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Douglas PhanstielView profile

Associate Professor

• 3D Chromatin Structure
• Genome Editing
• Cellular Differentiation
• +7 more

Douglas Phanstiel, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chromatin architecture and its role in cellular differentiation, particularly in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and Alzheimer’s Disease. He leads a lab utilizing genomic, proteomic, and computational tools to study DNA looping, epigenetic regulation, and CRISPR-based genome editing. Education: B.S., University of California, San Diego Ph.D., University of Wisconsin Postdoc, Stanford University Research Interests: 3D chromatin structure and its role in gene regulation Phase separation-driven chromatin looping in cancer Genome editing techniques for disease modeling Software development for genomic data analysis (e.g., Coral, Plotgardener) Recent Article Trends: Recent work highlights the lab’s focus on osteoarthritis mechanisms via chromatin accessibility and eQTL mapping, Alzheimer’s risk gene identification through 3D chromatin analysis, and CRISPR screening for cancer drivers. Tools like Coral enable kinome visualization, while Mariner aids Hi-C data exploration. Awards: 2024 HHMI Gilliam Fellow 2017 Junior Faculty Development Award 2015 K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award 2012 Damon Runyon Fellowship Grants & Advising: Leads NIH-funded projects on osteoarthritis and Alzheimer’s, including a $2.5M NIAMS grant. Advises students like JP Flores (Gilliam Fellow) and Marielle Bond (F31 NIH grant recipient). Collaborates with labs at UNC and beyond to integrate genomics, proteomics, and computational biology. Labs & Teams: The Phanstiel Lab is part of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Thurston Arthritis Research Center. Projects include developing high-throughput CRISPR screens and analyzing chromatin dynamics in disease models.

John KimView profile

Associate Professor

• MicroRNA Biology
• Small RNA Function
• Genome Regulation
• +3 more

John Kim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Johns Hopkins University (Krieger School of Arts & Sciences), focusing on the biological functions of microRNAs and small RNAs. Previously, he held positions at the University of Michigan's Life Sciences Institute (2006–2015) and completed postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School and MGH (2001–2006). His academic journey includes a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Davis (2000) and a B.S. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University (1990). His research explores how small RNAs regulate developmental processes, gene expression, and epigenetic mechanisms in organisms like C. elegans and Drosophila. Key themes include microRNA-mediated gene silencing, intergenerational RNA inheritance, and the role of small RNAs in chromatin dynamics. Notable contributions include studies on piRNA biogenesis, molting cycle regulation in C. elegans, and the formation of G bodies during hypoxia. Kim has received prestigious awards such as the Frederick C. Neidhardt Endowed Professorship (2013) and was a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences (2009–2013). His work integrates experimental and computational approaches, as seen in studies of transcriptome-wide RNA binding sites and gPAR-CLIP-seq methodologies. His lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying RNA function in development and stress responses, with a focus on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and metabolic adaptations. Collaborative efforts include projects on glycolytic enzyme compartmentalization and the role of RNAi in genome defense.

Christian GriesingerView profile

Professor

• NMR Spectroscopy
• Structural Biology
• Biomolecular Dynamics
• +7 more

Christian Griesinger is a Professor and Director of the Department of NMR-based Structural Biology at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Göttingen, Germany. He also serves as an Honorary Professor at the University of Göttingen's Department of Physical Chemistry. His research focuses on developing NMR methods to study biomolecular structure and dynamics, with applications to neurodegenerative diseases, membrane proteins, and drug-target interactions. Education: PhD in Chemistry from the University of Frankfurt (1986), postdoctoral training at ETH Zurich (1986–1989), Full Professor at Frankfurt University (1990–2000), and Director at the Max Planck Institute since 1999. Key awards include the Leibniz Prize (1998) and Otto Bayer Prize (2003). Research interests span NMR method development, structural biology of proteins/nucleic acids, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. His lab investigates phase separation in biomolecules, lipid fibrils, and amyloid pathology using interdisciplinary approaches combining NMR, X-ray crystallography, and chemical synthesis. Publications highlight advancements in NMR instrumentation, drug candidate characterization (e.g., anle138b), and biomolecular condensates. Collaborations involve institutions like the University Medical Center Göttingen and FAccTs GmbH. Technical expertise includes solid-state NMR and high-resolution structural analysis. Awards: Leibniz Prize (1998), Otto Bayer Prize (2003) Grants: Young Investigator Grant (1989), DFG funding Labs/Teams: Leads the NMR-based Structural Biology Department and collaborates with groups in computational biology (e.g., Markus Zweckstetter's team) and drug development.

• Proteomics
• Molecular Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Sarah Slavoff is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry at Yale University, primarily affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine. She holds secondary appointments in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and is associated with multiple interdisciplinary centers, including the Center for RNA Science and Medicine and the Institute of Biomolecular Design and Discovery. Her research focuses on understanding the roles of small and alternative open reading frame-encoded polypeptides (SEPs/microproteins) in cellular processes such as RNA metabolism, ribosome assembly, and stress responses. She pioneered techniques like MicroID and chemoproteomics to profile unannotated microproteins and their subcellular localizations. Her work bridges proteomics, biochemistry, and chemical biology, with notable contributions to understanding how microproteins regulate biomolecular condensates, RNA decapping mechanisms, and cellular signaling pathways. Key findings include the discovery of microproteins interacting with critical complexes like the mRNA decapping machinery and their roles in cancer pathways. Slavoff was honored as a 2016 Searle Scholar, recognizing her innovative research in this emerging field. Collaborators: Includes Ken Loh, David Schatz, Haomiao Su, and Matt Simon. Labs/Teams: Leads a lab focusing on microprotein discovery and function, with strong ties to the Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). Publications: Over 25 peer-reviewed articles since 2011, with a focus on proteomic approaches and functional studies of uncharacterized proteins.

Jan Hendrik SpilleView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Fluorescence Microscopy
• +7 more

Jan Hendrik Spille is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), with affiliations in Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on biophysical principles of cellular organization using advanced fluorescence microscopy to study biomolecular condensates and nuclear architecture. The Spille Lab develops cutting-edge imaging tools combining super-resolution microscopy, live-cell imaging, and computational modeling to understand transcriptional regulation and chromatin dynamics. Education: Bachelor of Science in Physics (2007), Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg, Germany Master of Science in Physics (2009), Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg, Germany Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (2014), Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University Bonn, Germany Research Interests: The lab explores how biomolecular condensates form and regulate transcription, employing interdisciplinary approaches spanning physics, chemistry, and biology. Current projects investigate chromatin organization in immune systems, super-resolution imaging of DNA/RNA/proteins, and CRISPR-based labeling technologies. Key collaborations include work with the Kenter lab (UIC Immunology) and Scialog-funded projects on biomolecular collective behavior. Awards & Funding: Scialog: Chemical Machinery of the Cell Award (2021, Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation) NIH NIAID R21 Award for chromatin topology studies Editorial role for Methods in Molecular Biology volume on Phase-Separated Biomolecular Condensates Teaching & Mentorship: Teaches PHYS 132 and advises over 15 students (undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs). Supports LASURI and Honors College thesis projects, emphasizing hands-on research in microscopy, modeling, and bioinformatics. Lab members have received LASURI awards, Honors College grants, and recognition at conferences like the Biophysics Research Day. Lab Infrastructure: Equipped with a Bruker Vutara super-resolution microscope and advanced computational tools. Hosts a bi-monthly interdepartmental Biophysics Seminar series.

Alfonso AixaView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Alfonso Aixa, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on understanding neuronal polarity and the molecular mechanisms governing synaptic vesicle trafficking and neuronal differentiation using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). He holds a BS from the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Aixa’s research has two primary areas: (1) the role of the clathrin adaptor protein UNC-11/AP180 in synaptic vesicle protein sorting and trafficking, and (2) the function of HLH-3, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor critical for sex-specific neuronal differentiation in C. elegans. His work bridges cell biology and developmental biology, with implications for understanding fundamental membrane trafficking processes and neurodevelopmental disorders. His publications span molecular mechanisms of synaptic vesicle biogenesis, neuronal circuitry development, and genetic modifiers of neurodegenerative processes. He has contributed to studies on α-synuclein, parkin, and DJ-1 in C. elegans models, linking these findings to mitochondrial dysfunction and Parkinson’s disease pathways. His lab’s findings on UNC-11 and HLH-3 have advanced understanding of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and transcriptional regulation of neuronal identity. Dr. Aixa’s academic leadership includes directing undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences at UIC, emphasizing student mentorship and curriculum development in life sciences. His research has been supported by grants focusing on C. elegans genetics and neuronal mechanisms, though specific grant details are not provided in the text. Key collaborations include work with institutions like UI Health and international teams studying molecular pathways in neurobiology. His lab’s future directions aim to further characterize HLH-3’s downstream targets and explore therapeutic applications of C. elegans models in neurodegenerative research.

• Protein biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Biotechnology
• +4 more

Paul Xiang-Qin Liu is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine. He has been a department member since 1989 and currently serves as Research Project Coordinator (2022-present). His research focuses on intein-catalyzed protein splicing and its applications in protein engineering, including site-specific modification, peptide cyclization, and artificial spider silk development. Dr. Liu holds a PhD from Cornell University. His work integrates molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and material science to develop innovative protein-based technologies. Key contributions include engineering split inteins for protein trans-splicing, optimizing spider silk protein production, and studying intein structure-function relationships. Recent publications (2012-2022) emphasize biomedical applications of engineered silks and protein splicing mechanisms. Notable findings include nerve growth-promoting silk films, structural insights into spider silk domains, and MDM2/MDMX protein interactions. His research bridges fundamental biology with practical applications in biomaterials and molecular tools. Awards: None explicitly listed. Active collaborations include work with Dr. J.K. Rainey on silk protein mechanics and Dr. Q. Meng on intein engineering. Research infrastructure includes advanced NMR, biophysical characterization, and recombinant protein production facilities.

Supratim GhoshView profile

Professor

• Food Nanotechnology
• Emulsions
• Fat Crystallization
• +6 more

Supratim Ghosh is a Professor at the Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan. His research focuses on the intersection of food physics, chemistry, and engineering, particularly in developing bio-based materials to enhance food quality and functionality. Key areas include nanoemulsion stabilization, fat crystallization mechanisms, and controlled release systems for bioactive compounds. Education: Ph.D. (Food Science) from Pennsylvania State University, USA; B.Tech. and B.Sc. in Chemical Technology and Chemistry from the University of Calcutta, India. Research Interests: Food nanotechnology and emulsion science Protein-polysaccharide interactions Encapsulation and bioavailability of nutrients Sustainable plant-based materials His recent publications emphasize advancements in plant protein-based emulsions, thermal stability of nanoemulsions, and the development of functional food systems. Collaborative work spans interdisciplinary topics like osteogenic activity of protein hydrolysates and antioxidant conjugate design. Teaching includes FABS 210: Dimensions of Food Science, integrating foundational concepts with cutting-edge research applications.

Daniel Jane-WitView profile

Associate Professor

• Transplantation Immunology
• Vascular Biology
• Immunology
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel Jane-Wit is an Associate Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Immunobiology at Yale University School of Medicine. As a physician-scientist, his research focuses on the role of endothelial cells in solid organ transplant rejection, with a particular emphasis on complement proteins, inflammation, and aging-related mechanisms. He holds MD and PhD degrees from Case Western Reserve University (2006) and a BA from Columbia University (1999). His work integrates patient-centered protocols using human biospecimens to enhance clinical relevance. Key research interests include endothelial cell biology, transplant immunology, vascular inflammation, and the interplay between complement systems and aging. He has received notable awards such as the Iva Dostanic Investigator Award (2014) and the Hevolution/AFAR New Investigator Award (2023). Dr. Jane-Wit is actively involved in professional organizations including the American Society of Transplantation and the American Heart Association. Publications highlight discoveries in complement-mediated inflammation, inflammasome activation, and endosomal signaling pathways. His recent work explores how complement protein aggregates contribute to age-related diseases, reflecting his commitment to advancing therapies for aging populations.

Zeng LiView profile

Associate Professor

• Neural Stem Cells
• MicroRNA-mediated Neurogenesis
• Novel Stem Cell Therapy
• +6 more

Assoc Prof Zeng Li is an Associate Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School and Adjunct Associate Professor at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University. He holds key roles including Principal Investigator of the Neural Stem Cells Research Lab, Deputy Director of Basic Science & Translational Research, and Assistant Director of Research Programs at the National Neuroscience Institute. His research focuses on neural stem cells, microRNA-mediated neurogenesis, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. He has received multiple awards, including the SingHealth-Duke NUS Research Team Award (2019) and NNI Publish! Awards (2017–2014). His work integrates translational neuroscience with nanotechnology, exploring lysosomal dysfunction and metabolic disorders. He leads collaborative projects in Singapore and globally, advancing therapies for neurodegenerative conditions through innovative approaches like nanoparticle-based treatments. Education: Ph.D., University of Glasgow (1996); B.Sc., Beijing Normal University (1992). Professional affiliations include leadership in research programs and academic teaching. His lab develops models for neurodegenerative diseases and investigates mechanisms linking metabolic dysfunction to neurological disorders. Research highlights include developing nanoparticles to restore lysosomal function and studying the liver-brain axis in obesity-induced neurodegeneration. His work bridges basic science and clinical translation, aiming to address unmet needs in neurology and metabolic medicine.

Michael P. MurrellView profile

Associate Professor

• Biophysics
• Cellular Mechanics
• Active Matter
• +4 more

Michael P. Murrell is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Physics at Yale University, affiliated with the Systems Biology Institute and the Physical Engineering and Biology (PEB) Program. His research focuses on understanding cellular mechanics through biomimetic systems and soft matter physics, particularly exploring how mechanical principles govern cell division, migration, and tissue behavior. He holds a PhD from MIT (2009) and leads the Laboratory of Living Matter, which investigates mechanical force generation in living cells and develops non-living models to replicate cellular mechanics. The lab’s work spans experimental biophysics, synthetic biology, and molecular dynamics simulations to study cytoskeletal energy storage and active matter systems. Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2009, MIT). Research Interests: Stochastic non-equilibrium thermodynamics, experimental biological de novo assembly, mechanics of active interfaces, and active wetting of living cells. The lab designs simplified experimental models to reproduce complex cellular behaviors, combining bottom-up approaches with theoretical frameworks from physics. Recent projects include studying memory storage in actin networks and the mechanical energy cost of cell division. Lab Activities and Collaborations: The lab collaborates across disciplines, integrating tools from soft matter physics and synthetic biology. Notable projects include investigating membrane-to-cortex interactions, actomyosin contractility in confined spaces, and the role of TSP2-Rac1-WAVE2 axis in diabetic cell dysfunction. The lab actively recruits PhD students and postdocs. Labs/Teams: Laboratory of Living Matter at Yale University, part of the Systems Biology Institute and interdisciplinary programs in PEB and MDCB.

Sinéad CorrView profile

Researcher

• Gut Microbiome Research
• Mucosal Immunology
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• +3 more

Sinéad Corr is an academic researcher based at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) in the Department of Microbiology, leading the Microbiome & Mucosal Immunity research lab. Her work focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing interactions between the gut microbiome and mucosal immunity, with implications for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and infectious gastroenteritis. She holds a BSc (2002) and PhD (2006) in Microbiology from University College Cork (UCC), followed by postdoctoral research at APC Microbiome Ireland (2006-2008) and Trinity College Dublin (2008-2015). She secured a Science Foundation Ireland Starting Investigator Research Grant in 2012 to study microRNA regulation in gut health. Her research integrates in vivo models, clinical samples, and omics technologies to identify therapeutic strategies targeting gut immunity and microbiota. Collaborations with clinicians and biopharma aim to translate findings into dietary interventions, postbiotics, and microbial-based therapies. Education: BSc Microbiology, University College Cork (2002) PhD in Molecular Microbiology, APC Microbiome Ireland (2006) Research Interests: Her lab investigates how microbial metabolites, cytokines, and microRNAs regulate gut barrier integrity and immune responses. Key areas include probiotic effects on pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes , trained immunity induced by β-glucans, and the role of miR-21 in inflammation. Translational efforts target novel therapies for IBD and infectious diseases using natural products and microbiome modulation. Awards and Grants: Science Foundation Ireland Starting Investigator Research Grant (2012) Labs and Teams: Her group at TCD collaborates with APC Microbiome Ireland and industry partners to bridge basic science and clinical applications, focusing on gut health and disease prevention through microbiota-driven interventions.

Eric GuisbertView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cellular Stress Response
• Heat Shock Pathway
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Eric Guisbert is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), part of the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the cellular stress response pathway known as the heat shock response (HSR), particularly its role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and various cancers. He holds a BS in Biochemistry from the University of Michigan, a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Francisco, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University. Teaching interests include Genetics and Cancer Biology. His lab investigates how the HSR maintains cellular proteostasis under stress, with implications for disease therapy. Notable research directions include small molecule activation of HSR as a therapeutic strategy, calcium signaling dynamics during C. elegans fertilization, and the regulatory roles of SF3B1 and HSF1 proteins. Education: BS in Biochemistry, University of Michigan PhD in Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco Postdoctoral Fellowship, Northwestern University Publications span over two decades, with recent work emphasizing translational applications of HSR activation for neurodegenerative diseases. His lab also explores environmental stress responses in model organisms like C. elegans, linking molecular mechanisms to organismal physiology. Labs/Teams: Guisbert Laboratory at UNO focuses on stress response pathways and their disease relevance. Collaborations include drug discovery initiatives targeting HSR-based therapies.

Karen Kim GuisbertView profile

Assistant Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Fertilization Mechanisms
• Cell Biology
• +3 more

Karen Kim Guisbert is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Nebraska Omaha (College of Arts and Sciences). Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of fertilization, oogenesis, and early embryogenesis using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans . She has developed a fluorescent tool to study fertilization in live organisms, exploring cell-cell interactions and cellular processes via genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology. Education: B.S. in Biochemistry, University of Rochester, 1997 Ph.D. in Cell Biology, University of California San Francisco, 2006 Research Interests: Her work examines the dynamic processes from egg formation (oogenesis) through fertilization and early embryonic development. Key areas include calcium signaling during fertilization, cell-cell communication, and the regulation of developmental events. Her lab uses advanced techniques to dissect these processes in C. elegans , contributing to broader understanding of reproductive and developmental biology. Teaching: She teaches courses in Genetics (BIOL 2140), Developmental Biology (BIOL 4850), and Biology I Lab (BIOL 1450). Lab Location: Allwine 438 (office: Allwine 109A).

Roger PocockView profile

Professor

• Neurobiology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +5 more

Professor Roger Pocock is a NHMRC Senior Research Fellow at Monash University's Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, leading the Brain Development, Neuroplasticity and Stem Cells Laboratory. He completed his PhD at the University of Oxford (2000-2004) and postdoctoral work at Columbia University Medical Centre, focusing on Caenorhabditis elegans to study nervous system responses to environmental stress. In 2010, he established his own research group at the University of Copenhagen, later relocating to Monash in 2015. His research explores brain development, neuronal fate programming, and brain-intestinal communication mechanisms. Key contributions include groundbreaking work on hypoxia in neural development and microRNA regulation of neuronal migration. Research interests include C. elegans models of neurobiology, stem cell regulation, and stress responses. Notable awards include the NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship (2017) and veski Innovation Fellowship (2015). Pocock leads projects investigating germline regulation, neuroprotection via sphingolipids, and mitochondrial stress pathways. He actively collaborates internationally and serves on editorial and grant review panels. Recent articles highlight intergenerational neuroprotection mechanisms, nuclear factor Y's role in neuronal gene regulation, and microRNA control of developmental processes. His work bridges genetics, neurobiology, and developmental biology, with implications for understanding human brain disorders and regenerative medicine.