Non-Coding RNA Structure and Function Professors and Supervisors

Michael FeldbrüggeView profile

Professor

DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, AachenGermany

Michael Feldbrügge is a prominent researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich's Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC) in Germany, where he leads investigations into fungal biology with a particular focus on Ustilago maydis as a model organism. His work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with biotechnological applications, establishing him as a key contributor to sustainable bioeconomy research. Dr. Feldbrügge's research interests center on RNA-binding proteins and their role in mRNA transport, particularly the Rrm4-mediated transport system in fungi. His laboratory investigates unconventional protein secretion pathways, especially the Cts1 chitinase secretion mechanism in Ustilago maydis , which has significant implications for biopharmaceutical production. His work extends to microbial triglyceride production, plant-microbe interactions, and the development of fungal-based diagnostic tools. The research demonstrates strong translational potential, connecting basic fungal biology with applications in sustainable energy, agriculture, and medical diagnostics. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on RNA-protein interactions in fungal systems, with increasing emphasis on sustainable biotechnology applications. His work shows a sophisticated integration of molecular biology, microbiology, and systems approaches to address challenges in bioeconomy. The publication record demonstrates significant international collaboration, with co-authors from institutions across Europe, North America, and South America. Dr. Feldbrügge has made substantial contributions to understanding endosomal mRNA transport mechanisms in fungi, demonstrating evolutionary conservation of these processes across fungal phyla. His work on unconventional protein secretion pathways has opened new avenues for biopharmaceutical production, while his recent research on microbial triglyceride production offers promising alternatives to conventional plant oils.

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Ernst Stefan SeemannView profile

Associate Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Ernst Stefan Seemann serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on non-protein coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and RNA structure functionality, utilizing advanced methodologies including RNA structure modeling, prediction of RNA-RNA and protein-RNA binding, and analysis of next-generation sequencing data. His primary research interests encompass: Non-protein coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and RNA structure biology Next-generation sequencing and single-cell RNA-seq analysis Comparative genomics and prediction/annotation of ncRNAs Host-pathogen RNA interactions Stem cell models for neurodegenerative diseases Seemann is actively involved in multiple high-impact research initiatives including investigations of novel ncRNAs in bacteria (NextProd project), animal ncRNAs (FAANG consortium), host-virus RNA-RNA interactions with Assoc Prof Troels KH Scheel, single-cell RNA sequencing in neurogenesis studies with Assoc Prof Vanessa J Hall, and transcriptomics in stem cell models for neurodegenerative diseases (NeuroStem project). His publication record demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration across computational biology, veterinary science, and medical research. His scientific contributions span environmental microbiology, gene therapy, neuroscience, and computational biology, with recent work focusing on CRISPR applications, CAR T-cell engineering, microglial metabolism in dementia, and metabolic engineering of bacterial systems. His research has been cited across multiple platforms including academic journals, Mendeley readership, Wikipedia, and news outlets.

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Jakob Skou PedersenView profile

Researcher

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Jakob Skou Pedersen is an external researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. His work spans evolutionary biology, genomics, and bioinformatics, with significant contributions to understanding human evolutionary constraints, regulatory RNA structures, and ancient human genomes. His research interests focus on computational approaches to evolutionary genomics, including the identification of functional elements in genomes through comparative analysis across multiple species. He has made notable contributions to understanding protein-coding sequences under selection for overlapping functions, regulatory RNA structures, and the evolutionary constraints across mammalian genomes. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research combining computational biology with evolutionary genomics. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Nature, Cell, and Genome Research, demonstrating expertise in both theoretical modeling and empirical genomic analysis. A significant portion of his research involves large-scale comparative genomic studies across multiple species. His collaborative network is extensive, with co-authorship on major genomic projects involving international research teams. His work on the ancient Palaeo-Eskimo genome represents a notable contribution to paleogenetics and human evolutionary studies.

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Sathyanarayanan V PuthanveettilView profile

Associate Professor

University of FloridaUnited States

Sathyanarayanan V Puthanveettil is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Florida College of Medicine, where he leads the SR-NEURO-PUTHANVEETTIL LAB. His academic journey includes significant research at Columbia University under Nobel laureate Eric Kandel, followed by positions at Scripps Research Institute and Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Puthanveettil's research focuses on the molecular and cellular basis of memory storage and cognitive disorders. His laboratory investigates the critical role of axonal transport in long-term memory formation, examining how organelles, proteins, mRNAs, and noncoding RNAs are transported to specific synapses. His integrated approach combines genomics, proteomics, electrophysiology, biochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques using model organisms like Aplysia and mice, including models of Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease. His publication record shows consistent high-impact output, with recent work focusing on RNA-mediated mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, kinesin motor proteins in memory formation, and mitochondrial transport in neurons. His research has evolved from foundational work on CPEB and synaptic plasticity to cutting-edge investigations of non-coding RNAs and their role in memory maintenance. CAREER Award from National Science Foundation (2015) Whitehall Foundation Award (2012) Young Investigator Award (2011) Searle Scholar Award nomination (2011) Recognition for work on Kinesin transported RNAs as 'HOT TOPIC' for Neuroscience (2009) Dr. Puthanveettil currently oversees multiple NIH-funded research projects totaling millions of dollars, with active grants from NIMH, NIA, NIGMS, and NIDA. His laboratory maintains collaborations across institutions and continues to train the next generation of neuroscientists. The Puthanveettil Lab utilizes advanced techniques to study how molecular transport coordinates nuclear and synaptic processes during memory storage, with significant implications for understanding and treating cognitive disorders.

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