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Carol PrivesView profile

Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Tumor Suppressor Proteins
• Cell Biology
• +5 more

Carol Prives serves as the Da Costa Professor of Biology at Columbia University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, where she leads groundbreaking research on the p53 tumor suppressor protein. Her work is central to understanding cancer biology, as mutation of the p53 gene represents the most frequent lesion detected in human cancer. Location: 816 Fairchild, Mail Code: 2422, Columbia University Contact: +1 212 854 2557 | clp3@columbia.edu Dr. Prives' research focuses on several critical aspects of p53 biology: the structure and function of the p53 protein, the p53/Mdm2 regulatory circuit, cellular responses to genotoxic stress, the roles of p63 and p73 homologs, and the mechanisms by which p53 promotes apoptosis. Her laboratory has made seminal discoveries, including identifying hCAS/Cse1L as a novel co-regulator of p53 target genes, demonstrating that p53 can slide on DNA, and revealing how cyclin G1 regulates the p53/Mdm2 circuit. Her extensive publication record shows a consistent focus on p53 signaling pathways with increasing exploration of connections to cancer metabolism, immune responses, and metastasis. Recent work has revealed p53's role in repressing the mevalonate pathway for tumor suppression and its connections to ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Her 2024 publication on "p53 at the crossroads of tumor immunity" demonstrates her ongoing leadership in connecting fundamental p53 biology to cutting-edge cancer immunotherapy approaches. Among her distinguished honors are membership in the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, Fellowship in The Royal Society, and membership in the National Academy of Sciences. These prestigious recognitions reflect the profound impact of her work on the field of cancer biology. American Academy of Arts & Sciences Member Fellow of The Royal Society National Academy of Sciences Member Dr. Prives' laboratory has been instrumental in training numerous scientists in cancer research, with many of her former students and postdocs establishing successful independent careers. Her research has been consistently supported by major funding from the National Institutes of Health and other prestigious organizations, enabling her team to maintain cutting-edge facilities for molecular and cellular analysis. The Prives laboratory operates as a vibrant research community where molecular biologists, biochemists, and cell biologists collaborate to unravel the complexities of p53 signaling. Her team employs diverse methodologies including structural biology, genomics, and live-cell imaging to investigate how p53 functions as the "guardian of the genome" and how its dysfunction contributes to cancer development.

• Stem Cell Research
• Neural Crest-Derived Stem Cells
• NF-κB Signaling
• +3 more

Dr. Johannes Greiner is a researcher at the Faculty of Biology at University of Bielefeld, Germany, with a strong research focus on stem cell biology, particularly neural crest-derived stem cells and their molecular regulation. His work bridges fundamental cellular mechanisms with potential clinical applications in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. Dr. Greiner's primary research interests include: Neural crest-derived stem cell characterization and differentiation pathways NF-κB signaling mechanisms in stem cells and disease contexts Sex-specific differences in stem cell behavior and differentiation potential Osteogenic and neuronal differentiation processes Cancer stem cell biology and therapeutic targeting strategies Analysis of Dr. Greiner's publication record from 2011-2024 reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on molecular mechanisms governing stem cell behavior, with particular emphasis on NF-κB pathway regulation and sex-based differences in cellular responses. His work demonstrates methodological diversity, employing techniques ranging from single-cell analysis to molecular pathway interrogation, reflecting a comprehensive approach to understanding stem cell function in both health and disease contexts. Dr. Greiner has contributed to numerous publications in specialized journals focusing on molecular biology, regenerative medicine, and cancer research, with collaborative work spanning multiple research groups. His research output demonstrates sustained productivity and evolving focus toward understanding the fundamental mechanisms that govern stem cell behavior and their implications for human health.

• Structural Bioinformatics
• Data Visualization
• Protein Structure
• +4 more

David Hoksza is an Associate Professor at the Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University in Prague. His work bridges bioinformatics and computational biology through innovative algorithm and tool development. University: Charles University School: Faculty of Mathematics and Physics Department: Department of Software Engineering His research focuses on structural bioinformatics and data visualization, particularly in protein and RNA structure analysis. He has also contributed to cheminformatics (ligand-based virtual screening), computational genomics (MinION data analysis), and systems biology (molecular network visualization). David has led major projects including the P2Rank framework for ligand-binding site prediction, R2DT for RNA secondary structure visualization, and the Genomics 2 Proteins portal for linking genetic data to protein structures. His publications span high-impact journals like Nucleic Acids Research , Bioinformatics , and Nature Methods . Recent articles highlight his expertise in RNA structure prediction, protein-ligand interactions, and neurodevelopmental disorder analysis. His work emphasizes template-based modeling, machine learning, and web-based tool development. Scientific Awards David actively teaches courses on data visualization and bioinformatics algorithms, with a focus on practical implementation using technologies like D3.js, Tableau, and Python. He contributes to open-source software and maintains a GitHub repository for his tools.

Deborah Bell-PedersenView profile

Professor

• Circadian Rhythms
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• +7 more

Dr. Deborah Bell-Pedersen is a Thomas University Professor and Associate Head of Biology at Texas A&M University (TAMU), renowned for her pioneering work in circadian clock mechanisms and their implications for human health. Her research focuses on how circadian oscillators regulate rhythmic gene expression in the model organism Neurospora crassa , with particular emphasis on mRNA transcription, translation, and links to cancer and aging. Key affiliations: Texas A&M University (1997–present) Leadership roles: Associate Editor of the Journal of Biological Rhythms , Board of Directors for the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms and Fungal Genetics Society Honors: University Professor title, Fellow of American Academy of Microbiology and AAAS, multiple research excellence awards Her work has revealed that the circadian clock controls translation fidelity via eIF2α activity and ribosome interactions, linking reduced clock function to aging. Articles highlight her expertise in MAPK signaling, glycogen metabolism regulation, and fungal stress response, with implications for human diseases like glioma and metabolic disorders. Scientific recognition includes TAMU Jo Ann Treat Award for Excellence in Research Eminent Scholar and Distinguished Research Awards Fellowships from AAAS and American Academy of Microbiology Dr. Bell-Pedersen mentors students in circadian biology and emphasizes independence in research, inspired by her PhD advisor Marlene Belfort. She also explores interdisciplinary connections between circadian rhythms and vaccination timing, cognitive performance, and physical balance. Outside academia, she is learning violin (in honor of her late father’s musical legacy) and cares for rescue animals including 4 cats, a dog, a horse, and 3 miniature donkeys.

Leluo GuanView profile

Professor

• Animal Microbiome
• Functional Genomics
• Host-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Leluo Guan is a Professor in the Department of Applied Biology within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding the prestigious Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Animal Functional Genomics and Microbiome. Based in Vancouver's Food, Nutrition and Health building, he leads cutting-edge research at the intersection of animal science and microbiome biology. His academic foundation includes: 1985-1989: BSc in Biological Sciences, Wuhan University, PR China 1990-1993: MSc in Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto University, Japan 1993-1996: PhD in Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto University, Japan Dr. Guan's research program centers on host-microbiome interactions in food-producing animals, primarily cattle. He employs metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and functional genomics to characterize bovine gut microbiomes, elucidate molecular mechanisms of host-microbe crosstalk, and investigate associations between microbial ecology and feed efficiency, methane emissions, and gut immunity. His work bridges microbial ecology with economically significant livestock traits through advanced omics integration. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent emphasis on rumen microbiome dynamics across cattle production systems. Key trends include multi-omics approaches to link microbial communities with host physiology, investigation of early-life microbiome development, and exploration of host genetic influences on microbiome composition. His work increasingly focuses on functional characterization of microbial activities rather than mere taxonomic identification. His scientific recognition includes: Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Animal Functional Genomics and Microbiome Dr. Guan mentors graduate students in applied animal biology while directing a research program funded by the Canada Research Chairs initiative and competitive grants. His team develops innovative methodologies for microbiome analysis, contributing to sustainable livestock production through improved understanding of host-microbe symbiosis. Current work integrates host genomics with microbiome functional profiling to develop precision nutrition strategies for cattle.

Nada LallousView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• +7 more

Dr. Nada Lallous serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine and Senior Research Scientist at the Vancouver Prostate Centre. Her research focuses on cancer drug development, particularly targeting molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance through biochemical and biophysical approaches. Her educational background includes a M.Sc and Ph.D in Structural Biochemistry and Biophysics from the University of Strasbourg and the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC) in France, followed by postdoctoral training at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO). She joined the Vancouver Prostate Centre in 2012 and was appointed Research Scientist in 2017. Dr. Lallous' research expertise spans cancer biology, protein biochemistry, drug design, and structural biology. She has extensive experience in protein characterization, X-ray crystallography (contributing to 20 Protein Data Bank structures), and preclinical validation of novel inhibitors. Key interests include androgen receptor signaling, transcription factors, biomolecular condensates, and overcoming therapeutic resistance in prostate and breast cancers through targeting molecular drivers like Lin28 and Myc. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals a dominant focus on androgen receptor (AR) biology in prostate cancer, with significant emphasis on AR variants (AR-V7), phase separation phenomena, and development of novel inhibitors targeting AR domains, Lin28-let-7 interactions, and Myc-Max dimerization. Her work integrates computational drug design, structural biology, and functional validation to address therapeutic resistance. Dr. Lallous has secured competitive funding including an NIH-SPORE grant from the National Cancer Institute to study androgen receptor variants in circulating tumor DNA. She mentors graduate students in UBC's Experimental Medicine program, including PhD candidate Louise Ramos working on bifunctional PARP-HDAC inhibitors. She actively collaborates with pharmaceutical companies on drug development projects. As manager of the protein bioengineering and biophysics group at the Vancouver Prostate Centre, Dr. Lallous is establishing a core facility to support preclinical drug validation and structural studies for cancer researchers, enabling high-throughput inhibitor screening and biophysical characterization.

Shantanu BhattView profile

Professor

• Microbiology
• Molecular Genetics
• Bacterial Virulence
• +7 more

Shantanu Bhatt is a Professor and Advising Coordinator of Biology at Saint Joseph's University (SJU), affiliated with the Department of Biology. His research focuses on attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogens, particularly enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Escherichia albertii , aiming to identify virulence factors and regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) that modulate the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), a critical pathogenicity island. BS in Biology from Denison University (2001-2004) PhD in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics from Emory University (2005-2011) Dr. Bhatt’s work employs an interdisciplinary approach integrating bioinformatics, genetics, and biochemistry to characterize bacterial virulence mechanisms and develop therapeutic strategies against drug-resistant strains. He has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students at SJU, with a focus on recombineering techniques and regulatory RNA networks. His publications span from 2007 to 2023, covering topics such as sRNA-mediated transcriptional repression (OmrA/OmrB, Spot42), carbon metabolism (AzuCR), LEE regulation by Hfq and CsrA, and zoonotic transmission of EPEC. Collaborations include researchers at NIH, Emory University, and Saint Joseph's University. As Advising Coordinator, he guides biology students while leading a lab that investigates host-pathogen interactions and the biochemical underpinnings of bacterial disease. His 2017 invited manuscript on drug-resistant microbes and 2012 dissertation on CsrA’s role in EPEC virulence reflect his long-term commitment to understanding pathogenesis.

James DaviesView profile

Associate Professor

• Genomics
• Genome Editing
• Chromatin Structure
• +4 more

James Davies is an Associate Professor of Genomics at the Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford . He holds an MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship and serves as an Honorary Consultant Haematologist in Oxford. His research group at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine focuses on genomics, genome editing, and chromatin structure. Education: Medicine at the University of Oxford, specialist training in haematology and intensive care medicine in London. Research Focus: Development of high-resolution sequencing techniques (e.g., Micro Capture-C, Next Generation Capture-C) to study genome architecture, gene regulation, and applications in treating haematological diseases like thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. Key Publications: >15 recent articles in journals such as Nature Genetics , Blood , and Nature , covering topics in 3D genome structure, enhancer biology, and clinical genome editing. Collaborations: Partnerships with biotech companies for clinical translation of genome editing therapies. Scientific Awards: MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship Lab Activities: The Davies Lab combines molecular biology , computational biology , and clinical research to bridge basic science with therapeutic applications. Their work on chromatin folding mechanisms has implications for understanding gene expression and disease pathogenesis.

Kai ErdmannView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Molecular Cell Biology
• Mechanobiology
• Mechanotransduction
• +6 more

Dr Kai Erdmann is a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology at the School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, where he has been employed since 2012. His academic career includes leading his research group at Ruhr-University Bochum (2006-2012) and postdoctoral work at Yale University School of Medicine (2005-2006). He obtained his PhD at Ruhr-University Bochum (1993-1996) and was a Feodor Lynen Fellow (2003-2005). Dr Erdmann's research focuses on molecular and cellular mechanobiology , particularly how mechanical cues regulate mechanotransduction pathways and membrane trafficking in disease contexts like fibrosis and cancer. His work has pioneered using YAP as a model mechanotransducer to identify novel proteins involved in stiffness sensing. Key studies include the role of Fas/CD95 endocytosis in apoptosis regulation and mechanical control of alternative splicing factors . He has published extensively in journals like Nature Communications and EMBO Journal while coordinating the Marie Curie ITN TRANSPOL and collaborating with institutions like Yale University and TU Dresden. Scientific awards include the Feodor Lynen Fellowship (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, 2003-2005) Eurotrans-Bio Award (2011, consortium) His research is funded by DFG and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, with recent work exploring organ-on-a-chip models for Lowe syndrome and gut inflammation.

Paul WatersView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetics
• Molecular Biology
• Sex Chromosome Evolution
• +4 more

Associate Professor Paul Waters is affiliated with the University of New South Wales in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences . His research program focuses on epigenetic regulation of transcription in vertebrates , particularly sex chromosome evolution and dosage compensation mechanisms across diverse species including marsupials , monotremes , and reptiles . Current projects investigate X chromosome inactivation in wallabies and Tasmanian devils, thermolabile sex determination in the Australian central bearded dragon, and chromatin regulation during hibernation in reptiles. Active PhD/MSc/Honours/3rd-year projects available in Epigenetics and Molecular Biology Teaching Genetics (BABS2204/2264) and other molecular genetics courses Research Trends : Analysis of 15 recent articles reveals sustained focus on sex chromosome biology (X/Y evolution, dosage compensation), epigenetic silencing (DNA methylation, chromatin modifiers), and comparative genomics (marsupial models, platypus, reptiles). Additional work on long non-coding RNAs (e.g., Xist/RSX), meiotic chromosome dynamics , and transposable element evolution . Scientific Awards : NHMRC Ideas Grant APP1182667 (2020-2023) ARC Discovery Project DP180100931 (2018-2020) ARC Discovery Project DP170101147 (2017-2020) Australian Research Fellowship DP0987091 (2009-2014) ARC Discovery Project DP0987091 (2009-2014) Advising & Grants : Supervises PhD/MSc/Honours/undergraduate researchers in epigenetics and molecular biology. Holds multiple ARC/NHMRC grants totaling over $2.5 million , including work on drug-seeking silencing (2020), meiotic sex chromosome evolution (2015), and ancestral genome reconstruction (2008). Collaborations span University of Adelaide , Monash University , ANU , and University of Stellenbosch . Labs & Teams : Leads a research group studying sex chromosome evolution using genomic assemblies , fluorescence in-situ hybridization , and 3D chromatin analysis . Collaborates with Indigenous conservation groups , genomic sequencing teams , and international cytogeneticists (e.g., Ruiz-Herrera, Marshall Graves, Georges). Lab focuses on reptilian hibernation genomics , transmissible cancer epigenetics , and meiotic dynamics in basal mammals .

John D HelmannView profile

Professor

• Microbiology
• Bacterial Stress Responses
• Transcriptional Regulation
• +3 more

John D Helmann is a full Professor in the Department of Microbiology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, at Cornell University . He has dedicated his career to studying Bacillus subtilis as a model organism for bacterial stress responses, particularly focusing on cellular adaptation to antibiotic-induced envelope stress, reactive oxygen species, and metal ion imbalances. Bachelor's in Chemistry and Biology (University of California, Santa Cruz, 1982) Ph.D. in Biochemistry (University of California, Berkeley, 1987) Postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School (1987-1990) His research emphasizes transcriptional regulation and metal homeostasis in bacteria. Key areas include: Stress response mechanisms to environmental challenges Regulation of metal ion transport and utilization Redox biology and thiol-based regulatory systems CRISPR-Cas9 engineering of bacterial systems Cell envelope biogenesis and antibiotic targets Bacterial virulence and host-pathogen interactions Publications from 2019-2025 reveal an evolutionary trajectory in understanding: 2025 : Metal ion signaling across ecosystems 2024 : Cell envelope metalation processes 2023 : Fur-family regulatory networks 2022 : Magnesium homeostasis under stress 2021 : Metabolic checkpoint systems Scientific Recognition : Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2013) Outstanding Basic Research Award, Cornell CALS (2012) Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology (2010) Professor Helmann teaches advanced graduate courses in Bacterial Structure and Function and contributes to scientific communication skill development. His laboratory at Cornell maintains a strong focus on experimental microbiology and molecular techniques.

• Neurogenetics
• Inherited Peripheral Neuropathies
• Genetic Linkage Analysis
• +4 more

Professor Marina Kennerson is a leading academic at the University of Sydney , affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health and the School of Medical Sciences . She serves as Director of the Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory (ANZAC Research Institute), Principal Hospital Scientist at Concord Hospital's Molecular Medicine Laboratory, and Deputy Director (Research) for the Sydney Local Health District Institute of Precision Medicine and Bioinformatics. Her work focuses on Neurogenetics , particularly identifying causative genes for Inherited Peripheral Neuropathies (IPN), with over 25 years of experience in the field. Research Interests Gene discovery for IPN using genetic linkage and next-generation sequencing Functional genomics via iPSC-derived motor neurons and C. elegans models Transition of genomic technologies to clinical neurogenetic testing Leadership in global consortia like the Peripheral Nerve Society and Asian Oceanic Inherited Neuropathy Consortium Scientific Contributions Her research program integrates multiomics approaches with AI tools to analyze genomic data. She has identified 10 causative IPN genes and two structural variation mutations (DHMN1 and CMTX3), advancing pre-clinical modeling and therapeutic development. Her lab's work has established Concord Hospital as a reference center for IPN testing in Australia. Collaborations International partnerships include collaborations with: University of Malaya (Malaysia) – Dr. Azlina Ahmad-Annuar and Dr. Nortina Shahrizaila University of Miami (USA) – Professor Stephan Zuchner

• Genetics
• Ophthalmology
• Molecular Genetics
• +5 more

Alison Hardcastle is a Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology , where she has served since 2000, becoming a personal Chair in 2019 as the Sembal Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology. She is also Deputy Director of the Institute (2016–present) and Genomic Discovery and Therapeutics Theme Lead for the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. Education: BSc (Honours) from North East London Polytechnic, PhD from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne Research interests focus on inherited eye diseases, spanning gene discovery, molecular pathogenesis, and therapeutic development. Her lab uses next-generation sequencing, stem cell biology, and functional studies to investigate retinal dystrophies, corneal disorders, cataracts, and Nance-Horan Syndrome. Notably, her team identified complex structural variants as major causes of dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP17) and characterized X-linked retinal and corneal disease mechanisms. Recent publications highlight her work on genetic variants in ARL3, TCF4, and TMEM216; AI applications in corneal and retinal imaging; and systemic-ocular links like periodontitis and retinal thickness. These articles reflect interdisciplinary approaches combining genomics, bioinformatics, and clinical ophthalmology. Scientific awards include the Jesse Mole Medal (2016) from RP Fighting Blindness . She serves on scientific advisory boards for Retina UK and the International Centre for Translational Eye Research , and has assessed grants for Fight for Sight . Collaborations include work with Prof. Mike Cheetham (RP2 protein function), Prof. Stephen Tuft, and Dr. Alice Davidson (inherited corneal diseases). Her lab translates genomic findings into therapies using iPSC-derived retinal models and readthrough drugs.

Fan YuanView profile

Professor

• Drug Delivery
• Gene Delivery
• Vaccine Development
• +7 more

Dr. Fan Yuan is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Ophthalmology at Duke University and a Member of the Duke Cancer Institute . His research focuses on transport analysis in drug and gene delivery , cell and tissue biomechanics , and electric field-mediated gene delivery for cancer and ocular disease therapy. Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from City University of New York (1990) B.S. and M.S. in Physics from Peking University (1983, 1985) Research Interests: Drug, gene, and vaccine delivery systems Pharmacokinetics and transport barriers Electroporation and electrotransfer technology Tumor pathophysiology and ocular delivery Nanoparticle and macromolecule transport Scientific Contributions: Over 100 peer-reviewed publications Author of a textbook on Transport Analysis in Biological Systems Developed models for tumor microvasculature and ocular drug transport Scientific Awards: Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2007) National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2000) SPORE in Breast Cancer Career Development Award (1996) IPM Innovative Instrumentation Awards (1993, 1994) Dr. Yuan’s recent work emphasizes acoustofluidic devices for targeted drug delivery, lysosomal function modulation in vaccine efficiency, and biomechanical analysis of trabecular meshwork in glaucoma research.

Laura SpagnoloView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• Genome Editing
• DNA Repair
• +3 more

Laura Spagnolo is Professor of Biophysical Chemistry in the Molecular Biosciences department at the University of Glasgow and Group Leader at the Research Complex at Harwell. She co-founded the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging and leads research on genome editing mechanisms using integrated structural biology approaches. She holds an MSc in Pharmacy from the University of Trieste and a PhD from the University of Padova/EMBL Heidelberg. Her research focuses on: Structural mechanisms of CRISPR systems and DNA repair complexes Macromolecular assemblies in genome editing and RNA metabolism Multi-scale structural analysis from atomic to cellular resolution Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on structural biology of DNA/RNA-processing complexes, with recent work emphasizing CRISPR machinery, DNA repair systems, and archaeal biology using cryo-EM and biochemical approaches. Active grants include: BBSRC funding for Staufen protein microscopy (2024-2027) MRC support for electron microscopy modernization (2022-2023) BBSRC project on DNA recombinases (2022-2025) Scottish Funding Council grants for macromolecular imaging (2018-2021) She directs the Spagnolo research group studying genome engineering complexes and collaborates with the Scottish Macromolecular Imaging Centre.