Find Academic Supervisors

Markus MeissnerView profile

Professor

• Apicomplexan Parasites
• Host Cell Invasion
• Vesicular Trafficking
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Markus Meissner is a Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, leading the Chair of Experimental Parasitology. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of host cell invasion and modulation by Apicomplexan parasites, particularly Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium species. Research Group: Meissner Laboratory Location: Lena-Christ-Str. 48, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried Contact: markus.meissner@lmu.de His work investigates the secretory pathway of parasites, vesicular trafficking systems, and essential genes involved in host cell invasion and intracellular development. Toxoplasma gondii serves as a model organism for studying Apicomplexan biology, including nuclear division and CRMP complex functionality. Recent publications highlight the role of Rab GTPases in protein trafficking, chromatin remodeling in Plasmodium, and actin dynamics in parasite motility. Articles span topics such as egress factors, Golgi pathways, and lineage-specific organelle emergence, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, cell biology, and evolutionary analysis. The Meissner Lab includes PhD students (Peipei Qin, Yuan Song, Ella Schadt, Vitoria Catschor dos Santos) and postdocs (Dr. Wei Li, Dr. Miriam Rafajlovic). Research is conducted in Lena-Christ-Str. 48, Planegg-Martinsried, with a focus on experimental systems for studying parasite mechanisms.

Dario AlessiView profile

Professor

• Protein Phosphorylation
• Ubiquitylation Pathways
• Parkinson's Disease
• +3 more

Professor Dario Alessi is a leading academic at the University of Dundee's School of Life Sciences, serving as the Director of the MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit (MRC PPU) and Professor of Signal Transduction. He earned his BSc (1988) and PhD (1991) from the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation pathways, particularly the LRRK2 kinase pathway linked to Parkinson's disease. He has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding LRRK2's role in neurodegeneration, including its interaction with Rab proteins and scaffolding molecules like RILPL1. School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee MRC PPU Director since 2012 Signal Transduction Therapy Unit Director His work combines molecular biology, biochemistry, and collaborative industry partnerships to advance therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease. Key research areas include LRRK2 activation mechanisms, Rab protein phosphorylation, and lysosomal dysfunction. Alessi has trained over 30 graduate students and 40 postdocs, many now in academic and industry leadership roles. Notable awards include the EMBO Gold Medal (2005), the Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson’s Research (2023), and an OBE (2023) for contributions to medical science. His lab promotes open science, sharing reagents and protocols globally through platforms like MRC Pure Agents and LRRK2.bio. Current projects include investigating novel mitochondrial and organelle biology in Parkinson’s, developing biomarkers, and advancing LRRK2 inhibitors through clinical trials. Collaborations span the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s, and the UK Dementia Research Initiative.

• Immunology
• Lipid Metabolism
• Infectious Diseases
• +3 more

Dijin Xu is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. His research focuses on lipid metabolism, immunology, and molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic disorders and host-pathogen interactions. He holds a PhD from Tsinghua University (2016). Education: PhD in Microbiology, Tsinghua University, 2016 Research Interests: Dr. Xu’s work spans immunology (e.g., B cell biology and somatic hypermutation), lipid metabolism (lipid droplet dynamics and adipose tissue homeostasis), and virology (antiviral defense mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2). His studies integrate cellular biology, molecular genetics, and biochemical approaches to understand disease processes. Publications Overview: His recent work explores mechanisms of lipid droplet regulation, metabolic disorder prevention, and immune system function. Notable contributions include studies on Rab GTPases in lipid storage and ELOF1’s role in antibody diversification. Labs & Affiliations: He is affiliated with the West Campus Integrative Science & Technology Center at Yale University, focusing on interdisciplinary research in cellular and molecular biology.

Maria HondeleView profile

Assistant Professor

• Membraneless Organelles
• Biomolecular Condensates
• Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation
• +7 more

Maria Hondele is a Tenure-track Assistant Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland, where she leads a research group dedicated to understanding the formation, regulation, and function of membraneless organelles, particularly those associated with RNA processing. Her interdisciplinary work bridges biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to dissect how RNA-protein condensates influence gene expression. Her research focuses on liquid-liquid phase separation and the role of DEAD-box ATPases as master regulators of biomolecular condensates. She investigates how these dynamic structures control RNA flux, processing, and localization within cells. Her lab employs a multidisciplinary approach including biochemical reconstitution, biophysical measurements, high-throughput screening, and advanced imaging techniques to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying condensate formation and function. The recent publications of her group reveal a strong thematic focus on RNA-protein interactions, phase separation, stress granules, and the enzymatic regulation of condensates by ATPases. These studies span model systems from synthetic coacervates to human cells, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to understand both fundamental principles and biological implications of membraneless organelles. ERC Starting Grant (2020) SNSF Eccellenza Professorship (2019) HFSP Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015–2018) ETH and EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015) PhD Prize, University of Munich (2014) Boehringer Ingelheim PhD Fellowship (2008–2011) Dr. Hondele advises a vibrant team of postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and master’s students, indicating an active and expanding research program. She has secured competitive grants and leads a productive research group contributing significantly to the field of RNA biology and cellular organization. She is also an Associate Member of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) RNA & Disease, reflecting her integration into major national research initiatives. Her research group is embedded within the Biozentrum, a leading interdisciplinary research center at the University of Basel, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative networks in molecular and cellular biology.

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Autophagy
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Christian Ungermann is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Osnabrück, Germany. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying endosome, lysosome, and autophagosome biogenesis. He combines cell biological methods with in vitro reconstitution assays to study protein complexes involved in these processes. His work is critical for understanding disease-related mechanisms linked to organelle dysfunction. Research topics include endosomal maturation, autophagosome/lysosome biogenesis, and endosomal signal transduction. Model systems include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, insect cells, and Drosophila melanogaster. Key methods are protein purification, fluorescence microscopy, membrane fusion assays, and enzymatic activity assays. Recent publications highlight studies on Rab GTPase regulation, endosomal Rab transitions, and CORVET tethering complex structure, reflecting expertise in membrane trafficking and organelle dynamics.

• Diabetes Research
• Metabolism
• Endocrinology
• +3 more

Hadi Al-Hasani serves as University Professor and Director of the Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry at the German Diabetes Center (DDZ), affiliated with Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf's Medical Faculty. He concurrently leads the Research Group Pathochemistry, focusing on molecular mechanisms of diabetes and metabolic disorders through biochemical and genetic approaches. His primary research domains include Diabetes Pathogenesis , Insulin Signaling Pathways , and Metabolic Regulation , with specific expertise in Rab GTPase proteins (TBC1D1/TBC1D4), glucose transporter dynamics, and islet biology. Utilizing polygenic mouse models, his work bridges molecular biochemistry with clinical metabolic phenotypes to identify therapeutic targets for diabetes and obesity. Analysis of his 2007-2018 publications reveals consistent innovation in diabetes mechanisms, particularly through comparative genomics of insulin secretion pathways and Rab-GAP protein functions. His research demonstrates progressive exploration from foundational GLUT4 trafficking studies (1998) to contemporary investigations of metabolic syndrome gene networks and tissue-specific insulin resistance. Professor Al-Hasani's laboratory operates within the Pathochemistry Research Group at the Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, where his team integrates biochemical, genetic, and physiological methodologies to dissect molecular pathways underlying metabolic disease progression.

Karin SchumacherView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Plant Developmental Biology
• Plant Cell Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Karin Schumacher is a Professor of Plant Developmental Biology at Heidelberg University and currently serves as Vice-Rector for Quality Development and Sustainability. Her research focuses on plant cell biology, particularly vacuole dynamics, ion homeostasis, and membrane trafficking in Arabidopsis. She leads the Cell Biology Research Group at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) and has held leadership roles such as Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences. Her work integrates computational modeling with experimental approaches to study plant growth and stress responses. Dr. Schumacher's academic career includes a Doctorate from the University of Cologne and a Habilitation from the University of Tübingen. She has held professorial positions since 2007 and contributed to advancements in understanding plant membrane systems, including V-ATPase function and calcium signaling. Her research publications emphasize vacuolar ion transport, autophagy mechanisms, and plant stress physiology. Her administrative roles include enhancing early career researcher support and promoting sustainability in university operations. She is an active member of scientific societies like the German Botanical Society and serves on editorial boards such as Plant Cell . Her interdisciplinary work bridges cell biology, molecular genetics, and systems-level plant physiology.

Zheng ZhouView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Zheng Zhou is a Professor at the Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine. He is also a member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of apoptotic and necrotic cell clearance in Caenorhabditis elegans , particularly the recognition, engulfment, and degradation of dying cells. Zhou holds a BS from Fudan University (Shanghai, China) and a PhD in Biochemistry from Baylor College of Medicine. He completed postdoctoral training at MIT and Baylor College of Medicine. His honors include the Norton Rose Fulbright Faculty Excellence Award (2018) and multiple fellowships, including from the Robert A. Welch Foundation and the Rita Allen Foundation. His research interests include understanding how dying cells expose 'eat-me' signals like phosphatidylserine and how phagocytic receptors (e.g., CED-1) mediate clearance. His lab uses genetic screens, live imaging, and molecular tools to study these processes in C. elegans . Recent work highlights roles of calcium signaling in necrotic cell recognition and autophagy-phagocytosis crosstalk in apoptotic cell degradation. Zhou has mentored numerous students and postdocs, including Omar Peña-Ramos (now a postdoc) and Jonathan Pickett. His lab is funded by grants such as an R35 MRA award and an RO1 supplement supporting research on lipid transfer proteins' roles in cell-cell interactions. Labs/Teams: The Zhou Lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on programmed cell death and clearance mechanisms. Collaborations include work on dynamin function and signaling pathways in phagocytosis.

Louisa WuView profile

Associate Professor

• Immunology
• Innate Immunity
• Host Defense Mechanisms
• +3 more

Louisa Wu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on host defense mechanisms against pathogens, particularly the innate immune response in Drosophila melanogaster. She investigates signal transduction pathways and cellular interactions critical for immune function. Dr. Wu earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego in 1995. Her work combines genetic, biochemical, and cellular approaches to understand how insects combat infections. Recent studies include analyzing phagocytosis assays in vivo and the role of autophagy in immune regulation. She has contributed to elucidating Toll pathway roles in antiviral defenses and identified key genes like Rab14 and ird1 in bacterial immunity. Dr. Wu is affiliated with the BISI-Molecular & Cellular Biology (MOCB) graduate program. Her research has been published in journals such as Cell Reports, Journal of Immunology, and Development. While no specific awards are listed, her contributions to Drosophila immunity research are widely recognized. Her lab explores topics like RNA splicing factors' roles in immune regulation and vesicle trafficking pathways. Collaborations with colleagues like Norbert Perrimon and Eric Baehrecke highlight interdisciplinary approaches to studying immune mechanisms.

• Circadian Rhythms
• Molecular Genetics
• Neurobiology
• +1 more

Professor Ezio Rosato is a Professor of Biology at the University of Leicester's School of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on molecular genetics of circadian rhythms, examining biological clocks across diverse organisms from insects to crustaceans. Research investigates genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying circadian timekeeping, seasonal adaptations, and light-responsive behaviors. Current projects explore cryptochrome-mediated magnetosensitivity, circadian neuronal plasticity, and environmental influences on biological timing. Recent publications analyze ultrastructural changes in clock neurons, genetic regulation of seasonal phenotypes, and evolutionary dynamics of circadian systems. His work employs molecular genetics, behavioral analysis, and comparative genomics across model organisms. Professor Rosato collaborates internationally on chronobiological research and contributes to teaching programs in genetics and molecular biology.

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Axonal Transport
• Motor Neurone Disease
• +3 more

Dr Andrew Grierson is a Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience at the School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, based at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases with translational applications. His educational background includes: PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Sheffield (1991-1994) BSc in Genetics from the University of Sheffield (1988-1991) Dr Grierson's work centers on axonal transport regulation in motor neurone disease (MND) and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) , utilizing zebrafish and mouse models to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Current projects include HDAC6 inhibition studies for CMT2A and HSP, C9ORF72 protein function analysis in ALS, and spastin gene replacement therapy development. His laboratory emphasizes preclinical translation with strong industry and charity partnerships. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2013-2022) reveals consistent focus on ALS/MND pathophysiology, with increasing emphasis on C9ORF72-related mechanisms , mitochondrial dysfunction , and therapeutic target validation . The work bridges basic molecular neuroscience and clinical applications, predominantly using in vivo models and translational biomarkers . Dr Grierson supervises multiple PhD students and collaborates with Pamela Shaw and Bob Johnston at Sheffield. His research group includes technicians Katie Adamson and Gary Shaw, operating within SITraN's specialized facilities for neurodegenerative disease research.

• Endocytosis
• Neurons
• Membrane Trafficking
• +2 more

Peter McPherson, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University 's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences . He is based at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI), where his laboratory is part of the MNI’s Neurodegenerative Disease Research Group. University: McGill University School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Department: Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery Lab Affiliation: Brain Tumour Research Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute Research Focus : Dr. McPherson’s lab investigates molecular mechanisms regulating endosomal membrane trafficking and its role in neurological disorders. Key areas include: Clathrin-coated pit/vesicle dynamics in neurons Links between trafficking defects and neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s, ALS, ARSACS, glioblastoma) Antibody validation via YCharOS initiative with industry partners Structural and functional characterization of trafficking proteins Recent Trends : Publications emphasize antibody validation protocols (2024-2025), α-synuclein pathology in Parkinson’s, and DENND5A/RAB35 mutations in epileptic encephalopathy. Collaborative work spans lysosomal positioning , autophagy regulation , and C9orf72/SMCR8 complexes in inflammation. Labs & Teams : The lab operates at the Montreal Neurological Institute in the Brain Tumour Research Centre , collaborating with 14 antibody manufacturers and knockout cell line providers through YCharOS. The team uses biochemical, molecular, structural, and cellular approaches to study endo/lysosomal pathways.

Edward BonderView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Cytoskeleton Dynamics
• Actin-Microtubule Interactions
• +5 more

Edward Bonder serves as Professor of Cell Biology and Chair in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University-Newark. His laboratory investigates the structural and functional dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton across multiple biological contexts including morphogenesis, cell-cell contact formation, and organelle motility. Utilizing marine gamete models and cultured epithelial systems, his research bridges fundamental cell biology with developmental processes. Education: B.A. in Biology, University of Pennsylvania (1976) Ph.D. in Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania (1983) Dr. Bonder's research focuses on actin-myosin interactions governing cellular dynamics, with particular emphasis on myosin motor proteins in fertilization models, adherens junction formation, and mitochondrial motility along cytoskeletal tracks. His work demonstrates how Rho GTPase signaling, microtubule-actin crosstalk, and unconventional myosins regulate cell polarization, wound healing, and embryonic development. The laboratory employs sea urchin coelomocytes and epithelial cell cultures to dissect stimulus-response mechanisms in organelle transport and cell adhesion. Publication analysis reveals sustained contributions to cytoskeletal dynamics over 25+ years, with recent work expanding into cancer biology, stem cell regulation, and host-microbe interactions. Key themes include Rab11-dependent trafficking, CDC42-mediated tumor suppression, and TLR sorting mechanisms - all rooted in fundamental cytoskeletal principles established through earlier sea urchin and epithelial models. No scientific awards are documented in the provided materials. Dr. Bonder maintains active research programs examining cytoskeletal regulation in development and disease, with consistent funding evidenced by continuous publication in high-impact journals including PNAS, Journal of Cell Biology, and EMBO Journal. His laboratory trains researchers in advanced cell imaging, molecular perturbation techniques, and model system applications. The research group operates from 309 Boyden Hall, utilizing sea urchin fertilization models, epithelial cell culture systems, and molecular approaches to investigate cytoskeletal dynamics across scales from single molecules to tissue organization. Current projects integrate traditional cell biology with emerging work in intestinal stem cells and microbial homeostasis.

Ilya LeventalView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Molecular Physiology
• +4 more

Ilya Levental is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine , where he leads the Levental Laboratory of Membrane Biology . His research investigates how membranes and dietary lipids regulate cell physiology , with the goal of identifying therapeutic targets for human diseases. Education: BS in Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology PhD in Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania Postdoctoral Fellowship, Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany Research Interests: Levental's work focuses on the composition, biophysics, and physiology of cellular membranes . His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular and cell biology, membrane biophysics, protein biochemistry, and synthetic biology . Key areas include lipid rafts, membrane domain stability, protein-lipid interactions, and dietary lipid impacts on membrane function . Notable projects explore membrane phase behaviors in HIV entry, lipid asymmetry effects, and membrane regulation of signal transduction . Publication Trends: Articles span biophysics, cell biology, and lipid biology , with a focus on membrane domain partitioning, cholesterol dynamics, and phase separation in disease . Collaborations with institutions like Karolinska Institute, University of Michigan, and UT Health Science Center highlight the interdisciplinary nature of his work. Labs and Collaborations: The Levental Lab moved to the University of Virginia and is affiliated with the Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology . Current projects involve partnerships with researchers in Sweden, Germany, and the United States , utilizing computational modeling, cryo-EM, and synthetic biology to study membrane organization.

Milan K. BagchiView profile

Professor

• Endocrinology
• Reproductive Biology
• Signal Transduction
• +4 more

Milan K. Bagchi is the Deborah Paul Professor of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Director of the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He also holds a joint appointment as Professor of Molecular & Integrative Physiology. His research focuses on steroid hormone signaling mechanisms in reproduction and disease, particularly estrogen and progesterone regulation of embryo implantation and cancer biology. Education: B.S. (1976), M.S. (1979) from University of Calcutta, India; Ph.D. (1984) from University of Nebraska; Postdoc (1985–89) at Baylor College of Medicine. Research interests include endocrinology, reproductive biology, and signal transduction. Key areas: hormonal regulation of implantation, gene networks in fertility, and molecular basis of hormone-dependent cancers. His lab uses mouse models and genomic approaches to study uterine function and hormonal pathways. Notable awards: Romano Professorial Scholar and University Scholar. Recent work highlights include studies on phthalate impacts on uterine physiology (2023), hypoxia-driven embryo implantation mechanisms (2025), and decidualization pathways. His publications span hormone signaling, environmental toxin effects, and cell communication in reproductive systems. Awards and honors include roles as a distinguished scholar and contributions to biomedical research. Collaborations extend to institutions like the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology.