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Matthias FeigeView profile

Associate Professor

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

Matthias Feige is an Associate Professor of Cellular Protein Biochemistry at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). He leads the Focus Group for Cellular Protein Biochemistry, previously serving as a Rudolf Mößbauer Tenure Track Assistant Professor. His research focuses on understanding cellular proteome integrity, particularly in the secretory pathway, combining protein biochemistry and cell biology. Key interests include protein folding, quality control mechanisms, and their biomedical applications. Education & Career: PhD in Biochemistry (2009), TUM under Johannes Buchner Postdoctoral Fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis, USA) with Linda Hendershot Head of the Cellular Protein Biochemistry Lab at TUM since 2015 Research Interests: Feige’s work explores molecular mechanisms governing protein biogenesis, secretory pathway proteins, and their roles in immunity. His interdisciplinary approach targets fundamental biology and translational applications like protein engineering and therapy development. Scientific Contributions: His publications highlight advancements in cytokine assembly, ER quality control, and protein aggregation mechanisms. Notable recent work includes studies on KDELR3 signaling, helminth immune modulation, and engineered cytokines. Awards & Recognition: Leopoldina Fellowship (2011–2014) Fellow of the Daimler and Benz Foundation (2016) Rainer Rudolph Award (2012) Multiple honors from TUM and international institutions Labs & Teams: He directs a lab investigating protein biogenesis and proteostasis. Collaborations span biochemistry, immunology, and structural biology, with a focus on translational research.

Sandrine DudoitView profile

Professor

• Statistical Methodology
• Computational Biology
• Genomics
• +5 more

Sandrine Dudoit is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Statistics at the University of California, Berkeley. She earned her PhD in Statistics from UC Berkeley in 1999 and joined the faculty in 2001. Her research focuses on statistical methodology and computing with applications to genomics, biomedical research, and precision health. She co-founded the Bioconductor Project , an open-source software initiative for biological data analysis, and leads interdisciplinary projects in single-cell transcriptomics and computational biology. Education: PhD in Statistics (UC Berkeley, 1999), M.Sc. in Mathematics (Carleton University, Canada). Research interests include high-dimensional statistical learning, single-cell RNA-Seq analysis, stem cell differentiation in the olfactory system, and statistical computing. She collaborates with biologists like John Ngai to study neuroepithelial regeneration using cutting-edge sequencing technologies. Recent work emphasizes trajectory inference, biomarker discovery, and methodological advances in handling high-dimensional genomic data. Her lab develops tools for normalization, clustering, and differential expression analysis in large-scale biological datasets. She teaches courses on statistical genomics and serves as a leader in UC Berkeley’s Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS). Advising: Supervises PhD students in statistical methodology, computational biology, and bioinformatics. Grants: Active in securing funding for interdisciplinary research projects in genomics and data science. Labs/Teams: Core member of the Center for Computational Biology (CCB) and contributes to the Bioconductor community.

Luke ChamberlainView profile

Professor

• Protein S-acylation
• Palmitoylation
• Post-translational modifications
• +12 more

Professor Luke Chamberlain is a leading researcher at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, where he investigates the role of protein S-acylation in health and disease. His work bridges fundamental biochemistry with therapeutic discovery, focusing on the zDHHC family of enzymes and their impact on cellular signaling, membrane trafficking, and disease mechanisms. Education: PhD in Role of Cysteine-String Protein in Regulated Exocytosis, University of Liverpool (1998) BSc in Microbiology, University of Edinburgh (1994) His research is primarily focused on protein S-acylation (palmitoylation) , a reversible lipid modification that regulates protein localization, stability, and function. He explores how defects in this process contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes. His lab employs advanced techniques such as click chemistry, confocal microscopy, proteomics, and behavioral analyses to dissect molecular mechanisms. The recent publications highlight trends in understanding substrate specificity of zDHHC enzymes , development of inhibitors , and the regulatory role of S-acylation in metabolic and neurological pathways . His work increasingly emphasizes chemical biology approaches to target S-acylation therapeutically. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Prof. Chamberlain actively mentors postdoctoral researchers and prospective PhD students, offering support for fellowship applications. He is Principal Investigator on multiple grants, including an integrated analysis of S-acylation dynamics (BBSRC-funded) and a Strathclyde-led network with Thailand. His professional activities include serving as an examiner for PhD theses, chairing international conferences such as the FASEB meeting on Protein Lipidation, and participating in research visits to institutions like Tsinghua and Peking University. Labs and Facilities: His research group utilizes the Leica SP8 Confocal Microscope facility at the Strathclyde Institute, enabling high-resolution imaging of protein localization and dynamics in live and fixed cells.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Drug Discovery
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Rainer Riedl is the Head of the Competence Center for Drug Discovery and Organic & Medicinal Chemistry at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (School of Life Sciences and Facility Management) . He leads numerous drug development projects targeting acute myeloid leukemia , Alzheimer's disease , antimicrobial resistance , and infectious diseases , with a focus on peptide therapeutics , targeted protein degradation , and structure-based drug design . His research combines medicinal chemistry and natural product-inspired design to develop antiviral agents (including against SARS-CoV-2 ), anti-inflammatory compounds , and novel antimicrobial delivery systems using extracellular vesicles . He has pioneered computational frameworks like CyBy2 for chemical data management and contributed to inhibitor development for matrix metalloproteinases and SENPs . Recent peer-reviewed publications highlight his work in drug resistance mechanisms , peptide engineering , and innovative antiviral strategies . He holds multiple international patents for CD93 inhibitors , skin cancer treatments , and antifungal compounds , reflecting translational impact of his research.

Kathryn Hess BellwaldView profile

Professor

• Algebraic Topology
• Homotopy Theory
• Neuroscience
• +4 more

Kathryn Hess Bellwald is a Full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in both the School of Life Sciences and School of Basic Sciences . She leads the Laboratory for Topology and Neuroscience and serves as Academic Director for the Euler Programme . Her work bridges pure mathematics and interdisciplinary applications in neuroscience, materials science, and data analysis. Education : PhD in Mathematics (MIT, 1989), preceded by positions at Stockholm, Nice, and Toronto universities. Her research spans algebraic topology , homotopy theory , operad theory , and algebraic K-theory , with applications in neuroscience and materials science . She has pioneered topological data analysis methods for classifying neuronal morphologies , microglia phenotypes , and nanoporous materials , creating a parameter-free framework linking neural network structure to activity. The 15 most recent publications highlight her work on topological inverse problems , neuroinflammation , and equivariant homotopy . These studies often involve collaborations with the Blue Brain Project and EPFL teams in neuroscience , machine learning , and materials science . Scientific Awards : Fellow, American Mathematical Society (2017); Distinguished Speaker, European Mathematical Society (2017); Crédit Suisse Teaching Prize (2012); Polysphère d'Or (2013); Full Member, Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (2016); Chaire de la Vallée Poussin (2023); Fellow, Association for Women in Mathematics (2024). She has mentored numerous PhD students in mathematics and neuroscience, including Adélie Eliane Garin , Varvara Karpova , and Dimitri Zaganidis . Her EPFL Mathematics affiliations include the DIVISION MATH , while her Neuroscience lab operates under the Brain Mind Institute (BMI) in the School of Life Sciences (SV). Grants and collaborations are evident in her work on neurodegenerative diseases , synthetic materials , and machine learning frameworks .

Huazhong ShiView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Gene Editing
• +3 more

Dr. Huazhong Shi is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on molecular biology, biochemistry, and plant stress response mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on gene editing for crop improvement, herbicide resistance development, and computational simulations of protein-small molecule interactions. Ph.D., Wuhan University, China, 1995 Research Associate, University of Arizona, 1999-2001 Research Associate, University of California, 2001-2003 Research Associate, Purdue University, 2003-2004 Dr. Shi’s research explores gene editing strategies to enhance crop traits such as clonal seed production, haploid induction, and herbicide resistance. His lab also investigates molecular dynamics simulations to understand enzyme-herbicide interactions and stress-inducible gene regulation. Key projects include engineering salt-tolerant crops via Na+/H+ antiporter optimization and elucidating the roles of SHI genes in stress response pathways. The 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in gene editing for hybrid vigor preservation, directed evolution of herbicide-resistant enzymes, and computational modeling of stress tolerance mechanisms. These works span disciplines including plant biotechnology, environmental toxicology, and agricultural sustainability, with subfields such as RNA splicing, redox biology, and nutrient-stress interactions. Dr. Shi’s lab includes graduate students Yihui Yuan, Hongjia Qian, Amna Aqdas, Karthik Kalvakuntla, and Shoumik Kundu, alongside research associate Dr. Jianfei Guo. His work contributes to global food security through biotechnological innovations in crop resilience to environmental stresses.

Matteo Dal PeraroView profile

Associate Professor

• Computational Biophysics
• Molecular Modeling
• Structural Biology
• +5 more

Matteo Dal Peraro is an Associate Professor at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the School of Life Sciences, where he leads the Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling (LBM) within the Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering (IBI). He also holds significant administrative roles as Head of IBI-SV Administration and Co-Director of IBI-STI Administration, demonstrating his leadership across both the School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering. His research bridges computational approaches with experimental validation to understand complex biological systems at multiple scales. His educational background includes a B.S. and M.S. in Physics from the University of Padua (2000), followed by a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste (2004). He then completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania under Professor M. L. Klein before joining EPFL as a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in late 2007. Dal Peraro's research focuses on computational biophysics and multiscale modeling of biological systems, with particular emphasis on membrane-protein interactions, nanopore sensing technologies, and structural biology. His work spans fundamental molecular mechanisms to applied educational technologies, demonstrating a commitment to both scientific discovery and knowledge dissemination. He has made significant contributions to understanding protein-membrane interactions, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, mitochondrial disorders, and viral pathogenesis through advanced computational approaches. His publication record shows a strong trend toward integrating augmented and virtual reality technologies with molecular modeling, exemplified by his development of the moleculARweb platform for chemistry and structural biology education. His research spans computational methods development, structural characterization of biomolecules, membrane biophysics, and applications to medically relevant problems including antibiotic resistance and neurodegenerative disorders. This interdisciplinary approach connects fundamental biophysical principles with practical applications in medicine and education. Dal Peraro has mentored numerous doctoral students through EPFL's PhD programs, particularly in Computational and Quantitative Biology. His leadership extends to serving on PhD program committees and directing research groups focused on computational molecular biology. He has established collaborations across multiple disciplines, facilitating integrative approaches to complex biological problems. He leads the Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling (LBM), which develops and applies computational methods to study biological systems at multiple scales. The lab bridges molecular simulations with experimental validation, creating a synergistic approach to understanding complex biological phenomena. Dal Peraro's team has made significant contributions to membrane biophysics, protein folding, and the development of educational technologies that make structural biology accessible through augmented reality platforms.

Catherine F. ClarkeView profile

Professor

• Coenzyme Q Biosynthesis
• Mitochondrial Function
• Aging
• +6 more

Catherine F. Clarke is Professor of Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in 1993. She made history in June 2016 as the first woman to lead the UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and was appointed Dean of Special Projects in the UCLA Division of Physical Sciences in 2019. Her laboratory investigates the biosynthesis and function of coenzyme Q (ubiquinone), a critical component of mitochondrial electron transport and cellular antioxidant defense. Dr. Clarke's research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of coenzyme Q biosynthesis through her work with yeast models. Her laboratory identified eight of the eleven polypeptides required for Q biosynthesis and discovered a novel Q biosynthetic pathway using para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) as an alternative ring precursor. Her team demonstrated that human homologs of yeast Coq proteins can rescue corresponding yeast mutants, establishing critical connections between basic research and human diseases related to coenzyme Q deficiency. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on coenzyme Q biosynthesis pathways, with particular emphasis on the regulation of the Coq protein complex, mechanisms of coenzyme Q uptake and trafficking, and therapeutic approaches for coenzyme Q deficiency disorders. Her work bridges fundamental biochemistry with clinical applications, particularly in understanding how coenzyme Q deficiencies contribute to kidney disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and aging. 2001 Ellison Medical Foundation Senior Scholar Award 2009 Hanson-Dow Award for Excellence in Teaching, UCLA 2018 WHS Hall of Fame, Whittier High School 2019 BSF Research Grant Award 2021 Career Development Award Dr. Clarke has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate researchers who have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and medicine. Her laboratory collaborates extensively with clinical researchers to translate basic findings into potential therapeutic approaches, particularly for coenzyme Q deficiency-related disorders. The Clarke Lab maintains active research programs investigating coenzyme Q biosynthesis regulation, membrane contact sites in coenzyme Q production, and mechanisms of coenzyme Q uptake and trafficking in cells.

Sarah CoulthurstView profile

Professor

• Protein secretion systems
• Inter-bacterial competition
• Antimicrobial resistance
• +5 more

Professor Sarah Coulthurst is the Chair of Microbial Interactions and a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow at the University of Dundee's School of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on understanding how Gram-negative bacterial pathogens cause disease, with a focus on protein secretion systems (especially the Type VI secretion system), inter-bacterial competition, and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. She leads a molecular microbiology group using genetics, proteomics, and non-mammalian virulence models. Education: PhD in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Cambridge (2005), MSci in Natural Sciences (2000), and BA in Natural Sciences (1999), all from the University of Cambridge. Research Focus: Her work investigates the molecular mechanisms of the Type VI secretion system (T6SS), bacterial competition strategies, and antimicrobial peptide production. Key projects include studying Serratia marcescens's T6SS-mediated attacks and the role of lifestyle switches in clinical pathogen adaptation. Recent Work: Recent publications highlight discoveries in T6SS effector proteins, pore-forming mechanisms, and genomic regulation of bacterial competition. She also contributes to understanding antimicrobial resistance and Serratia's role in polymicrobial communities. Awards: Includes Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2024), Wellcome Senior Research Fellowship (2020), and multiple prizes for contributions to microbiology and teaching excellence. Teaching & Supervision: Module manager for Advanced Molecular Microbiology and supervisor for PhD projects on T6SS mechanisms and bacterial adaptation. She also engages in public outreach and educational initiatives. Lab & Collaborations: Collaborates with institutions like the University of Newcastle and Heriot-Watt University. Her lab integrates cutting-edge omics approaches with traditional microbiology to study pathogen interactions.

David M. SmithView profile

Professor

• Proteasome Function
• Cancer Biology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

David M. Smith is a Professor at the West Virginia University School of Medicine , holding dual appointments in the Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience departments. He is also a member of the WVU Cancer Institute and affiliated with the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute . PhD from the University of South Florida School of Medicine Postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School Research Focus : Molecular mechanisms of proteasome function, including substrate recognition, unfolding, and degradation. His work bridges fundamental enzymology with translational applications in cancer therapy and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Key Article Trends : Recent publications emphasize proteasome activation mechanisms , neurodegenerative disease models , and structural insights into ATPase function . Grants : NIH R01 GM107129 (Mechanisms regulating proteasomal degradation), NIH R01 AG064188 (Proteasome function in Alzheimer's), and collaborations on projects like Protein-unfolding chaperones for blindness treatment . Lab Personnel : Includes graduate students Thomas Bradley, David Salcedo-Tacuma, Giovanni Howells, and Md Qamrul Islam, along with research technicians and undergraduates. Training emphasizes biochemical, biophysical, and computational techniques.

Marc DiamondView profile

Professor

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Protein Aggregation
• Prion Biology
• +5 more

Marc Diamond, M.D. , is a Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He previously served as the David Clayson Professor of Neurology at Washington University in St. Louis (2009-2014) and held faculty positions at UCSF (2002-2009). As founding director of the Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases (CAND), he leads a multidisciplinary team investigating protein aggregation mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases. Education: M.D. from UCSF (1993), history degree from Princeton Key Contributions: Discovered cell-to-cell propagation of tau protein aggregates, linking Alzheimer's to prion biology His research focuses on tauopathies , prion-like protein propagation , and translational therapeutics . He has developed methods for detecting proteopathic seeding activity now used globally, holds multiple patents, and invented a monoclonal antibody in clinical trials for Alzheimer's therapy. His work has profoundly impacted understanding of neurodegenerative disease progression and therapeutic strategies. Laboratory: The Diamond Lab trains postdocs, graduate students, and staff in multidisciplinary approaches to neurodegeneration, emphasizing cellular models and molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation.

Laura BurrusView profile

Professor

• Developmental biology
• Cancer biology
• Climate change
• +4 more

Laura (Kai) Burrus is a Professor in the Department of Biology within the College of Science and Engineering at San Francisco State University, where she has been a faculty member since 1997. Her research has evolved from studying Wnt signaling in developmental biology to addressing climate change resilience through microbial ecology. Education: BS in Chemistry - College of William and Mary (1986) PhD in Biochemistry - University of Wisconsin-Madison (1991) Post-doc in Developmental Biology - Harvard University (1996) Dr. Burrus' research has historically focused on the biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying Wnt gradient formation in chick embryos, with relevance to birth defects and cancer. Her work has been funded by NIH, NSF, CSUPERB, and MDA over the last 20 years. She is currently transitioning her research to analyze the role of microbes in climate change resilience, motivated by her recognition that 'climate change is inherently racist.' She is actively involved with Lifting Black Voices in STEM and is leading an effort to launch an interdisciplinary Certificate in Climate Change Causes, Impacts, and Solutions. As one of five LGBTQIA biology faculty at SFSU, she brings unique perspectives to her work on inclusive classroom practices. Her publication record spans from 1994 to 2021, with recent work focusing on Wnt signaling mechanisms, educational approaches in STEM, and the transition to climate change research. Her research shows a clear evolution from fundamental developmental biology to applied environmental science, while maintaining a strong foundation in molecular and cellular mechanisms. Scientific Contributions: Pioneering work on Wnt protein trafficking and modification Research connecting Wnt signaling to cancer biology Leadership in developing inclusive STEM education practices Transition to climate change resilience research with focus on microbial ecology Dr. Burrus has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students throughout her career, with many alumni going on to pursue advanced degrees and careers in science. She has been actively involved in pedagogical innovation and is pioneering new approaches to effectively communicate research to both scientific and lay communities. Her lab has received funding from multiple sources including NIH, NSF, CSUPERB, and MDA. She is currently involved in oyster reef restoration research in the San Francisco Bay, investigating microbial communities as indicators of climate resilience. This work represents an aspirational shift from her previous focus, leveraging molecular expertise to address pressing climate challenges while mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.

Julian GuttmanView profile

Professor

• Cellular Microbiology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Cytoskeleton Alterations
• +3 more

Julian Guttman is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU), specializing in Cellular Microbiology. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Cytoskeleton . His research focuses on bacterial infections' molecular mechanisms, particularly how pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes , E. coli , and Salmonella manipulate host cell cytoskeletons (actin, microtubules) to invade, spread, and cause disease. Key areas include actin-based motility, pathogen-induced membrane protrusions, and therapeutic development. His lab actively recruits undergraduate, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Education: BSc (University of Western Ontario), MSc and PhD (University of British Columbia). He has published extensively on host-pathogen interactions, with recent work on Listeria's caveolin-mediated spreading, KATNAL1-driven microtubule disassembly by Klebsiella, and cyclophilin A's role in Salmonella invasion. His work bridges microbiology, cell biology, and structural biology to combat infectious diseases.

Richard W. GrossView profile

Professor

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biological Membranes
• Lipidomics
• +4 more

Dr. Richard W. Gross is Professor of Medicine and Developmental Biology at Washington University School of Medicine and Professor of Chemistry. He holds a PhD from Washington University, MD from New York University Medical School, and BA from Columbia College. His research focuses on the chemical biology of membranes in health and disease, specializing in lipidomics, metabolomics, and membrane signaling. He pioneered shotgun lipidomics technology for direct identification and quantification of lipid molecular species in biological systems. Developed novel shotgun lipidomics technology combining intrasource separation, multidimensional MS, and array analysis Investigates phospholipase regulation and membrane signaling complexes Studies altered lipid metabolism in obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease

R. Glen UhrigView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Functional Genomics
• Quantitative Proteomics
• Post-Translational Modifications
• +4 more

R. Glen Uhrig, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Plant Biology at the University of Alberta within the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on plant functional genomics and proteomics, particularly examining diurnal regulation of cellular processes via quantitative proteomics in Arabidopsis thaliana and agriculturally relevant crops. The Uhrig Lab investigates post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation and acetylation to understand plant adaptation to environmental changes. Educationally, he holds a B.Sc.H. (2005) and M.Sc. (2008) from Queen’s University, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary (2013). His postdoctoral training at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (2017) furthered his expertise in plant systems biology. R. Glen Uhrig teaches courses including BIOL 343/543 (Macromolecular Characterization Techniques) and BOT 380 (Drug Plants), emphasizing hands-on proteomics and plant biotechnology. His awards include the ASTech Award (2022), NSERC Post-Doctoral Award (2015–2017), and the Marie Curie Plant Fellowship (2013–2015). His work bridges fundamental research with applications in agri-food production and crop resilience. Key research themes include: 1) Diurnal regulation of plant proteomes and PTMs, 2) Molecular mechanisms of plant immunity and stress responses, and 3) Leveraging proteomics to enhance crop productivity. The lab employs cutting-edge tools like quantitative mass spectrometry and multi-omics integration to address these questions.