) and precision health partnerships for rare diseases. The work shows strong translational focus from molecular mechanisms to clinical implementation. As leader of hospital-wide research computing since 2016, he has developed critical infrastructure for genomic data access and analysis, directly impacting rare disease diagnosis and outcomes. His SBGrid consortium represents a major international effort in structural biology resource sharing.