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Peter O'HareView profile

Professor

• HSV molecular biology
• Virus-host interactions
• Herpesvirus life cycle
• +3 more

Professor Peter O'Hare holds the Chair in Virology at the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London . His research focuses on HSV molecular biology , virus-host interactions , and herpesvirus life cycle . He has led significant studies on herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry mechanisms, innate immune evasion, and transcriptional regulation. Education: Ph.D., National Institute for Medical Research, London (United Kingdom); B.Sc. Microbiology, University of Sheffield (United Kingdom). Research Interests: Professor O'Hare's lab investigates fundamental virus-host interactions during herpesvirus infection. Key areas include early genome entry, nuclear transport, and the interplay between viral proteins and host transcription machinery/innate immune responses. Techniques employed include molecular biology, click-chemistry, and single-cell/molecule analyses. Recent Work Trends: His articles emphasize HSV pathogenesis, viral protein functions (e.g., ICP22, VP1-2), and host cell modifications like emerin delocalization. Research spans transcriptional regulation (CREB-H/CREB4 factors), ER retention mechanisms, and ubiquitin/proteasome pathways. Awards: Academia Europaea Membership (2008) Scientific Advisory Committee roles (International Herpesvirus Workshop) Damon Runyon Fellowship (1983–1985) Advising & Grants: Supervised PhD students Hanan Moshrif and Kerina Naran. Active in boards for Marie Curie Cancer Care and National Cancer Research Institute. Secured funding for virology and translational research initiatives. Labs/Teams: Leads the Section of Virology at Imperial College London, collaborating on projects like HSV nuclear transport and innate immune evasion.

• Glycoprotein Therapeutics
• Structural Biology
• Virology
• +3 more

Dr John Butler is a Research Fellow in Glycoprotein Therapeutics at the University of Southampton, specializing in molecular mechanisms of protein trafficking and viral glycoprotein interactions. His work bridges structural biology and virology with significant contributions to understanding SARS-CoV-2 spike dynamics and cellular transport systems. His primary research focuses on glycoprotein therapeutics and ER-Golgi intermediate compartment dynamics , examining how viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 manipulate host glycosylation machinery. Early career work established foundational knowledge of SERCA1 calcium pump regulation and phospholamban/sarcolipin trafficking mechanisms, while recent publications demonstrate a strategic pivot toward viral pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions. Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals an evolution from fundamental cellular trafficking studies (2003-2015) toward contemporary virology applications (2021-2023), particularly in characterizing the SARS-CoV-2 glycan shield's role in viral infectivity and antibody evasion. His collaborative work spans structural biology, respiratory medicine, and immunology. Dr Butler actively contributes to the Molecular and Precision Biosciences research group, utilizing advanced techniques in molecular modeling, protein biochemistry, and cellular imaging. His current work integrates computational and experimental approaches to develop glycoprotein-based therapeutic strategies against emerging viral threats.

Deb Bell-PedersenView profile

Professor

• Circadian Rhythms
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• +5 more

Deb Bell-Pedersen is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas A&M University. She joined the department in 1997 and leads the Bell-Pedersen Lab, focusing on circadian rhythms and their molecular mechanisms in Neurospora crassa. Her research integrates molecular, biochemical, and genomic approaches to understand how circadian clocks regulate rhythmic gene expression and protein production, with implications for human health and aging. Education: BS (Biology, SUNY Albany, 1983), MS (Molecular Biology, SUNY Albany, 1987), PhD (Molecular Biology, SUNY Albany, 1991), Postdoctoral Research at Dartmouth Medical School (Biochemistry). Research Interests: The lab investigates circadian control of mRNA translation, ribosome function, and translation fidelity. Key discoveries include clock-driven regulation of eIF2α and eEF2 activity, rhythmic ribosome composition, and the link between circadian rhythms and aging. These findings suggest potential therapeutic avenues to enhance translation fidelity and combat age-related decline. Publications: Recent work highlights circadian regulation of translation initiation factors, ribosome interactions, and mRNA localization via cytoplasmic granules. Themes include clock-driven post-transcriptional control, translation fidelity, and metabolic rhythms. The lab also explores circadian links to cancer and drug metabolism. Awards: Recognized as a University Distinguished Professor, reflecting her contributions to chronobiology and molecular biology. Grants & Advising: Ongoing research is supported by grants focusing on circadian mechanisms. Students advised have contributed to studies on tRNA synthetases, eIF2α phosphorylation, and glycogen metabolism. The lab collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in genomics, structural biology, and clinical applications. Labs/Teams: The Bell-Pedersen Lab is part of the Center for Biological Clocks Research, emphasizing collaborative, multi-omics approaches to circadian biology.

Paul LindahlView profile

Professor

• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Metallomics
• Cellular Metal Trafficking
• +5 more

Paul A. Lindahl is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Texas A&M University. His research group investigates cellular metal ion trafficking, particularly iron and copper, and their roles in diseases like Friedreich’s Ataxia and hemochromatosis. The lab focuses on labile metal pools (LMPs), which are nonproteinaceous low-molecular-mass complexes involved in metal distribution. Key projects include characterizing LMPs in yeast, bacteria, and mouse models using advanced analytical techniques like Mössbauer spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS). Educational Background: B.A., 1979, North Park College (Chicago, IL) Ph.D., 1985, Massachusetts Institute of Technology National Institutes of Health (NIH) Postdoctoral Fellow, 1985–1987, University of Minnesota Research Interests: The lab explores metal trafficking systems in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, emphasizing iron and copper dynamics in mitochondria, vacuoles, and cytosol. Techniques include Mössbauer spectroscopy, LC-ICP-MS, and mathematical modeling. Recent studies address NTBI in hemochromatosis mice, mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster assembly, and copper delivery pathways. The interdisciplinary approach integrates bioinorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and biophysics to bridge molecular mechanisms and disease. Advising & Grants: Lindahl actively mentors graduate students (e.g., Rachel Shepherd, Joshua Kim) and undergraduates (e.g., Grant Delanoy, Shantanu Thorat). The lab utilizes state-of-the-art equipment funded via grants, including 4 Mössbauer spectrometers, ICP-MS systems, and anaerobic glove-box chromatography setups. Future goals include extending studies to human cytosol and exploring cancer-related iron accumulation. Labs & Teams: The Lindahl Research Group operates in Texas A&M’s Chemistry Building, employing a diverse team of chemists, biochemists, and modelers. Collaborative projects involve isolating organelles from yeast, mice, and pigs to map metalomes. The lab emphasizes innovation in analytical methods to preserve metal complex integrity during analysis.

Daniel ZenklusenView profile

Professor

• RNA Regulation
• Gene Expression
• Molecular Genetics
• +3 more

Professor Daniel Zenklusen is a Full Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal since 2010. He holds a PhD in Cell Biology from the University of Lausanne (2002) and completed postdoctoral research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York. His research focuses on RNA regulation and gene expression mechanisms, particularly investigating how RNA metabolism and nuclear organization influence disease processes like cancer and neurodegeneration. Key research themes include the spatial and temporal regulation of RNA metabolism, nuclear pore-mediated mRNA export, and the structural organization of (pre-)mRNP complexes. He employs single-molecule imaging, super-resolution microscopy, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to study these processes in yeast and mammalian models. Zenklusen leads multiple grants from agencies such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Notable projects include investigating intron RNP topology and mRNA nuclear retention mechanisms, funded by IRSC and FRQNT. Education: PhD in Cell Biology, University of Lausanne (2002) MSc in Molecular Biology, Universität Bern (1998) Teaching: Courses include BCM-1501 (Origins of Biochemical Life) and others in biochemistry and molecular medicine programs. His lab actively recruits PhD and postdoctoral researchers with expertise in cell biology, biochemistry, and biophysics. Current projects address RNP biology, RNA-protein interactions, and the role of nuclear organization in disease.

Michael BlowerView profile

Professor

• Mitosis
• Transcription
• Chromatin Structure
• +3 more

Michael Blower is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Boston University. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing mitosis, chromatin structure, and RNA dynamics during cell division. He leads a multidisciplinary lab employing cell biology, biochemistry, and genomic approaches, with a primary focus on human cell culture systems. Education: BA in Microbiology from Miami University (Ohio), PhD from University of California, San Diego, postdoctoral training at University of California, Berkeley. Research Interests: Mitotic transcriptional silencing, non-coding RNA regulation, chromokinesin function in chromosome structure, and DNA repair mechanisms. Current projects investigate RNA eviction during mitosis, non-coding RNA removal, and the role of Kif4a in chromosome organization. Lab members include PhD students Kaitlyn Alimenti, Emily Sparago, Rachael Thomas, and Reito Watanabe, as well as research scientists Judith Sharp and Wei Wang. Starting 2025, Blower will direct the Biochemistry and Cell Biology graduate program. His work bridges basic science and translational research, including studies on SARS-CoV-2 host responses and midbody RNA dynamics. Positions are available for motivated researchers.

Angela KoehlerView profile

Professor

• Nano-based drugs
• Precision medicine
• Immunology & immunotherapy
• +3 more

Angela Koehler is a Professor of Biological Engineering at MIT, affiliated with the Koch Institute and MIT Health and Life Sciences Collaborative. She leads initiatives in precision cancer medicine and drug discovery, focusing on 'undruggable' cancer proteins. Her lab develops chemical tools targeting transcription factors and oncogenic pathways. Associate Director at Koch Institute Member of MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine Institute Member at Broad Institute of MIT/Harvard Research focuses on modulating transcriptional networks via small molecules and targeted protein degradation. Key areas include CDK9 inhibition, RNA-binding proteins, and cytokine therapeutics. Koehler has founded four biotech firms (Ligon Discovery, Kronos Bio, 76Bio, Samori Bio) and advises major pharmaceutical companies. Education: PhD in Chemistry (Harvard, 2003), BS in Biochemistry (Reed College, 1997). Awards include NSF CAREER Award (2020), Ono Pharma Breakthrough Science Award (2022), and Novartis Lectureship (2021).

• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• Comparative Physiology
• Hypoxia Adaptation
• +3 more

Cornelia Van der Weele is a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland. She coordinates and supervises laboratory courses including BSCI330 Cell Biology and Physiology Lab and BSCI451 Mammalian Systems Physiology Laboratory. Her research focuses on evolutionary developmental biology, particularly hypoxia and embryonic hematopoiesis in cave- and surface-dwelling Astyanax mexicanus fish, and cellular mechanisms of spermiogenesis in Marsilea vestita water ferns. Education: Ph.D., Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia (2001) M.Sc., Biology, Universiteit Utrecht (1995) B.Sc., Botany, Internationale Hogeschool Larenstein-Wageningen (1992) Her research interests bridge plant and animal systems, with early work in root growth-environment interactions. She explores RNA binding proteins and developmental processes across species, emphasizing environmental adaptations in extreme conditions like hypoxic environments.

Olivier VoinnetView profile

Professor

• RNA Silencing
• Plant Biology
• Plant Immunity
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Olivier Voinnet is a Full Professor at the Department of Biology and Head of the Institute of Molecular Plant Biology at ETH Zürich. His research focuses on RNA silencing mechanisms in plants, particularly their roles in antiviral defense, developmental regulation, and epigenetic processes. Key areas include small RNA biogenesis, mobility, and functional interactions with viral pathogens. His work explores how plants utilize small RNAs (siRNAs, miRNAs) to combat viral infections, regulate gene expression, and maintain genome integrity. Notable contributions include studies on the suppression of RNA silencing by viral proteins and the systemic spread of small RNAs via phloem and plasmodesmata. Voinnet’s research integrates molecular genetics, biochemistry, and computational approaches to dissect RNA silencing pathways. His findings bridge basic biology with applications in agriculture and biotechnology, such as enhancing crop resistance to pathogens. Leading the Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, fostering interdisciplinary plant science research. Teaching courses in Plant Biology and Molecular Genetics at ETH Zürich. Publications highlight breakthroughs in understanding small RNA dynamics, including their roles in meristem activity, transposon silencing, and cross-kingdom RNA communication. His work underscores the importance of RNA-based regulatory networks in plant immunity and development.

• Sperm Physiology
• Ion Channels
• Reproductive Biology
• +3 more

Jean-Ju Chung is an Associate Professor at the Yale School of Medicine , affiliated with the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences . She directs the Ion Channels & Reproductive Physiology Lab and holds a PhD in Neuroscience and Biochemistry from Johns Hopkins University (2007), preceded by an MS in Neuroendocrinology and BS in Molecular Biology from Seoul National University. Research Focus: Sperm calcium signaling via CatSper channels, membrane microdomains, and redox regulation of fertility Technologies: STORM microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, molecular genetics Her work reveals how CatSper channels form four linear calcium domains to orchestrate flagellar motility and fertility, with implications for IVF optimization and non-hormonal contraception . Recent studies include AI-driven evolutionary analysis of fertilization mechanisms and 3D structural mapping of channel complexes. Scientific Awards: Highly Cited Researcher (2019, 2020) Janice Bahr Junior Scientist Travel Award (2020) Rudolf J. Anderson Fellowship (2018) Her lab collaborates with experts in structural biology (Huafeng Wang), genomics (Francesc Lopez-Giraldez), and clinical genetics (Kaya Bilguvar). She has received continuous NIH funding for investigations into channelopathies in infertility and redox-controlled spermatogenesis .

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Protein Aggregation
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Sonali Vishal is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Pathology at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. Her primary appointment is in Pathology with affiliations to the Gopal Lab. She focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, protein aggregation mechanisms, and cellular signaling pathways. Her work integrates molecular biology techniques with cellular models to study TDP-43 condensates, mRNA transport dysfunction, and aging-related protein kinases. Research interests center on neurodegenerative disorders like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, with emphasis on RNP condensate dynamics, axonal transport disruptions, and phase separation phenomena. Her studies also explore anti-aging mechanisms involving AMPK and sirtuins, alongside foundational work on desmosome assembly regulated by 14-3-3γ proteins. Recent publications analyze pathological transitions in neuronal RNP condensates and their role in disease progression. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Active collaborations include studies with Pallavi Gopal and other Yale investigators in neuroscience and cell biology. Lab affiliations include the Gopal Lab, where she contributes to interdisciplinary research combining biochemistry, cell biology, and neurology. Her research portfolio reflects deep engagement with both fundamental cellular processes and translational disease mechanisms.

• Structural Biology
• Receptor Signaling
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Steve Stayrook is an Associate Research Scientist in Pharmacology at Yale School of Medicine. His research focuses on structural biology of receptors, particularly receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and their roles in cancer, development, and coagulation. Key areas include EGFR mutations in glioblastoma, ligand-receptor interactions in Drosophila, and engineered protein systems for synthetic biology applications. Stayrook collaborates with prominent researchers like Mark Lemmon and Yuko Tsutsui, publishing in top journals such as Nature and Nature Communications . His work bridges structural biology with clinical relevance, addressing therapeutic targets for cancer and coagulation disorders. Notable contributions include elucidating EGFRvIII structural features and designing synthetic photosynthetic proteins. His research themes span molecular oncology, protein engineering, and developmental signaling, with emphasis on structural mechanisms underlying disease and therapeutic intervention strategies.

• Systems Neuroscience
• Behavioral Genetics
• Circadian Rhythms
• +3 more

Kaiden Price is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale School of Medicine with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from The Ohio State University. His research focuses on systems neuroscience using C. elegans to study how neural systems generate complex behaviors. He investigates learning mechanisms, circadian rhythms, and memory formation through behavioral assays, calcium imaging, and genetic manipulations. His publication record reveals consistent themes in circadian regulation of cognition, neural plasticity mechanisms, and metabolic-behavioral interactions. Recent work explores how insulin signaling pathways modulate risk-taking behavior in C. elegans . He actively mentors undergraduate researchers in neuroscience techniques.

• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• +5 more

Jimin Wang is a Research Scientist in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University, affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine. He holds a BS from Peking University (1982) and a PhD from UC San Diego (1988). His research focuses on structural biology, biophysics, and photosynthesis mechanisms, particularly the oxygen-evolving complex of Photosystem II. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed papers, collaborating with experts like Victor Batista and Gary Brudvig. His work includes developing methods for analyzing experimental charge density maps and molecular dynamics trajectories. Research interests span Photosystem II structural dynamics, chlorophyll coordination, and CRISPR-Cas9 mechanisms. Recent studies include insights into SARS-CoV-2 inhibition via remdesivir and structural analyses of viral spike proteins. He has contributed to computational tools for cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography data interpretation.

• RNA Biology
• RNA Synthesis
• RNA Degradation
• +4 more

David Tollervey is a Professor of RNA Biology and Wellcome Principal Research Fellow at the Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology , University of Edinburgh. He has held this position since 1997 and served as Director of the Centre from 2011 to 2021. His academic journey includes postdoctoral training at UC San Francisco and a PhD in Genetics from the University of Cambridge. Research Interests: Tollervey specializes in RNA biology, focusing on RNA synthesis, degradation, and surveillance mechanisms. His work explores ribosome synthesis, non-coding RNAs in disease, and the interplay between RNA and protein synthesis. Key contributions include defining exosome function and RNA interactome mapping. Education: BSc (Hons) in Microbiology, University of Edinburgh (1973–1977) PhD in Genetics, University of Cambridge (1977–1980) Awards & Honours: Fellow of the Royal Society (2004) President of the RNA Society (2007–2008) Biochemical Society Novartis Medal (2016) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2022) Labs & Teams: Leads the RNA Biology group at the Wellcome Centre, focusing on mechanistic and functional studies of RNA processing. Collaborates extensively with global research networks.