Find Academic Supervisors

Waldemar KolanusView profile

Professor

• Molecular Immunology
• Cell Signaling
• Signal Transduction Pathways
• +4 more

Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788

Chiu Ping ChengView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +5 more

Chiu Ping Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota, USA, specializing in Molecular Biology and Plant-Microbe Interactions . With over two decades of research on Ralstonia solanacearum and its interactions with solanaceous crops, Dr. Cheng has pioneered studies on plant defense mechanisms against bacterial wilt, regulatory gene functions, and biocontrol agent applications. Current research: Plant-pathogen interactions Special techniques: Genomic screening, bacteriophage-derived proteins Key pathogens: Ralstonia solanacearum, Pectobacterium carotovorum His recent publications (2024) explore tomato cultivar resistance variation , NADPH oxidase-effector interactions , and phenylpropanoid metabolism in wild mungbean . Though no formal scientific awards are listed, his work has been featured in leading journals like Plant Cell & Environment and New Phytologist . Dr. Cheng operates from the Life Science Building R942 laboratory.

Tracey GlosterView profile

Researcher

• Structural Biology
• Enzymology
• CRISPR Mechanisms
• +3 more

Dr. Tracey Gloster is a researcher in the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews, focusing on the structure and function of carbohydrate processing enzymes and CRISPR-Cas systems. Her work contributes to understanding biological roles of carbohydrates in cellular processes and their malfunction in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. She leads projects such as 'Expanding the structural biology toolkit' funded by The Royal Society and has been a PI on Wellcome Trust grants. Research Interests: Carbohydrate processing enzymes (e.g., heparan sulfate degradation) CRISPR-Cas systems and anti-CRISPR proteins Cyclic nucleotide signaling and protein activation mechanisms Structural biology and enzymology Recent Publications Trends: Her articles emphasize CRISPR defense mechanisms, cyclic nucleotide regulation of nucleases, and bioinformatic tools for CAZyme analysis. Key topics include anti-CRISPR proteins, enzyme inhibition strategies, and structural insights into CRISPR effectors. Awards: 2012 Biochemical Society Early Career Research Award 2016 Election to Young Academy of Scotland 2013 L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women In Science Fellowship Grants & Activities: She has secured funding for structural biology projects and collaborates on advanced mass spectrometry tools. Active in organizing workshops (e.g., Scottish Structural Biology) and hosting academic visitors. Served as an external PhD examiner at the University of York. Labs/Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary research within the Institute of Engineering Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, focusing on structural biology and enzymology applications.

Volker LipkaView profile

Professor

• Plant Innate Immunity
• Molecular Biology
• Plant-Fungal Interactions
• +3 more

Prof. Volker Lipka is a Professor of Plant Cell Biology at the University of Göttingen, leading research on plant innate immunity mechanisms. His work focuses on molecular dissection of basal defense activation in Arabidopsis thaliana , plant defense against fungal pathogens, and fungal effector molecules. He combines genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry to study complex plant-pathogen interactions. Education and Career: Dr. rer.nat., Technical University Aachen (1999) Postdoctoral Fellow, Sainsbury Laboratory (1999-2000) Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (2000-2004) Independent Research Group Leader, University of Tübingen (2004-2007) Independent Research Group Leader, John Innes Centre (2007-2009) Professor at University of Göttingen since 2009 Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of plant immunity, pathogen entry control, effector molecule interference, and subcellular defense dynamics. His lab investigates chitin receptor signaling, mitochondrial roles in pathogen defense, and fungal-induced stress adaptations. Labs/Teams: Heads the Plant Cell Biology department within the Schwann-Schleiden Research Center, affiliated with the GGNB's Molecular Biology of Cells group and the International Research Training Group 2172 (PRoTECT).

Maria Chatzidaki-LivanisView profile

Academic

• Microbiology
• Human Gut Microbiota
• Bacteroides fragilis
• +7 more

Maria Chatzidaki-Livanis is an Instructor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio University, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. She previously held academic positions at Harvard Medical School, including Postdoctoral Research Associate (2006–2009) and Instructor in Medicine (2009–2018), following her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 2004. Research Interests: Her work centers on the molecular biology of the human gut symbiont Bacteroides fragilis , exploring its dual role as both a mutualistic bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen. She investigates mechanisms of bacterial symbiosis, pathogenesis, and competition, with a focus on secretion systems, antimicrobial proteins, glycan synthesis, and host-microbe signaling. Publication Trends: Her research, published in top journals such as Cell , PNAS , and MBio , reveals a consistent focus on microbial adaptation in the gut, particularly how Bacteroides species utilize molecular mimicry, protein modification, and interbacterial competition to colonize and persist in the intestinal environment. The integration of genetics, biochemistry, and microbiology underscores a systems-level approach to understanding gut microbiota dynamics. Academic Background: Ph.D., University of Florida, 2004 Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Florida, 2004–2006 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Harvard Medical School, 2006–2009 Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 2009–2018 Instructor, Ohio University, College of Arts and Sciences Advising and Grants: While no formal students or grants are listed in the provided text, her extensive collaborative research, particularly with Dr. Laurie E. Comstock, suggests mentorship and leadership in laboratory settings. Her long-standing research program implies grant support, though specific funding sources are not mentioned. Laboratories and Teams: Her research has been conducted within prominent microbiology labs, particularly at Harvard Medical School and now at Ohio University, focusing on bacterial genetics and host-microbe interactions. She is part of a broader scientific network studying the human microbiome and its implications for health and disease.

• Immunology
• Innate Immunity
• Inflammasome Signaling
• +4 more

Fiachra Emanuel Humphries , PhD, is an Assistant Professor at UMass Chan Medical School within the T.H. Chan School of Medicine and the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences . His primary affiliations include the Division of Innate Immunity and cross-appointment in multiple graduate programs. BS in Biotechnology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth PhD in Immunology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth Research Focus : Innate immune signaling pathways, particularly cGAS-STING axis , inflammasome regulation , and RNA-protein condensates in viral and inflammatory diseases. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with therapeutic development for COVID-19 and autoinflammatory syndromes . Recent Publications highlight discoveries in: Gasdermin D inactivation mechanisms STING oligomerization inhibitors Intestinal immune homeostasis regulation SARS-CoV-2 restriction strategies Networks include collaborations with Katherine Fitzgerald, Paul Thompson, and Scott Shaffer. Key research concepts span Inflammasomes , Interferon Type I , and Phosphate-Binding Proteins .

Jean-Marc GhigoView profile

Professor

• Biofilm Biology
• Bacterial Genetics
• Antibiotic Resistance
• +7 more

Prof. Jean-Marc Ghigo is a leading researcher at the Institut Pasteur , Paris, affiliated with the Department of Microbiology and head of the Genetics of Biofilms Laboratory . He leads multiple research projects focused on biofilm formation, physiology, and resistance mechanisms in pathogenic and commensal bacteria. Institution: Institut Pasteur School: Department of Microbiology Department: Genetics of Biofilms Laboratory Academic Rank: Professor Email: jmghigo@pasteur.fr His research focuses on biofilm biology , bacterial genetics , antibiotic resistance , and microbial physiology . He investigates how bacteria form biofilms on surfaces, adapt metabolically, and resist antimicrobials, with a particular emphasis on Escherichia coli and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron . His work includes studying anaerobic biofilms, volatile compounds, colonization resistance, and the development of genetic tools for biofilm research. The recent publications reveal a strong trend in understanding molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and resistance , including the role of efflux pumps, extracellular matrices, adhesins, and interspecies interactions. His studies span microbial physiology , structural biology , environmental microbiology , and host-microbe interactions , often using advanced techniques like liquid-cell electron microscopy and transcriptomic analysis. He has not been explicitly associated with any scientific awards in the provided text. Prof. Ghigo actively mentors students and postdoctoral researchers, including Yankel Chekli , Anne-Aurélie Lopes , Julie Le Bris , and others. His lab collaborates extensively within the Institut Pasteur and with external partners. He has developed widely used genetic tools and in vivo models for studying biofilms. His research is supported by institutional funding and collaborative grants, contributing to the development of novel strategies to combat biofilm-related infections. His laboratory includes specialized spaces such as a biofilm room , zebrafish room , cell culture room , and microscopy facilities , enabling multidisciplinary research on bacterial communities and host interactions.

Silke RobatzekView profile

Professor

• Plant Genetics
• Plant Immunology
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• +3 more

Silke Robatzek is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at LMU Munich's Faculty of Biology. Her research focuses on plant immune signaling mechanisms and their regulation of host-microbe interactions, particularly regarding pathogens like Xylella fastidiosa and Phytophthora infestans . Current member of Graduate School Life Science Munich Research themes: plant immune receptors, extracellular vesicles, microbial homeostasis, stomatal immunity, pathogen effectors Key methodologies: quantitative imaging, proteomic analyses, receptor trafficking studies Recent research trends show heavy emphasis on extracellular vesicles and their roles in plant-pathogen communication, receptor kinase signaling (e.g., QSK1, SOBIR1), and microbiome dynamics in disease resistance. Her work spans molecular mechanisms (S-acylation, phosphorylation) to ecological implications in sustainable agriculture. Contact: robatzek@biologie.uni-muenchen.de

• Molecular Mycology
• Mycoparasitism and Biocontrol
• Fungal Signaling Pathways
• +4 more

Susanne Zeilinger-Migsich is a Universitätsprofessorin (Full Professor) and Director of the Institute of Microbiology at the University of Innsbruck's Faculty of Biology. She leads the Molecular Mycology and Mycoparasitism research group, focusing on Trichoderma species as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. Her work integrates molecular genetics, chemical ecology, and systems biology to dissect fungal interactions. Her research centers on molecular mycology with emphasis on: Mechanisms of mycoparasitism and fungal biocontrol Signal transduction in Trichoderma during host interaction Secondary metabolite biosynthesis (particularly 6-pentyl-α-pyrone) Fungal volatile organic compound communication Nutrient regulation and stress response pathways Current work leverages CRISPR-Cas9, metabolomics, and live-cell imaging to visualize molecular interactions in real-time. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals strong thematic continuity in Trichoderma molecular mechanisms, with increasing methodological sophistication in genome editing (CRISPR), real-time VOC analysis (PTR-MS), and spatial metabolomics (MALDI imaging). Key research threads include TOR and MAPK signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation of mycoparasitism, and light-dependent metabolic reprogramming. Scientific recognition includes: Associate Editor for Frontiers in Fungal Biology Editorial Board Member for Biocontrol Science and Technology Editorial Board Member for Pathogens journal Leadership of the DK Bio-Interactions doctoral program Member of Faculty Council for Biology Her group actively mentors PhD students (including Baldin, Pierson, Flatschacher) who lead projects on CRISPR applications, antioxidant systems, and nanoparticle biosynthesis. Major funded projects include WWTF's 'BIOGEN: from genes to biocontrol' and FWF's 'TRICHO-TOR: TOR kinase signaling in Trichoderma atroviride', reflecting strong institutional support for her research program. Public engagement includes frequent media appearances in Der Standard, ORF, and Tiroler Tageszeitung discussing fungal applications in agriculture and biotechnology.

Arne RietschView profile

Associate Professor

• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Type III Secretion System
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• +5 more

Arne Rietsch, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He also serves as the Associate Director of the Medical Scientist Training Program at the School of Medicine. His research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, particularly studying how Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes disease through its type III secretion system. Dr. Rietsch's laboratory investigates three main aspects of the type III secretion system (T3SS): translocator protein secretion, the control mechanisms that prevent effector secretion prior to cell contact (involving PcrG/PcrV and the PopN complex), and the mechanism by which cell contact triggers effector secretion. His work has revealed that translocation of effector proteins can be feedback inhibited by the type III effector ExoS. His research spans bacterial pathogenesis, molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and bacterial secretion systems, with important implications for treating infections caused by this opportunistic pathogen. Dr. Rietsch's recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate continued research productivity across multiple areas including bacterial pathogenesis, immunology, and regenerative medicine. His work shows consistent focus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa mechanisms while expanding into related fields like STING pathway regulation and liver fibrosis. Small molecule induced STING degradation facilitated by the HECT ligase HERC4 (2024) The transcription factor ZNF469 regulates collagen production in liver fibrosis (2025) A biofilm-tropic Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophage uses the exopolysaccharide Psl as receptor (2025) NLRP3 selectively drives IL-1β secretion by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected neutrophils and regulates corneal disease severity (2023) PopB-PcrV Interactions Are Essential for Pore Formation in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System Translocon (2022) As Associate Director of the Medical Scientist Training Program, Dr. Rietsch plays a significant role in training the next generation of physician-scientists. His laboratory provides research opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in bacterial pathogenesis and molecular microbiology, with collaborations particularly strong with Dr. Eric Pearlman on ocular infections. The Rietsch lab combines genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to understand how P. aeruginosa interacts with host cells at the molecular level. Their work addresses important questions in infectious disease research with relevance to public health, particularly for immunocompromised patients, burn victims, and those with cystic fibrosis.

• Molecular plant pathology
• Proteomics
• Metabolomics
• +3 more

Associate Professor Kar-Chun Tan is affiliated with Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He leads the 'Septoria nodorum blotch biology' research program at the Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM). His work focuses on molecular plant pathology, proteomics, metabolomics, and genetic mapping of wheat to combat fungal pathogens. Key research areas include necrotrophic effector identification, transcription factor regulation of virulence, and wheat defensome mechanisms. Dr. Tan has received significant recognition, including a 2014 Eureka Prize finalist award for Sustainable Agriculture and a 2005 Western Australian Young Achiever Award semifinalist nomination. His research has led to advancements in understanding fungal pathogen interactions with wheat, including the role of transcription factors like PnPf2 in effector gene expression. His publications span proteomic analyses of oomycetes, transcriptional regulation in fungal pathogens, and genetic mapping of wheat resistance genes. Collaborative projects include studies on Septoria nodorum blotch dynamics, phosphite action mechanisms in oomycetes, and the role of accessory chromosomes in pathogen virulence. Tan's work bridges molecular biology and agricultural applications, aiming to enhance crop resilience against fungal diseases.

Caroline JunqueiraView profile

Researcher

• Immunology
• Malaria
• Parasitology
• +6 more

Caroline Junqueira is a Group Leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Switzerland, where she directs the Laboratory of Immunobiology . Her career spans institutions including Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA), University of Notre Dame (USA), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Brazil), and Harvard Medical School (USA), where she worked until 2023. She was awarded the best PhD thesis in Brazil (2012) for her work on a cancer vaccine using Trypanosoma cruzi as a vector and became an Affiliate Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2019) . Education: Master’s in Biochemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais PhD in Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais Her research focuses on immunobiology, particularly the cell biology of immune effector mechanisms in malaria, Chagas disease, and cancer immunotherapy. She explores CD8+ T cells, NK cells, inflammasome activation, and gasdermin proteins in parasitic and tumor immunity. Scientific Awards: Best PhD thesis in Brazil (2012) Affiliate Member, Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2019) She has published extensively on Trypanosoma cruzi-based vaccines , immune cell interactions with pathogens , and pyroptosis in disease . Her work bridges infectious disease immunology and cancer vaccine development , with recent studies on Malaria , Leishmania , and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Junqueira leads the Laboratory of Immunobiology at IRB, focusing on cellular mechanisms of immunity and translational applications for infectious and neoplastic diseases.

• Plant immunity
• Plant-pathogen interactions
• Synthetic biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Armin Djamei holds a professorship at the INRES Institute for Plant Pathology at the University of Bonn. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions, particularly studying phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes. His work integrates cell biology, genetics, and molecular approaches to understand disease mechanisms and develop crop protection strategies. A key focus is the interaction between smut fungi like Ustilago maydis and host plants such as maize, with an emphasis on effector proteins that manipulate plant immunity and hormone signaling pathways. Publications highlight breakthroughs in understanding how fungal effectors target TOPLESS corepressors to disrupt auxin and jasmonate/ethylene signaling, enabling pathogen colonization. His research also explores synthetic biology applications and the role of epigenetics in beneficial plant-microbe interactions. Djamei collaborates across disciplines within the University of Bonn's Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) on Life and Health, contributing to innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture and disease resistance engineering. Notable contributions include developing CRISPR-based methods to engineer smut resistance in maize and identifying novel genetic factors in host-pathogen systems. His work bridges fundamental research with applied agricultural solutions, emphasizing translational outcomes for crop protection.

• Glycobiology
• Chemical Biology
• Glycosylation
• +5 more

Jennifer Kohler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She leads the Kohler Lab, which focuses on developing chemical biology tools to study glycosylation in biological systems. Her research has significant implications for understanding fundamental biology, cancer metastasis, and infectious diseases. Dr. Kohler completed her undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Bryn Mawr College. She earned her Ph.D. in the Chemistry Department at Yale University, where she studied the kinetics of protein-DNA interactions under Prof. Alanna Schepartz. From 2000-2004, she was an American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Carolyn Bertozzi at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Kohler's research focuses on understanding the roles of glycoconjugates in biological systems. Her lab develops innovative chemical biology methods to address challenges in glycoscience, particularly through the creation of photocrosslinking sugar analogs that can be metabolically incorporated into cellular glycoconjugates. These tools enable the identification of transient glycan-mediated interactions that would otherwise be difficult to capture. Her work spans multiple areas including: Development of photocrosslinking reagents for sialic acid and GlcNAc Investigation of glycan-mediated host-pathogen interactions, particularly with cholera toxin Exploration of O-GlcNAc's role in nuclear transport Creation of methods to discover glycoprotein substrates of sialidases Understanding glycosylation in intestinal epithelial tissue Analysis of Dr. Kohler's recent publications (2021-2024) reveals a consistent focus on glycobiology with particular emphasis on sialic acid and O-GlcNAc modifications. Her work bridges chemical biology and disease mechanisms, with applications in infectious disease (particularly cholera), metabolism, and cancer. She frequently collaborates with other researchers worldwide and shares her innovative photocrosslinking reagents with the scientific community. Dr. Kohler was an American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellow during her time at UC Berkeley. While specific awards aren't detailed in the provided text, her sustained research program and numerous high-impact publications suggest recognition within her field. Dr. Kohler advises graduate students in the Biochemistry and Cell Regulation programs at UT Southwestern. Her research is supported by grants that enable her lab to develop and implement new tools for studying glycosylated molecules, with applications spanning fundamental biology, cancer metastasis, and infectious disease. She has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows who have contributed to her extensive publication record. The Kohler Lab is dedicated to advancing glycoscience through innovative chemical biology approaches. The lab actively develops and shares photocrosslinking sugar analogs that have been adopted by research groups worldwide. Current research focuses on understanding glycosylation in intestinal epithelial tissue and its implications for host-pathogen interactions. The lab maintains strong collaborations with other research groups both within UT Southwestern and internationally.

• Fish Immunology
• Virology
• Aquaculture Health
• +4 more

Jorunn B Jørgensen is a Professor at the Norwegian Fisheries College, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, specializing in fish immunology and vaccinology. Her research focuses on understanding immune responses in Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) against viral pathogens like Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV) and salmonid alphavirus (SAV). Research areas include B cell biology, Toll-like receptor signaling, and antiviral immune mechanisms Key projects: FISH & CRISPR, ViVaAct vaccine comparisons, ImmunDNA vaccine development Affiliated with Centre for Advanced Nanoscopy and Fish Immunology and Vaccinology research group Research Trends Current work utilizes transcriptomics and CRISPR-Cas technology to explore immune signaling pathways in salmonids. Publications show consistent focus on viral infection mechanisms, immune cell characterization, and vaccine adjuvant development. Scientific Recognition Recognized as invited speaker at multiple international conferences including: Frisk Fisk (2009) ISDCI Congress (2006) NRC FUGE Conference (2003) EAFP Conference (1999) Labs & Collaborations Works with multidisciplinary teams at UiT, including collaborations with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and international researchers. Leads investigations into: CRISPR applications in salmon immunology Comparative transcriptomics of viral infections Development of fish vaccine adjuvants