Find Academic Supervisors

• Nucleic Acid Structures
• DNA Repair
• RNA-Protein Interactions
• +3 more

Prof. Katrin Paeschke is a Professor at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology within the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn. Her research focuses on nucleic acid structures and their roles in cellular processes, including DNA repair, genome stability, and immune regulation. She leads the Paeschke Lab, which investigates G-quadruplex structures in DNA and RNA, their interactions with proteins, and implications for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune conditions. Notable contributions include studies on UV-induced DNA damage repair mechanisms involving ZRF1 and the role of G4 structures in viral biology and antiviral strategies. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with translational applications in therapy development. Selected research interests include: Mechanisms of G-quadruplex formation and resolution Impact of nucleic acid secondary structures on genome integrity Interplay between DNA damage and immune responses Therapeutic targeting of G-quadruplex structures in cancer Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics to address fundamental questions in nucleic acid biology. Collaborations span virology, immunology, and oncology, reflecting her transdisciplinary research in TRA-Matter at the University of Bonn.

• Cardiovascular Disease
• RNA Biology
• Atherosclerosis
• +3 more

Marco Sachse is a Professor at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) within the Hamburg Medical Faculty. His primary affiliation is the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Experimental Biology. His research focuses on the intersection of cardiovascular disease, molecular mechanisms of aging, and RNA biology. Key research areas include amyloid beta's role in cardiovascular aging, RNA editing's impact on atherosclerosis, and the gut-heart axis in cardiometabolic disorders. Dr. Sachse's work bridges basic science and clinical translation, with a strong emphasis on biomarker discovery for cardiovascular and renal diseases. He has contributed to understanding how RNA modifications (e.g., ADAR editing) and proteases like cathepsins influence vascular pathology. His studies often involve multi-omics approaches and cross-organ analyses, such as the connection between Alzheimer's amyloid pathways and cardiovascular health. Recent publications highlight his expertise in translational cardiovascular research, including the role of microRNAs in aortopathy and the development of synbiotic therapies targeting gut-heart interactions. Despite no explicitly listed awards, his high-impact publications suggest recognition within the field.

• Biobanking
• ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications)
• Genomics
• +4 more

Bettina Lorenz-Depiereux is a Senior Scientist and Head of the working group "Biobanking, Data and ELSI" at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), with a focus on ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) in biobanking and genomic research. Her career spans roles at the Institute of Human Genetics at TUM and the Helmholtz Zentrum München, transitioning from molecular genetics to pandemic cohort studies. Education : Diploma in Biology (1995, LMU Munich); PhD in Human Genetics (2000, LMU Munich). Her research integrates biobanking , genomics , and ELSI frameworks. Recent work emphasizes COVID-19 cohort analysis, data quality , and FAIR/FAST data standards . She contributes to protocols for pandemic research ethics and clinical data harmonization. Key networks include the National Pandemic Cohort Network (NAPKON) , Network University Medicine (NUM) , and the German Society of Human Genetics (GfH) . Her scientific expertise bridges gene discovery for monogenic diseases, mouse models, and pandemic biobanking infrastructure.

Wolfgang StephanView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Population Genetics
• Genetic Variation
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Stephan is a leading evolutionary biologist and geneticist at LMU Munich's Faculty of Biology. He holds a PhD in Theoretical Biophysics from the University of Konstanz (1981) and has held academic positions at institutions including the University of Maryland (1989–2000) and the University of Rochester (1999–2000). He served as Chair of the Department of Biology at LMU Munich from 2000 to 2015. His research focuses on evolutionary genetics, population genomics, and the mechanisms of natural selection, particularly in Drosophila and wild tomatoes. Research interests include: (1) genetic basis of adaptation and speciation, (2) genomic signatures of selection, (3) host-parasite coevolution, and (4) molecular evolution of noncoding RNA structures. His work bridges theoretical models with empirical data, using computational and experimental approaches. Key awards include the NIH Shannon Award (1991), DFG Research Unit leadership (2008–2016), and ERC Panel membership (2016–). His funding includes grants from DFG, NIH, and EU programs, focusing on topics like selective sweeps, pathogen resistance, and genomic adaptation. Publications span over 150 peer-reviewed articles, including foundational works on hitchhiking effects and compensatory evolution. He has advised over 30 PhD students and mentored numerous postdocs, many now leading academic roles worldwide.

Sina NeyaziView profile

Assistant Clinical Professor

• Pediatric Hematology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Sina Neyazi is an Assistant Physician in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hamburg. His research focuses on pediatric hematology and oncology, with a particular emphasis on molecular mechanisms underlying tumors, clinical advancements in cancer therapy, and genetic aspects of pediatric malignancies. He holds an email address at s.neyazi@uke.de . Dr. Neyazi's research spans diverse areas including brain tumor classification (e.g., pilocytic astrocytoma, medulloblastoma), genetic mutations (e.g., H3 K27M, MYCN amplification), and translational studies using mouse models. His work integrates molecular biology, epigenetic analysis, and genomic approaches to advance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in pediatric oncology. His recent publications highlight contributions to understanding tumor heterogeneity, developing novel mouse models for disease mechanisms, and refining clinical guidelines for conditions like Down Syndrome-associated leukemias. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Cancer Cell , Neuro-Oncology , and Acta Neuropathologica . While no specific awards or grants are listed, his active research in pediatric oncology reflects a commitment to advancing translational medicine and improving outcomes for young patients with hematologic and oncologic disorders.

Valérie HilgersView profile

Researcher

• RNA Biology
• Neuroscience
• Transcriptomics
• +3 more

Valérie Hilgers is a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology & Epigenetics, leading the Laboratory for RNA Processing in the Nervous System. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying neuron-specific RNA signatures and their role in neural development and function. She employs Drosophila melanogaster as a model system, leveraging techniques such as functional genetics, imaging, and advanced transcriptomics (iCLIP, RNA-seq, ultra-long-read sequencing). Her work bridges transcriptional and post-transcriptional RNA regulation, investigating how these processes shape neuronal function in health and disease. Key projects include understanding mRNA isoform selection, non-coding RNA roles in neuronal granules, and the regulatory functions of ELAV/Hu proteins. Recent studies highlight ELAV's role in circular RNA biogenesis and Pumilio's control of synaptic protein localization. Publications span high-impact journals like Cell and Science Advances, with a focus on RNA diversity and its implications for neurological disorders. Collaborations include work with the Lagha lab on live imaging and participation in conferences like EMBL's 'Gene Regulation: One Molecule at a Time.'

Steve HoffmannView profile

Researcher

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Cancer Research
• +2 more

Steve Hoffmann is a Group Leader at the Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) , specializing in bioinformatics and genomics. His research focuses on RNA-Seq analysis workflows, p53 gene regulatory networks, and epigenetic aging mechanisms through projects like de.STAIR (BMBF 031L016A) and DFG FI 1993/2-1 . Hoffmann collaborates with the RNA Bioinformatics Center (RBC) and integrates multiomics approaches for cancer and aging studies. Education: Not explicitly detailed but inferred from research leadership and publications. Projects: de.STAIR for RNA-Seq workflows; DFG FI 1993/2-1 dissecting p53 networks; contributions to DNA methylation, circRNA detection, and aging genomics His research interests span bioinformatics tool development, gene regulation, epigenetics, and aging. Hoffmann’s recent articles emphasize nonlinear aging patterns, chromatin remodeling, and tumor suppression mechanisms. He leads a team of doctoral candidates and postdocs, including Maja Kinga Olecka and Omid Omrani, and contributes to open-source platforms like Galaxy. Hoffmann’s work addresses gaps in p53 target gene regulation and aging-related epigenomic changes, supported by grants from the DFG and BMBF. Hoffmann’s scientific contributions include tools like metilene and DARIO for DNA methylation and ncRNA analysis. His advising involves mentoring students in computational biology and aging research. Collaborations with the Leibniz Research Alliance Resilient Ageing and Balance of the Microverse DFG Cluster of Excellence highlight his institutional affiliations. Hoffmann’s labs integrate next-generation sequencing, proteomics, and life science computing facilities at FLI, focusing on data-driven workflows for aging and cancer studies.

• Energy Homeostasis
• Molecular Pharmacology
• Metabolic Health
• +3 more

Prof. Yongguo Li is a Professor at the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Bonn. His research focuses on energy homeostasis and metabolic health, particularly investigating signaling pathways in fat tissue and drug targets for metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes. He employs molecular technologies and pharmacological screening to uncover mechanisms underlying metabolic disorders. Research Interests: His work integrates molecular pharmacology with systems biology to address energy balance, thermogenesis, and metabolic regulation. Key areas include noncoding RNA roles in gene expression, hormonal control of adipose tissue, and drug discovery strategies targeting metabolic pathways. Publications: His articles explore thermogenesis mechanisms, RNA-driven gene regulation, and adipocyte biology, contributing to understanding how metabolic pathways can be therapeutically modulated. Awards & Grants: No specific awards or grants are listed in the provided text. His work is supported through institutional affiliations and collaborative networks. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, contributing to the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) - Life and Health at the University of Bonn.

Asifa AkhtarView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Biology
• Gene Regulation
• +3 more

Asifa Akhtar serves as Scientific Member and Director at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg and holds an Honorary Professorship at the University of Freiburg's Medical Faculty. She concurrently acts as Vice President of the Biology and Medicine Section of the Max Planck Society since 2020. Her academic foundation includes: PhD from Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London (1997) Postdoctoral training at EMBL Heidelberg and Adolf Butenandt Institute, Munich Dr. Akhtar's research pioneers epigenetic mechanisms through investigations of chromatin architecture, histone modifications, and long noncoding RNAs in gene expression control. Her laboratory integrates biochemical, genetic, and bioinformatic methodologies across Drosophila , murine, and human model systems to elucidate fundamental regulatory principles. Her distinguished accolades include: EMBO Membership (2013) Leopoldina Academy Membership (2019) Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2021) Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2023) FEBS/EMBO Women in Science Award (2025) She leads an active research group at the Max Planck Institute driving epigenetic discovery with implications for developmental biology and disease mechanisms.

Rupinder KaurView profile

Academic

• Host-microbe interactions
• Wolbachia symbiosis
• Cytoplasmic incompatibility
• +3 more

Dr. Rupinder Kaur is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Pennsylvania State University, where she investigates host-microbe symbioses with a focus on Wolbachia -induced cytoplasmic incompatibility. Her research integrates molecular biology, genetics, and entomology to decipher mechanisms of reproductive manipulation in insects. Prior to Penn State, she held positions at Vanderbilt University (Research Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Researcher) and Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (Postdoc). Her educational background includes a PhD in Neurobiology from the University of Vienna (2013-2017), an MSc in Biotechnology from Lovely Professional University (2008-2010), and a BSc in Biotechnology from Punjabi University (2005-2008). Research specializations span: Molecular mechanisms of cytoplasmic incompatibility Wolbachia -virus-host tripartite interactions Prophage protein functions in sperm development Evolutionary dynamics of insect-microbe symbioses Her publication record demonstrates consistent focus on symbiont-mediated reproductive manipulation, with recent breakthroughs in characterizing Wolbachia cif proteins' roles in sperm DNA modification. Award highlights include: Travel Grant from International Symbiosis Society (2015) Wellcome Trust Genome Campus Bursary (2014) Visiting Studentship from Fondazione Edmund Mach (2014) At Penn State's Bordenstein Lab, she contributes to collaborative projects on phage WO dynamics and microbiome-driven speciation while mentoring students in molecular symbiosis research.

• Paleogenetics
• Ancient DNA
• Human Evolution
• +3 more

Svante Pääbo serves as Director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig and Professor of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Leipzig. His pioneering work established the field of paleogenetics through revolutionary ancient DNA techniques that enabled sequencing of extinct hominins. Pääbo leads the Department of Evolutionary Genetics and maintains affiliations with Uppsala University, the Natural History Museum London, and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. His research focuses on human evolutionary history through genomic analysis of ancient specimens, most notably the Neanderthal genome project that revealed interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals. His laboratory developed critical methods for extracting and analyzing degraded DNA, including silica-based purification and damage pattern recognition. Key research areas include molecular anthropology, comparative primate genomics, and the evolution of speech-related genes like FOXP2. Pääbo's publication record shows consistent leadership in ancient DNA methodology and hominin evolutionary studies , with recent work expanding into epigenetic analysis of ancient specimens and comparative primate transcriptomics. His team's Neanderthal genome sequencing represents a paradigm shift in understanding human origins. His scientific honors include: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2022) Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2015) Japan Prize (2020) Körber European Science Prize (2018) Leibniz Prize (1992) Pääbo has advised numerous researchers through his leadership roles and received major funding from the Max Planck Society, NIH, and European Research Council. His laboratory maintains extensive collaborations with archaeological teams worldwide for specimen analysis. The department operates specialized clean-room facilities for ancient DNA work and develops computational tools for paleogenomic analysis.

• Metabolic Signaling
• Obesity Research
• cGMP Pathway
• +3 more

Prof. Alexander Pfeifer is a Professor at the University of Bonn, affiliated with the Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology and serving on the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) - Life and Health Steering Committee. His research focuses on cGMP signaling, G-protein-coupled receptors, and metabolic diseases, particularly obesity. He investigates how these pathways can be manipulated via pharmacological tools and nanoparticles to develop therapies targeting metabolic imbalances and obesity-related conditions. Key research areas include energy homeostasis, adipocyte function, and the role of signaling molecules like inosine in enhancing energy expenditure. His lab employs advanced techniques such as lentiviral vectors, metabolic cage studies, and transgenic mouse models. Current projects explore therapeutic approaches using viral vectors and nanoparticles to modulate metabolic pathways. Recent work highlights mechanisms linking obesity to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, with a focus on adipocyte-macrophage interactions and brown fat activation. Collaborations span translational medicine and nanotechnology, aiming to bridge basic science and clinical applications.

Konstantinos StellosView profile

Professor

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Disease
• RNA Biology
• +5 more

Konstantinos Stellos is a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Research at Heidelberg University's European Center for Angioscience in Mannheim, Germany. His research focuses on the interplay between innate immunity, RNA editing/modification, and vascular inflammation in diseases like atherosclerosis, heart failure, and metabolic disorders. His lab investigates post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, particularly ADAR-mediated RNA editing, to identify therapeutic targets and biomarkers for precision medicine. Key areas include the role of RNA modifications in endothelial function, immune cell trafficking, and age-related vascular pathologies. Publications highlight breakthroughs in understanding RNA editing's impact on cathepsin S expression, ADAR2's role in immune responses, and amyloid-beta's role in neurocardiovascular diseases. Collaborations span immunology, cardiovascular medicine, and RNA biology. His work has led to discoveries in biomarker development (e.g., IP-10 for myocardial recovery) and therapeutic strategies targeting telomerase activation post-infarction. Lab members include researchers like Dr. Michael Amponsah-Offeh (recipient of the 2024 Young Investigator Award). Ongoing projects explore longevity via vascular signaling and RNA-based therapies. The Stellos Lab's mission is to translate basic discoveries into clinical applications, with a focus on precision medicine for chronic inflammatory and age-related diseases.

Philipp KorberView profile

Professor

• Chromatin biology
• Nucleosome positioning
• Chromatin remodeling
• +7 more

Prof. Philipp Korber is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the Biomedical Center of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich). He leads an independent research group focused on chromatin biology and nucleosome positioning, embedded within the Collaborative Research Center 1064 'Chromatin Dynamics' since 2013. His laboratory has established itself as a leader in developing genome-wide reconstitution approaches to study chromatin remodeling mechanisms. Prof. Korber's research centers on understanding how DNA sequence is read out to determine nucleosome positioning and how chromatin remodeling enzymes reorganize nucleosomes during different biological states. His lab uses unicellular yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe) as model systems, combining powerful genetic tools with innovative biochemical approaches. A major contribution has been the development of genome-wide in vitro reconstitution methods that allow precise dissection of remodeling mechanisms. His conceptual framework views remodelers as information processing hubs that integrate DNA sequence features and protein inputs to position nucleosomes. His recent publications demonstrate continued productivity with articles in Nature (2023), Nature Communications (2021), and Cell (2016), among others. His work spans fundamental chromatin mechanisms, method development for nucleosome mapping, and applications to gene regulation at model promoters like the yeast PHO system. Scientific recognition includes: APL Professorship at LMU Munich (2022) Habilitation with Venia legendi in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (2014) Editorial Board membership at Molecular and Cellular Biology (2014-2018) Associate junior group leader in BioSysNet (2012-2017) Member of EU Network of Excellence 'EpiGeneSys' (2011-2015) Prof. Korber maintains extensive collaborations with researchers across Germany and internationally, including groups at MPI Biophysical Chemistry, EMBL Heidelberg, Technical University of Munich, and Harvard Medical School. His laboratory currently includes at least two PhD students and benefits from the rich research environment of the SFB 1064 network with over 20 chromatin-focused research groups in Munich.

• RNA-Protein Complexes
• Gene Expression
• Noncoding RNAs
• +7 more

Joan Steitz is the Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale School of Medicine, where she has made groundbreaking contributions to RNA biology. She leads the Steitz Lab, which is affiliated with multiple Yale research centers including the Yale Cancer Center, Yale Stem Cell Center, and the Center for RNA Science and Medicine. Yale School of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry (Primary) Yale Cancer Center Yale Stem Cell Center Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) Center for RNA Science and Medicine Dr. Steitz earned her BS from Antioch College (1963) and PhD from Harvard University (1967), followed by postdoctoral work at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England. She joined Yale as an assistant professor and progressed to become a Sterling Professor, one of Yale's highest academic honors. Her research focuses on RNA-protein complexes, particularly small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) that play critical roles in pre-mRNA splicing. The lab investigates how these complexes recognize intron signals and assemble into functional spliceosomes. Recent work has explored stress-induced transcriptional readthrough, RNA stability mechanisms involving poly(A) tails, and the functions of viral noncoding RNAs from herpesviruses. Analysis of Dr. Steitz's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on RNA structure-function relationships, viral-host interactions, and the molecular mechanisms of RNA processing. Her work spans structural biology, virology, and molecular genetics, with applications to understanding human diseases including cancer. Warren Alpert Prize (2021) Wolf Prize in Medicine (2021) Watson Prize (2021) Medal Prize Lecture (2021) Honorary Doctor of Science (2021) Dr. Steitz actively mentors students and postdocs, with numerous trainees appearing as co-authors on her publications. Her lab maintains strong collaborations across Yale and with international researchers, as evidenced by her extensive publication record. She has also been a prominent advocate for gender diversity in STEM fields, co-authoring influential papers on improving representation of women in science. The Steitz Lab maintains active research programs in RNA structure, splicing mechanisms, viral noncoding RNAs, and stress responses, with ongoing projects examining how RNA-protein interactions govern gene expression in both normal and disease states.