Retrotransposition Events Professors and Supervisors

Nels EldeView profile

Professor

University of UtahUnited States

Nels Elde is a Professor at the University of Utah and an Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator . His research focuses on host-pathogen interactions , leveraging evolutionary genomics to study molecular arms races at protein interfaces. Institution: University of Utah Department: Human Genetics Lab: Elde Lab Research interests include: Identifying genetic resistance mechanisms against infectious diseases via phylogenetic and experimental approaches Exploring model organism platforms for virus discovery and host adaptation rules Decoding molecular conflict dynamics driving cellular complexity Analyzing viral gene capture and host retrotransposition events Recent articles highlight evolutionary constraints in coronavirus accessory genes , antiviral TRIM family ligases in reptiles, and host-pathogen coevolution in glycan recognition systems. Scientific recognition includes: Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator Labs and teams at the University of Utah integrate computational and experimental frameworks with personnel including Postdoctoral Fellows, Graduate Students, and Technical Staff.

Official University Profile

Zuzana SwigonovaView profile

Teaching Professor

University of PittsburghUnited States

Zuzana Swigonova is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Research spans molecular evolution, genomics, and plant genetics. Publications demonstrate expertise in: protein family evolution (acyl-CoA dehydrogenases), bacteriophage genome engineering (BRED system), grass genome evolution (maize/sorghum comparative genomics), retrotransposition mechanisms, and insect-plant coevolution. Genomic studies frequently employ comparative approaches across cereal crops. Article trends reveal strong focus on evolutionary mechanisms at molecular (protein evolution) and genomic levels (polyploidy, retrotransposition). Recent works emphasize tools development for genetic manipulation and phylogenetic analysis.

Official University Profile

Ping LiangView profile

Professor

Brock UniversityCanada

Ping Liang is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University, where he leads a research group focused on genetic diversity and genomics. His laboratory is situated in Mackenzie Chown F 236, and he can be reached at pliang@brocku.ca or by phone at 905 688 5550 x5922. Dr. Liang's research program centers on the mechanisms of inter- and intra-species genetic diversity, with a particular emphasis on transposable elements and their contribution to biological trait diversity. His work employs an integrated approach that combines computational and experimental comparative and functional genomics technologies. Key areas of investigation include: Analysis of transposable elements, particularly retrotransposons, in human and primate genomes Development of computational methodologies for identifying retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms Creation of databases such as dbRIP (Database of Retrotransposon Insertion Polymorphisms) Investigation of how genetic variations impact gene function and phenotype, including disease susceptibility Development of bioinformatics tools for genomic analysis, including fatools and other software packages Dr. Liang's recent publications reveal a strong focus on transposable elements and their role in gene regulation, with significant contributions to understanding retrotransposon dynamics in primate genomes. His work spans multiple disciplines including genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology, with applications in human health and evolutionary biology. His research group has made notable advancements in identifying and characterizing different types of genetic variations, including retro-DNAs and other mobile genetic elements. Dr. Liang actively mentors graduate students interested in genomics and bioinformatics, seeking candidates with both biological knowledge and computational skills. His laboratory provides training in computational approaches as well as advanced genomics and molecular techniques.

Official University Profile

Auli KarhuView profile

Researcher

University of HelsinkiFinland

Auli Karhu is a University Researcher at the Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki. She is affiliated with the ATG (Applied Tumor Genomics) research group and serves as a Supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science. Dr. Karhu is currently an active participant in the Centre of Excellence in Tumor Genetics Research (COETG), a major project funded by the Research Council of Finland running from 2023-2025. Dr. Karhu's research focuses on tumor genetics, with particular expertise in: Genetic and epigenetic alterations in uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) Retrotransposition events in cancer development Molecular mechanisms of gastrointestinal tumors Population genetics approaches through the FinnGen project With 81 publications spanning over two decades, Dr. Karhu has established a consistent research trajectory with notable output in high-impact journals. Her recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates continued productivity in tumor genomics, with publications in Nature Communications, Gastroenterology, and Mobile DNA. Analysis of her publication history shows sustained research activity, with peak years producing up to 10 publications. Dr. Karhu has received support through significant research projects, most notably her current involvement in the Centre of Excellence in Tumor Genetics Research. Her supervision of doctoral students, including work on 'Genetic, Molecular and Clinical Aspects of Familial Pituitary Adenomas' (2009-2014), demonstrates her commitment to training the next generation of researchers. Dr. Karhu is actively involved in the ATG (Applied Tumor Genomics) research group at the University of Helsinki, where she contributes to advancing our understanding of the genetic basis of tumor development. Her work bridges basic genomic research with clinical applications, particularly through population-based studies that leverage Finland's unique genetic heritage.

Official University Profile

Kimmo PalinView profile

Researcher

University of HelsinkiFinland

Dr. Kimmo Palin is a Medicum University Researcher and Docent at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Medicine, where he serves as the Applied Tumor Genomics (ATG) Supervisor for both the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science and the Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine. His research spans computational biology, tumor genomics, and cancer genetics, with particular focus on colorectal cancer, uterine leiomyomas, and the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development. Dr. Palin integrates computational approaches with molecular and clinical data to investigate genetic and epigenetic alterations in tumors. Dr. Palin's recent publication record demonstrates significant contributions to cancer genomics, with multiple high-impact publications in 2024-2025 covering topics such as FGFR gene activation in uterine tumors, metabolomic characterization of colorectal cancer, retrotransposition events in human genomes, and large-scale genetic analyses identifying cancer susceptibility genes. He is actively involved in major research initiatives including the Centre of Excellence in Tumor Genetics Research (COETG) and the iCAN digital precision cancer medicine program, which provide substantial funding and collaborative opportunities for his research group. As a Docent and doctoral program supervisor, Dr. Palin plays a key role in training the next generation of cancer researchers, guiding students through doctoral studies with a focus on tumor genomics and computational approaches to cancer research.

Official University Profile