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Johnathan WhetstineView profile

Professor

• Cancer Epigenetics
• Chromatin Biology
• DNA Amplification
• +12 more

Johnathan R. Whetstine is a Professor and Director of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where he also serves as Program Leader of the Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program and holds the Jack Schultz Chair in Basic Science. His research is centered on epigenetic mechanisms driving DNA amplification, genome instability, and drug resistance in cancer. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow, Epigenetics/Pathology, Harvard Medical School, 2002–2007 PhD, Pharmacology, Wayne State University, 2002 Dr. Whetstine’s research focuses on chromatin regulators, particularly the KDM4A histone demethylase, which his lab discovered promotes transient site-specific copy gains (TSSGs) of oncogenes. His lab investigates how epigenetic cues—such as hypoxia and microRNA regulation—influence DNA replication, cell cycle progression, and therapeutic resistance. They use genomic, epigenomic, and biochemical approaches to map chromatin dynamics during the cell cycle and identify factors that drive extrachromosomal DNA amplification. The 15 most recent publications highlight a strong focus on epigenetic control of gene amplification (e.g., EGFR, MLL), histone demethylase function, replication timing, and chromatin crosstalk. These studies span cancer types including lung and colorectal cancers and explore therapeutic implications such as mTOR inhibitor sensitivity and epigenetic therapy. Scientific Awards: Lung Cancer Discovery Award (American Lung Association, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020) Tepper Family MGH Research Scholar (2014) Basic Research Scholar Award (American Cancer Society, 2013) Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar Award (2009) Jack Schultz Chair in Basic Science (2019) Dr. Whetstine mentors postdoctoral fellows and collaborates with clinicians to translate findings into patient stratification and optimal treatment strategies. He is actively involved in training programs at Fox Chase, emphasizing leadership, communication, and scientific development. His lab is part of a vibrant epigenetics research community that includes annual symposia and industry collaborations. Research Labs and Teams: The Whetstine Laboratory is a key component of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute at Fox Chase, which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among epigeneticists, clinicians, and industry partners. The lab leverages advanced technologies in genomics and epigenomics and participates in national and international scientific networks.

Stephanie DawsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Substance Use Disorder
• Opioid Dependence
• +13 more

Dr. Stephanie Daws is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neural Sciences at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. She is also affiliated with the Center for Substance Abuse Research, where she leads the Daws Lab focused on the neurobiological underpinnings of substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction. Education: PhD in Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN Postdoctoral Fellowship, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY BS in Molecular and Microbiology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL Her research integrates molecular biology and behavioral neuroscience to study how molecular mechanisms in the brain sustain drug-seeking behavior after abstinence. She employs rodent models of drug self-administration to investigate epigenetic and non-coding RNA regulation in addiction pathways. Her recent work highlights the roles of microRNAs and circular RNAs in heroin seeking, relapse, and neuroinflammatory responses. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on non-coding RNA mechanisms (especially circular RNAs and microRNAs), neuroepigenetics, and the impact of drugs like psilocybin on addictive behaviors. Her studies frequently involve brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens, orbitofrontal cortex, and amygdala, focusing on transcriptional and translational regulation in the context of opioid use and stress. Scientific Awards: NARSAD Young Investigator Award, Brain and Behavior Foundation NIH Pathway to Independence Award K99/R00, NIDA Dr. Daws has not publicly listed advisees, but she leads an active research laboratory and likely mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Her lab receives funding from federal and private sources, supporting ongoing projects in addiction neuroscience. She is a member of the Society for Neuroscience and maintains a strong publication record in high-impact journals. Laboratory: The Daws Lab (www.DawsLab.com) is dedicated to uncovering novel druggable targets for treating substance use disorders by studying molecular and epigenetic mechanisms in preclinical models.

• Mathematical Modelling
• Statistical Physics
• Gene Expression
• +12 more

Dr. Andrew Angel is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Natural and Computing Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, where he conducts interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, mathematics, and molecular biology. He is actively involved in teaching and research, currently accepting PhD students in Physics. His primary research interests include: Mathematical and stochastic modeling of biological systems Gene expression and transcription dynamics Chromatin and nucleosome organization Epigenetic regulation, particularly in vernalization Metabolic cycling and its impact on transcription Quantitative analysis of ChIP-seq data Dr. Angel applies techniques from statistical physics and computational modeling to understand complex biological phenomena. His work spans from fundamental physical models to detailed molecular mechanisms in gene regulation. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on transcriptional regulation, chromatin dynamics, and epigenetic memory. The research combines experimental collaborations with sophisticated modeling approaches, particularly in understanding how RNA polymerase navigates nucleosomal barriers, how chromatin signatures regulate transcription, and how metabolic states influence gene expression. Several studies involve yeast and human systems, employing cutting-edge techniques like 4sU sequencing for transcriptome mapping. Dr. Angel has collaborated extensively with leading researchers including Professor Jane Mellor (University of Oxford), Professor Francois Robert (IRCM Montreal), and Dr. Michael Tellier (University of Leicester), reflecting his integrated approach to biological questions. His scientific contributions are evident through publications in high-impact journals such as Nature , Molecular Cell , Cell Reports , and PNAS . While no specific awards are listed, the quality and impact of his publications indicate significant recognition in the fields of epigenetics, transcription, and biophysical modeling. Dr. Angel advises students in Physics and related interdisciplinary areas, contributing to the training of next-generation scientists in quantitative biology. His research is supported by collaborative networks and institutional resources at the University of Aberdeen. He is affiliated with the following research groups and collaborations: Transcription, Chromatin and the Yeast Metabolic Cycle (with Prof. Jane Mellor) Transcription through nucleosomes (with Prof. Francois Robert) Analysis of ChIP-seq data (with Dr. Michael Tellier)

Joseph WongView profile

Professor

• Infectious Diseases
• HIV Persistence
• Viral Reservoirs
• +7 more

Joseph Wong, MD, is a Professor In Residence in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. He specializes in infectious diseases and internal medicine, with a clinical and research focus on HIV care and viral persistence mechanisms despite antiretroviral therapy. His work aims to understand and eliminate latent HIV reservoirs in tissues. Education: B.S. and M.D. from Northwestern University; residency at McGaw Medical Center; fellowship in Infectious Diseases at UC San Diego. Current Role: Faculty member in the School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, UCSF. Dr. Wong's research interests center on HIV latency, viral reservoirs, and tissue-specific persistence of HIV. He investigates how HIV evades eradication through mechanisms in gut-associated lymphoid tissue, blood, and other anatomical compartments. His lab develops novel molecular assays to detect and quantify HIV transcription and latency, with a strong emphasis on translational applications. Recent work includes studying host gene expression in HIV-transcribing cells, latency-reversing agents, and the impact of HIV on cardiovascular outcomes such as sudden cardiac death. His publication record spans over two decades, with recent articles (2021–2024) focusing on: HIV transcriptional profiling in suppressed vs. viremic individuals Role of splice factors and epigenetic modifications in latency Development of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays for SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Tissue-specific differences in reservoir dynamics Cardiac complications in HIV, including fibrosis and sudden death Impact of antiviral agents like ABX464 and romidepsin on reservoir reduction These works reflect a sustained focus on molecular virology, host-pathogen interactions, and clinical translation in HIV cure research. Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Wong has served as Principal Investigator on multiple NIH-funded grants, including studies on HIV latency reversal, tissue reservoirs, and neurocognitive impacts in Ugandan children. He collaborates extensively with leading HIV researchers such as Steven Deeks and Satya Yukl. While no direct advisees are listed, his frequent co-authorship with junior scientists suggests a mentoring role. His lab likely involves a team focused on single-cell analysis, viral transcription, and tissue-based HIV research, although specific lab names or team structures are not detailed in the text.

• Genomics
• Parasitic Diseases
• RNA Interference
• +11 more

Christian Tschudi is the John Rodman Paul Professor of Epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health, within the Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases. He is also affiliated with the Yale Institute for Global Health, the Center for RNA Science and Medicine, and the Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). His research is centered on the biology of trypanosomes, the causative agents of African sleeping sickness and nagana, with a focus on understanding the molecular basis of pathogen infectivity. Dr. Tschudi’s research interests span genomics, parasitic diseases, RNA interference, tropical medicine, and trypanosomiasis . His laboratory employs advanced bioinformatics and genetic techniques to dissect parasite-specific functions, particularly in RNA metabolism and gene regulation. A major focus is on the transcriptome of Trypanosoma brucei , where his team has developed high-throughput RNA-Seq protocols and generated comprehensive transcript maps at single-nucleotide resolution. This work has uncovered novel genes, regulatory RNAs, and mechanisms involved in developmental transitions and host adaptation. The recent articles highlight a strong trend in RNA biology, gene regulation, and developmental mechanisms in trypanosomes. His team investigates long non-coding RNAs, RNA modifications, RNA-binding proteins, and nuclear organization in the context of infectivity. These studies are crucial for identifying potential drug targets and understanding the basic biology of these neglected pathogens. Elected member, Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (2020) John Rodman Paul Professorship, Yale University (2016) Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology (2014) Honorary Master of Arts Degree, Yale University (2013) Burroughs Wellcome Fund New Investigator Award in Molecular Parasitology (2000) Research Project Award in Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, MacArthur Foundation (1984) James Hudson Brown-Alexander B. Coxe Fellowship, Yale School of Medicine (1982) Pre-doctoral Fellowship, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (1981) Pre-doctoral Fellowship, Swiss National Science Foundation (1978) Dr. Tschudi has been actively involved in mentoring and scientific service. He co-directs an NIH-sponsored Global Infectious Disease Training Program (D43) in translational research on leishmaniasis and emerging infectious diseases. He has served on numerous NIH study sections, including as a member of the NIAID Board of Scientific Counselors (2011–2017), and as an ad-hoc member in 2019 and 2020. He also serves on editorial boards of journals such as mBio , PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases , and Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology . His laboratory is part of the Center for RNA Science and Medicine at Yale, reflecting his deep engagement with RNA-centric research. He collaborates extensively with experts in the field, including Dr. Serap Aksoy (Yale) on tsetse fly vector biology and Dr. Shulamit Michaeli (Bar Ilan University) on RNA modification. His work is supported by NIH grants and aims to identify candidate molecules for chemotherapy against trypanosomatid diseases.

Giorgio DieciView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Epigenetics
• +3 more

Giorgio Dieci is a Full Professor at the University of Parma , affiliated with the Department of Chemical, Life, and Environmental Sustainability Sciences. His academic career spans decades of teaching and research in molecular biology disciplines. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology instruction (First/Second cycle degrees) Neurochemistry and Translational Biomedical Sciences Expertise in RNA biology and gene regulation Research focuses on transcriptional mechanisms , epigenetic regulation, and chromatin organization across various biological contexts: Molecular characterization of RNA:DNA triplex structures Interaction of viral proteins with chromatin remodeling complexes Role of TFIIIC in histone acetylation dynamics Non-coding RNA epigenetic control Transcription factor-DNA binding kinetics Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining atomic force microscopy , chromatin remodeling , and transcriptional dynamics . Contact available via giorgio.dieci@unipr.it at Parco Area delle Scienze 23/A, Parma, Italy.

Martin PichlerView profile

Professor

• Non-Coding RNA Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Colorectal Cancer
• +9 more

Martin Pichler is a Full Professor for Translational Oncology at the Faculty of Medicine, University Augsburg, Germany. He holds academic and leadership roles at the Medical University of Graz, including Associated Professor, Head of the Research Unit for Non-Coding RNA and Genome Editing in Cancer, and Research Managing Director of the Division of Oncology. His research focuses on altered expression of non-coding RNAs in human cancers (colorectal, breast, kidney), exploring mechanisms in metastasis, stem cell formation, and tumor metabolism, alongside clinical outcome research and biomarker development. Current Affiliation: University Augsburg (2023–present) Primary Affiliation: Medical University of Graz Education: Medicine (2000–2006), Medical University of Graz Molecular Biology (2004–2009), University of Graz Research interests integrate molecular mechanisms of non-coding RNAs in cancer progression and personalized biomarker studies. His team develops RNA research tools, bioinformatic methods, and genome-editing techniques. Former academic positions include Assistant Professor (2013–2015) and Research Fellow (2013–2015) at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and postdoctoral/residency roles at Medical University of Graz. Key collaborators and advisees include Katharina Jonas (DK-MCD project) and Felix Prinz, both graduated students.

Benjamin KingView profile

Associate Professor

• Genomics
• Computational Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +7 more

Benjamin King is an Associate Professor at the University of Maine within the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering , specializing in Bioinformatics. His research focuses on understanding gene regulatory networks, stress responses, and the role of non-coding RNAs in tissue regeneration and disease. Education : Ph.D. (University of Maine, 2016), M.S. (Boston University, 1996), B.S. (Boston University, 1994) King employs genomic and computational approaches to study stress response mechanisms in diverse organisms, such as zebrafish, skate, and mice. His work highlights the importance of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, in health and disease. Recent projects include comparative transcriptomic analyses of regeneration circuits and hydrogen peroxide signaling networks. His publications span fields like Regenerative Medicine , Evolutionary Biology , and Computational Toxicology , often involving collaborations on databases such as RegenDbase and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. He has mentored students including Michael Babcock and Kodey Silknitter. Contact: benjamin.l.king@maine.edu | Office: Ferland EEDC Bldg, University of Maine, Orono, Maine

Marianne FarneboView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Non-coding RNA
• RNA-binding proteins
• DNA repair
• +7 more

Marianne Farnebo is a Senior Lecturer (Docent) at the Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Her research focuses on non-coding RNA and RNA-binding proteins in DNA repair, with implications for cancer and developmental disorders. She leads a research group that combines molecular techniques with clinical collaborations to explore RNA-guided DNA repair mechanisms. Doctorate in Oncology-Pathology (Karolinska Institutet, 2003) Master of Medical Science (Karolinska Institutet, 1999) Docent (Karolinska Institutet, 2011) Her research investigates how non-coding RNA and RNA-binding proteins regulate DNA repair pathways, particularly DNA double-strand breaks, and their role in cancer progression and treatment response. The group uses whole-genome sequencing, large-scale screens, and in vivo models (patient-derived cells, murine systems) to uncover RNA-driven mechanisms for genome stability. The most recent articles highlight WRAP53β’s involvement in Cajal body formation, DNA repair pathway choice, and radiotherapy prognosis across cancers (breast, ovarian, head/neck). Themes include RNA pseudouridylation, ubiquitination regulation, and RNA-histone interactions modulating chromatin structure. Grants and funding include support from the Swedish Cancer Society, Swedish Research Council, StratCan, Cancer Society of Stockholm, Karolinska Institute, Wenner-Gren Foundation, and BRECT (Breast Cancer Theme Center). Research team consists of Ph.D. students Linn Hjelmgren and Qianyu Zhou, alongside affiliated members like Sara Lazzari and Sandro Schmidli. Collaborations span oncologists, pathologists, and international researchers.

Olle SangfeltView profile

Researcher

• Cancer and Oncology
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Medical Genetics and Genomics
• +6 more

Olle Sangfelt is a Principal Researcher and Docent at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology , Karolinska Institutet. His research focuses on the role of SCF ubiquitin ligases, cell cycle regulation, and transcriptional control in cancer development and progression. He is particularly interested in mechanisms of drug resistance and tumor recurrence. Education: PhD (1998) in Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet; Docent (2011). Research areas: His work bridges molecular biology with translational cancer research, emphasizing ubiquitin signaling, replication stress response, and therapeutic vulnerability identification. Collaborations span institutions in Sweden, Italy, Finland, and the USA. Article trends: Recent publications highlight SCF ligase subunits (FBXL12, FBXO44) SOX9-positive latent cells in medulloblastoma recurrence Ubiquitin-dependent DNA repair mechanisms Combination therapies for leukemia and neuroblastoma Single-cell analysis of tumor heterogeneity

Lucienne TrittenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Parasitology
• Host-Parasite Interactions
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Lucienne Tritten serves as an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Parasitology at McGill University, where her research addresses the global burden of helminth infections affecting over 1.5 billion people in impoverished communities and causing significant agricultural losses in livestock. Her academic foundation includes a BSc in Biology from the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland), followed by an MSc and PhD in Infection Biology and Microbiology from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and University of Basel. She completed postdoctoral training at the University of Zurich. Dr. Tritten's research program investigates molecular crosstalk between parasitic helminths and mammalian hosts, with emphasis on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and non-coding RNA as critical mediators of host immunomodulation. Her lab seeks to determine how EVs shape infection outcomes to enable chronic parasitism while developing RNA-based diagnostic tools for helminth detection in endemic regions through international collaborations. She maintains active research partnerships with McGill University's Institute of Parasitology, the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Zurich, and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, leveraging her expertise in drug discovery and helminth molecular biology across human and veterinary contexts.

Manuel GarberView profile

Professor

• Genomics
• Computational Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Manuel Garber, PhD , is a Professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School , affiliated with multiple departments including Genomics and Computational Biology, Dermatology, and Systems Biology. His research focuses on decoding the functional genome, particularly non-coding RNAs and immune transcriptional regulation, using advanced sequencing technologies. Education : BS in Mathematics, Universidad Simón Bolívar (Venezuela) PhD in Mathematics, Brandeis University (USA) His work integrates computational methods with experimental genomics to map regulatory elements, study lincRNAs , and dissect immune response pathways . Key contributions include developing tools like Scripture and SiPhy for genomic analysis. Recent publications emphasize single-cell RNA sequencing , non-coding RNA evolution , and immune regulatory networks , spanning journals like Nature , Cell , and Science . Collaborations with experimental labs drive discoveries in gene regulation and disease mechanisms.

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• +3 more

Christina E Baer is an Associate Professor at UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the Department of Microbiology, T.H. Chan School of Medicine, and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. She directs the Sanderson Center for Optics Experimentation (SCOPE) and contributes to interdisciplinary research across the RNA Therapeutics Institute and Neuroscience. Education: BA in Physics & English from Wellesley College, PhD in Biophysics from University of California, Berkeley Her research spans Microbiology , Immunology , and Cell Biology , focusing on host-pathogen interactions in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections, immune signaling pathways, and cellular mechanisms in neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. Recent work includes studies on interferon signaling, oligodendrocyte renewal, and spatial transcriptomics. Key institutional roles include cross-departmental collaboration in Immunology and Microbiology Program and NeuroNexus Institute . Her publications reflect expertise in Cell Biology , Neurology , and Biochemistry , with significant contributions to understanding TB pathogenesis and precision medicine technologies. She leads interdisciplinary teams in SCOPE and works with co-authors like Christopher Sassetti and Arthur Mercurio on translational research projects. Her citations indicate impact in PubMed Central and Mendeley community engagement.

Michael G. KharasView profile

Professor

• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology
• Leukemia Pathogenesis
• RNA Regulation
• +5 more

Michael G. Kharas is a Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine's Pharmacology Graduate Program and an Investigator at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Molecular Pharmacology Program. His research focuses on RNA regulators in hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia pathogenesis, particularly Musashi-2 and m6A methylation mechanisms. Dr. Kharas investigates how post-transcriptional RNA regulation affects symmetric/asymmetric cell division balance in HSCs and leukemic stem cells. His lab develops small molecules targeting RNA-binding proteins and studies metabolic adaptations in leukemia, including fructose utilization and serine synthesis pathways. Current projects explore RNA methylation, chromatin regulation, and screening approaches for self-renewal modulation. His publications reveal trends in RNA biology, epigenetics, and leukemic stem cell targeting. Key subfields include m6A-dependent differentiation control, Musashi-2 networks, metabolic dependencies, chromatin maintenance, and therapeutic strategies against RNA regulators. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Career Development Award Alex Lemonade Stand Foundation ‘A’ Award American Society of Hematology Junior Faculty Scholar Award Kimmel and V-Scholar Awards Louis V. Gerstner Young Investigator Award As lab head, he mentors researchers and collaborates across institutions. His work spans basic HSC biology, translational leukemia models, and drug discovery platforms targeting RNA-protein interactions.

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Transcription Factors
• Phytoplasma Pathology
• +7 more

Jacqueline Busscher-Lange is a Researcher at BIOS Plant Development Systems within Wageningen University & Research. Her work focuses on plant molecular biology with particular emphasis on transcription factor networks, phytoplasma pathogenesis, and temperature-responsive gene regulation.