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Thomas OkitaView profile

Professor

• Plant Molecular Biology
• RNA Localization
• Starch Biosynthesis
• +3 more

Thomas Okita is a Regents Professor at Washington State University (WSU), affiliated with the Department of Plant Sciences within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego (1978). His research focuses on two primary areas: RNA localization mechanisms in plant cells and the multifunctional roles of plastidial phosphorylase in plant metabolism. In RNA localization, Okita investigates how storage protein mRNAs are targeted to specific ER subdomains in rice endosperm, identifying cis-elements and trans-factors like RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). His work employs co-immunoprecipitation, yeast 2-hybrid, and seCLIP technologies to study RBP interactomes and regulon hypotheses. In the second area, he explores the structural and functional roles of rice plastidial phosphorylase (Pho1), particularly the L80 peptide's regulatory influence on starch synthesis and photosystem I interaction. Okita's recent articles emphasize RNA-binding proteins in salt stress responses, host-pathogen interactions (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum), and the interplay between source-sink dynamics and plant productivity. His studies bridge molecular mechanisms (e.g., transcriptome reprogramming, protein complex assembly) with applied goals like enhancing crop yields through genetic manipulation of starch metabolism. His lab, the Okita Laboratory, integrates proteomics, biochemistry, and genetic engineering to address fundamental questions in plant physiology and biotechnology. Current projects include optimizing starch synthesis pathways and dissecting the role of Pho1 in photosynthetic efficiency.

Hong LiView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• CRISPR-Cas Systems
• Ribosome Synthesis
• +3 more

Dr. Hong Li is a Professor in the Department of Structural Biology at Van Andel Institute (VAI). She leads the Hong Li Laboratory, focusing on structural mechanisms of RNA-centric processes using cryo-EM and CRISPR technologies. Her work addresses ribosome synthesis, CRISPR-Cas systems, and RNA therapeutics, with applications in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Education: B.S. in Physics (Sichuan University), Ph.D. in Biophysics (University of Rochester). Postdoctoral training at CalTech and Brookhaven National Lab. Previously held the Pfeiffer Family Endowed Professorship for Cancer Research at Florida State University, where she directed the Institute of Molecular Biophysics (2021–2024). Research Interests: Structural biology of RNA machinery, CRISPR-Cas9/CRISPR-Csm/Cmr systems, ribosome biogenesis, and translational regulation. Develops next-generation genome editing tools and nucleic acid-based diagnostics. Her lab’s cryo-EM studies reveal molecular mechanisms underlying RNA-driven processes in health and disease. Awards: AAAS Fellow, Associate Editor of The CRISPR Journal. Key achievements include structural insights into Cas9 catalytic states, ribosome pseudouridylation effects, and CRISPR-based viral detection systems. Lab Team: Includes postdoctoral fellows (Hemant Goswami, Mitchell Roth), graduate students (Renee Hoffman), and collaborators at VAI and Florida State University. Current projects target anti-cancer therapies through ribosome inhibition and epigenetic CRISPR tools. Clinical Impact: Co-developed 15 clinical trials in cancer and Parkinson’s disease through VAI partnerships. Her lab’s 2024 move to VAI leverages state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities to advance precision medicine.

• Neuroscience
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Synaptic Physiology
• +3 more

Murat Durakoglugil is a researcher at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's School of Medicine, affiliated with the Department of Neuroscience and the Translational Neurodegeneration Research Center. His work focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's Disease, ApoE genetics, synaptic plasticity, and Reelin signaling mechanisms. He holds a PhD in neuroscience and conducted postdoctoral research in electrophysiology and synaptic biology. Education: PhD in Neuroscience with postdoctoral training in electrophysiology at the Neuroscience Institute, Dundee, Scotland Research Interests: His studies investigate the molecular pathways underlying neurodegeneration, including ApoE4's role in synaptic dysfunction, amyloid-β toxicity, and the neuroprotective effects of reelin. He explores therapeutic interventions targeting synaptic vesicle recycling and receptor trafficking mechanisms. Publications span over two decades, with recent emphasis on ApoE4-mediated synaptic impairments, reelin's neuroprotective role, and γ-secretase modulators for Alzheimer's biomarkers. His work integrates mouse models, in vitro electrophysiology, and translational research approaches. Labs/Teams: Active in the Translational Neurodegeneration Research Center, collaborating on projects involving ApoE receptor biology and synaptic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.

Rhonda BrownView profile

Associate Professor

• Breast Cancer Biology
• RNA Splicing Mechanisms
• Cancer Stem Cell Research
• +3 more

Rhonda Brown, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Biology at William Peace University. She holds a BS in Biology from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. Her research focuses on RNA splicing mechanisms in breast cancer progression, CD44 isoform regulation, and selenoprotein genomics in cancer. Education: B.S. in Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Ph.D., Northwestern University Research Interests: Dr. Brown's work explores how alternative splicing of RNA molecules influences breast cancer stem cell behavior and metastatic processes. She investigates CD44 isoform switching's role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and examines genetic variations in selenoproteins affecting cancer susceptibility. Her interdisciplinary approach combines molecular biology techniques with clinical research insights. Key Research Trends: Recent studies emphasize cancer stem cell dynamics (2019), EMT mechanisms (2011), and selenoprotein functional genomics (2009). These publications demonstrate her sustained focus on molecular mechanisms driving tumor progression and metastasis. Honors & Awards: Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program Predoctoral Fellowship (2008-2011) Carcinogenesis Training Grant Recipient, Northwestern University (2007-2008) Advising & Grants: While no specific student advisees or grant details are listed, her funding history includes prestigious predoctoral fellowships indicating strong research capacity. She likely contributes to grant initiatives through collaborative networks. Engagement: Maintains active research collaborations in cancer biology and participates in professional scientific communities. Enjoys recreational activities including jogging along Raleigh's Greenway trails and following Chicago sports teams.

Haissi CuiView profile

Assistant Professor

• RNA Maturation
• Protein Synthesis
• Inflammation Biology
• +5 more

Haissi Cui is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on understanding RNA maturation and decoding processes in disease contexts, combining chemical tools, protein engineering, and cell biology. She leads the Cui Lab, which explores how RNA and protein localization impact inflammation, neurological diseases, and developmental disorders. Education: PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Experimental Medicine from Technical University of Munich, with postdoctoral training at Scripps Research Institute and Technical University of Munich. Affiliations: Principal Investigator at University of Toronto, Department of Chemistry. Research interests include aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, tRNA regulation, and nuclear organization. Her lab has developed chemical tools to study mRNA splicing and metabolic pathways linked to disease. Recent work highlights the role of arginyl-tRNA synthetase in inflammatory processes and RNA splicing. Key achievements include a Nature Cell Biology paper on arg-tRNA synthetase’s role in inflammation, and a cover article on metabolic regulation of mRNA splicing. Awards include Human Frontiers Science Program and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft fellowships. Scientific Awards: CIHR Postdoc Fellowship, Paul Schimmel Scholarship, Ontario Graduate Scholarship, NSERC USRA. Lab Members: Includes PhD students (Noha, Santiago, Samuel, Qingyu, Colette), postdocs (Jamie), and undergraduates across multiple projects. Grants & Funding: Supported by fellowships and institutional grants for interdisciplinary research initiatives. Collaborative efforts include work on non-viral mRNA delivery and structural biology. The lab emphasizes diversity and outreach through initiatives like ChemClub and Women in Science programs.

Furqan M FazalView profile

Assistant Professor

• RNA biology
• Mitochondrial gene expression
• Nuclear membrane-less organelles
• +5 more

Furqan M Fazal is an Assistant Professor and CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He leads the Fazal Lab within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology , focusing on RNA subcellular localization mechanisms and their implications in disease. His work bridges biochemical, genomic, and computational approaches to decode RNA organization. Core member of the Therapeutic Innovation Center (THINC) Faculty member at Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center Affiliated with Chemical, Physical & Structural Biology and Cancer & Cell Biology Graduate Programs Research Interests center on: Transcriptome-wide RNA subcellular localization Regulation of mitochondrial gene expression RNA localization in nuclear membrane-less organelles Local translation mechanisms and RNA modifications Key Publications reveal trends in: APEX-seq technology for spatial RNA mapping Mitochondrial RNA interactions in disease RNA structural dynamics across compartments Scientific Awards : CPRIT First-time Tenure-track Faculty Award ($2M) NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award Welch Research Grant Education : Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021-present), PhD (Stanford 2015), MS (Stanford 2010), BA (Amherst College 2008)

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Immunology
• +5 more

Krzysztof Giannopoulos is a Professor at the Department of Experimental Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin. His expertise lies in hematology and oncology, focusing on leukemia, immunotherapy, and molecular mechanisms of cancer. He leads research in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and multiple myeloma, emphasizing treatment resistance, immune modulation, and translational medicine. Research Interests: Immunological aspects of hematological malignancies Targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors Genetic and microbiome factors in cancer prognosis Novel therapeutic approaches in refractory diseases Clinical trials evaluating drug efficacy and patient outcomes Recent Publications Highlight Trends in: Molecular mechanisms of treatment resistance (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1, HLA-G) Impact of microbiota composition on cancer progression Development of T-cell engager therapies Prognostic biomarkers in CML and CLL Labs/Teams: Active in the Department of Experimental Haematooncology, collaborating internationally on clinical studies like the POMOST and SEQUOIA trials. His work integrates genomic, proteomic, and immunological approaches to advance cancer care.

Justin KinneyView profile

Associate Professor

• Biophysics
• Machine Learning
• Sequence-Function Relationships
• +1 more

Justin Kinney is an Associate Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Interim Chair of the Simons Center for Quantitative Biology. His research combines mathematical theory, machine learning, and experiments to study gene regulation mechanisms. Research Focus: The Kinney Lab develops DNA sequencing tools to dissect biophysical mechanisms of gene regulation, with applications in bacterial transcriptional regulation and alternative mRNA splicing in humans. This work has implications for understanding diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Cancer. Key Methods: Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRAs), information theory approaches, and machine learning algorithms for analyzing multiplex assays of variant effect (MAVEs). Education: Ph.D. in Physics from Princeton University B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from Cornell University Publication Trends: Recent work focuses on developing interpretable machine learning models for genomic data, biophysical modeling of sequence-function relationships, and mechanistic studies of splice-modifying drugs. Articles demonstrate strong cross-disciplinary integration of physics, computational biology, and molecular genetics.

Erika Tse-Luen WeeView profile

Academic

• Fluorescence Imaging
• Microscopy Technology Development
• 4D Imaging
• +5 more

Erika Tse-Luen Wee is a Research Assistant Professor and Director of the Microscopy Shared Resource at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). She specializes in developing advanced fluorescence imaging techniques to study cellular and tissue mechanisms in cancer, neuroscience, and plant biology. Her work focuses on 4D live-cell imaging, 3D tissue imaging, and super-resolution microscopy. She also provides training in advanced microscopy modalities and software for image analysis. Education: Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from National Tsing Hua University (2009). Professional roles include prior positions as Manager of the Microscopy Shared Resource, Manager & Microscopy Specialist at McGill University (2013-2019), and academic appointments in Canada and the U.S. She leads efforts in standardizing microscopy quality assurance protocols and collaborates on imaging-based cancer and neuroscience research. Research Interests: Development of cutting-edge microscopy tools for quantifying molecular interactions, protein localization, and cell-cell signaling. Her technical expertise spans live-cell imaging, organoid analysis, and high-resolution 3D imaging. She emphasizes reproducibility and optimization of imaging techniques to minimize phototoxicity and enhance data accuracy. Key Contributions: Pioneered protocols for microscope quality management, developed imaging standards for 3D tissue analysis, and advanced understanding of cellular adhesion dynamics and synapse remodeling. Her work bridges technological innovation with biological discovery, particularly in cancer metastasis and neurodegenerative processes. Labs/Teams: Directs the Microscopy Shared Resource and oversees the Wee Laboratory at CSHL, providing infrastructure and training for imaging-based research across multiple disciplines.

• Developmental Neurobiology
• RNA Regulation
• Hox Gene Function
• +4 more

Claudio Alonso is a Professor of Developmental Neurobiology at the University of Sussex's School of Life Sciences. He leads the Alonso Lab, focusing on molecular mechanisms controlling gene function in neural development, particularly RNA regulation of Hox genes. His research explores how RNA processing (e.g., splicing, polyadenylation, microRNA regulation) shapes neural circuits and behavior in model organisms like Drosophila. Academic roles include Head of the Department of Neuroscience (2022–2023), Chair of the Neuroscience Subject Group (2017–2022), and prior positions at the University of Cambridge (2005–2007) and Sussex (2008–2023). His work spans over 48 publications, with recent focus on microRNA roles in embryonic movement and post-developmental behavior. Research interests include: RNA regulation's role in neurodevelopment, Hox gene function across development, and mechanisms linking gene expression to complex behaviors. Major contributions include defining microRNA-Hox gene modules controlling movement and uncovering post-developmental roles of Hox genes in adult behavior. Grants include £2.4M from BBSRC (2024–2028) for Hox gene function studies and MRC funding (2016–2023) for Drosophila models of Huntington's disease. He teaches the 'Principles of Neuronal Function' course and supervises an international team of PhD students/postdocs in molecular genetics and neurobiology. Labs/teams: The Alonso Lab integrates biochemistry, genetics, and computational approaches to study RNA regulation's impact on neural circuit formation and behavior.

Kif Liakath-AliView profile

Lecturer

• Regulation of RNA Splicing
• Neurodegeneration
• Molecular Biology
• +7 more

Dr. Kif Liakath-Ali is a Lecturer in Advanced Cell Biology at the University of Southampton's School of Biological Sciences and serves as a Principal Investigator at the Splice Lab. He was appointed in May 2024 and leads a research team focused on RNA splicing mechanisms and their implications in neurodegenerative diseases. His lab is located in Building 85 on the Highfield Campus. Prior to his current position, he earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where he studied skin biology and ribosome-rescue machinery in epidermal stem cells under Professor Fiona Watt. He then conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University (2018–2024) under Nobel Laureate Thomas Südhof, investigating molecular neuroscience and synaptic splicing regulation. Dr. Liakath-Ali holds a Stanford Postdoctoral Teaching Certification and an Associateship of King's College London (AKC). He is dedicated to research rigor, reproducibility, and open science, reflected in his RaRe Researcher Award (2024) and Stanford Bio-X Mentor Award (2021). He is also an elected member of the UK Young Academy (2025). His teaching responsibilities include courses on genetic information flow (BIOL2010), neuroscience principles (BIOL2051/52), scientific thinking (BIOL1030), and advanced research projects (BIOL6013, BIOL6099). His research integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, microscopy, and computational tools to uncover RNA splicing roles in spliceopathies. Recent work includes studies on teneurin/latrophilin signaling in hippocampal development, GRK2's role in skin homeostasis, and cerebellin-neurexin interactions in synaptic plasticity. He collaborates with interdisciplinary groups such as the Precision Biosciences Innovation Hub and the UK Young Academy to advance therapeutic discovery and scientific practices. PhD Supervision: Accepting applications for PhD students. Awards: EMBO Fellowship (2018), Hillblom Fellowship (2020), RaRe Award (2024), Bio-X Mentor Award (2021), UK Young Academy Membership (2025). Grants & Advising: His research is supported by fellowships, and he advocates for reproducible science. The Splice Lab, under his leadership, actively explores RNA splicing's role in neurodegeneration and therapeutic applications. Visit www.splicelab.co.uk for more details.

Brendan FreyView profile

Professor

• Machine Learning
• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• +3 more

Brendan Frey is a Professor in the Departments of Communications and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, cross-appointed in the Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, the Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, and the Department of Computer Science. He holds the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Endowed Chair in Engineering and is a Canada Research Chair (Tier 1). His research focuses on developing machine learning algorithms for addressing challenges in genome biology, including gene expression analysis, alternative splicing inference, and computational modeling of biological systems. Notable contributions include the sum-product algorithm, affinity propagation, and image epitomes techniques. Frey’s awards include the John C Polanyi Award, NSERC Steacie Fellowship, and Fellowships from AAAS and IEEE. He advises six graduate students and two postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have become prominent academics and industry leaders. Education: Studies in Canada, United States, and United Kingdom (specific degrees not listed). Consulting: Technical Advisor to Microsoft Research India and consultant for international companies.

Susan A MartinisView profile

Professor

• Enzymology
• Molecular Evolution
• Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions
• +7 more

Susan A. Martinis is the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and holds the Stephen G. Sligar Professorship in Biochemistry at the University of Illinois. She is affiliated with the Chemistry department and Biomedical and Translational Sciences. Her research focuses on tRNA synthetases, RNA-protein interactions, and mechanisms underlying protein synthesis fidelity. Her work explores both enzymatic accuracy and novel roles of these ancient proteins in cellular processes like RNA splicing and muscle regeneration. Education: B.S. (1985, Washington State University), Ph.D. (1990, University of Illinois), Postdoc (1990, MIT). Her research spans enzymology, molecular evolution, and biotechnological applications of engineered amino acids. Notable collaborations include studies on SARS-CoV-2 transmission at universities and the role of leucyl-tRNA synthetase in skeletal muscle regeneration. Her articles address topics like RNA splicing mechanisms, extremophile enzyme adaptations, and clinical impacts of tRNA synthetase mutations. She leads a research group investigating the dual functions of tRNA synthetases in both protein synthesis and alternate cellular roles.

Raven H HuangView profile

Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Drug Discovery
• Enzymology
• +9 more

Raven H Huang is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Illinois, with an affiliate appointment in Chemistry. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of biological conflicts, particularly defensive systems employed by bacteria in conflicts both between organisms and between organisms and viruses. Education: B.S. and M.S. (1986) from Nankai University Ph.D. (1995) from University of Washington Postdoctoral training (1996-1999) at Harvard University Dr. Huang's research centers on bacterial defense mechanisms against biological threats. His work explores how bacteria employ offensive and defensive weaponry during conflicts for survival and competitive advantage. Specifically, his laboratory investigates RNA repair systems that allow bacteria to survive toxin attacks, as well as antiphage defense systems that bacteria use against viral infections. His research has revealed important insights into how protein translation machinery serves as a battlefield for these conflicts, with particular focus on ribotoxins, RNA repair mechanisms, and abortive infection systems. Analysis of Dr. Huang's recent publications reveals a strong focus on RNA biology within the context of bacterial defense systems. His work spans structural characterization of RNA repair enzymes, molecular mechanisms of antiphage defense, and the role of tRNA modifications in immune regulation. The research employs diverse methodologies including cryo-electron microscopy, biochemical characterization, and structural analysis to understand how bacteria defend themselves against biological threats at the molecular level. Dr. Huang's laboratory investigates the molecular basis of biological conflicts, with particular emphasis on: Discovery of new RNA repair systems Mechanistic understanding of RNA repair processes Identification of novel antiphage defense systems Characterization of bacterial suicide mechanisms during phage infection Analysis of how protein translation machinery serves as a battleground in biological conflicts

• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Genetic Diseases
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Fran Evesson is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, affiliated with the Kids Neuroscience Centre. Her research focuses on understanding inherited neuromuscular disorders using cell and animal models to develop precision therapies for conditions lacking treatments. She coordinates courses including AMED3888 and contributes to SOMS4102 and AMED3003/3903 instruction. Her core research investigates protein dysfunction in skeletal muscle, genetic disease mechanisms (particularly splicing abnormalities), and therapeutic interventions. Key areas include neuromuscular pathology, molecular biology of muscle repair, and genotype-phenotype correlations in muscular dystrophies. Methodologies span cellular/molecular approaches, pathogenesis studies, and protein trafficking analysis. Her publications (2019-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on genetic basis of muscle disorders, with recurring themes in RNA splicing defects, animal model validation, and diagnostic genomics. Recent work emphasizes novel gene-disease associations and therapeutic target identification through advanced sequencing technologies. Dr. Evesson mentors Honours/PhD students and junior researchers at Kids Neuroscience Centre. She has secured research funding including: 2019 NHMRC Ideas Grant: 'A new class of genetic splicing variant underlying inherited disorders and cancer' 2018 Muscular Dystrophy Association grant: 'PYROXD1; a novel cause of congenital myopathy'