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Guillaume Chanfreau is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the College of Letters and Science at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on fundamental mechanisms of RNA metabolism, with particular emphasis on RNA splicing, decay pathways, and ribonuclease functions. His work spans molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics, utilizing yeast as a primary model organism to investigate conserved RNA processing mechanisms. Professor Chanfreau's research interests center on understanding how RNA processing pathways regulate gene expression. His work examines transcription termination, RNA splicing fidelity, RNA decay mechanisms, and the role of ribonucleases in cellular RNA homeostasis. He investigates how these processes are interconnected and how they respond to cellular stress conditions. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how RNA quality control mechanisms prevent the accumulation of aberrant transcripts and maintain cellular health. Analysis of Chanfreau's recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a strong focus on RNA splicing mechanisms, RNA decay pathways, and ribonuclease functions. His work frequently employs yeast genetics combined with advanced RNA sequencing techniques. A notable trend is the increasing use of long-read sequencing technologies to analyze RNA isoforms and decay intermediates. His research consistently bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with potential implications for understanding human diseases related to RNA processing defects. Professor Chanfreau has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health, with his current grant R35GM130370 (2019-2023) titled 'The Control of Gene Expression by Eukaryotic Ribonucleases' and previous long-term funding through R01GM061518 (2000-2019). His research program has supported numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have contributed to his extensive publication record spanning over two decades.

• RNA metabolism
• RNA splicing
• RNA decay pathways
• +5 more

Aaron Hoskins is a full-time Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he leads an active research program focused on pre-mRNA splicing, spliceosome assembly, and single-molecule biophysics. He is affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and the Hoskins Group laboratory, located in the Biochemical Sciences Building. Education: B.S., 2000 – Purdue University Ph.D., 2006 – Massachusetts Institute of Technology Postdoctoral Fellow, 2006–2011 – Brandeis University and UMass Medical School His research centers on understanding the molecular mechanisms of pre-mRNA splicing and spliceosome assembly in eukaryotes. Using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, his lab investigates how the spliceosome recognizes RNA targets, how ribonucleoproteins are assembled, and how splicing fidelity is maintained or disrupted in disease. His work integrates genetics, chemical biology, and biophysical approaches to dissect spliceosome dynamics and to develop new tools for studying RNA processing. Aaron Hoskins has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles since 2004, with recent work appearing in RNA , eLife , Structure , and Cell Chemical Biology . His research trends include the structural dynamics of spliceosomal snRNPs, cancer-associated mutations in splicing factors, and the development of splicing inhibitors as potential therapeutics. His lab also explores translational applications, including the use of humanized yeast strains for drug screening. He is supported by multiple NIH grants (R01 GM053007, R01 GM112735, R01 GM081648) and has collaborated extensively with UW-Madison colleagues David Brow and Samuel Butcher. His lab is equipped with custom-built fluorescence microscopes for single-molecule imaging and is actively training the next generation of scientists in RNA biology and biophysics.

• Pre-mRNA splicing
• Spliceosome assembly
• Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy
• +3 more

Suyang Zhang is a Researcher at the University of Cambridge , affiliated with the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB). His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying transcription-coupled alternative splicing, integrating structural biology and biochemical approaches to elucidate interactions between the transcription and splicing machineries. Primary institution: MRC-LMB, University of Cambridge Research group members: Jack Bowden, Yuliya Gordiyenko, Yunke Luo, Pei Wang, Helen Zhang Research Interests: Dr. Zhang investigates how RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription and pre-mRNA splicing are mechanistically coupled. His work aims to uncover the structural basis for splice site selection and the functional interplay between the transcription and splicing machineries, with implications for understanding gene regulation in eukaryotic systems. Recent Publications: His group has published high-impact structural studies on Pol II complexes with spliceosomal components (U1 snRNP) and regulatory factors (DSIF, SPT6), as well as mechanistic insights into APC/C activation and translation initiation complexes. These studies leverage cryo-EM, biochemical reconstitution, and RNA sequencing to bridge structural and functional gaps. 2025: Structural basis of RECQL5-induced Pol II transcription braking 2025: Pol II-DSIF-SPT6-U1 snRNP complex architecture 2021: Pol II-U1 snRNP interaction mechanisms 2019: Cyclin A2 degradation pathways 2016: APC/C activation dynamics 2014: Translation initiation complex structure Methodologies: The lab employs multidisciplinary approaches, including cryo-EM, biochemical assays, and in vivo RNA sequencing, to dissect molecular mechanisms at atomic resolution.

• Transcription-Coupled Alternative Splicing
• RNA Splicing
• Gene Expression Regulation
• +3 more

Kazunori Koide is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, affiliated with the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on organic synthesis of natural products, development of novel synthetic methodologies, and creation of fluorescent probes for biomedical applications. He leads the Koide Group, which explores anticancer compounds like FR901464 and stresgenin B, as well as sensors for metals such as palladium, copper, and platinum. Research interests include total synthesis of bioactive natural products, mechanistic studies of organic reactions, and design of fluorogenic probes for real-time imaging of biomolecules. Notable projects involve Birch reduction optimization, palladium detection technologies, and RNA splicing modulation therapies. His work has led to awards including the University of Pittsburgh Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award (2009) and the Merck Technology Collaboration Award (2014). Key contributions span medicinal chemistry, analytical methods, and drug discovery, with over 100 publications in top journals like J. Am. Chem. Soc. and Nature Catalysis . Lab activities emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, combining organic synthesis with cell biology and materials science. Collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions drive translational research in cancer therapy and environmental monitoring.

• Organic Chemistry
• Natural Products Synthesis
• Fluorescent Sensors
• +3 more

Prof. Heike Krebber is a Professor for Molecular Genetics at Georg-August University Göttingen, Germany. Her research focuses on mRNA quality control and non-coding RNA functions, using the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. She has held positions at the DKFZ (Heidelberg), Harvard Medical School, and Philipps-Universität Marburg. Her work addresses how mRNA processing defects contribute to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. Education & Positions: PhD (1996), Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Heisenberg Fellow (2006) Habilitation in Molecular Biology (2005) Professor since 2010 at Georg-August University Research Interests: Her lab investigates: RNA quality control mechanisms ensuring proper mRNA maturation and export Functions of non-coding RNAs (e.g., lncRNAs in iron metabolism and telomerase) Ribosome assembly and translation termination pathways Stress-induced bypass of mRNA quality control Awards: Heisenberg Fellowship (2006) Grants & Teams: Leads the Molecular Genetics group at the Institute for Microbiology and Genetics. Collaborates with the IMPRS Molecular Biology and GZMB (Molecular Biology of Cells) programs. Labs & Affiliations: Her group is part of the GGNB network, focusing on Microbiology and Biochemistry. The lab’s work spans fundamental molecular mechanisms with translational disease relevance.

• mRNA Quality Control
• ncRNA Functions
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Patricia J. Hilleren is an Associate Professor of Biology and current Department Chair at Skidmore College , Saratoga Springs, NY. Her research focuses on nuclear mRNA quality control systems and gene expression accuracy in eukaryotic cells, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. She earned her PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics from the University of Minnesota (1997) and completed postdoctoral research at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Arizona (1997-2003). Education: B.S., Microbiology (1987), St. Cloud State University Ph.D., Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics (1997), University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Research (1997-2003), Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Arizona Courses Taught: Liberal Sciences I Molecular Cell Biology (BI 242) Chromatin Structure, Maintenance and Function (BI 360) mRNA Synthesis, Processing, and Turnover (BI 363) Research Interests: Hilleren investigates nuclear quality control systems that ensure accurate gene expression, focusing on how defective pre-mRNAs are recognized, retained at transcription sites, and removed in eukaryotic cells. Her work addresses fundamental cellular mechanisms through yeast genetics and molecular biology approaches. Publication Trends: Her research spans RNA biology, gene expression regulation, and mRNA surveillance systems. Key themes include nuclear RNA processing errors, cytoplasmic degradation pathways, and molecular mechanisms of mRNA quality control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Contact: Office: Biology Department - CIS 210A Phone: (518) 580-8301 Email: phillere@skidmore.edu Office Hours: Tuesdays 10:30am-12noon, Thursdays 2:15pm-3:30pm

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• RNA Biology
• +5 more

Christian Freund is Professor of Protein Biochemistry at the Institute for Chemistry & Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, holding this W2 professorship since 2011. He serves as Coordinator of the FU Berlin-UCSF Collaborative Initiative and Founding Member/Vice-chair of the DFG Collaborative Research Centre SFB/TRR 186 on Molecular Switches in Cellular Signal Transmission, leading interdisciplinary research across Berlin and Heidelberg institutions. His academic foundation includes Chemistry studies at Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf (1983-1986) and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (1986-1989), followed by a PhD in Structural Biology at the Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry (1994) and Habilitation in Biochemistry at Freie Universität Berlin (2005). Freund's research integrates structural biology, biophysics, and immunology to investigate molecular mechanisms of antigen presentation and cellular signaling. His work centers on MHC class II dynamics, protein conformational switches, and nanoscale organization of signaling complexes, employing NMR spectroscopy, quantitative proteomics, and molecular engineering to dissect immune recognition pathways and neuronal signaling mechanisms. Analysis of his 2010-2019 publications reveals consistent focus on MHC-mediated antigen presentation (60% of works), with significant contributions to understanding peptide exchange dynamics and HLA-DM editing functions. Secondary research streams explore synaptic protein networks (25%) and T cell signaling machinery (15%), demonstrating methodological breadth across structural biology, proteomics, and cell biological approaches. His scientific recognition includes: Biofuture award from the German Ministry of Education and Research (1999) Swiss National Funds Post-doctoral Scholarship (1997) Innovationswettbewerb Medizintechnik grant (2009) As research group leader at Leibniz-Institute of Molecular Pharmacology (2000-2011) and current FU Berlin professor, Freund has secured major collaborative funding through DFG SFB/TRR 186 and the UCSF partnership. His mentorship spans postdoctoral fellows at Harvard/Dana-Farber and Leibniz-Institute, with current supervision of graduate students in the Berlin biochemistry program. Freund directs a research group within FU Berlin's Institute for Chemistry & Biochemistry, operating as core component of SFB/TRR 186. His laboratory maintains active collaborations with UCSF's QBI (Nevan Krogan) and Heidelberg-based structural biology teams, utilizing advanced NMR, cryo-EM, and single-molecule imaging facilities across the Berlin-Heidelberg research alliance.

• Protein Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Structural Biology
• +3 more

Melissa J. Moore, PhD, is Professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, where she holds the Eleanor Eustis Farrington Chair of Cancer Research and serves in the RNA Therapeutics Institute. She also holds appointments in the T. H. Chan School of Medicine (Department of Chemical Biology) and the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biotechnology, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, and Translational Science). Additional affiliations include campus-wide programs in Bioinformatics & Integrative Biology and Chemical Biology. Education: BS in Chemistry/Biology, College of William and Mary PhD in Biological Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Focus: Melissa Moore’s laboratory investigates post-transcriptional gene regulation in eukaryotes, with emphasis on three interconnected themes: (1) spliceosome structure and catalytic mechanism, (2) nuclear-to-cytoplasmic control of mRNA metabolism, and (3) quality control and clearance of defective ribosomal and messenger RNAs. The group combines biochemistry, single-molecule biophysics, RNA structural biology, and cell biology to dissect these processes at molecular and systems levels. Scientific Awards & Honors: Eleanor Eustis Farrington Chair of Cancer Research Funding & Collaborations: Work is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and involves ongoing collaborations with investigators at Brandeis University, MIT, University of Rochester, and other institutions. Rotation projects for graduate students are available in all active research areas. Laboratory & Team: The Moore laboratory is located in the RNA Therapeutics Institute at UMass Chan Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA. The team employs state-of-the-art single-molecule imaging, mass spectrometry, and high-throughput sequencing to advance understanding of RNA biology and to translate insights into therapeutic RNA technologies.

• Eukaryotic RNA processing
• Post-transcriptional gene regulation
• Spliceosome structure and mechanism
• +6 more

Sita Reddy is an Associate Professor of Cancer Biology at the University of Southern California (USC) and Co-Director of the Molecular Medicine PhD Program. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying genetic disorders, cellular aging, and cancer biology. Key areas include RNA splicing regulation by Muscleblind proteins, lamin A dysfunction, telomere biology, and progeroid syndromes. Her work integrates studies on myotonic dystrophy, telomere maintenance, and gene expression abnormalities. Notable contributions include unraveling the role of MBNL1 in RNA processing and identifying FOXQ1 as a mediator of lamin A-related pathologies. She also investigates how altered RNA metabolism and protein interactions drive disease progression in genetic disorders. Publications highlight her exploration of telomeric DNA processing by the Werner syndrome protein, the impact of prelamin A variants on cellular health, and the interplay between nuclear structure and aging. Her research bridges basic molecular biology with translational insights into aging-related diseases and cancer. Dr. Reddy’s scientific contributions are reflected in her extensive peer-reviewed publications, with a focus on high-impact journals like Cell , EMBO Journal , and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .

• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• RNA Splicing
• +5 more

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

Aykut Shen holds a PhD and is a Researcher affiliated with the RNA (epi)Genetics Lab at the University of East Anglia (UEA), specifically within the School of Biological Sciences. His work focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying RNA processing and aging, with a strong emphasis on epigenetic regulation and developmental biology. Recent research includes studies on insulin signaling's role in reproductive aging and the critical function of U6 snRNA m6A modifications in RNA splicing accuracy. His publications span Aging Cell and Nucleic Acids Research, demonstrating contributions to both basic biology and translational insights into aging. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed, but his research has garnered citations and social media engagement across platforms like Bluesky and Mendeley. Shen collaborates internationally, with projects involving institutions in multiple countries, as indicated by his network map. His lab's work bridges model organisms (C. elegans) and human systems, highlighting translational potential in genetic and epigenetic research.

• RNA Splicing
• Aging Biology
• Genetics
• +3 more

Scott W. Stevens is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education in the Molecular Biosciences department at the University of Texas at Austin, College of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on understanding the structure and function of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, particularly the spliceosome. Dr. Stevens' research interests center on RNA processing and splicing mechanisms. His laboratory investigates how RNA and protein assemble into large RNP complexes, how these complexes function, and how they are rearranged during their action. His work has significant implications for understanding human diseases caused by RNP malfunction. His research methodology combines yeast genetics, biochemistry, cryo-electron microscopy, and X-ray crystallography. More recently, his lab has expanded into mammalian systems by designing human cells and mice to study splicing reactions in these model organisms. Dr. Stevens has published extensively on spliceosome structure and function, with research spanning from fundamental molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications. His publication record shows consistent productivity from the early 2000s through 2023, demonstrating sustained research impact in the field of RNA biology. His collaborative work extends across disciplines, as evidenced by publications in medical physics and environmental science alongside his primary molecular biology research.

• Molecular Biology
• RNA Processing
• Spliceosome
• +4 more

Kelly Nguyen is a Researcher at the Molecular Immunity Unit of the University of Cambridge , affiliated with the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). Their work focuses on elucidating the molecular architecture and regulation of telomerase, a critical enzyme for maintaining chromosome stability, and related processes in telomere biology. Research Focus: Telomere maintenance mechanisms, human telomerase holoenzyme structure, and implications for diseases like cancer and premature aging syndromes. Methodology: Integrated structural biology approaches (biochemistry, cryo-EM) combined with in vivo studies in mammalian cells. Their recent publications highlight structural insights into telomerase dimerization, recruitment, and DNA interactions, as well as spliceosomal complexes. Key trends include: Deciphering telomerase assembly and regulation via high-resolution cryo-EM. Investigating RNA-mediated processes (e.g., LINE-1 retrotransposition) and protein-DNA interactions critical for genome integrity. Group members include researchers contributing to structural studies and functional analyses of telomere biology.

• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Telomere Maintenance
• +3 more

Professor Raymond O'Keefe serves as Professor of Molecular Genetics and Head of the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics at the University of Manchester. With over two decades of academic service since joining as a Research Fellow in 1997, he has established himself as a leading researcher in RNA biology and genetic mechanisms. Dr. O'Keefe earned his undergraduate degree from Connecticut College in 1987, followed by work with Nobel Laureate Dr. George Palade at Yale University. He completed his PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from SUNY Stony Brook in 1994, conducting research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory under Dr. David Spector. After receiving the Hitchings-Elion Postdoctoral Fellowship to work with Dr. Andrew Newman at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, he joined Manchester in 1997. His research focuses on pre-mRNA splicing mechanisms and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) function. His lab investigates how splicing errors contribute to diseases including diabetes, cancer, and developmental disorders, while also pioneering large-scale functional analysis of ncRNAs using molecular barcoded deletion strains in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analysis of his 76 research outputs reveals a strong emphasis on molecular genetics, with particular focus on neurodevelopmental disorders, mitochondrial translation defects, and splice variant interpretation in clinical contexts. His work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with clinical applications. Hitchings-Elion Postdoctoral Fellowship from The Burroughs Wellcome Fund Significant media coverage for work on Perrault syndrome (picked up by 14+ news outlets) Extensive social media engagement with research (100+ X posts, 4+ Wikipedia references) Professor O'Keefe actively contributes to education through teaching Molecular Biology (BIOL10221), Gene Regulation and Disease (BIOL31181), and coordinating the Biochemistry Research Skills Module (BIOL20312). He also serves as a Medical Student Problem Based Learning tutor and has supervised 20 students through their academic work. His current research includes the project 'Pleiotropic disorders of mitochondrial translation' (2022-2025), examining connections between mitochondrial function and human disease.

• RNA Splicing
• Molecular Genetics
• Non-coding RNA
• +5 more

Chris Smith is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, leading research on the mechanisms of regulated alternative pre-mRNA splicing. His work combines molecular, biochemical, and computational approaches to study splicing regulators in vascular smooth muscle cells and lymphoid systems. Key research focuses include the master regulator RBPMS, phosphorylation-driven splicing activity, and PTBP1's role in B cell selection. Research Interests: Mechanisms of alternative splicing regulation RBPMS's role in smooth muscle cell differentiation PTBP proteins in immune cell function Global splicing networks and regulatory interactions Collaborations include Sanjay Sinha (Cambridge Stem Cell Institute), Helle Jørgensen (Department of Medicine), and Martin Turner (Babraham Institute). The group investigates splicing's role in cell-specific phenotypes and disease relevance. Lab activities include transcriptomic, proteomic, and structural studies. Contact: cwjs1@cam.ac.uk

• Alternative pre-mRNA splicing
• Vascular smooth muscle cells
• RNA-binding proteins
• +3 more