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Yuan HeView profile

Associate Professor

• Innate immunity
• Inflammasome biology
• NLRP3 inflammasome
• +3 more

Dr. Yuan He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Wayne State University School of Medicine . He joined the faculty in 2017 after completing his Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan. Education 1998 – B.S. in Biology, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China 2011 – Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA 2011–2017 – Postdoctoral Fellowship in Immunology, University of Michigan, MI, USA Research Interests Dr. He’s laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms governing innate immunity , with a particular emphasis on the NLRP3 inflammasome . His work spans: Signal transduction pathways that regulate inflammasome activation Host–pathogen interactions and danger signal recognition Inflammatory cytokine maturation (IL-1β, IL-18) Translational strategies targeting inflammasomes for infectious and inflammatory diseases His immediate goal is to decipher how the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated during innate immune responses, while his long-term vision is to leverage these insights to develop novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders. Publication Trends Across 15 recent publications (2013–2022) , Dr. He has consistently advanced the understanding of inflammasome biology, dissecting both structural determinants (e.g., NEK7/NEK6 specificity, RACK1 adaptor) and functional outcomes (pyroptosis, cytokine release). A clear trajectory emerges from foundational mechanism studies in macrophages and dendritic cells to translational applications in neurodegeneration, highlighting a commitment to bridging basic science and clinical relevance. Scientific Awards NIH R01 Award (May 2020 – April 2025) NIH K22 Research Career Development Award (July 2017 – July 2019) Teaching & Mentoring Dr. He is actively engaged in graduate education, currently offering: IM7040 – Fundamentals of Research IM7010 – Fundamentals of Immunology IBS7090 – Biomedical Immunology He is accepting new M.S. and Ph.D. students for 2024 admission in both the Immunology & Microbiology (IM) and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB) programs. Laboratory & Location His research group is housed in Scott Hall, Room 7215 , providing state-of-the-art facilities for molecular immunology, live-cell imaging, and animal models of inflammation.

JianJun WangView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Protein Chemistry
• +8 more

JianJun Wang is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Wayne State University's School of Medicine, specializing in structural biology and lipoprotein research. He obtained his Ph.D. from Nanjing University in 1988 and currently leads an active research laboratory investigating the molecular mechanisms of heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry - Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China (1988) Research Focus: Dr. Wang's research program employs cutting-edge structural biology techniques including NMR spectroscopy, molecular biology, protein chemistry, and biophysics to investigate critical proteins involved in cholesterol transport. His laboratory has developed innovative methods for ultra-high resolution in-cell structural biology, enabling real-time visualization of protein folding and trafficking in living mammalian cells. The research encompasses two major disease areas: cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease, with particular emphasis on understanding the structure-function relationships of apolipoproteins (apoE, apoAI) and their receptors. Recent breakthroughs include the development of novel QQ protein transduction technology for efficient protein delivery into living cells and 3D/4D fluorescence imaging techniques. Research Publications Analysis: Dr. Wang's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on structural characterization of lipoproteins using advanced NMR techniques. His work spans from fundamental structural studies of apolipoproteins to developing innovative methodologies for protein production and labeling. The research trajectory shows progressive advancement from basic structural biology to translational applications in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Teaching Contributions: Dr. Wang teaches multiple graduate-level courses including: BMB7030 - Core Concepts in Technologies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology BMB7320 - Protein Structure and Function BMB7330 - Advanced Molecular Biology IBS7330 - Advanced Molecular Biology Current Opportunities: Dr. Wang is currently accepting new MS and PhD students for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) program for 2024, indicating an active and expanding research program.

Kiran SapkotaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuropharmacology
• NMDA receptor pharmacology
• CNS Drug discovery
• +4 more

Kiran Sapkota serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Pharmacy, a position he joined in 2025. His academic journey spans multiple institutions across the globe, reflecting his international background in pharmaceutical sciences and neuroscience. His educational background includes: Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy from Pokhara University in Nepal (2006) Master's of Pharmacy in Medicinal Chemistry from Catholic University of Daegu in South Korea (2009) MS in Pharmacology from Creighton University (2012) PhD in Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience from UNMC (2016) Dr. Sapkota's research focuses on NMDA receptor pharmacology, CNS drug discovery, and neuropsychiatric disorders. His work spans molecular mechanisms of receptor function, drug development for neurological conditions, and translational studies connecting basic science to clinical applications. His publication record shows consistent productivity with significant contributions to understanding NMDA receptor function and its implications for schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric conditions. His research trajectory demonstrates an evolution from early work on asthma treatments and melanogenesis inhibitors to a concentrated focus on NMDA receptor pharmacology, with recent publications (2020-2024) predominantly examining receptor subtypes, allosteric modulation, and connections to schizophrenia pathophysiology. His work bridges structural biology, molecular pharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience. Professional recognition includes: University of Nebraska Medical Center graduate fellowship (July 2015-December 2016) Dr. Sapkota holds memberships in the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) and the American Society for Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), indicating active engagement with the broader neuroscience and pharmacology communities. His teaching responsibilities include Industrial Pharmacy, Delivery and Biocompatibility of Proteins and Nucleic Acid Drugs, and Applications of Molecules to Medicine, demonstrating expertise across pharmaceutical sciences disciplines.

• Organic Chemistry
• Bioorganic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Juan Carlos Estevez Cabanas is a Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela. His research focuses on the synthesis of complex organic molecules with biological relevance, particularly carbohydrates, β-amino acids, and their derivatives. He leads the NANOBIOMOL group within the Research Center in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CIQUS). PhD in Organic Chemistry from University of Santiago de Compostela (1991) Specializes in carbohydrate chemistry, organocatalysis, and peptidomimetic design Research trends show expertise in ABA receptor agonists, asymmetric synthesis, and supramolecular organization Current affiliation with the Department of Organic Chemistry and CIQUS research center

• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology
• Endocrinology
• +5 more

Mette Rosenkilde is a Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMI), University of Copenhagen, leading the Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory (MolPharm) . Her research focuses on structure-function relationships of 7TM (seven transmembrane) G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their role in metabolic and neurological diseases. Key research areas include: GIP and GLP-1 receptor pharmacology Adhesion GPCR signaling mechanisms Drug discovery for obesity and diabetes Receptor dynamics in neuroendocrine regulation Collaborations with biotech startups (Antag Therapeutics, Synklino) Selected research trends from her 297+ publications span: GIP receptor antagonists for obesity, adhesion GPCR signaling complexities, and GLP-1 receptor modulation of intracranial pressure. Her work bridges molecular pharmacology and translational medicine. Collaborations include: Antag Therapeutics Bainan Biotech Synklino International research networks across Europe

• Cancer Research
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology
• +3 more

Dr. Sheefa Mirza is a Physician Scientist at the University of the Witwatersrand , specializing in Internal Medicine . Her research integrates cancer biology , molecular pharmacology , and computational modeling to explore mechanisms of drug resistance , exosomal RNA roles in tumor progression, and natural compound-based therapies . Her work focuses on Colorectal and lung cancer Pharmacological targeting of MAPK/PrkC1 and AXL pathways Exosomal miRNA-146a and lncRNA in immune modulation Computational drug design for nanomaterials and triazole derivatives Key trends in her publications include liquid biopsy applications, epigenetic regulators in cancer stem cells, and multi-gene panels for metastasis prediction. Her studies often bridge in silico simulations with in vitro validations. She holds a PhD from Guru Nanak Dev University and is affiliated with the Internal Medicine Department at Wits University. Her research has been published in journals like Frontiers in Oncology , Non-Coding RNA Research , and Scientific Reports .

Colin M CrumpView profile

Professor

• Virus assembly and egress
• Virus-host interactions
• Virology
• +4 more

Professor Colin M Crump is a Professor of Molecular Virology in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge. He leads the Crump Group within the Virology Division, focusing on virus-cell interactions, particularly virus assembly, egress, and host-pathogen relationships. Professor Crump received his academic training at the University of Bristol, earning both his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry. His educational background in biochemistry has informed his research approach to understanding viral mechanisms at the molecular level. Dr. Crump's research program centers on understanding how viruses manipulate cellular pathways to establish infection and spread. His laboratory specifically studies three viral families: herpesviruses, polyomaviruses, and bunyaviruses, with particular focus on herpes simplex virus, BK polyomavirus, and Oropouche virus. His team employs advanced techniques including microscopy imaging, proteomics, and genome-wide genetic screens to gain comprehensive insights into virus replication mechanisms. Analysis of Professor Crump's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms of virus assembly and egress across multiple viral families. His work frequently identifies critical host factors that viruses exploit, with particular focus on cellular trafficking pathways, ubiquitination systems, and lipid metabolism. Recent studies have examined viral manipulation of immune responses, particularly how herpesviruses evade NKT cell recognition and interfere with innate immune sensing pathways. Professor Crump has received significant recognition for his research, including: Wellcome Trust International Prize Travelling Research Fellowship (1999-2003) Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2005-2013) Professor Crump actively mentors the next generation of virologists through his Crump Group, which currently includes PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and visiting students. His teaching responsibilities include virology and cell biology, and he serves as course organizer for Part IB Biology of Disease at Cambridge. His research has been supported by prestigious fellowships including the Wellcome Trust and Royal Society, which have enabled him to establish his independent research program focusing on fundamental virology questions with potential therapeutic implications. The Crump Group operates within the Virology Division of the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge. The group collaborates widely across disciplines and utilizes the Department's advanced facilities including the Pathogen Cryo-Imaging Facility in Cambridge (PaCIFiC), which enables high-resolution imaging of virus-host interactions. Their research has significant implications for understanding viral pathogenesis and identifying potential targets for antiviral therapies.

Wen ShenView profile

Professor

• Neural signal processing
• Ion channel and receptor physiology
• Synaptic connection
• +5 more

Dr. Wen Shen is a Professor of Biomedical Science at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University. She also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Center for Complex Systems and Brain Science in the College of Science at Florida Atlantic University. Her research focuses on understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic connection, network modulation, and neuroplasticity in the brain and retina. Education: 1999: Ph.D., Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo Dr. Shen's research interests center on neural signal processing, ion channel and receptor physiology, and neural and vascular system rearrangement in physiology and pathology. Her laboratory investigates synaptic connection, network modulation, and neuroplasticity in the brain and retina, which share cell types, vasculatures, and immune responses. The eye-brain relationship provides opportunities for noninvasive diagnosis of retina and brain diseases including Alzheimer's, stroke, and age-related vision decline. Analysis of Dr. Shen's recent publications reveals a strong focus on retinal neuroscience, with particular emphasis on ion channels, neurotransmitter systems (especially GABAergic and glycinergic transmission), and the role of taurine in retinal function. Her work spans from basic cellular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications for retinal degenerative diseases. The research demonstrates a consistent trajectory exploring how neural circuits function in both healthy and diseased states. Grants and Funding: National Institute of Health National Science Foundation Fight for Sight, Prevent Blindness America Dr. Shen's laboratory employs multifaceted experimental approaches including genetic engineering, electrophysiological recording, and optical imaging techniques. Her research has important implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative conditions affecting both the retina and the brain, leveraging the retina as an accessible window to brain pathology.

Alessandro CasnatiView profile

Professor

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Calixarenes
• +5 more

Alessandro Casnati is a Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences, University of Parma. He has held this position since 2015, having previously been appointed Associate Professor in 1998. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to supramolecular chemistry, particularly in calixarene research. Professor Casnati's research focuses on supramolecular chemistry, with particular emphasis on calixarenes and their applications. His work encompasses the synthesis of phenol-formaldehyde macrocycles, chemical modification of calixarenes, and study of molecular recognition properties of resulting receptors. He has pioneered research on calix-crowns for cation recognition and upper rim functionalization of calix[4]arenes with amino acid or sugar derivatives, some of which demonstrate biological activity based on molecular recognition phenomena. His research portfolio demonstrates significant trends in supramolecular catalysis, biomolecular recognition, and applications in nuclear waste treatment and antibacterial strategies. Recent publications reveal increasing focus on enzyme mimics, bacterial targeting through multivalent interactions, and development of novel calixarene-based materials with biological applications. Giacomo Ciamician medal of the Italian Chemical Society (1997) Research Award for Organic Chemistry in aspects of structural determination and molecular interactions (2012) Angelo Mangini Gold Medal from Organic Chemistry Division of Italian Chemical Society (2019) Professor Casnati has led numerous significant research projects including COST WG D34/0001/05 (2005-2011) on multivalent ligands for cholera toxin inhibition, FP7 "ACSEPT" project (2008), "SACSESS" project (2013), H2020 GENIORS project (2018-2021), and PRIN2017 BacHound as national coordinator. He has served as scientific director of the European Collaborative FP7 project "ACSEPT" and as principal investigator of the European H2020 project GENIORS. His research group at the University of Parma focuses on supramolecular systems with applications ranging from molecular recognition to nuclear waste treatment.

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

Andrea Bernini serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Siena, Italy. His academic position is housed within the university's main campus at Via Aldo Moro n. 2, Siena, with his office located in room B_03_106 on the third floor of the II lotto building. His primary contact email is andrea.bernini@unisi.it . Bernini's research spans Biochemistry, Computational Structural Biology, Molecular Modeling, Metabolomics, and Precision Medicine, with specialized focus on protein conformational diseases like Alkaptonuria and cancer-related biomarker discovery. His methodological expertise includes molecular dynamics simulations, NMR spectroscopy, and metabolomic profiling to investigate protein structure-function relationships and disease mechanisms. Current projects examine metabolite dynamics in age-related macular degeneration, lipedema pathogenesis involving AKR1C2 enzymes, and peptide-based antimicrobial development. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) Omics-driven precision medicine applications across multiple cancers (lung, glioblastoma, breast, ovarian, prostate, sarcoma), (2) Metabolomic biomarker discovery for diagnostic applications in thyroid nodules and soft tissue sarcoma, and (3) Computational investigations of protein conformational diseases with emphasis on Alkaptonuria. His work consistently bridges computational modeling with experimental validation to address complex biomedical challenges. Bernini teaches Bioinformatics in the Second Cycle Degree program (Chemistry, 2025/2026) and Biological Chemistry in the First Cycle Degree program (Chemical Sciences, 2024/2025). His academic supervision extends to graduate research projects focused on molecular modeling and metabolomic analysis. While specific grant details aren't publicly documented, his publication record indicates active collaboration with clinical and computational research teams across Italian institutions.

• Organic Chemistry
• Multi-Component Reactions
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• +4 more

Dr. Konstantinos Neochoritis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Crete, Greece. He leads the Neochoritis Research Group, which focuses on synthetic organic chemistry with special emphasis on Multi-Component Reactions (MCRs) and their applications in pharmaceutical and materials chemistry. His research has significant implications for drug discovery and the development of novel therapeutic agents. Education: 2004: Graduate, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki 2006: Postgraduate Diploma, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki 2011: PhD in Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Thesis: "Synthesis of biologically active heterocyclic compounds") Dr. Neochoritis' research focuses on the synthesis and study of functional molecules through Multi-Component Reactions (MCRs), with applications spanning pharmaceutical chemistry and materials science. His work bridges fundamental organic chemistry with practical applications in drug discovery, particularly in cancer immunotherapy. The group's approach emphasizes diversity generation, complexity creation, and resource efficiency in synthetic pathways. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on innovative applications of MCRs, particularly in the development of molecular tools for protein-protein interactions, atropisomeric compounds with potential therapeutic applications, and novel heterocyclic scaffolds. His work demonstrates a clear trajectory toward increasingly complex molecular architectures with biological relevance, especially in breast cancer therapeutics and inflammation-related diseases. Scientific Awards: Excellence scholarship from the Research Committee of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (PhD studies) Excellence in Postdoctoral Researchers scholarship from the Research Committee of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Dr. Neochoritis has successfully mentored numerous students at various levels, including current MSc students and past BSc, MSc, and PhD candidates. His research is supported by funding from the Hellenic Foundation for Research & Innovation (HFRI), ELKE@UoC, and his pharmaceutical company TelesisPharma. He also collaborates with the Empirikion Foundation, indicating strong industry-academic partnerships. The Neochoritis Research Group operates from laboratory A311 in the Chemistry Department at the University of Crete. The group consists of current MSc students and has previously hosted postdoctoral researchers. Their work is characterized by a collaborative approach, with frequent co-authorship among group members and external collaborators from institutions like the University of Groningen. The group's research is poised to make significant contributions to the fields of medicinal chemistry and synthetic methodology.

Michaela JansenView profile

Professor

• Neurotransmitter Receptors
• Membrane Transport Proteins
• Pharmacology
• +2 more

Michaela Jansen is a Professor and Associate Dean for Medical Education and Accreditation at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine , affiliated with the Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics and Center for Membrane Protein Research . Her research focuses on structure-function studies of neurotransmitter receptors (nAChR, 5HT3, GABA) and proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) , with clinical relevance to neurological disorders and cancer chemotherapy. Research interests include: Neurotransmitter receptor pharmacology Membrane protein structure and dynamics Drug target discovery Chaperone protein interactions Electrophysiology and spectroscopy methods X-ray crystallography Article trends demonstrate expertise in: Ligand-gated ion channels Nanodisc technology applications Cys-loop receptor family Antidepressant binding mechanisms Protein assembly determinants Structural biology of transporters Scientific recognition includes a Nature News and Views feature . She has trained numerous researchers, with alumni placed at institutions including Columbia University , Einstein College , Vanderbilt University , and pharmaceutical companies like Moderna and Sanofi . Research funding from NINDS , CH Foundation , and South Plains Foundation supports work in the Jansen Lab , which has produced 34+ publications and developed novel methods for membrane protein analysis.

Carina Baer de Oliveira MannView profile

Professor

• Nucleotidyltransferases
• Innate Immunity
• Structural Biology
• +7 more

Prof. Carina Baer de Oliveira Mann is a Professor of Biomolecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) School of Natural Sciences. She investigates nucleotidyltransferases (NTases) and their role in immune self/non-self discrimination, focusing on cyclic nucleotide signaling and pattern recognition receptors like STING and cGAS. Her work bridges structural biology, biochemistry, and immunology to uncover molecular mechanisms in innate immunity and autoimmune diseases. Ph.D. in Biochemistry at LMU Gene Center (2012-2016) Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (2016-2019) Postdoctoral Research at LMU (2019-2021) Emmy Noether Group Leader at TUM Institute of Virology (2021-2023) Her research explores how NTases generate second messengers to regulate immune responses. She combines cryo-EM and biochemical approaches to study autoimmunity, viral immunity, and protein interactions. Key themes include STING signaling, chromatin-cGAS regulation, and bacterial cyclic nucleotide systems. Recent publications highlight structural mechanisms in UNC93B1 variants, ARF1-STING interactions, and cGLR receptor diversity. Prof. Baer de Oliveira Mann has received prestigious awards including the ERC Starting Grant (2023), FEBS Excellence Award (2022), and DFG Emmy Noether Fellowship (2021). She teaches courses on biomolecular cryo-EM, physical biochemistry, and scientific literature reception, emphasizing structural analysis and experimental techniques.

Nick ShawView profile

Professor

• Analytical chemistry
• Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
• Metabolite profiling
• +6 more

Professor Nick Shaw is a distinguished academic at the University of Queensland, serving as Professor in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. He was appointed to the School as Professor in January 2004 and served as Head of School of Pharmacy from July 2004 until December 2014. A pharmacist by training, Professor Shaw earned his PhD from the University of Manchester in 1985 and was a member of the academic staff at the University of Nottingham from 1985-2003 before joining UQ. Professor Shaw's research spans analytical chemistry and pharmacology, with particular focus on application of analytical methodologies to solve clinical and health-related problems, metabolite profiling methodology applied to nutrient profiles of tropical plants, and secondary metabolite identification and drug metabolism, biopharmaceutics, and pharmacokinetic studies. His recent work has centered on human milk processing, camel milk analysis, and opioid-cancer interactions. His publication record demonstrates significant expertise in analytical methodologies applied to clinical problems, with recent publications focusing on milk processing technologies (particularly pulsed electric field systems), trace element analysis in pediatric populations, and the relationship between opioids and cancer biology. Professor Shaw's work bridges analytical chemistry with clinical applications, particularly in infant nutrition and pharmaceutical sciences. Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (1994) Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2010) Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's Bowl of Hygeia for services to the profession (2013) Professor Shaw has been actively involved in research supervision, having supervised and co-supervised over 45 PhD and research Masters students. His current supervision includes projects on camel milk products, bioactive breastmilk pasteurization, and professional identity formation in pharmacy students. He has secured significant funding from NHMRC, ARC, Australian Cancer Research Foundation, and other major bodies for research on milk processing, cancer care, and nutritional bioactives. Professor Shaw has also held leadership positions including founding and chairing the Council of Pharmacy Schools (Australia and New Zealand), serving as chair of the APC Accreditation Committee (2015-2025), and chairing the Australian Pharmacy Liaison Forum in 2011.

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• +4 more

Irit Lax is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Yale School of Medicine. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and protein interactions, particularly involving SH2 domains and growth factor receptors. Her work includes studies on the selectivity of kinase signaling pathways and the differential binding properties of EGF receptors. Collaborations with prominent researchers like Joseph Schlessinger and Avon Johnson highlight her contributions to molecular and cellular biology. PhD, Weizmann Institute of Science (1985) Affiliated with Schlessinger Lab and Yale Ventures Key research areas: Signal transduction, protein structure-function relationships, and growth factor biology