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Andrea J. BermanView profile

Associate Professor

• RNA Biology
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Non-coding RNA
• +4 more

Andrea J. Berman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, where she has led an active research program since joining the faculty in 2012. Her work centers on RNA biology, specifically investigating how non-coding RNA and ribonucleoprotein complexes regulate gene expression through conformational changes in translation mechanisms. Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University (2007) under Nobel laureate Thomas Steitz Postdoctoral Research, University of Colorado, Boulder with Nobel laureate Thomas Cech Dr. Berman's laboratory employs an integrated approach combining biochemical assays, structural analysis, and computational modeling to dissect RNA-mediated translation control. Her research has revealed critical roles for proteins like LARP1 in ribosome biogenesis and TOP mRNA regulation, with significant implications for understanding genetic disorders. Recent work has expanded into reproductive genetics, where her team identifies and characterizes pathogenic variants underlying infertility conditions. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications shows a cohesive research trajectory focused on reproductive medicine, with 70% of recent work dedicated to male infertility (azoospermia) and ovarian insufficiency. Key contributions include genomic identification of DMC1, Tcte1, and ZSWIM7 variants, establishing novel genetic pathways in human reproduction. Contact Information: Email: ajb190@pitt.edu Office: A323 Langley Hall, 4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 Phone: (412) 624-2200

Andrew ModzelewskiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Retrotransposon Reactivation
• Transposon Domestication
• CRISPR Technology
• +6 more

Andrew Modzelewski, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on retrotransposon reactivation in mammalian development and disease, particularly during preimplantation embryogenesis and in pathological states like cancer. University: University of Pennsylvania School: School of Veterinary Medicine Department: Department of Molecular Biology Contact: amodz@upenn.edu The Modz Lab develops technologies such as CRISPR-EZ for efficient mouse genome engineering and Tri-Blot for single-cell triple measurements. His work bridges transposon biology with epigenetic regulation, exploring their roles in aging, disease, and developmental innovation. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding retrotransposon-driven developmental mechanisms, CRISPR-EZ optimization, and transposon domestication in genomic evolution. The lab emphasizes both fundamental research and practical tool development for the broader scientific community. Located at 380 S. University Ave, Philadelphia, the Modz Lab operates 24/7 and collaborates across disciplines to address challenges in human health and reproduction.

Tigran A. HarutyunyanView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Mutagenesis
• Genome Editing
• Mitochondrial DNA
• +5 more

Tigran A. Harutyunyan is an Associate Professor at Yerevan State University in the Faculty of Biology, Department of Genetics and Cytology. Since 2025, he has served as Head of the Genomic Instability and Molecular Mutagenesis Group at the university's Institute of Biological Sciences. He holds a Candidate of Sciences degree (2015) and an Associate Professor title (2021) in Biological Sciences, having completed his postgraduate (2012-2015), Master's (2010-2012), and Bachelor's (2006-2010) education at the same institution under scientific advisor Ruben M. Harutyunyan. His research focuses on: Molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis and DNA damage Mitochondrial genome dynamics and intercellular transfer Genomic instability in cancer, aging, and viral infections Development of molecular cytogenetic approaches for genotoxicity assessment He maintains active international collaborations, particularly with Friedrich Schiller University in Germany. Harutyunyan's recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on: Mitochondrial DNA alterations in disease contexts DNA damage responses to chemotherapy, radiation, and viral infections Cancer biology mechanisms and therapeutic targeting Application of genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9) in disease models He leads the Genomic Instability and Molecular Mutagenesis Group, where his team investigates molecular carcinogenesis, genotoxic stress responses, and develops novel diagnostic approaches using cell-free DNA biomarkers.

Jeffrey MasonView profile

Associate Professor

• Reproductive Physiology
• Aging
• Orthopedic Disease
• +2 more

Jeffrey Mason is an Associate Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University . His research focuses on reproductive aging , the ovarian microenvironment , and orthopedic disease in post-reproductive female mammals. Education: PhD in Physiology (Reproductive Biology, UC Davis, 2007) MS in Transgenics (UC Davis, 2001) BS in Animal Science (UC Davis, 1999) MBA in Business Administration (Utah State University, 2025) His research interests include: Reproductive Physiology Molecular mechanisms of ovarian aging Orthopedic disease in aging females Gene therapy for laminitis and osteoarthritis Epigenetic changes during menopause Publications span molecular biology, aging, and veterinary science, with recent work on: Exosome transcriptome modulation in aging Senolytic drug efficacy in menopausal models Calorie restriction and redox status Wnt/Dkk gene therapy for bone architecture Scientific awards include NIH study section reviewer (2020-2021) Ellison Medical Foundation Fellowship (2011) APS Porter Physiology Development Award (2007) Multiple teaching and research fellowships (1999-2021) Teaching includes Veterinary Physiology I & II (2014-2025) and Endocrinology (2019). He has mentored graduate students in Animal, Dairy & Vet Sciences since 2002.

• Computational Biology
• Systems Biology
• Medical Biochemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Marcel Friedrichs is a Researcher at the Faculty of Engineering , Bielefeld University , Germany. He is affiliated with both the Algorithmic Cheminformatics Group and the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) , contributing to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computational methods and biomedical systems. Researcher in Algorithmic Cheminformatics Group Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) member Focus on graph-based data integration and biomedical networks Research Interests : Computational biology, systems biology, bioinformatics tool development, and medical biochemistry. His work emphasizes automated data integration, modeling of regulatory networks, and analysis of gene-disease comorbidities. Article Trends : Publications span 2018–2025, highlighting graph-based data integration, stem cell differentiation (cardiomyocytes), miRNA databases, clinical trial analysis, and pharmacological network modeling. Key keywords include Computational Biology , Medical Biochemistry , and Graph Theory . Labs & Teams : Algorithmic Cheminformatics Group (Faculty of Engineering) Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) Contributor to projects like BioDWH2 and GenCoNet

Raheleh RahbariView profile

Research Fellow

• Cancer genetics
• Ageing
• Germline mutations
• +5 more

Dr. Raheleh Rahbari is a Cancer Research UK Career Development Fellow and Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, where she leads the Rahbari Group within the Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation Programme. Her research focuses on understanding mutations acquired during ageing and how they can predispose to disease across generations. Dr. Rahbari's research interests span several key areas: Studying variation in germline mutation rates across families Investigating mutational processes operative in the germline Examining the impact of germline genetic mosaicism in offspring Using somatic mutations to infer the clonal dynamics of germline tissues Understanding how mutations acquired during ageing contribute to cancer predisposition Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on mutational landscapes in both somatic and germline cells, with particular emphasis on how these mutations relate to cancer development and predisposition. Her work often employs cutting-edge genomic and computational approaches to analyze mutation patterns across different tissues and disease states, revealing insights into clonal dynamics, mutation rates, and the impact of environmental and genetic factors. Dr. Rahbari has been recognized with a Cancer Research UK Career Development Fellowship, supporting her independent research program. She currently supervises several PhD students including Isaac Garcia-Salinas and Maria Torra I Benach, and has previously supervised Sean Laidlaw, Thomas RW Oliver, and Andrew J C Russell. Her research is supported by Cancer Research UK and involves collaborations with multiple research groups at the Sanger Institute. Dr. Rahbari leads the Rahbari Group, which focuses on cancer predisposition and ageing, using both wet lab and computational approaches to study mutational processes in normal and precancerous tissues.

Carolyn SangokoyaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Stem Cell Research
• +5 more

Carolyn Sangokoya, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist and board-certified pathologist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. She serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology, focusing on post-transcriptional regulation, stem cell biology, and liver pathobiology. Stanford University (AB in Human Biology, Molecular Genetics concentration) Duke University (MD/PhD in Medical Scientist Training Program) UCSF (Anatomic & Gastrointestinal Pathology fellowships, postdoctoral training) Her research integrates genome engineering and single-cell cytometry to decode molecular networks in cell fate reprogramming. She investigates iron homeostasis, endocytosis, and signaling pathways in regenerative medicine, particularly for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Recent work includes biosensor development for iron regulation and endocytic pathway analysis in stem cell transitions. Key publication themes include: Iron regulatory protein dynamics (2025) Single-cell endocytosis quantification (2022) MicroRNA control of pluripotency via PFN2 inhibition (2020) Stress-response microRNAs in liver and hematological diseases (2013-2010) Major awards span career development grants (NIH K08, Burroughs Wellcome), leadership recognitions (ISSCR Public Service Award), and innovative research honors (Gordon Research Conferences Travel & Session Chair). She leads NIH-funded projects on embryonic stem cell fate regulation and contributes to precision diagnostics for chronic liver disease.

• Thyroid Hormone Metabolism
• Genetic Disorders
• Selenoprotein Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Alexandra Dumitrescu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine-Endocrinology at the University of Chicago. Her NIH-funded research program focuses on genetic disorders of thyroid hormone metabolism, including defects in hormone transport (MCT8), receptor function, and selenoprotein synthesis (SECISBP2). She leads multiple research grants including R01DK110322 investigating SBP2 deficiency syndromes and serves as Co-PI on R01DK015070 studying inherited thyroid disorders. Research Focus Dr. Dumitrescu's research examines: Thyroid hormone transport mechanisms across biological barriers Genetic basis of congenital hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone resistance Selenoprotein biology in thyroid function Therapeutic strategies for transport defects including gene therapy approaches Fetal thyroid physiology and placental transport mechanisms Publication Trends Her recent work demonstrates strong focus on: Novel therapies for MCT8 deficiency including combined drug treatments and AAV gene delivery Genetic characterization of thyroid disorders across diverse populations Role of non-coding mutations in thyroid regulation Advanced models including cerebral organoids for disease mechanism studies Prenatal interventions for inherited transport defects Research Funding R01DK110322 (PI): Mouse Sbp2 deficiency models (2016-2021) F32DK091016 (PI): Pathophysiology of SBP2 abnormalities (2011-2012) R01DK015070 (Co-I): Thyroid Physiology Studies (1979-2027)

• Gene regulation
• Non-coding RNAs
• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
• +3 more

Laurent Thomas is a Researcher at the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He maintains dual affiliations with the Unit for Molecular Biology's Bioinformatics and Gene Regulation group and the K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology. Education: Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Postdoctoral training at NTNU Dr. Thomas specializes in molecular genetic mechanisms with emphasis on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), alternative polyadenylation, and non-coding RNA regulation including microRNAs and circular RNAs. His methodological expertise spans genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genotype quality control, and functional analysis of genetic variants. Current projects integrate multi-omics approaches to dissect gene-environment interactions in complex diseases. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on large-scale genetic epidemiology using UK Biobank and HUNT Study datasets. Key disease targets include psoriasis, kidney disorders, and neurological conditions, with emerging work on trace element genetics. His collaborative studies frequently appear in high-impact journals like Science and Nature Communications , emphasizing translational applications of genetic findings. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. While the text confirms active research leadership, it contains no details about student supervision or specific grant funding mechanisms. His laboratory work appears integrated within NTNU's molecular biology infrastructure. Dr. Thomas operates within NTNU's K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology framework, contributing to population-scale genomic initiatives. His computational work leverages the HUNT Study biobank and collaborates with international consortia on cross-disease genetic analyses.

Nishana MayilaadumveettilView profile

Assistant Professor

• Chromatin Biology
• Nuclear Organization
• Genomic Regulation
• +4 more

Nishana Mayilaadumveettil is an Assistant Professor at the School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram , focusing on chromatin organization, nuclear structure, and their roles in disease mechanisms. Her lab investigates how chromatin interactions regulate cellular processes and contribute to cancer and aging. Education : PhD in Biochemistry (IISc Bangalore), MSc in Microbiology (Kannur University), BSc in Microbiology (Kannur University) Research Interests : Chromatin dynamics, epigenetic regulation, DNA repair, cancer genomics Her work spans chromosomal interactions, 3D genome organization, and the role of non-B DNA in translocations. Recent studies highlight her contributions to understanding RAG complex regulation and CTCF-RNA interactions. Scientific Awards : ICMR Investigator-Initiated Research Proposal (2024) CSIR ASPIRE Grant (2024) SERB Start-up Grant (2023) Best Oral Presentation at NYU Langone (2020) National Cancer Center Grant (2017) Multiple Best Poster Awards (2013, 2012, 2011) She leads the Chromatin Biology Lab (CBL) at IISER TVM, mentoring students in chromatin research and utilizing multi-omics approaches for cancer studies.

Bibekanand MallickView profile

Professor

• RNA interference
• Non-coding RNA biology
• Cancer biology
• +5 more

Prof. Bibekanand Mallick is a Professor at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela in the Department of Life Science . A Fellow of the National Academy of Biological Sciences (FNABS) and Member of the National Academy of Sciences, India (MNASc) , he leads the RNAi & Functional Genomics Lab focused on non-coding RNA biology in cancer. PhD in Molecular Biology (2008) from Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Research spans RNA interference , gene silencing , and drug repurposing for cancers Editorial roles at Gene (Elsevier) and Communications Biology (Nature Portfolio) His interdisciplinary research combines molecular biology and high-throughput omics to study non-coding RNAs (microRNA, piRNA, lncRNA) in cancer progression and treatment resistance . Recent work highlights piRNA-mediated chemotherapy sensitization and microRNA networks in oncogenesis . Scientific leadership includes: 6 major research grants from Ministry of AYUSH, ICMR, DBT, and DST Author/editor of 3 books with Oxford, McGraw Hill, and Elsevier 15+ publications in 2024-2023, focusing on RNA regulatory circuits in tongue cancer and glioblastoma The lab develops computational tools like TarpiD for piRNA target prediction while exploring nano-biotechnology approaches for RNA delivery and natural compounds like Gomutra ark for cancer therapy.

Salil GargView profile

Assistant Professor

• Non-genetic heterogeneity
• Stem cell biology
• Cancer biology
• +7 more

Dr. Salil Garg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Yale School of Medicine. He leads the Garg Lab which moved to Yale University in fall 2022 after his postdoctoral fellowship with Phillip Sharp at MIT. His research focuses on understanding how cell systems with identical genetic material generate heterogeneity in development and cancer. Dr. Garg's educational background includes: BS/MS in Biochemistry/Chemistry, University of Chicago (2003) PhD in Immunology and MD from Harvard Medical School (2012) Clinical training in Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Genetic Pathology Postdoctoral fellowship at MIT His research explores how non-genetic changes arise naturally in cell populations, particularly in development and cancer. The Garg Lab investigates how small RNAs and other gene regulatory events contribute to non-genetic differences between cells, using approaches from RNA biology, cell biology, genomics, machine learning, and data science. They aim to apply this knowledge to build novel cancer diagnostics. Analysis of Dr. Garg's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on cellular heterogeneity mechanisms across developmental and cancer contexts. His work bridges stem cell biology with cancer diagnostics, increasingly incorporating machine learning approaches. Key themes include transcription factor networks, enhancer biology, microRNA regulation, and developmental deconvolution techniques for cancer classification. Scientific recognition includes: NIH High-Risk, High-Reward Award (2024) Dr. Garg actively mentors a diverse team of researchers including postdoctoral associates, MD-PhD students, PhD students, and undergraduate researchers. His lab has successfully placed alumni in prestigious positions at institutions including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Stanford University, and Bluebird Bio. Current research is supported by NIH funding and focuses on generative AI models for understanding heterogeneity, deconstructing tumor heterogeneity, and genomic encoding of cellular variation. The Garg Lab maintains active collaborations across Yale, including with the Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Computational Biology and Biomedical Informatics, Genomics, Genetics, and Epigenetics programs, and the Yale Cancer Center.

James McKendryView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nutrition
• Healthy Aging
• Skeletal Muscle Physiology
• +5 more

James McKendry is an Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Healthy Aging at the University of British Columbia (UBC) since July 2024, affiliated with the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging and the Human Nutrition Group within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems . He leads the Muscle Aging (In)activity, and Nutrition Laboratory (The MAIN Lab) , focusing on skeletal muscle, exercise, and aging. Education Postdoctoral Research Fellow, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Ph.D. in Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK M.Res. in Sport and Exercise Science – Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Birmingham, UK B.Sc. (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK Research Interests Dr. McKendry's research investigates the regulatory mechanisms of human skeletal muscle response to nutrition and mechanical loading , with emphasis on aging and biological sex influences. His lab employs in vivo and in vitro methods including muscle biopsies , stable isotopes , and multi-omics to study muscle protein turnover and exercise-induced adaptations . The MAIN Lab explores topics like plant-based protein efficacy, hormonal influences on muscle synthesis, and disuse atrophy prevention through resistance exercise. His work bridges clinical nutrition with molecular physiology , targeting healthy aging and athletic performance optimization . Scientific Awards Emerging Leaders in Science Award, The American Society for Nutrition, 2024 American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology Best Review Paper Award, 2024 CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2021-2023 McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellows in Teaching and Leadership Program, 2020-2021 European College of Sports Science, Young Investigator Award, 2018 Teaching: Dr. McKendry supervises FNH 497 - Directed Studies courses. He actively mentors undergraduates, graduate students , and postdoctoral researchers interested in skeletal muscle, exercise, and nutrition. Laboratory: The MAIN Lab focuses on aging, sex-based physiology, and nutritional interventions to combat muscle loss. His research spans plant-based diets , hormonal effects , and disuse atrophy countermeasures.

Diana BaralleView profile

Professor

• RNA Splicing
• Genomics
• Transcriptomics
• +4 more

Professor Diana Baralle is a Professor of Genomic Medicine and Head of the School of Human Development and Health at the University of Southampton's Faculty of Medicine. She holds an NIHR Senior Investigator status and was awarded the NIHR Research Professorship in 2017. Her research focuses on RNA splicing, genomics, and the molecular basis of rare genetic diseases, with a particular emphasis on improving clinical diagnostics through translational studies. She also serves as a consultant in Clinical Genetics at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, managing both general and specialist oculogenetics clinics. NIHR Research Professorship (2017) NIHR Senior Investigator President of the Clinical Genetics Society (2014-2022) Reviewer for Archives of Disease in Childhood (2017-2022) and Frontiers in Genetics (2018-2022) Her research program integrates RNA biology, transcriptomics, and functional genomics to decode disease mechanisms and refine genetic diagnostic pipelines. This includes pioneering work on antisense oligonucleotide therapies for splicing defects, AI-driven pandemic preparedness models, and Xenopus-based rare disease studies. Her recent publications in Nature , Brain , and Genome Medicine highlight her leadership in identifying novel pathogenic variants and actionable mutations. Professor Baralle supervises PhD students in diverse disciplines (Chemistry, SoCoBio, Infection/Immunity) and leads multidisciplinary teams across the Institute for Life Sciences BiOmics, Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, and Developmental Sciences. Her work bridges clinical practice with cutting-edge genomic research, supported by grants from Cancer Research UK, Medical Research Council, and the British Heart Foundation.

• Developmental Neurobiology
• Zebrafish Models
• Hair Cell Regeneration
• +4 more

Liu Dong serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Southern University of Science and Technology's School of Life Sciences. Previously, he held research and teaching positions at Peking University's School of Life Sciences (2008-2017) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Oregon's Institute of Neuroscience (1999-2008). His academic lineage traces to Zhu Zuoyan (student of Tong Dizhou), pioneers in transgenic fish research. B.S. in Biology, Wuhan University (1987) M.S. in Genetics, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (1990) Ph.D. in Molecular Endocrinology, University of Toronto (1999) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Oregon (2004) His research focuses on zebrafish models for understanding inner ear development, hair cell regeneration mechanisms, and modeling human neurological disorders including hearing loss, balance disorders, ADHD, and Parkinson's disease. His lab employs cytology, molecular genetics, neurobiology, and behavioral techniques to create disease models for drug screening and therapeutic target identification. Current projects include CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, dCas9 fusion systems, and non-coding RNA functional analysis. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on translational neuroscience, with 63% of publications (2018-2021) utilizing zebrafish models to study neurological disorders and cancer metastasis. His work bridges molecular mechanisms (38% of publications) with behavioral phenotyping (25%) and drug screening applications (19%). Shenzhen Municipal Leading Talent (2018-2023) SUSTech Outstanding College Mentor (2017-2018) International Zebrafish Society Travel Award (2017) Roche Fellowship Award, PKU (2012) Peking University Talents Program (2008-2011) Liu Dong has secured multiple research grants including the Peking University Talents Program and Canadian Institutes of Health Research funding. His lab actively trains graduate students and collaborates with institutions including Peking University Sixth Hospital on ADHD research. Current projects involve developing zebrafish models for vestibular function assessment and screening therapeutic compounds for neurodegenerative disorders. His research team at SUSTech operates from Room 208, First Research Building, focusing on zebrafish and medaka models to investigate peripheral nervous system development and regeneration. The lab maintains collaborations with clinical institutions for translational applications of their disease models.