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Qing DengView profile

Professor

• Neutrophil biology
• MicroRNA
• Cell migration
• +3 more

Qing Deng is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University, affiliated with the College of Science. His research focuses on neutrophil biology, immune engineering, and epigenetic mechanisms in cancer and inflammatory diseases. The Deng Lab uses zebrafish models to study neutrophil migration and activation, translating findings into human health applications such as therapies for chronic inflammation and cancer. Collaborations with the Bao lab involve developing stem-cell-derived neutrophil products for adoptive transfer therapy targeting solid tumors. Education and career details are not explicitly provided in texts, but his extensive publication record indicates deep expertise in molecular biology and oncology. His lab emphasizes translational research, bridging basic science with clinical applications. The lab’s work spans protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as a therapeutic target, radiation-induced neuroendocrine differentiation, and lipid metabolism regulation. Research interests prominently feature PRMT5’s role in cancer progression, epigenetic regulation, and immune responses. Recent articles highlight advancements in radiosensitization strategies, drug discovery for neuroendocrine differentiation, and SARS-CoV-2 genomic analysis. These studies underscore a focus on mechanistic insights and therapeutic development. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but his active grant-funded research and collaborations suggest significant contributions to the field. The lab actively engages in training researchers and mentoring graduate students/postdocs, though specific names are not listed here. The Deng Lab maintains an active presence with a dedicated website and collaborates across disciplines to advance immune engineering and cancer therapy.

Laura ButtittaView profile

Professor

• Cell Cycle Regulation
• Developmental Biology
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Laura Buttitta is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on understanding how cells exit the cell cycle to enter quiescence (G₀ phase), particularly in differentiated and stem cells, using Drosophila and mammalian models. She joined the department in 2011 after completing her PhD at Johns Hopkins University (2004) and postdoctoral work at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center under Dr. Bruce Edgar. Her lab investigates mechanisms controlling cell cycle arrest and reactivation during development and disease, with applications to cancer and tissue regeneration. Key areas include cell cycle regulation in quiescent states, chromatin remodeling during differentiation, and the role of miRNAs like miR-8 in cell survival and epithelial organization. Current research emphasizes the molecular pathways linking cell cycle exit to cellular functions, including how quiescent states vary in reversibility. Her work bridges developmental biology and oncology, with findings published in top-tier journals and supported by grants from NIH and other agencies. Contact: buttitta@umich.edu , Office: 5218 Biological Sciences Building

Alison AllanView profile

Professor

• Cancer Metastasis
• Translational Research
• Breast Cancer
• +6 more

Dr. Alison Allan is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University. She holds joint appointments in Oncology and is the Director of the Breast Cancer Canada Translational Research Unit. Her research focuses on cancer metastasis mechanisms, particularly in breast and prostate cancers, with emphasis on circulating tumor cells, cancer stem cells, and therapeutic strategies. Dr. Allan leads studies in preclinical models and clinical trials assessing biomarkers for metastasis monitoring. She is also the Basic Science Co-Lead of Western’s Centre for Translational Cancer Research and collaborates on projects involving radiation therapy and oligometastasis treatments. She received her PhD and B.Sc. from the University of Guelph. Key research areas include: 1) Understanding metastatic microenvironments and cancer stem cell biology; 2) Developing blood-based biomarkers for disease progression; 3) Investigating radiosensitization mechanisms in breast cancer. Her work bridges basic science and clinical application, aiming to improve metastasis-targeted therapies. Dr. Allan has led numerous studies including the SABR-COMET-10 clinical trial for oligometastatic disease treatment. She is actively involved in oncology education, advocating for patient-centered approaches in medical training. Her lab is part of the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre at LHSC, with funding from various grants. Collaborations span institutions like Robarts Research Institute and the London Regional Cancer Program. Future work emphasizes translational applications of circulating tumor cell analysis and centrosome-related cancer mechanisms.

Nazim AliView profile

Lecturer

• Cell Biology
• Cancer Research
• Medical Education
• +3 more

Dr. Nazim Ali is a Lecturer in Bioscience at Keele University's School of Medicine, specializing in Medical Education and Cell Biology. He teaches on the Phase 1 MBChB programme, leads the Health and Disease Unit, and co-leads the Professional Development Programme. His research focuses on enhancing collaborative learning and developing critical thinking skills in medical education, alongside molecular studies in prostate cancer and cell signaling pathways. BSc (Hons) in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Aberdeen (2003) PhD in Molecular Biology, University of York Dr. Ali's educational research emphasizes interactive and innovative learning methods, particularly in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) frameworks. His biomedical research investigates the role of ADAM proteases and transmembrane proteins in prostate cancer progression, including oxidative stress regulation and enzyme-mediated signaling processes. His publications span both educational research and cell biology, with recent work focusing on PBL curriculum redesign and critical thinking tool development. Earlier studies address protease mechanisms in cancer biomarker shedding and endosomal sorting pathways. No scientific awards explicitly listed in the provided text.

Izabela PodgorskiView profile

Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Bone Metastasis
• Lipid Metabolism
• +3 more

Izabela Podgorski is Professor of Pharmacology and Co-leader of the Prostate Cancer Research Team at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Her office is located at 540 East Canfield, 6312 Scott Hall, Detroit, MI 48201, and she can be reached at 313-577-0514 (office) or 313-577-0941 (lab). Her laboratory investigates bone marrow microenvironments supporting metastatic cancers, focusing on lipid-mediated tumor-adipocyte interactions that promote chemoresistance in prostate, breast, and kidney cancers. Research employs 3D cultures, PDX models, and multi-omics approaches. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on metabolic reprogramming in metastasis, particularly lipid-induced ER stress pathways. Recent work highlights racial disparities in metastatic progression and therapeutic vulnerabilities in bone-homing malignancies.

Melissa Runge-MorrisView profile

Professor

• Drug Metabolism
• Sulfotransferase Enzymes
• Cancer Biology
• +1 more

Dr. Melissa Runge-Morris is a Professor of Pharmacology and Director of the Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (IEHS) at Wayne State University. Her research investigates sulfotransferase enzymes regulating drug/xenobiotic metabolism and their roles in cancer development. Key focuses include transcriptional control of sulfotransferase genes in liver/intestine, developmental expression patterns, and implications for hormone-responsive cancers (e.g., breast/prostate). Her lab employs molecular, biochemical, and cell-based models (e.g., LS180 colorectal cells, primary hepatocytes) to study enzyme regulation by nuclear receptors (PPARγ, VDR). Recent publications explore sulfotransferase ontogeny, environmental estrogen detoxification, and bile acid conjugation. Scientific Awards: Director, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (IEHS) Research Trends: Analysis of her 15 most recent articles reveals sustained focus on sulfotransferase isoform regulation (SULT1C/2A families), developmental toxicology, and enzyme roles in chemical carcinogenesis. Techniques include transcript variant characterization, promoter analysis, and metabolic profiling.

Changmeng CaiView profile

Associate Professor

• Prostate Cancer Biology
• Androgen Receptor Signaling
• Epigenetic Regulation
• +3 more

Changmeng Cai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Boston. His research focuses on prostate cancer biology, particularly the role of the androgen receptor (AR) and epigenetic mechanisms driving tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. He has received continuous funding from the NIH/NCI and Department of Defense, with over 60 publications in high-impact journals. Research interests include understanding AR splice variants, epigenetic regulation by proteins like LSD1 and EHMT1, and developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting castration-resistant prostate cancer. His work integrates molecular biology, preclinical models, and translational research to address aggressive cancer phenotypes. Recent studies highlight exercise-mediated tumor suppression mechanisms, mitochondrial dynamics in prostate cancer, and transcriptional reprogramming driven by FOXA2/AP-1 networks. His team’s findings on LSD1 inhibition disrupting oncogenic transcriptional programs provide new avenues for drug development. Funding and collaborations have enabled the training of graduate students who pursue postdoctoral research at leading institutions. Ongoing projects investigate the interplay between metabolic pathways, epigenetic modifiers, and AR-driven metastasis, with a focus on precision medicine approaches.

Kourosh ZarringhalamView profile

Associate Professor

• Mathematical Biology
• Applied Mathematics
• Genomics
• +5 more

Kourosh Zarringhalam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston), within the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM). He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of New Hampshire and serves as the Graduate Program Director for the Computer Science (CSCI) program at UMass Boston. His research focuses on mathematical biology, applied mathematics methods (including analysis, dynamics, and signal processing), and interdisciplinary applications in genomics and medical imaging. Professional interests include modeling biological systems, developing computational tools for genomic analysis, and applying machine learning to medical imaging challenges. His work bridges mathematics with life sciences, addressing problems in cancer biology, parasitology, and systems biology. Recent research trends emphasize AI-driven analysis of medical imaging data (e.g., electron micrographs for chemotherapy impact assessment), single-cell transcriptomics of parasitic organisms (Babesia, Toxoplasma), and molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance in cancers like prostate and breast cancer. His publications span computational biology, genomics, and mathematical modeling, with a focus on translational applications. Zarringhalam has contributed to identifying essential genes in malaria parasites, analyzing tumor subpopulations in BRCA1 mutant models, and developing Bayesian models for transcription factor activity inference. His work on androgen receptor splice variants in prostate cancer highlights translational potential for precision oncology. He has no explicitly mentioned awards, but his research has been supported by grants addressing computational biology and disease modeling. As a faculty member, he mentors students in applied mathematics, computational biology, and interdisciplinary research areas.

• Molecular Endocrinology
• Steroid Hormone Receptor Signaling
• Molecular Chaperone Proteins
• +7 more

Marc Cox is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), with additional affiliations in Biological Sciences and the Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC). As a molecular endocrinologist, his research focuses on steroid hormone receptor signaling pathways regulated by chaperone proteins, particularly FKBP51 and FKBP52 immunophilins. Develops selective FKBP inhibitors for hormone-related diseases Expert in yeast genetics and high-throughput drug screening Investigates molecular mechanisms of receptor folding and hormone binding His recent work explores FKBP52 targeting in prostate and breast cancer therapies, revealing novel insights into Hsp90-cochaperone interactions. Collaborations with TTUHSC El Paso and national institutions have expanded impact in cancer detection and biomedical training programs. Lead investigator on multiple NIH-funded projects Speaker at international symposia on stress responses Recipient of National Academy of Inventors recognition While his publications span from 2002–2025, key trends focus on cancer signaling, stress response proteins, and translational drug development. Current efforts include creating chemical tools for Hsp70 interactome studies and optimizing anti-cancer molecules like MJC13.

Ming-Ying LeungView profile

Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Structural Bioinformatics
• +7 more

Ming-Ying Leung is a Professor in Mathematical Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and Director of the Bioinformatics and Computational Science Programs. Her career spans structural bioinformatics, RNA sequence analysis, and mathematical modeling of biomolecules. PhD in Mathematics, Stanford University (1989) MS in Computer Science, Stanford University (1988) Her research focuses on probabilistic modeling and statistical bioinformatics , particularly Markov models and scan statistics for DNA sequence analysis. She develops algorithms to predict RNA secondary structures and functional genomic sites, with applications in agricultural science and biomedical research . Recently, her work has expanded to cancer genomics , studying single nucleotide variants in leukemia and prostate cancer, and GPCR ligand binding mechanisms across families. Dr. Leung's funded projects include NSF , NIH , and USDA grants for genomic studies. She leads initiatives like Bioinformatics Education for Agricultural Science (BEAS) , Bioinformatics Computing Laboratory (BCL) , and Undergraduate Participation in Bioinformatics Training (UPBiT) , emphasizing student research involvement. Student Choice Award for Outstanding Teaching (2017) Two Outstanding Performance Awards in Extramural Funding (2015, 2008) Professor Y.C. Wong Visiting Lectureship at University of Hong Kong (2004) Andrew Mellon Foundation Research Award (1986) She mentors students through doctoral and graduate research courses, including Mathematical & Computational Modeling and Stochastic Processes . Her lab maintains tools like RNAVLab , ISOGlyP , and GPCR-PEnDB , advancing computational methods for genomic and structural analysis.

Evangelia TsianiView profile

Professor

• Cell Signaling
• Insulin Resistance
• Metabolism
• +5 more

Evangelia (Litsa) Tsiani is a Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Brock University's Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. Her research focuses on understanding glucose homeostasis, intracellular signaling pathways, and their role in insulin resistance/diabetes, alongside cancer biology and plant-derived chemical interventions. She investigates natural compounds like resveratrol, carnosic acid, and rosemary extracts to target metabolic and oncogenic pathways. Professional affiliations include the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and the Hellenic Canadian Academic Association. Her teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses such as Principles of Human Physiology , Human Endocrinology , and Cell Signaling Pathways in Health and Disease . Research trends in her articles emphasize plant-derived chemicals' potential against diabetes and cancer, leveraging mechanisms like AMPK activation and mTOR inhibition. Media coverage highlights her work on red wine compounds against lung cancer and functional food applications. No scientific awards are listed, but her extensive publication record reflects sustained research activity. She collaborates with colleagues across disciplines, contributing to Brock University's health science research initiatives.

Jun WanView profile

Associate Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Systems Biology
• +6 more

Dr. Jun Wan is an Associate Professor of Medical & Molecular Genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine and holds an Adjunct Associate Professor position at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. He directs the Collaborative Core for Cancer Bioinformatics (C3B), shared between the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and Purdue University's cancer research center. His research focuses on bioinformatics and computational systems biology, particularly gene regulatory networks involving epigenetics, transcription, and translation. Dr. Wan has authored over 120 peer-reviewed publications and secured grants from NIH, DoD, and other institutions. Education: Bachelor's in Physics, Shanghai Jiaotong University Master's in Physics, Fudan University PhD in Physics, Queen’s University Postdoctoral training in Bioinformatics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Research Interests: Gene regulatory networks, epigenetic mechanisms, computational systems biology, and integrative '-omics' data analysis. Key Collaborations: Over 100 interdisciplinary research groups across universities and institutes. His work bridges physics and biology, applying data mining and deep learning to decode genetic/epigenetic codes and identify master regulators in disease contexts. Notable achievements include developing the GESS database for SARS-CoV-2 sequences and discovering critical roles of epigenetic elements in cancer and stem cell biology.

John KopchickView profile

Professor

• Molecular Endocrinology
• Growth Hormone Research
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

John Kopchick is a Goll-Ohio Eminent Scholar and Professor of Molecular Biology at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University. His research focuses on growth hormone (GH) signaling, aging, diabetes, cancer, and drug design. He leads the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging, and his work has led to FDA-approved drug Somavert (Pegvisomant) for acromegaly, generating royalties supporting university research programs. Education: BS (1972), MS (1975) in Biology/Chemistry from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; PhD in Biomedical Sciences (1980) from University of Texas; Postdoc at Roche Institute of Molecular Biology (1982). Research interests include GH receptor antagonists, transgenic mice models, and GH's role in longevity and cancer. Major findings include GH's impact on adipose tissue, metabolic diseases, and tumor progression. Awards include the 2019 Endocrine Society Laureate Award and 2011 British Endocrine Society Transatlantic Award. Advising: Supervised 33 PhD, 4 DO/PhD, 14 MS students, 45 postdocs, and over 300 undergraduates. Active in editorial roles for journals like Endocrinology and Molecular Endocrinology . Leads a lab investigating GH's effects on aging, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Labs/Teams: Principal Investigator of research groups studying GH signaling pathways, drug development, and translational medicine. Collaborates on projects involving GH receptor antagonists for cancer therapy and aging interventions.

Jundong LiuView profile

Associate Professor

• Machine Learning
• Deep Learning
• Reinforcement Learning
• +7 more

Jundong Liu is an Associate Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at Ohio University's Russ College of Engineering and Technology, with an affiliation to the Biomedical Engineering program. He directs the Learning & Intelligent Systems Lab (LiSL) and focuses on machine learning, deep learning, neuromorphic computing, and their applications in medical imaging, speech processing, and autonomous systems. Education: Ph.D., Computer Information Science and Engineering, University of Florida M.S., Computer Science, Peking University B.S., Computer Science, Wuhan University Research Interests: Machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning Medical image analysis (brain tumor segmentation, Alzheimer’s disease modeling) Computer vision (neuroimaging analysis, radar signal processing) Neuromorphic computing and spiking neural networks Key Contributions: Developed segmentation-assisted image registration methods for neuroimaging Advanced spiking neural networks for low-power computing Contributed to biotesting using plasmonic nanoparticles Labs/Teams: Leads the Learning & Intelligent Systems Lab (LiSL), collaborating on AI-driven solutions for medical, autonomous systems, and signal processing challenges.

• Cell Adhesion Biology
• Tumor Metastasis
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Keith R. Johnson, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Oral Biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Dentistry. His research focuses on cadherin and catenin regulation in tumorigenesis, particularly in oral squamous cell carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. He has held continuous NIH funding since 1994, including grants exploring cadherin roles in tumor metastasis and cell signaling. Education includes a BA and BEd from the University of Minnesota, followed by a PhD in Cell Biology from the same institution. His laboratory investigates mechanisms by which N-cadherin expression disrupts E-cadherin function, leading to invasive cancer phenotypes. Key projects include studying collagen-I-driven N-cadherin upregulation and the role of cadherins in gap junction assembly. He has authored over 80 peer-reviewed articles, including high-impact studies in Journal of Biological Chemistry and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . His work bridges basic cell biology with clinical applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Current efforts focus on metabolic pathways in pancreatic cancer and cadherin-catenin signaling dynamics. Grant activities include leading NIH-funded projects (R01 DE12308) and collaborative grants like the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment Network (U54 CA163120). His research has pioneered understanding of epithelial-mesenchymal transition mechanisms and cadherin-mediated metastasis.