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Julia HaloView profile

Associate Professor

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Transposable Elements
• +3 more

Julia V. Halo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) , where she leads the Halo Lab . Her research focuses on the genomic impact of transposable elements , particularly endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and SINE/LINE pairs , in human and non-human systems. She received her Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology from Tufts University's Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences. Research Interests Genomic evolution driven by retrotransposon activity ERV-host interactions in disease and evolution Mechanisms of SINE/LINE retrotransposition Comparative genomics of mobile elements Publications & Grants 15+ peer-reviewed articles in journals like PNAS , Retrovirology , and PLoS Genetics Three consecutive NIH R15 AREA grants (2017, 2020, 2025) for ERV studies in domestic dogs Scientific Awards 2024 President’s Award for Collaborative & Creative Research 2021 Elliot L. Blinn Award for Faculty-Undergraduate Innovation 2020 Outstanding Early Career Award 2021 Sigma Phi Epsilon Faculty Fellow Mentoring & Lab Members Mentored students: Abigail Jarosz-DiPietro (Ph.D.), Maddie Altieri (M.S., now Ph.D. student), and Savanna Spitnale (M.S.) Undergraduate researchers: Abby Grady, Molly Buffenbarger, Genesis Pyles, and others

G. Petur NielsenView profile

Professor

• Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology
• Molecular Genetics of Bone Tumors
• Chordoma Research
• +5 more

G. Petur Nielsen, MD is a Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and serves as Subspecialty Head, Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital . With a clinical focus on bone and soft tissue tumors, his expertise spans diagnostic pathology, molecular genetics of neoplasms, and ancillary testing applications. Research interests center on Pathology and biology of bone/soft tissue tumors Molecular genetics of bone and soft tissue neoplasms Chordoma and sarcoma research Epithelioid vascular tumor differentiation Mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract His work includes landmark studies on tumor misdiagnosis rates, immunohistochemical profiling, and genomic analysis of chordomas. Scientific contributions appear in leading journals like Nature and American Journal of Surgical Pathology , with major emphasis on Molecular tumor classification Mutational signature analysis Translational oncology Diagnostic accuracy improvement Genomic instability mechanisms

• Breast Cancer Pathology
• Molecular Oncology
• Translational Cancer Research
• +4 more

Dennis C. Sgroi, MD, is Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and Executive Vice-Chair of Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), where he also serves as Director of Breast Pathology. He leads the Sgroi Laboratory within the Molecular Pathology Unit and the Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research at MGH. Education & Training: MD, University of Connecticut School of Medicine Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital Fellowship, Massachusetts General Hospital Board certified: Anatomic & General Pathology, American Board of Pathology Research Focus: Dr. Sgroi’s laboratory integrates multi-omics technologies to discover and validate molecular biomarkers that predict breast-cancer recurrence and therapeutic response. Core projects include the clinically-adopted Breast Cancer Index (BCI) assay (HOXB13/IL17RB), deciphering HOXB13-mediated tumor-microenvironment remodeling in ER-positive and triple-negative breast cancer, and developing combinatorial therapies targeting HOXB13/ERBB2 co-amplified tumors with BRCA1 loss. Clinical Impact & Guidelines: The BCI biomarker has been prospectively validated in multiple randomized trials (NSABP-B-42, Trans-aTTom) and is now incorporated into NCCN and ASCO treatment guidelines for extended adjuvant endocrine therapy in post-menopausal women with ER-positive breast cancer. Scientific Awards & Honors: While individual awards are not enumerated in the supplied text, the sustained funding of ~ $19 million in annual direct research costs attests to national peer-review recognition. Research Team & Collaborations: The Sgroi Lab includes post-doctoral fellows, graduate researchers, and staff scientists such as Marinko Sremac, PhD. Collaborative networks span Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Breast Cancer and Cancer Genetics Programs, NRG Oncology, and international genomic consortia.

Jef D. BoekeView profile

Professor

• synthetic biology
• genome engineering
• genomics
• +5 more

Jef D. Boeke is the Sol and Judith Bergstein Director of the Institute of Systems Genetics and a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He holds a PhD from Rockefeller University and has pioneered research in synthetic biology, retrotransposition mechanisms, and yeast genetics. His work includes leading the international Sc2.0 project to synthesize the first eukaryotic genome and the 'Dark Matter Project' exploring non-coding DNA functions. Research interests focus on genome engineering, synthetic genomics, epigenetics, and applications to cancer biology. His lab develops CRISPR tools and synthetic regulatory systems, with notable contributions to understanding LINE-1 retrotransposons and chromatin structure. Over 489 publications highlight his work in Nature Communications, Molecular Cell, and Science. Awards: While specific prizes aren't listed, his leadership in groundbreaking projects like Sc2.0 and contributions to synthetic biology underscore his influential career. Grants and funding details are implied through active research programs. Advising: Supervises a multidisciplinary team of postdocs and graduate students working on projects ranging from antibiotic engineering to de-extinction approaches. Lab collaborations include international partnerships and industry-driven biotech applications. Labs/Teams: Directs the Boeke Lab, a hub for synthetic genome engineering and systems genetics. The lab’s interdisciplinary team bridges molecular biology, computational biology, and engineering to solve complex biological problems.

• Neuroscience
• Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• +8 more

Angel Manuel Carrion Rodriguez is a University Professor at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, affiliated with the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology. His research focuses on Translational Neuroscience and Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neuronal Plasticity. Research Trends: Recent publications highlight roles of HERC1 ubiquitin ligase in autophagy and neurodegenerative diseases, steroid sulfatase inhibitors in Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s therapies, and AMPK–NLRP3 inflammasome interactions in fibromyalgia and pain modulation. Academic Background: He earned his doctorate from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 1997, supervised by Dr. Jose Ramon Naranjo Orovio. His work intersects Biology, Biotechnology, and Health Sciences. Labs & Groups: He leads the tNeuro Translational Neuroscience Group and has been part of the Neuroscience Laboratory, emphasizing neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Fereydoun HormozdiariView profile

Associate Professor

• Computational Genomics
• Structural Variation Discovery
• Genome Assembly
• +3 more

Dr. Fereydoun Hormozdiari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. His research focuses on developing computational methods for analyzing genomic data, particularly in structural variation discovery, genome assembly, and disease prediction using omics data. He leads a lab that integrates machine learning and combinatorial algorithms to address challenges in understanding complex disorders like autism and cancer. Key research areas include: Structural variation discovery and genotyping using next-generation sequencing technologies. Development of novel algorithms for de novo genome assembly. Identification of genetic modules and pathways linked to neurological disorders. Prediction of complex disorders through integrated analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data. Recent work includes advancements in early-stage cancer detection using cell-free RNA biomarkers and AI, as well as tools for tumor phylogeny reconstruction and structural variant genotyping. His contributions span over 80 publications in high-impact journals like Nature, Cell, and Genome Research. Lab and team collaborations involve interdisciplinary approaches, combining computational biology with clinical applications. Ongoing projects emphasize translating genomic insights into predictive models for personalized medicine and disease intervention.

Zeger DebyserView profile

Professor

• Lentiviral vector technology
• Molecular virology of HIV
• Molecular Imaging
• +5 more

Professor Zeger Debyser is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, where he serves as Head of the ADVANTAGE research unit (Advanced Disease Modelling, Targeted Drug Discovery and Gene Therapy), Head of the Division of Molecular Medicine, and Head of both the Subdivision Molecular Virology & Drug Discovery and Subdivision Viral Vector Core. He is also a member of the Leuven.IRD - KU Leuven Institute for Rare Diseases and the LKI - KU Leuven Cancer Institute. Prof. Debyser's research focuses on several key areas in molecular medicine. His primary interests include Lentiviral vector technology , Molecular virology of HIV , Molecular Imaging , Drug discovery , and Gene Therapy . His work has significant implications for understanding and treating HIV infection, rare genetic disorders, and cancer. Analysis of Prof. Debyser's recent publications reveals a strong focus on HIV cure strategies, particularly the "block-and-lock" approach, as well as research on LEDGF/p75 protein interactions in various disease contexts including HIV, cancer, and neurological disorders like Rett Syndrome. His team is also making significant contributions to gene editing technologies for cystic fibrosis and other genetic diseases. Prof. Debyser has secured numerous research grants as Promotor or Co-promotor for projects running from 2022 through 2029. These include studies on HIV cure strategies, LEDGF in health and disease, LINE-1 retrotransposition, and gene editing for cystic fibrosis. He actively supervises PhD students and Master's students in his research group. Prof. Debyser leads the ADVANTAGE research unit within the Center for Molecular Medicine at KU Leuven. The center houses multiple laboratories including the Laboratory of Advanced Disease Modelling, Targeted Drug Discovery and Gene Therapy (ADVANTAGE), the Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), and the Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy. The center also includes the Leuven Viral Vector Core facility, which supports gene therapy research across multiple laboratories.

Kelly NguyenView profile

Researcher

• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Telomere Maintenance
• +3 more

Kelly Nguyen is a Researcher at the Molecular Immunity Unit of the University of Cambridge , affiliated with the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). Their work focuses on elucidating the molecular architecture and regulation of telomerase, a critical enzyme for maintaining chromosome stability, and related processes in telomere biology. Research Focus: Telomere maintenance mechanisms, human telomerase holoenzyme structure, and implications for diseases like cancer and premature aging syndromes. Methodology: Integrated structural biology approaches (biochemistry, cryo-EM) combined with in vivo studies in mammalian cells. Their recent publications highlight structural insights into telomerase dimerization, recruitment, and DNA interactions, as well as spliceosomal complexes. Key trends include: Deciphering telomerase assembly and regulation via high-resolution cryo-EM. Investigating RNA-mediated processes (e.g., LINE-1 retrotransposition) and protein-DNA interactions critical for genome integrity. Group members include researchers contributing to structural studies and functional analyses of telomere biology.

• Transposable elements
• Somatic mutations
• Cancer genomics
• +7 more

Eunjung (Alice) Lee, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. She serves as a member of the Global Faculty at the University of Cologne, specifically affiliated with their Core Profile Area on Aging-Associated Diseases and the CECAD Cluster of Excellence focused on cellular stress responses in aging-associated diseases. Dr. Lee received her PhD in Bioinformatics from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), conducting research in integrative systems biology with Trey Ideker at the University of California, San Diego. She completed her postdoctoral training with Peter J. Park at Harvard Medical School. Her educational background combines computational expertise with biological applications, establishing her unique position at the intersection of bioinformatics and disease mechanisms. Dr. Lee's research program centers on elucidating the role of transposable elements and somatic mutations in human pathologies including cancer, aging processes, and neurodegenerative conditions. Her laboratory has pioneered computational methods for analyzing cancer whole genome and single-neuron genome sequencing data, making landmark discoveries about somatic retrotransposition in human cancers and the brain. Her team has demonstrated how transposons influence disease through multiple mechanisms including shaping cancer immunity, generating novel molecules via alternative splicing in human tissues and cancers, and contributing to rare diseases through RNA splicing alterations. Currently, her research focuses on developing intervention strategies targeting these mechanisms and investigating somatic mutation patterns in neurodegenerative conditions using cutting-edge single-cell genomic technologies. Analysis of Dr. Lee's publication record reveals a strategic progression from foundational discoveries about somatic retrotransposition in cancers to increasingly sophisticated investigations of genomic mosaicism across diverse disease contexts. Her work consistently bridges computational innovation with biological insight, with recent publications emphasizing single-cell resolution of somatic mutations in neurodegeneration and DNA repair disorders. The research demonstrates growing methodological sophistication and clinical relevance, particularly in connecting genomic instability mechanisms to potential therapeutic approaches. NIH New Innovator Award (DP2) recognizing high-impact, early-stage investigation Leadership of transposon analysis working group in the SMaHT (Somatic Mosaicism Across Human Tissue) Network, an NIH consortium Co-organizer of the inaugural Keystone meeting on somatic mosaicism (2025) Regularly invited speaker at major international conferences on transposons, genomics, and genetics Dr. Lee leads an active research program developing and applying computational genomics methods to investigate somatic genomic variation. Her laboratory maintains strong connections with the broader scientific community through leadership roles in national consortia and conference organization. She is actively shaping the emerging field of somatic mosaicism research, with particular emphasis on translating basic genomic discoveries into potential clinical applications for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Her work bridges multiple disciplines including computational biology, cancer genomics, neuroscience, and aging research.

Kathleen CollinsView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• +6 more

Kathleen Collins is a Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and holds the Walter and Ruth Schubert Family Chair. She leads the BBS Division and the Collins Lab, which focuses on the biochemistry, biology, and biotechnology of eukaryotic retroelements and their reverse transcriptases. Her research explores non-LTR retrotransposons, RNA silencing, and the engineering of reverse transcriptases for gene therapy and RNA sequencing technologies, supported by an NIH Director's Pioneer Award. Her research interests include understanding the biochemical principles of eukaryotic retroelements, developing novel genomic editing tools, and studying RNA-protein interactions in retrotransposition. Recent work highlights applications of retroelement proteins for safe transgene insertion into human genomes and advancements in ribosome profiling and nanopore-based biophysical analyses. Scientific awards include the NIH Director's Pioneer Award. Her lab's contributions bridge fundamental retrotransposon biology with translational applications in biotechnology. Ongoing efforts aim to engineer site-specific genome editing methods and dissect mechanisms underlying retrotransposon-mediated genetic diversity.

• Molecular Oncology
• Cancer Therapeutics
• Genetic Abnormalities in Tumors
• +3 more

Professor John Lunec, based at Newcastle University 's Faculty of Medical Sciences , is a leading researcher in Molecular Oncology with over 30 years of publications focusing on the p53 tumor suppressor pathway and its interactions with oncogenic proteins like MDM2 . His work spans Cancer Therapeutics Development Genomic Instability in Tumors Drug Resistance Mechanisms RNA Splicing and Retrotransposon Biology Current research emphasizes MDM2-p53 interaction inhibitors for hematologic malignancies and sarcomas, with recent breakthroughs in Siremadlin and ASTX295 drug development Identification of SF3B1 resistance biomarkers Combination strategies with PARP and WEE1 inhibitors Key collaborations exist with Professor Nicola Curtin , Professor Deborah Tweddle , and Professor Herbie Newell , with funding evident through multiple clinical trials and laboratory studies. His work has significantly impacted neuroblastoma and ovarian cancer research, establishing frameworks for Drug sensitivity assays Genotype-phenotype correlations Translational medicine applications

Andrzej DziembowskiView profile

Professor

• RNA Biology
• Posttranscriptional Regulation
• Gene Expression
• +4 more

Professor Andrzej Dziembowski serves as Head of the Laboratory of RNA Biology - ERA Chairs Group at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), while maintaining a 25% appointment as Associate Professor at the University of Warsaw's Faculty of Biology. Appointed Professor by the President of Poland in 2014, he leads a multidisciplinary team investigating posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression in metazoans. His laboratory focuses on two primary research areas: Analysis of processive ribonucleases that shape transcriptomes through RNA degradation, with implications for multiple myeloma (where DIS3 mutations are frequent) Analysis of cytoplasmic poly(A) and poly(U) polymerases, particularly the TENT5 family's role in bone formation, immune response, and cancer Professor Dziembowski's recent work demonstrates how cytoplasmic polyadenylation regulates diverse biological processes, from LINE-1 retrotransposition restriction to proper bone development. His team employs transgenic mouse models generated through their CRISPR/Cas9 facility (crisprmice.eu), which has produced over 20 mouse lines in three years. Notable recognition includes: EMBO Membership (2018) Corresponding Member of Polish Academy of Sciences (2020) Multiple Foundation for Polish Science awards Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (2013) He has supervised ten PhD students to completion and currently mentors six doctoral candidates. His laboratory comprises senior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and undergraduate students working across multiple research projects including the GRIEG-funded study on cytoplasmic polyadenylation in neuronal translation.

• Genomics
• Transposable Elements
• Somatic Mutations
• +3 more

Eunjung (Alice) Lee is an Associate Professor in Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Her NIH-funded research investigates transposable elements and somatic mutations in cancer, aging, and neurodegeneration. Research Breakthroughs: Pioneered computational methods proving somatic retrotransposition in human cancers and neurons. Demonstrated how transposons shape cancer immunity and generate novel RNA isoforms through alternative splicing. Leadership: Leads transposon analysis for NIH's SMaHT Network and co-organizes the inaugural Keystone meeting on somatic mosaicism (2025). Received NIH New Innovator Award for high-impact genomic research.

• Transposable Elements
• Genome Plasticity
• Epigenetics
• +3 more

Dr. Jungnam Cho is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University. Previously, he served as a group leader at the CAS-JIC Centre of Excellence for Plant and Microbial Sciences (2018–2023) after completing postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge (2013–2018). He holds a BSc (2007) and PhD (2013) from Seoul National University. His research focuses on transposable elements ("jumping genes") in plants, exploring their roles in genome evolution, epigenetic regulation, and crop improvement. Using Arabidopsis and rice as models, his lab combines molecular biology, biochemistry, and computational tools to dissect transposon mobilization mechanisms. Key areas include RNA methylation, genome plasticity, and epitranscriptomics. Recent grants include a BBSRC standard research grant (2025) and funding from the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation (2024). He supervises PhD students Ben Shone and Seunghui Mun, with additional training roles for interns and undergraduates. Collaborations extend to institutions like Zhejiang University and Fudan University. Lab activities emphasize translational applications, such as enhancing crop genetic diversity and addressing global food security through epigenetic insights. Current projects include studies on bamboo epigenetic reprogramming and heat-activated retrotransposons in Arabidopsis.

George GhanimView profile

Assistant Professor

• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• +7 more

George Ghanim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at Princeton University, where he leads the Ghanim Lab. His research focuses on the structural and biochemical mechanisms of retrotransposition, particularly LINE-1 and Alu elements, using integrated approaches in cryo-EM, biochemistry, and in vivo assays. Education: Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley B.S., Rutgers University George's research interests center on understanding how retrotransposable elements mobilize within the human genome, contributing to genetic diseases and cancer. His lab aims to biochemically reconstitute and structurally characterize the molecular machinery of retrotransposition. By elucidating the interactions between retrotransposon RNA, proteins, and target DNA, his work seeks to enable therapeutic inhibition and engineering of these elements for biotechnology applications. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in structural biology of macromolecular complexes involved in genome maintenance and mobility, particularly telomerase and retrotransposons. These studies leverage high-resolution cryo-EM and functional biochemistry to uncover mechanistic insights into nucleoprotein complexes. Scientific Awards: Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021) MRC-LMB Joan A. Steitz Postdoc Prize (2022) George has advised and collaborated with several researchers during his postdoctoral and independent work. His lab is currently recruiting graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and staff scientists. He has secured access to cutting-edge cryo-EM instrumentation and computational resources at Princeton. While specific grants are not listed, his fellowship awards and lab launch indicate strong funding support. The Ghanim Lab is a dynamic, collaborative environment focused on challenging nucleoprotein biochemistry and structural biology, contributing to the vibrant research culture in Princeton’s Department of Molecular Biology.