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Karl DuderstadtView profile

Professor

• DNA replication
• Structural biology
• Single-molecule imaging
• +4 more

Karl Duderstadt is a Professor of Experimental Biophysics at Technische Universität München and an Independent Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry since 2015. His research focuses on understanding the Structure and Dynamics of Molecular Machines involved in DNA replication, particularly the replisome and its coordination with chromatin dynamics. He employs advanced single-molecule imaging and biophysical techniques to address challenges in genome integrity and replication mechanics. B.A. in Physics, Oberlin College (2004) Ph.D. in Biophysics, University of California, Berkeley (2011) Postdoctoral Fellow, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (2015) His research interests span chromatin replication , topological stress resolution , and replisome stability . Current projects include ReplisomeBypass (ERC-funded) and ChromoMemInMotion (ERC Consolidator Grant). His work has produced groundbreaking insights into replisome dynamics and nucleosome inheritance , with implications for genome stability and epigenetic regulation. Scientific awards include the ERC Starting Grant (2018) and ERC Consolidator Grant (2023) . The group utilizes novel single-molecule platforms to study replication under stress conditions and develop tools like the MARS software for bioimage analysis. Collaborative efforts involve characterizing molecular barriers in DNA replication and understanding how protein complexes coordinate dynamic events during chromosome duplication.

Xiaodong ZhangView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• DNA Processing
• Macromolecular Machines
• +4 more

Xiaodong Zhang is a Professor at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine and a Secondment Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute. Her research focuses on structural biology of macromolecular machines involved in DNA processing, particularly transcription regulation and DNA damage response. She utilizes cryoEM, X-ray crystallography, and biochemical techniques to study AAA+ ATPases and their roles in genome integrity. B.Sc. Physics (Peking University, 1988) Ph.D. Physics (SUNY Stony Brook, 1995) Postdoctoral: Harvard University (X-ray crystallography), Cancer Research UK Research themes: Mechanisms of DNA damage sensing and repair Transcription initiation in bacterial sigma54 systems Structure-function analysis of AAA+ proteins like p97 Publication trends show 2025 focus on RAD51 modulation and DNA checkpoint mechanisms, 2024 on sigma54 displacement structures, 2023 on replication stress and transcription complex remodeling, with earlier work on Golgi reassembly (2021) and bacterial transcription (2015-2017). Scientific Recognition: Royal Society Fellow (2024) Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator (2012) Wellcome Trust Investigator (2019) Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award (2011) Human Frontier Science Programme Young Investigator (2002-2005) Gertrude Goldhaber Women in Physics Award (1993) Her lab at Imperial College collaborates with Prof. Martin Buck and works with students: Bowen Zhang, Pengtao Liang, and Lindsey Lee. Current affiliations include the London Consortium for high resolution cryoEM (LonCEM) management committee.

Farid KadyrovView profile

Associate Professor

• DNA Mismatch Repair
• Genome Instability
• Triplet Repeat Expansion
• +3 more

Farid Kadyrov is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology within the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) and its role in genome stability, particularly in relation to triplet repeat expansion associated with neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Education : PhD in Biochemistry (1997) from the Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences; Postdoctoral training with Jan Drake (NIEHS) and Paul Modrich (Duke University). Kadyrov’s work has elucidated key components of the MMR pathway, including MutSα, MutLα, and EXO1, and their roles in correcting DNA replication errors and suppressing carcinogenic mutations. His studies also explore the collaboration between MMR proteins and chromatin assembly factors like CAF-1 and ASF1A. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding MutLγ’s role in triplet repeat expansion and the impact of histone modifications on repair processes. Kadyrov’s laboratory has reconstituted critical MMR reactions using purified proteins and defined DNA substrates, revealing insights into endonuclease activation, strand incision, and DNA gap repair. His findings have implications for cancer genetics and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Contact: fkadyrov@siumed.edu

Pavel JanscakView profile

Professor

• DNA Metabolism
• Genome Stability
• Molecular Biology
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Pavel Janscak is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Zurich , leading the Group Leader role at the Institute of Molecular Cancer Research . His work focuses on genomic instability and DNA repair mechanisms , particularly in the context of transcription-replication conflicts . Education M.Sc. in Biochemistry, Charles University, Prague (1987) Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (1993) Habilitation in DNA Metabolism/Genome Stability, University of Zurich (2014) His research combines state-of-the-art molecular and cell biology with advanced microscopy techniques , focusing on the causes and consequences of transcription-replication conflicts and their role in cancer development . His publications reveal expertise in R-loop biology , helicasemediated DNA repair , and genotoxic stress responses . Scientific Awards : Welcome Trust Traveling Fellowship (1994) Collaborations include Prof. Massimo Lopes, Prof. Anne Müller, and Prof. Claus Storgaard Sørensen. His lab has mentored numerous PhD students and postdocs , including alumni like Dr. Radhakrishnan Kanagaraj and Dr. Javier Peña-Díaz.

Alan LehmannView profile

Research Professor

• DNA Repair
• Genome Stability
• Genetic Disorders
• +7 more

Professor Alan Lehmann is a Research Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Sussex's School of Life Sciences, where he leads research in the Genome Damage and Stability Centre. He also serves as a Consultant Scientist at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, contributing to specialist multi-disciplinary clinics for rare genetic disorders. Professor Lehmann's research focuses on DNA repair mechanisms, particularly in relation to Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne Syndrome (CS), and Trichothiodystrophy (TTD). His work examines how cells respond to ultraviolet light damage and how defects in DNA repair processes lead to clinical manifestations of these disorders. Since 2011, his research has concentrated on understanding the molecular basis of clinical features in these genetic conditions, with worldwide collaborations, especially with colleagues in Netherlands, Italy, and Japan. His publication record shows consistent high-impact research output across decades, with recent work exploring neurodegeneration in XP, genomic mutation landscapes in XP-related skin cancers, and molecular overlaps between different DNA repair disorders. His research has evolved from fundamental DNA repair mechanisms to increasingly clinically relevant applications. Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) (2020) Fellow of the Royal Society (2010) Fellow of Academy of Medical Sciences (2004) Professor Lehmann's diagnostic service for XP, CS, and TTD has significantly improved patient care, with his laboratory serving as a key resource for cellular diagnosis. His role as consultant scientist at NHS multi-disciplinary clinics connects his research directly to clinical practice, allowing molecular findings to inform patient management and prognosis. The Lehmann Laboratory remains at the forefront of research into DNA repair disorders, bridging basic science and clinical applications.

• Nucleotide Metabolism
• Genome Stability
• Cancer Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Kasper Fugger serves as Senior Research Fellow at the UCL Cancer Institute and Visiting Scientist at the Francis Crick Institute, funded by Cancer Research UK RadNet. His research program investigates nucleotide metabolism's critical role in maintaining genome stability and preventing carcinogenesis. His educational background includes: PhD, University of Copenhagen (2010) MSc, University of Copenhagen (2005) BSc, University of Copenhagen (2002) Dr. Fugger's research focuses on cellular mechanisms that detoxify hazardous non-canonical nucleotides originating from environmental exposures, radiation, and metabolic processes. His lab specializes in understanding how failures in these pathways drive chromosomal instability in cancer, with particular emphasis on therapeutic targeting of nucleotide pool sanitization enzymes like DNPH1. This work bridges fundamental biochemistry with translational applications, employing CRISPR screening, structural biology, and high-throughput drug validation approaches. His publication record demonstrates significant impact in genome stability research, with recent work revealing FAT1's role in chromosomal instability (2025) and establishing DNPH1 as a major target for overcoming chemotherapy resistance (2021). These studies consistently appear in premier journals including Nature, Science, and Cell, reflecting both mechanistic depth and therapeutic relevance. Dr. Fugger actively collaborates with industry partners to translate discoveries into clinical applications, particularly in PARP inhibitor resistance mechanisms. His lab maintains strong international connections through projects like TRACERx and publications with multinational author teams. As a group leader, he oversees a dynamic research environment focused on nucleotide metabolism pathways, with opportunities for trainees to engage in both basic mechanism studies and translational drug development projects.

• BRCA2 Protein
• Breast Neoplasms
• DNA Damage
• +5 more

Ryan B. Jensen, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine with primary appointments in Therapeutic Radiology and secondary appointments in Pathology. He leads the Jensen Lab within the Yale Cancer Center and is a member of the DNA Damage and Genome Integrity Program. Dr. Jensen's research focuses on DNA double-strand break repair mechanisms, particularly the role of BRCA2 in homologous recombination. His lab employs a multi-disciplinary approach combining biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, structural biology, and proteomics to study how BRCA2 interacts with RAD51 and other proteins in DNA repair pathways. His recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate a consistent research trajectory focused on BRCA2 function, RAD51-mediated DNA repair, and the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development in DNA repair-deficient backgrounds. The lab has made significant contributions to understanding BRCA2's biochemical properties and how mutations affect its function. Dr. Jensen's work has significant implications for understanding cancer susceptibility and developing targeted therapies for BRCA-deficient cancers. His research on BRCA2 variants of uncertain significance bridges basic science with clinical applications in cancer risk assessment and treatment selection. BRCA2 Protein Function DNA Damage and Repair Mechanisms Homologous Recombination RAD51-Mediated Strand Exchange BRCA-Related Cancer Mechanisms PARP Inhibitor Sensitivity The Jensen Lab provides research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students interested in DNA repair mechanisms and cancer biology. Current students include Jennifer Garbarino and Joshua Matthew. The lab has established collaborations with multiple researchers at Yale, including Peter M. Glazer, Ranjit S. Bindra, and Gemma Moore.

• Genome Integrity
• Chromosome Duplication
• DNA Replication
• +7 more

Professor Karim Labib is Chair of Genome Integrity at the University of Dundee's School of Life Sciences, where he also serves as Head of Sustainability and Climate Action. Previously, he held leadership positions at the University of Manchester's Paterson Institute for Cancer Research (2001-2013). His EMBO fellowship (1993-1994) and postdoctoral work at Oxford and London institutions established his expertise in DNA replication mechanisms. His research examines chromosome duplication through integrated approaches: Biochemical reconstitution of replication complexes Structural analysis of replisome components In vivo studies in C. elegans embryos Mammalian cell models of genome instability This work connects fundamental replication mechanisms to cancer-associated genomic instability. Recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate consistent focus on: CMG helicase regulation during replication termination Ubiquitin-mediated control of replisome disassembly Mitotic processing of replication stress Conserved mechanisms from yeast to humans Major scientific awards include: Wellcome Discovery Award (2024) CRUK Programme Awards (2023, 2016) Fellowship of Royal Society of Edinburgh (2016) EMBO Membership (2010) Hooke Medal (2010) He leads a research group investigating metazoan replisome assembly and disassembly, with current projects funded until 2032. As sustainability lead, he promotes climate action initiatives and chairs EMBO's sustainability award committee.

• Chromosomal Instability
• Cancer Biology
• Genome Evolution
• +4 more

Valentine Rosine Francoise Comaills is a Research Fellow leading the Cellular Plasticity and Diseases research group in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Seville. She currently directs two major research projects: 'Origin of chromosomal instability in inflammation-induced pancreatic cancer' (PRDSE258807MEND) and 'Chromosomal instability during the Epithelium-Mesenchyme Transition' (PID2022-136786OA-I00). Her research program centers on chromosomal instability as a driver of cancer evolution, with investigations spanning nuclear envelope integrity, DNA damage response, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition mechanisms. She examines how these processes contribute to breast and pancreatic cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance through molecular and genomic approaches. Her work bridges fundamental genome biology with clinical cancer applications. Dr. Comaills maintains an active publication record in high-impact journals including Science, Nature Communications, and PNAS. Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2025) reveals consistent thematic focus on chromosomal instability mechanisms, with increasing emphasis on therapeutic implications and evolutionary perspectives in cancer genomics. Her interdisciplinary work connects molecular cell biology with evolutionary theory. Her current research funding includes: R&D&I Project: Origin of chromosomal instability in inflammation-induced pancreatic cancer (PRDSE258807MEND) Chromosomal instability during the Epithelium-Mesenchyme Transition (PID2022-136786OA-I00) The Cellular Plasticity and Diseases research group operates at the intersection of cancer biology and genome evolution, utilizing advanced molecular techniques to investigate how chromosomal instability arises during cellular plasticity events and drives disease progression. The group's work has significant implications for understanding cancer heterogeneity and developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Steven HenikoffView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Chromatin Dynamics
• Epigenetics
• +7 more

Dr. Steven Henikoff is a Professor in the Basic Sciences Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. He is also an Affiliate Faculty member in the Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Washington. His research focuses on understanding the structure, function, and evolution of DNA molecules and chromosomes through the development of innovative genomic tools. Dr. Henikoff's research interests center on chromatin dynamics and epigenetics. His laboratory has pioneered enzyme-tethering strategies including DamID (2000), ChEC-seq (2015), CUT&RUN (2017), CUT&Tag (2019), CUTAC (2020), and MulTI-Tag (2021). His work has led to significant insights into nucleosome dynamics, transcription factor binding, chromatin remodeling, and the deregulation of these processes in cancer. His technological innovations have been adopted by hundreds of laboratories worldwide and have fueled commercial development of numerous kits and products. Dr. Henikoff's laboratory has produced numerous significant publications that have advanced our understanding of chromatin biology. His recent work has focused on hypertranscription in cancer, nucleosome dynamics during replication and transcription, centromere evolution, and the development of novel chromatin profiling techniques applicable to formalin-fixed tissues. His research spans fundamental molecular mechanisms to translational applications in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator Affiliate Faculty, Genome Sciences, University of Washington Member, Translational Data Science Integrated Research Center (TDS IRC), Fred Hutch Dr. Henikoff has mentored numerous postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to establish their own successful research programs at institutions including Washington University in St. Louis, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Emory University. His laboratory's outreach efforts include the CUT&Tag@home project, which was recognized by The Scientist magazine as one of the top technical advances of 2020. His laboratory maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines, with research spanning basic molecular mechanisms of chromatin dynamics to translational applications in cancer diagnostics. Current projects focus on better understanding inheritance that does not depend on DNA sequence by applying genomic tools to study proteins of the epigenome including histones, transcription factors, nucleosome remodelers, and RNA polymerase II.