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Prof. Dr. Michael Sattler is a Full Professor of Biomolecular NMR at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Director of the Institute of Structural Biology at Helmholtz Zentrum München. He leads the Molecular Targets & Therapeutics Center and directs the Bavarian NMR Center. His research focuses on integrative structural biology, elucidating molecular mechanisms of biological pathways through advanced NMR techniques combined with cryo-EM, SAXS, and crystallography. Key areas include RNA regulation (alternative splicing, non-coding RNAs), disease mechanisms (e.g., spinal muscular atrophy), and structure-based drug discovery for cancer and infectious diseases. Education & Career PhD in Chemistry (1995) from Goethe University Frankfurt Postdoc at Abbott Laboratories (Chicago) and EMBL Heidelberg (Group Leader, 1997–2007) Full Professor at TUM since 2007 Director roles at Helmholtz Munich and Bavarian NMR Center since 2007 Research Highlights Prof. Sattler's work has revealed structural insights into RNA:protein interactions (e.g., SF1-RNA, U2AF), SMN Tudor domain recognition, and drug discovery strategies targeting Hsp90 and viral proteases. His lab pioneered integrative structural biology approaches and established high-end NMR facilities like the 1.2 GHz spectrometer. Awards & Recognition ERC Synergy Grant (2023) Leopoldina Membership (2017) EMBO Membership (2012) Erwin Schrödinger Prize (2020) Teaching & Leadership He teaches advanced courses in NMR spectroscopy, biochemistry, and structural biology at TUM. Leads EU Horizon-funded training networks (AEGIS, RNAct) and organizes international conferences on NMR and drug discovery.

• Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy
• Structural Biology
• RNA Regulation
• +7 more

Ville Paavilainen is a Research Director at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, and supervisor for doctoral programs in Biomedicine and Integrative Life Science. With a postdoctoral background at the University of California, San Francisco (2008–2014), he focuses on Biochemistry , Cell Biology , and Molecular Biology , particularly mechanisms of protein translocation, membrane biology, and structural modeling. His research includes groundbreaking work on Sec61 translocon inhibition for cancer therapy and mitochondrial gene expression noise . Recent publications address lipid scrambling pathways, glioma stem cell targeting, and actin regulation. Active projects span EU-funded drug discovery and NIH collaborations. Key scientific contributions include Elucidating Sec61-client interactions Developing computational models for signal peptide prediction Uncovering mitochondrial-ER communication mechanisms He has supervised PhD theses (e.g., Paul Carlson) and contributed to over 39 research outputs. His work bridges structural biology, computational modeling, and translational pharmacology, with applications in tumor biology and neurodegenerative disease research.

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +9 more

Maria Bohnert serves as Professor at the Institute of Cell Dynamics and Imaging within the Medical Faculty of the University of Münster, where she leads the Bohnert Lab focused on organelle communication and cellular lipid homeostasis. Appointed as Gerty Cori Group leader since September 2018, she actively supervises students through the CiM-IMPRS Graduate Programme and contributes to the Cells in Motion interdisciplinary research cluster. Her academic foundation includes: 2002-2007: Diplom in Molecular Medicine (Dipl.Mol.Med.) from University of Freiburg 2007-2011: Doctor rerum naturalium (Dr.rer.nat) from University of Freiburg 2012-2015: Postdoctoral research at University of Freiburg 2015-2018: Postdoctoral research at Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel Bohnert's research program centers on lipid droplet (LD) dynamics and inter-organelle communication, employing robotic high-throughput microscopy screening to identify molecular players in LD contact sites. Her lab investigates how specialized molecular machines physically link organelles to exchange material and information, with particular focus on LD dysfunction in obesity, diabetes, lipodystrophy, and neurological disorders. This work bridges fundamental cell biology with translational implications for metabolic diseases. Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2025) reveals consistent investigation of organelle contact sites across multiple model systems, with predominant emphasis on lipid droplet interactions with peroxisomes, mitochondria, and vacuoles. Key thematic threads include identification of tethering proteins like Pex3 and seipin partners, metabolic regulation of contact site dynamics, and conserved mechanisms from yeast to mammalian systems. Her work demonstrates increasing methodological sophistication through cryo-EM and live-cell imaging approaches. As supervisor in the CiM-IMPRS Graduate Programme, Bohnert mentors next-generation scientists within the Cells in Motion research environment. Her lab maintains active collaborations with the Multiscale Imaging Centre and participates in the University Hospital Münster's research infrastructure, operating from the Institute of Cell Dynamics and Imaging facility at Von-Esmarch Str. 56.

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Brooke Gardner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at UC Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on peroxisome biogenesis and homeostasis, particularly investigating how organelle dysfunction contributes to aging-related diseases. She leads the Gardner Lab, which employs biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics to study peroxisome regulation. Dr. Gardner holds a BA from Middlebury College, a PhD from UCSF, and completed postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley. She joined UCSB in 2019 and is affiliated with the Center for Aging and Longevity Studies (CALS). Education: PhD in Biochemistry, UC San Francisco (Walter Lab, 201X) BA in Biochemistry, Middlebury College Miller Fellow, UC Berkeley (Martin Lab) Research Interests: Peroxisome biogenesis and degeneration Role of Pex proteins in organelle formation Impact of peroxisomal dysfunction on aging and metabolic disorders Mechanisms of protein translocation across peroxisomal membranes Lab Members and Advising: Graduate students: Bashir Ali, Soham Chowdhury, Milagros Esmerode, Nikki Jacobsen, Connor Sheedy Undergraduates: David Boehm, Sambhav Jain, Alexei Miller Lab Manager: Julien Bacal Labs & Affiliations: Gardner Lab, UC Santa Barbara Center for Aging and Longevity Studies (CALS) Neuroscience Research Institute

• Peroxisome Biogenesis
• Cellular Adaptation
• Metabolic Disorders
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Meinecke is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Heidelberg University's Biochemistry Center (BZH), Medical Faculty. His research focuses on the molecular principles governing membrane morphology and the interplay between membrane proteins and organelle structures. He has held academic positions at the University Medical Center Göttingen and the European Neuroscience Institute. Education includes a Dr. rer. nat. from the University of Osnabrück (2007) and postdoctoral training at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK (2008–2012). His work combines biochemical, biophysical, and imaging techniques to study ion channels and mitochondrial membrane dynamics. Research interests include membrane protein function, mitochondrial cristae morphology, and the role of membrane curvature in cellular processes. His recent publications highlight advancements in understanding MICOS complex activity and Hrd1-mediated retrotranslocation. He leads a research group at the BZH, contributing to interdisciplinary projects in biomolecular structure and dynamics.

• Membrane Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• +3 more

Gregory Ducker is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Utah , specializing in cancer metabolism, cardiovascular disease, and lipidomics. His research integrates mass spectrometry with genetic engineering to quantify metabolic fluxes in vivo. Education : B.A. from Carleton College, Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley. Research interests include: Metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer and diabetes Role of mitochondrial pyruvate and serine metabolism in disease Chemical biology approaches to target metabolic vulnerabilities His recent publications focus on one-carbon metabolism , mitochondrial transporters (e.g., SLC7A5, MPC), and metabolic crosstalk between organs. While no explicit student lists or awards are mentioned, his lab emphasizes interdisciplinary science at the intersection of chemical biology and human disease.

• Cancer Metabolism
• Physiology
• Liver Cancer
• +4 more

Patricia Boya is a Full Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Fribourg, within the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Medicine. She is a leading researcher in autophagy, mitophagy, and lysosomal biology, with a focus on retinal and neurodegenerative diseases. Her research interests center on the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and mitophagy, particularly their roles in retinal health, aging, neurodegeneration, and cell death. She investigates how mitochondrial dynamics, lysosomal function, and autophagic flux contribute to diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, ALS, and Parkinson’s. Her work combines molecular biology, cell imaging, and preclinical models to uncover therapeutic targets. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on mitophagy regulation, neuroinflammation (especially via the cGAS/STING pathway), and the development of neuroprotective compounds. She has contributed to high-impact reviews and guidelines in autophagy research, and her work spans fundamental mechanisms to translational applications. She is actively involved in scientific leadership, including the "Women in Autophagy" initiative to promote gender equity in science and the "DRIVE" international PhD training program in autophagy. Dr. Boya has published over 150 articles in top journals including Nature , Nature Communications , Autophagy , and Cell Death & Disease . Her work is highly collaborative, involving interdisciplinary teams across Europe. She leads a research group focused on cellular recycling mechanisms and their implications for vision and aging, contributing significantly to the understanding of autophagy in health and disease.

• Autophagy
• Mitophagy
• Retinal Degeneration
• +7 more

Dr. Stefan Gaussmann serves as a Researcher within the Department of Biology at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Professorship for Biomolecular NMR. His work focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms of peroxisomal protein import through structural and biophysical approaches, with significant contributions to understanding PEX protein interactions and peroxisome biogenesis. His research spans Peroxisome Biology, Protein-Protein Interactions, and Structural Biology, leveraging NMR spectroscopy to investigate conformational dynamics of peroxins like PEX5, PEX13, and PEX14. Current interests include phase separation phenomena (e.g., SMNDC1 perturbation), glycosome biogenesis in trypanosomatid parasites, and development of novel tools for protein interaction analysis such as modular nanoparticle sensors and sortase-based ubiquitin engineering. Analysis of his 12 publications (2019-2025) reveals consistent emphasis on molecular recognition motifs in peroxisomal import machinery, with recent expansion into pharmacological targeting of phase-separated proteins and parasite-specific peroxin interactions. His work bridges fundamental structural biology with therapeutic applications for peroxisome-related disorders. As part of ETH Zurich's Biomolecular NMR group, Dr. Gaussmann contributes to a collaborative research environment focused on advanced biophysical characterization of biomolecular systems, utilizing facilities at the Hönggerberg campus.

• Peroxisome Biology
• Protein-Protein Interactions
• Structural Biology
• +5 more

John Aitchison is an Adjunct Professor affiliated with the Institute for Systems Biology and the Center for Infectious Disease Research in Seattle, Washington. He holds a Ph.D. from McMaster University and leads a research program in systems cell biology, focusing on the integration of molecular, genomic, and computational approaches to understand cellular complexity. Adjunct Professor, Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle Ph.D., McMaster University Dr. Aitchison’s research centers on systems cell biology, with key interests in nucleocytoplasmic transport, peroxisome biogenesis, and host-pathogen interactions. His lab employs functional genomics, proteomics, and computational modeling to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular organization and responses to environmental stimuli. He collaborates extensively with the Rachubinski and Wozniak laboratories at the University of Alberta. His recent publications reflect a strong focus on systems-level analyses of cellular processes, including gene regulation, chromatin dynamics, and immune responses to infection. Trends in his work include the development of integrative models to predict cellular behavior and the study of organelle dynamics in health and disease. CIHR Scholar AHFMR Scholar Dr. Aitchison has mentored numerous postdoctoral fellows and research scientists, including Fred Mast, Song Li, and Thurston Herricks. His lab has received support from various funding agencies, enabling large-scale proteomic and genomic studies. He also contributes to scientific discourse through editorial roles, as seen in his commentary on MBoC. His laboratory operates at the intersection of experimental and computational biology, developing and applying high-throughput technologies to address fundamental questions in cell biology and infectious disease.

• Systems Biology
• Cell Biology
• Systems Cell Biology
• +7 more

Zheng-Jiang Zhu is a Professor at the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, within the Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry (IRCBC) . Since 2013, he has led a research program focused on advanced mass-spectrometry technologies and their application to metabolomics, lipidomics, and systems biology. Education and Training PhD in Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2006–2011 BS in Chemistry, Nanjing University, 2002–2006 Post-doctoral Research Associate, Scripps Research Institute, 2011–2013 Research Interests Professor Zhu’s research integrates cutting-edge mass spectrometry , ion mobility spectrometry , and bioinformatics to address fundamental questions in metabolism , aging , and neurodegeneration . His group develops novel analytical workflows, software tools, and databases that enable high-throughput, high-coverage profiling of metabolites and lipids in complex biological systems. Specific areas of focus include: Stable-isotope tracing metabolomics for mapping metabolic fluxes across tissues Lipid transport and remodeling at subcellular resolution Machine-learning-assisted metabolite annotation and structural elucidation Biomarker discovery for early cancer diagnosis and aging interventions Scientific Output & Impact Over the past decade, Zhu has authored more than 78 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Nature Communications , Analytical Chemistry , Science Advances , and Nature Chemistry . His 2025 papers alone address tissue-specific fatty-acid biosynthesis, AI-driven metabolite annotation, organellar lipid trafficking, and the anti-aging role of citrulline in macrophages. These works collectively advance both technological frontiers and biological understanding, positioning his laboratory at the forefront of integrated multi-omics research. Software & Databases AllCCS2 – A curated atlas of collision cross-section values for small molecules Met4DX – A unified data-processing platform for multidimensional untargeted metabolomics LipidIMMS Analyzer – Integrative tools for ion-mobility-based lipidomics MetFlow – Interactive workflow for metabolomics data cleaning and differential analysis Collaborations & Funding Zhu’s research is supported by multiple national grants and extensive collaborations with clinicians and industry partners. His group routinely engages in peer review for over 20 high-impact journals, reflecting the community’s recognition of his expertise in analytical chemistry and systems biology.

• Mass Spectrometry
• Metabolomics
• Lipidomics
• +5 more

Jared Rutter is Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and an Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology at the University of Utah, where he is also an HHMI Investigator. His laboratory spans the Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology PhD programs, using yeast, Drosophila, mammalian cells, and mice to dissect metabolism and mitochondrial biology. Education B.S., Brigham Young University Ph.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Research Focus The Rutter group is driven by a central question: how does metabolism control cell fate? They pursue three interlocking themes: MIDAS platform — high-throughput mass spectrometry coupled to equilibrium dialysis for systematic discovery of allosteric metabolite-protein interactions. Mitochondrial Biology — multidisciplinary genetics, imaging, and biochemical approaches to reveal evolutionarily conserved proteins governing mitochondrial function and human disease. Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC) — a complex they discovered in 2012 that dictates pyruvate fate, thereby steering energy production, stemness, and cancer cell proliferation. Publication Trends Across >50 high-impact papers from 2009-2025, Rutter’s work defines how metabolites serve as signaling molecules, how mitochondrial transporters gate metabolic flux, and how rewiring these pathways can treat cancer, heart failure, and inherited metabolic disorders. His most recent studies integrate metabolomics with structural biology to map allosteric networks and exploit them therapeutically. Scientific Awards While specific honors are not enumerated in the source text, Rutter’s designation as an HHMI Investigator and Distinguished Professor signals sustained national and international recognition. Training & Collaboration The Rutter laboratory welcomes rotation students and fosters cross-disciplinary collaborations across the University of Utah Health Sciences campus and beyond. Prospective trainees are encouraged to contact Dr. Rutter directly or follow the lab website and Twitter @RutterLab .

• Metabolism
• Mitochondrial Biology
• Cell Signaling
• +6 more

Liron Boyman is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he maintains active research affiliations with the BioMET-Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology in Baltimore, MD. His academic journey includes: B.Sc. in Medical and Life Sciences from Tel Aviv University School of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Israel (2004) Ph.D. in Physiology and Pharmacology from Tel Aviv University School of Medicine, Israel (2010) Postdoctoral Fellowship at BioMET-Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland (2010-2015) Dr. Boyman's research centers on cardiac calcium signaling mechanisms, with groundbreaking contributions to understanding mitochondrial calcium dynamics in cardiac cells. He pioneered novel imaging technologies for high-resolution calcium measurements, including genetically targeted mitochondrial probes and oxygen microsensors for ischemia studies. His work bridges fundamental discoveries in excitation-contraction coupling with pathophysiological implications for heart failure and arrhythmias. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals expanding research frontiers beyond cardiac physiology into cancer metastasis mechanisms and organelle crosstalk. Key trends include calcium-dependent tumor dissemination via P2Y2 signaling, lysosomal calcium's role in arrhythmias, and mitochondrial-peroxisome interactions mediated by MARCH5. His work consistently integrates advanced imaging with molecular physiology across cardiac, metabolic, and oncological contexts. His scientific recognition includes: Ph.D. Stipend Award from Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Edelson Foundation (2004-2010) Katzir-Katchalsky Award for Student Travel Fellowships (2008) Shtacher Award for Research Excellence (2009) American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant (2014) Dr. Boyman has secured significant competitive funding as Principal Investigator on an AHA grant investigating mitochondrial calcium signaling in heart disease (2015-2019), and as collaborator on NIH-funded projects including sepsis research (2018-2021) and xenotransplantation studies (2020-2025). His laboratory maintains extensive collaborative networks for implementing novel imaging tools across multiple disease models. He operates within the BioMET-Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, leveraging its infrastructure for developing cutting-edge cellular imaging methodologies and investigating calcium dynamics in cardiac and non-cardiac systems.

• Cardiac Calcium Signaling
• Mitochondrial Calcium Dynamics
• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• +4 more

Dr. Renate Jansen is the Degree Programme Coordinator for BSc Biology at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen. Her research focuses on intracellular organelle biogenesis, protein targeting, and membrane dynamics in eukaryotic cells. Email: r.l.m.jansen@rug.nl Location: Cluster Biology — Cluster Support, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen, Room 5173.0257 Her work explores the molecular mechanisms of peroxisome and mitochondrial protein targeting, biogenesis pathways, and membrane protein functionality. Key contributions include studies on PEX14 overexpression effects, ABC transporter targeting signals, and comparative genomics of PEX proteins. Recent publications highlight her expertise in peroxisomal membrane protein targeting (2023), organelle cross-talk in human cells (2024), and foundational reviews on biogenesis factors like Pex3/Pex19 (2019, 2023). She collaborates with researchers on peroxisome-mitochondrion interactions and contributes to academic training in biology at the University of Groningen.

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Michael Francis Wangler is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine within the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular & Human Genetics . His research focuses on pediatric genetics and peroxisomal disorders , using Drosophila models and genomics to study Mendelian disease mechanisms. Co-Director of Model Organisms Screening Center (MOSC) for Undiagnosed Diseases Network Active in clinical genetics at Texas Children's Hospital Research interests include: Deciphering molecular pathogenesis of rare diseases Genomics and metabolomics in peroxisome biogenesis disorders Functional validation of de novo variants Model organism applications in clinical genetics Recent publications highlight work on: DDX39B , RBBP5 , and DNMT3A variant-associated syndromes Biomarker discovery in peroxisomal diseases Neurodevelopmental disorder mechanisms via Drosophila Laboratory: Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Room DNRI-1050, Houston, TX)

• Pediatric genetics
• Peroxisomal disorders
• Medical genetics
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Bianca Schrul leads the Group for Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Saarland University's Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS) in Homburg, Germany. Her research focuses on lipid droplet biogenesis, protein targeting to lipid droplets, and cross-organelle communication in lipid metabolism. Principal Investigator at Saarland University PhD/MSc/MD students under her supervision Lipid droplet research via biochemical and cell biological methods Research Interests: • Molecular mechanisms of lipid droplet protein targeting • Physicochemical membrane properties in organelle biogenesis • ER-to-lipid droplet communication • Pathological lipid metabolism in metabolic diseases Methodologies: • In vitro reconstitution experiments • CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi • Quantitative proteomics/lipidomics • Advanced fluorescence microscopy Publications Trends: Her 15 most recent articles (2010–2024) cover lipid droplet biogenesis, peroxisome-lipid droplet crosstalk, protein targeting dynamics, and implications in Alzheimer's disease and metabolic disorders like obesity/diabetes. Collaborations: Integrates with molecular dynamics simulations, microfluidics, and EPR spectroscopy experts for interdisciplinary research.

• Lipid Droplets
• Lipid Metabolism
• Cell Biology
• +4 more