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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.

Anne-Marie W. TurnerView profile

Assistant Professor

• HIV Latency
• Vascular Biology
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Anne-Marie W. Turner serves as Assistant Professor of Medicine within the Department of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, with primary affiliation in the Division of Infectious Diseases and active collaboration with the HIV Cure Center. Her research spans two interconnected domains: HIV latency mechanisms and vascular biology, leveraging epigenetic approaches across both fields. Her research program focuses on epigenetic regulation in disease contexts , initially examining HIV latency through chromatin family proteins using small molecule inhibitors, shRNA knockdown, and CRISPR-targeting. Recent work has expanded significantly into vascular biology, with first-author publications in Nature Genetics (2022) and multiple high-impact cardiovascular papers since 2021. Key methodologies include single-nucleus chromatin accessibility profiling, nanopore-based integration site mapping, and bivalent chemical degraders (PROTACs). Current projects characterize intact provirus integration sites and investigate vascular calcification mechanisms through multi-ancestry genomics. Her publication trajectory reveals a strategic expansion from HIV-focused work to broader applications of epigenetic expertise in cardiovascular disease. Recent articles demonstrate leadership in single-cell meta-analysis of atherosclerosis, coronary artery calcification genetics, and vascular smooth muscle biology, often using innovative techniques like long-read nanopore sequencing. This interdisciplinary approach connects chromatin regulation across infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Turner maintains active collaborations across UNC departments including Biochemistry and Biophysics, the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, and the HIV Cure Center. Her work receives substantial interdisciplinary recognition through co-authorship in journals spanning virology, cardiology, and genomics.

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.

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.