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Christine ChowView profile

Professor

• Nucleic Acid Chemistry
• Bioorganic Chemistry
• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• +6 more

Christine Chow is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on RNA modifications and their structural-functional relationships, utilizing bioorganic, bioinorganic, and biophysical methodologies. Education: A.B., Bowdoin College, 1987 M.A., Columbia University, 1988 Ph.D., Caltech, 1992 NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, M.I.T., 1992-94 Dr. Chow's work investigates site-specific RNA modifications, particularly pseudouridines in ribosomal RNA helix 69. Her group employs platinum complexes, fluorescence spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to probe RNA structure and develop novel antibiotics targeting drug-resistant pathogens. Recent publications highlight innovations in RNA probing techniques, metal-drug interactions, and structural characterization of RNA-ligand complexes. Her research is supported by NIH grants including 4DP7OD018427-04 and T32GM139807 , along with NSF funding CHE 1904754 . Current projects examine RNA dynamics, antibiotic-RNA interactions, and computational modeling of modified nucleobases. Scientific Awards: NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship Dr. Chow teaches advanced courses in bioorganic chemistry and biological chemistry laboratory work, contributing to graduate and undergraduate education. Her lab maintains a focus on RNA structural biology and translational applications for antimicrobial development.

Katalin KarikóView profile

Professor

• mRNA vaccines
• RNA-based therapeutics
• Nucleoside modifications
• +3 more

Katalin Karikó is a Hungarian-American biochemist and Professor at the University of Szeged , with a career spanning institutions like the University of Pennsylvania , Temple University , and BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals . Her groundbreaking work on nucleoside-modified mRNA revolutionized vaccine development, notably enabling the first mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 . She co-authored landmark studies on RNA immunogenicity, lipid nanoparticle delivery, and therapeutic applications.

Claus-Peter WitteView profile

Professor

• Central nucleotide metabolism
• Nucleotide catabolism
• Urea catabolism
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Claus-Peter Witte is a full Professor and Executive Director at the Institute of Plant Nutrition, Leibniz University Hannover, within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He leads research in molecular nutrition and plant biochemistry, focusing on nucleotide and nitrogen metabolism. He also serves on multiple academic committees, including the Faculty Council, Curriculum and Teaching Committee, and the Admissions Board for MSc Plant Biotechnology. Studied biotechnology at TU Braunschweig (1991–1997) Diploma thesis at University of Córdoba, Spain (1996–1997) PhD at Scottish Crop Research Institute, UK (1997–2001), supported by DAAD and Marie Curie scholarships Postdoctoral fellow at Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (2001–2004), EMBO fellow University Assistant at Free University of Berlin (2005–2009) Group leader of German-Chinese junior research group (2009–2014) Habilitation in Botany, Free University of Berlin (2012) Appointed W3 Professor at Leibniz University Hannover (2014) His research centers on central nucleotide metabolism, including purine and pyrimidine catabolism, urea and ureide degradation, and nucleoside salvage pathways in plants. He investigates metabolic analytics and the role of nucleotide metabolites in plant development and stress responses. His work integrates biochemistry, molecular biology, and metabolomics. Analysis of his recent publications (2021–2025) reveals a consistent focus on nucleotide metabolism in plants, particularly enzymes involved in purine and pyrimidine catabolism, nucleoside phosphorylation, and salvage pathways. His studies employ structural biology, metabolomics, and genetic approaches, often in Arabidopsis thaliana and crop plants, contributing to understanding metabolic regulation, genome stability, and plant nutrition. Prof. Witte has held prestigious fellowships, including DAAD, Marie Curie, and EMBO, reflecting his international research recognition. While no specific awards are listed, these fellowships underscore his scientific excellence. He advises students and collaborates widely, with frequent co-authorship with researchers such as Herde, Straube, and Medina-Escobar. He has contributed to methodological advances in nucleotide analysis and protein purification. His research is supported by institutional and likely external funding, though specific grants are not detailed. Prof. Witte leads the Institute of Plant Nutrition, overseeing research and education in plant nutrition and biochemistry. His team investigates metabolic pathways critical for plant growth, nutrient use efficiency, and stress adaptation, with potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology.

• Anti-cancer drug discovery
• Anti-tuberculosis drug discovery
• Medicinal chemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Federico Brucoli is a Senior Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry at the Leicester School of Pharmacy, within De Montfort University's Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. His research focuses on rational design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of small-molecule anticancer and antibacterial compounds, with a particular interest in natural product derivatives and bioassay-guided drug discovery. Pharm.D. from University of Palermo, Italy PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from UCL School of Pharmacy, London PGCertHE in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Dr. Brucoli's research spans two major areas: Anti-cancer drug development: Focus on synthetic analogues targeting specific protein/DNA interactions, including resveratrol derivatives and proximicin-based compounds Anti-tuberculosis drug discovery: Investigation of quinoline analogues targeting cytochrome bc1 complex Natural products: Isolation and mechanism-of-action studies of bioactive molecules from plant and marine sources Recent publications highlight his work in medicinal chemistry approaches to both cancer chemotherapy and tuberculosis treatment, with emphasis on structure-activity relationship studies and water-soluble drug modifications. His collaborations span multiple institutions including UCL, Royal Society of Chemistry, and Acid Fast Club. Maplethorpe Postdoctoral Fellowship at UCL School of Pharmacy Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PGCert TLHE 2016) Dr. Brucoli teaches medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and organic chemistry on the MPharm and Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Science programs. He has contributed to the development of bio-guided assays for drug discovery and maintains active research group affiliations with Chemistry for Health, Medicinal Chemistry, and Chemical Biology Interface divisions.

Xander WehrensView profile

Professor

• Cardiovascular Sciences
• Molecular mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias
• Heart failure
• +12 more

Xander Wehrens, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine with appointments in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and the Department of Medicine (Cardiology), along with secondary roles in Neuroscience, Pediatrics (Cardiology), and Space Medicine. He holds the Juanita P. Quigley Endowed Chair in Cardiology and serves as Director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute. He has been Associate Director of the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) since 2009. Dr. Wehrens earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from Maastricht University in the Netherlands in 2001 and 2002, respectively. His research is centered on the molecular basis of cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure, with a focus on intracellular calcium dynamics, ryanodine receptor (RyR2) regulation, junctophilin-2, and nucleoside-diphosphate kinase (NDPK) signaling. His lab develops novel therapeutics including small molecule inhibitors and gene therapy vectors for genome editing. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in investigating the molecular mechanisms of atrial fibrillation, particularly in post-operative and chronic kidney disease contexts, as well as inherited arrhythmias like CPVT. His work frequently employs transgenic mouse models, human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, and advanced molecular techniques to dissect calcium signaling and arrhythmogenesis. The integration of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing as a therapeutic strategy is a prominent theme in his most recent research. His scientific honors include membership in the American Society for Clinical Investigation (2015) and the Association of American Physicians (2022), as well as serving on the Awards Committee of the Heart Rhythm Society (2020). Dr. Wehrens has trained over 100 students and fellows and is deeply involved in graduate education, serving as course director for advanced cardiovascular pathophysiology courses. His lab is supported by multiple NIH/NHLBI R01 grants investigating RyR2 regulation, atrial fibrillation mechanisms, junctophilin-2 cleavage, and NDPK signaling. The lab fosters collaborations, including with Dr. Stephan Lehnart at the University of Goettingen, and utilizes advanced technologies like confocal microscopy and FRET sensors.

• Ovarian Cancer
• Chromosome Instability
• Cancer Cell Research
• +5 more

Louisa Nelson is a Researcher in the Division of Cancer Sciences within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at the University of Manchester. She is affiliated with the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, contributing to cancer research that aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being. Her research focuses on ovarian cancer, chromosome instability, and related molecular mechanisms. Key areas include SUMOylation pathways, DNA repair mechanisms, glycosidase function, and therapeutic resistance. She employs living biobanks, cancer cell models, and genomic approaches to understand disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. Nelson's publication record shows a strong focus on ovarian cancer therapeutics, particularly examining resistance mechanisms and novel treatment approaches. Her recent work (2021-2025) demonstrates increasing sophistication in modeling therapeutic resistance, with particular attention to DNA damage response pathways, chromosome instability as a biomarker, and combination therapies targeting multiple vulnerabilities in cancer cells. Her research has garnered significant attention, with her 2021 paper on ovarian cancer cell line stratification receiving 80 citations and 117 Mendeley readers, indicating substantial impact in the field. Nelson collaborates extensively within the University of Manchester and with external researchers, contributing to a robust network focused on advancing ovarian cancer research and therapeutic development.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Autoimmune Diseases
• +5 more

Dr. John Southern is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), where he conducts research at the intersection of organic, medicinal, and chemical biology. His work focuses on the synthesis of novel nucleobase analogs and small molecules with therapeutic potential for autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin Visiting Professor, Louvain-la-Neuve University, Belgium (2006) His research interests include medicinal chemistry, tRNA modification, autoimmune disease modulation, and synthetic methodology development. He has pioneered work on artificial nucleobase incorporation into tRNA, demonstrating disease remission in animal models of multiple sclerosis. His group designs bioactive heterocycles, including thiophenes, pyrrolidines, and piperidines, with applications in immunology and neuroscience. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward developing novel agents for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. These studies combine synthetic organic chemistry with biological evaluation, focusing on cytokine regulation (e.g., IL-6), tRNA modification enzymes, and neuroinflammatory pathways. The work bridges chemical synthesis and translational medicine, aiming to deliver new therapeutic strategies through nucleic acid and small molecule interventions. Scientific Awards and Honors: Visiting Professor, University of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium (Jan–Apr 2006) Dr. Southern has advised several graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed in the source material. His research has been supported by peer-reviewed grants, particularly in the areas of autoimmune disease therapeutics and nucleic acid chemistry, although grant details are not specified. He collaborates closely with researchers such as Prof. Stephen J. Connon and Prof. Vincent P. Kelly. While no dedicated laboratory name is mentioned, his research group operates within the School of Chemistry at TCD, contributing to the institution’s strengths in pharmaceutical and synthetic chemistry. The team employs techniques in organic synthesis, enzymology, and molecular biology to explore novel biochemical interventions.

John W TomshoView profile

Professor

• Infectious Disease Research
• Boronic Acid Chemistry
• Peptide Library Design
• +4 more

Dr. John W. Tomsho is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, focusing on the design and application of chemical and biological interventions for infectious diseases. His expertise spans tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and influenza research, utilizing boronic acid chemistry and peptide engineering. Education: BS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Postdoctoral Research in Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Dr. Tomsho’s research integrates organic synthesis with biological evaluation to develop agents targeting pathogenic organisms. Key areas include small molecule pharmaceuticals, peptide libraries for protein-protein interaction disruption, and natural product chemistry. His work also explores course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) to advance chemical education. Recent publications highlight innovations in boronic acid applications (2025), influenza protein characterization (2025), and mass spectrometry techniques (2024). His patented methods for benzoxaborole protection demonstrate practical chemical synthesis contributions. Professional Memberships: American Chemical Society (since 1997) Rho Chi - Academic Honor Society in Pharmacy (2005–2021) Sigma Xi - Scientific Research Society (2005–2022) Dr. Tomsho leads research groups developing novel antimicrobial agents and educational frameworks, combining medicinal chemistry with interdisciplinary biological approaches.

Vahe BandarianView profile

Professor

• Natural Product Biosynthesis
• Radical SAM Enzymology
• RNA Modification
• +3 more

Vahe Bandarian is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Utah, where he has been since 2015. He previously served as Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies (2019-2021) and is currently Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the College of Science. His research focuses on radical SAM enzymes and their roles in natural product biosynthesis and RNA modification. B.S., California State University-Los Angeles (1992) Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison (1998) NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan (2003-2009) Assistant/Associate Professor, University of Arizona (2009-2015) His work explores enzymatic transformations in bacterial gene clusters, particularly radical-mediated reactions in peptide-based natural products and tRNA hypermodification . By combining structural biology and biochemical assays, his lab uncovers novel mechanisms for drug discovery applications. Recent publications highlight his expertise in radical SAM chemistry, including studies on binuclear copper states , intermolecular electron transfer , and predictable peptide crosslinking . His funding includes continuous NIH support since 2015. Fellow, American Chemical Society (2023) Fellow, AAAS (2023) Fellow, ASBMB (2022) Distinguished Research Award, University of Utah (2021) Bandarian has served on multiple NIH review panels and editorial boards, including the Journal of Biological Chemistry (2013-2023). His leadership roles in academic service include co-chairing Gordon Conferences and mentoring junior faculty through ASBMB workshops.

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Drug Development
• +3 more

Matteo Incerti is a Researcher at the Department of Food and Drug Sciences, University of Parma. He specializes in pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, and drug development, with a focus on lipid metabolism, neuropharmacology, and sustainable synthesis methods. Teaches Drug Analysis II (since 2014) Coordinated research on glioblastoma inhibitors and IBD therapeutics Active in green chemistry and nucleoside-based antivirals His recent work includes: 2025: Investigating HDL function modification in hypercholesterolemia 2024: Developing epigenetic cancer therapies 2023: Exploring anti-inflammatory agents for colitis

Marcel HollensteinView profile

Researcher

• Bioorganic Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Synthetic Biology
• +13 more

Marcel Hollenstein is a permanent researcher and group leader of the Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids group at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, affiliated with the Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry. He leads multiple research projects focused on expanding the functional capabilities of nucleic acids through chemical modifications, with applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and synthetic biology. University: Institut Pasteur School: Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry Department: Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids Academic Rank: Researcher His research centers on the design and synthesis of chemically modified nucleoside triphosphates and their use in in vitro selection methods (e.g., SELEX) to generate functional nucleic acids such as aptamers and DNAzymes. These engineered molecules are tailored for enhanced stability, binding specificity, and catalytic activity, with applications in cancer detection, medical imaging, and photodynamic therapy. His lab also develops innovative chemoenzymatic methods, such as template-dependent DNA ligation, to overcome limitations in traditional oligonucleotide synthesis. The most recent publications highlight a strong trend toward enzymatic and sustainable synthesis of modified oligonucleotides, with increasing focus on therapeutic applications, biocatalysis, and the expansion of chemical diversity in nucleic acid libraries. His work bridges organic chemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology, contributing to both fundamental science and translational research. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Marcel Hollenstein supervises a multidisciplinary team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering research in nucleic acid engineering and synthetic biology. He has secured funding for projects such as the expansion of the genetic alphabet with metal base pairs and the development of therapeutic tools based on nucleic acids. His lab is equipped with advanced instrumentation including NMR, HPLC, DNA synthesizers, and bioanalyzers, enabling comprehensive chemical and biochemical analysis. Laboratories and Teams: The Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids group at Institut Pasteur includes researchers such as Nazarii Sabat, Pierre Nicolas Bizat, Alix Bouvier-Müller, and Fabienne Levi-Acobas, working collaboratively on projects involving modified nucleotides, enzymatic synthesis, and therapeutic applications.

• Proteomics
• Cancer Research
• ADP-ribosylation
• +4 more

Holda Awah Anagho-Mattanovich is a researcher at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. She works across both the Nielsen Group and Olsen Group, focusing on advanced proteomics research with particular expertise in ADP-ribosylation and DNA damage response mechanisms. Current Position: Researcher at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research Institution: University of Copenhagen Research Groups: Nielsen Group and Olsen Group Location: Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N Dr. Anagho-Mattanovich's research focuses on the intersection of proteomics, cancer biology, and DNA repair mechanisms. Her work primarily investigates ADP-ribosylation processes, particularly in the context of breast cancer with BRCA mutations. She employs multi-omics approaches to understand cellular responses to DNA damage and therapeutic interventions like PARP inhibitors. Her research has significant implications for understanding drug resistance mechanisms and developing novel cancer therapeutics targeting DNA repair pathways. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced proteomic techniques to characterize post-translational modifications, particularly ADP-ribosylation. Her work spans methodological development in mass spectrometry as well as application to cancer biology, with emphasis on breast cancer models. She frequently collaborates with multiple research groups across the Center for Protein Research, contributing to both technical methodology papers and disease-focused biological studies. Dr. Anagho-Mattanovich has established herself as a contributor to the field of proteomics with several high-impact publications in the past two years. Her collaborative approach is evident through her co-authorship on diverse projects spanning from methodological developments to cancer biology studies. Her research activities include active participation in multi-institutional collaborations focused on advancing proteomic methodologies and their application to cancer research. She works within the state-of-the-art facilities at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, which provides cutting-edge instrumentation for mass spectrometry-based proteomics research.

David ShermanView profile

Professor

• Gene Regulatory Networks
• Systems Biology
• Tuberculosis Pathogenesis
• +4 more

David Sherman is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine , with an Adjunct Professor appointment in Global Health. His research focuses on the molecular genetics, systems biology, and pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), while leading interdisciplinary efforts in drug discovery for TB and other mycobacterial infections. Key research areas include: Gene Regulatory Networks : Investigating how Mtb transcription factors coordinate gene expression during infection cycles. Drug Discovery : Developing novel antibiotics and drug combinations, including contributions to pretomanid (anti-TB agent) and elucidating rifampicin tolerance mechanisms. Systems Biology : Using computational models to predict bacterial fitness and drug synergy. Recent publications highlight innovations in: ODELAM technology for rapid drug resistance detection Machine learning approaches to TB fitness prediction Terpene nucleoside biosynthesis mechanisms Host-pathogen interactions in alveolar macrophages Notable achievements include defining the mutation behind BCG vaccine attenuation and pioneering systems biology frameworks for TB research. The Sherman Lab trains PhD students and postdoctoral scholars while collaborating with computational biologists, structural biologists, and chemists globally.

Sandra SchickView profile

Researcher

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Remodeling
• Genome Stability
• +7 more

Sandra Schick is a researcher at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) in Mainz, Germany, with leadership roles since 2020. She holds a PhD in Molecular Biology (2016) and a Master's in Biomedicine from Johannes Gutenberg University. Her research focuses on chromatin regulation through BAF complexes, including their role in epigenetics , genome stability , and disease mechanisms . She employs genomics , proteomics , and CRISPR/Cas9 in mouse and human models. Scientific awards include the Life Science Research Award (2019) and scholarships from the Bayer Foundation (2009) and Keystone Meeting (2018). Her recent publications investigate chromatin remodeling in cancer and aging.

Sidney BeckerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular Evolution
• Origin of Life
• Prebiotic Chemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Sidney Becker serves as a Max Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund, Germany, heading the "Principles of Molecular Evolution" research group since 2021. His work bridges fundamental molecular evolution studies with applications in diagnostics and therapeutics, addressing challenges like antibiotic resistance and cancer through evolutionary principles. Education: 2013-2018: Doctoral studies in Organic Chemistry at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich under Prof. Dr. Thomas Carell 2011-2013: Master of Science in Organic Chemistry & Corporate Finance at University of Zurich, Switzerland (Thesis: "Bacterial RNase P as a possible drug target for peptidomimetic compounds") Research Focus: Becker's work centers on prebiotic chemistry and the RNA world hypothesis , investigating how molecular evolution shaped life's origins. His group pioneers pathways for nucleotide synthesis under early Earth conditions while exploring modern epigenetic DNA modifications . This dual focus connects primordial chemical processes to contemporary disease mechanisms, emphasizing experimental validation of evolutionary principles through synthetic chemistry and molecular biology. Publication Analysis: His 15 most recent publications (2016-2023) reveal three dominant threads: (1) Prebiotic nucleotide synthesis (60% of papers), featuring breakthroughs in unified pyrimidine/purine pathways and alternative genetic polymers; (2) Epigenetic DNA modifications (25%), examining carboxycytosine chemistry and sequencing technologies; (3) Interdisciplinary origin-of-life frameworks (15%), synthesizing chemical, biological, and philosophical perspectives. These works consistently appear in high-impact journals like Science and Nature Communications , demonstrating methodological innovation in wet-dry cycle simulations and photoredox catalysis. Honors: 2021: Max Planck Research Group Leader (free-floater program) 2021: NRW Postdoc Return Program 2020: Marie Curie Individual Fellowship 2017: Center for Nanoscience Travel Award (Munich) 2016: Orchem Poster Award Research Leadership: Becker directs independent investigations funded by competitive grants including the Max Planck Society's free-floater program and Marie Curie Fellowship. His group develops molecular tools for evolutionary studies while mentoring early-career researchers in chemical biology techniques. Current projects focus on harnessing evolutionary mechanisms for therapeutic applications, particularly in antibiotic resistance and cancer evolution. Research Group: The "Principles of Molecular Evolution" team employs interdisciplinary approaches combining prebiotic chemistry simulations, nucleic acid engineering, and disease modeling. Located at the Dortmund campus, the group maintains collaborations with Cambridge University (Balasubramanian lab) and LMU Munich (Carell lab), operating specialized facilities for nucleotide synthesis and epigenetic analysis.