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Melanie OhiView profile

Professor

• cryo-electron microscopy
• structural biology
• biochemistry
• +7 more

Melanie Ohi serves as Rowena G. Matthews Collegiate Professor in the Life Sciences, Research Professor, and Cryo-EM Facility Faculty Director at the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute (LSI), while holding a professorship in the Medical School's Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. She advises LSI graduate students and postdocs, directing structural biology research at the intersection of human health and molecular machinery. Dr. Ohi earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Pacific Lutheran University (1996) and Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Vanderbilt University (2002) under Kathy Gould, followed by Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School (2002-2007) with Tom Walz. Her research integrates single-particle cryo-EM with biochemical, genetic, and biophysical approaches to dissect macromolecular machines. Key projects examine spliceosome architecture in pre-mRNA processing, bacterial pathogenesis mechanisms (including Helicobacter pylori toxins and Legionella secretion systems), and PMP22's role in peripheral nerve myelin maintenance and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. This work reveals how dynamic protein assemblies drive cellular functions and disease pathologies. Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on membrane-embedded complexes, with cryo-EM breakthroughs elucidating toxin oligomerization, secretion system symmetry, and myelin protein architecture. Her lab specializes in solving structures of challenging dynamic assemblies that resist crystallization. National Institutes of Health New Innovator Award (2008) Elected Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2021) Dr. Ohi mentors ten graduate students (five current, five alumni) and multiple postdocs, supported by NIH funding including the New Innovator Award and University Biosciences Initiative grants. Her collaborative network spans Vanderbilt University researchers Tim Cover, Borden Lacy, and Chuck Sanders. The Ohi Lab operates within U-M's Life Sciences Institute, leveraging the Cryo-EM Facility she directs. Collaborative projects with Vanderbilt teams investigate bacterial virulence mechanisms, while structural studies of PMP22 involve membrane reconstitution assays. The lab maintains active participation in national cryo-EM training workshops.

• Muscle Development
• Zebrafish Genetics
• Membrane Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Tom Hall is a Researcher at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience , University of Queensland. His work focuses on muscle development , caveolae regulation , and genetic modeling in zebrafish . Doctor of Philosophy, University of St Andrews Research interests include: Muscle Biology: Mechanisms of muscle homeostasis, transverse tubule development, and muscular dystrophy models. Caveolae Dynamics: Role in mechanoprotection, oxidative stress response, and lipid regulation. Genomic Tools: Cre-Lox systems, proximity labeling, and large genomic deletions in zebrafish. Recent work trends emphasize: Targeting the minor spliceosome for broad cancer therapy Mechanisms of pro-ferroptotic lipid signaling in membrane stability Advancements in zebrafish transgenics for disease modeling Structural characterization of Cavin1 complexes using nanobodies Current funding includes: NHMRC IDEAS Grant (2025-2028): Scalable methodology for evaluating genetic variants of uncertain significance Australian Functional Genomics Network Grant (2022-2026): CAV3 variant analysis Grants and projects: ARC Discovery Project (2020-2023): Molecular dissection of membrane domain formation NHMRC Project Grant (2016-2019): Transverse tubule development in skeletal muscle Dr. Hall supervises PhD students as an Associate Advisor in collaboration with Professor Robert Parton and Dr. Harriet Lo. His lab specializes in: Membrane Biology: Caveolae structure, Cavin protein interactions Genetic Modeling: Zebrafish systems for muscular disorders and drug delivery

Allison DidychukView profile

Assistant Professor

• Virology
• Molecular Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• +3 more

Allison Didychuk is an Assistant Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at the Yale School of Medicine. She holds joint affiliations with Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BQBS), Genomics, Genetics, and Epigenetics, Microbiology, and the Yale Cancer Center. Her research focuses on understanding herpesvirus replication and molecular mechanisms using structural biology, molecular virology, single-molecule biophysics, and functional genomics approaches. Education: B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics (2012), University of Jamestown, North Dakota Ph.D. in Biophysics (2017), University of Wisconsin-Madison Postdoctoral Research (2022), University of California, Berkeley Research Interests : Her lab investigates herpesvirus replication machinery, including viral packaging motors, DNA processing enzymes, and transcriptional regulation. Key areas include: Viral gene expression regulation Mechanisms of viral DNA packaging Host-pathogen interactions Structural characterization of viral proteins Awards & Funding : AFOSR Young Investigator Program Award (2024) NIAID New Innovators Award (2022) Damon Runyon-Dale F. Frey Breakthrough Scientist Award (2022) Lab & Collaborations : The Didychuk Lab at Yale’s Bass Center focuses on integrating structural and functional studies of viral systems. Collaborations include work with the Stephen & Denise Adams Center for Parkinson’s Disease Research and the Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) .

Michaela Müller-McNicollView profile

Professor

• RNA Splicing
• Gene Regulation
• mRNA Processing
• +5 more

Professor Michaela Müller-McNicoll is a Principal Investigator leading the AK 'RNA Regulation in Higher Eukaryotes' research group at Goethe University Frankfurt's Institute of Molecular Biosciences. Her laboratory investigates RNA-binding proteins, particularly SR proteins, and their roles in mRNA processing, nuclear-cytoplasmic transport, and gene expression regulation. Based at the Biologicum on Campus Riedberg, her team employs cutting-edge approaches including mammalian cell culture, BAC recombineering, and genome-wide computational analyses. Her research focuses on how RNA-binding proteins regulate constitutive and alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, mRNA export, and translation. Key interests include mRNP assembly dynamics, nuclear quality control mechanisms, and the structural basis of RNA-protein interactions. Recent work explores stress responses in nuclear bodies, RNA condensation phenomena, and therapeutic targeting of splicing defects in neurodegenerative diseases. Professor Müller-McNicoll's publication record reveals strong emphasis on nuclear speckle dynamics, SR protein multifunctionality, and RNA processing in disease contexts. Her team has developed innovative tools like hGRAD for acute protein depletion in condensates. Collaborative work spans structural biology, plant science, and immunology, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact. Scientific contributions include: Development of hGRAD system for RNA-binding protein degradation (2023) Mechanistic insights into SRSF5 roles in nuclear speckle-paraspeckle crosstalk (2024) Elucidation of Arid5a's dual DNA/RNA recognition mechanisms (2024) Discovery of m6A-dependent RNA condensation in ALS pathways (2025) She actively mentors PhD candidates and Master's students, with recent thesis defenses by Hannah and Clara. Professor Müller-McNicoll serves as Max Planck Fellow at the MPI for Biophysics and co-leads the Excellence Initiative SCALE. Her group maintains strong international collaborations, particularly in RNA biology and structural cell research.

Zhang XiurenView profile

Professor

• RNA silencing
• RNA structure and remodeling
• ribonucleoprotein complexes
• +5 more

Zi Zhang Xiuren is the Christine Richardson Endowed Professor of Agricultural Biology and holds the rank of Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics at Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. He is also an EDGES Fellow, Presidential Impact Fellow, and AgriLife Faculty Fellow. His research focuses on RNA silencing pathways, RNA structure remodeling, and host-virus interactions in plants. He employs genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches to study miRNA and siRNA-mediated regulation, epigenetic mechanisms, and viral defense strategies. Key contributions include identifying components of RNA silencing pathways and elucidating the roles of RNA structure and epigenetic modifications in plant development and immunity. Education: B.S. from Hefei College of Economy and Technology (1989), Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Cornell University (2003), and postdoctoral training at Rockefeller University (2008). Research Interests: RNA silencing mechanisms and their roles in plant growth and antiviral defense RNA secondary structure (RSS) and epi-modifications (REM) in gene expression regulation Host-virus interactions, particularly with Geminivirus and Cucumber Mosaic Virus Epigenetic suppression by viral proteins like TrAP Awards & Fellowships: Christine Richardson Endowed Professorship Presidential Impact Fellow EDGES Fellow AgriLife Faculty Fellow Grants & Advising: Active in securing research grants and mentoring students in molecular genetics and plant biology. His lab collaborates on projects involving miRNA biogenesis, viral suppression mechanisms, and epigenetic regulation. Labs & Teams: Leads a research group focused on RNA biology at Texas A&M, contributing to initiatives like the Texas A&M AgriLife Research program.

Saba ValadkhanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)
• Viral infections (HIV, HCV)
• Neurogenesis
• +4 more

Saba Valadkhan, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Molecular Biology and Microbiology and Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. She is also a member of the Molecular Oncology Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cellular processes, including viral infections (HIV/HCV), neurogenesis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer progression. Key research areas include: Interferon response regulation via lncRNAs during viral infections lncRNA-mediated reprogramming of non-neuronal cells into neurons lncRNA roles in cancer metastasis (e.g., BORG lncRNA in breast cancer) Neurodegenerative disease mechanisms linked to stress response pathways Her lab employs computational and experimental approaches, including RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and in vivo mouse models. Collaborations involve investigating HIV latency in microglial cells and therapeutic applications of lncRNA-based interventions. Publications highlight breakthroughs in understanding lncRNA functions across diverse biological systems, with translational potential in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.

• Genomics
• Neurodevelopment
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Mary Baumgartner is a Research Fellow at the Yale School of Medicine, affiliated with the Noonan Lab. She holds a PhD in Physiology and Neurobiology from the University of Connecticut (2019), an MS in the same field (2016), and a BA in Biological Sciences from Mount Holyoke College (2013). Her research focuses on understanding the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopment, evolutionary biology, and developmental genetics. Specific interests include the role of human accelerated regions (HARs) in neurodevelopmental processes, regulatory elements in mammalian evolution, and the impact of genetic mutations on neural progenitor cell fate. Her work combines genomic analyses, animal models, and bioinformatics to investigate how evolutionary innovations in regulatory DNA contribute to developmental programs. Recent studies explore dysregulation of gene networks in neurodevelopmental disorders and the functional consequences of minor spliceosome inactivation. She has published extensively on topics such as CpG island turnover, Trp53 ablation effects, and the role of NDE1 in cortical evolution. Mary’s articles highlight trends in integrating multi-omics data to study gene regulation, evolutionary genomics, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research underscores the importance of conserved and divergent regulatory elements in shaping species-specific traits. While no awards are explicitly noted, her contributions reflect a strong focus on interdisciplinary approaches to developmental and evolutionary biology. As part of the Noonan Lab, she collaborates on projects involving systems biology and translational research, aiming to bridge basic science and clinical insights. Her work contributes to understanding the genetic underpinnings of neurological conditions and evolutionary adaptations in vertebrate species.

• RNA Biology
• Transcription Regulation
• Developmental Genetics
• +3 more

Nils Neuenkirchen is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Cell Biology at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Würzburg, and conducts research focused on RNA biology, transcription regulation, and developmental genetics. His work spans molecular mechanisms of gene expression control, cancer-related mutations, and epigenetic regulation. Key research areas include RNA processing pathways, Piwi protein functions in Drosophila, and oncogenic mutations in splicing factors like SF3B1 and U2AF1. He has pioneered methods like NaP-TRAP to study translation regulation in zebrafish development. His studies on stress granules in myeloid malignancies and non-canonical epigenetic complexes in stem cells have advanced understanding of cancer mechanisms and developmental biology. Awarded multiple Yale School of Medicine presentation awards (2015-2018) and travel grants, Dr. Neuenkirchen collaborates with labs such as Haifan Lin’s group. His lab is part of the Yale Stem Cell Center, focusing on interdisciplinary research integrating genomics, epigenetics, and cell biology.

• Molecular Biology
• RNA Biology
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Kazimierz Tycowski is a Research Scientist in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University, affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine. He holds a PhD from the Polish Academy of Sciences (1985). His research focuses on RNA biology, particularly the roles of non-coding RNAs such as snoRNAs and vault RNAs in ribosome biogenesis, RNA processing, and gene expression regulation. Key collaborators include Joan Steitz, Christian Tschudi, and Nikolay Kolev. His work spans topics like trans-spliced mRNA production in Trypanosoma brucei, triple-helical RNA structures in MALAT1/MENβ, and the functional roles of snoRNA host genes in Drosophila. Tycowski has contributed to fundamental discoveries in RNA modification mechanisms and ribosomal RNA maturation pathways. Publications highlight interdisciplinary research at the intersection of molecular biology, parasitology, and structural biology. No specific awards are listed, though his work has been widely cited in RNA biology literature. His research continues to explore non-coding RNA functions in cellular processes.

Michael CharetteView profile

Professor

• Ribosome Assembly
• Ribosomopathies
• RNA Biology
• +7 more

Dr. Michael Charette is a Professor at Brandon University and leads the Charette Ribosome Assembly and Ribosomopathy Lab, part of the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM). His research focuses on understanding ribosome assembly and its role in diseases like cancers and developmental disorders, particularly Bowen-Conradi Syndrome . He employs yeast genetics, biochemistry, and systems biology to study molecular mechanisms underlying ribosome dysfunction. Dr. Charette trained under Dr. Michael W. Gray (expert in rRNA evolution) and Dr. Susan J. Baserga (discoverer of the SSU processome). His work integrates techniques such as genetic depletion assays, ribosome structure probing, and protein interaction mapping. The lab’s location in Manitoba aligns with studying ribosomopathies prevalent in Canadian populations like the Hutterites. Key research interests include the SSU processome’s structure/function, ribosomopathy pathogenesis, and translational applications of yeast models. His publications highlight advancements in ribosome biogenesis, molecular mechanisms of enzyme regulation, and viral infections in agriculture. No scientific awards or student advising records are explicitly mentioned. Collaborations include the Brandon University Integrative Biology Core Facility (IBCF), enhancing interdisciplinary research capabilities.

Eva AbsmeierView profile

Researcher

• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• +6 more

Dr. Eva Absmeier is a group leader at the Free University of Berlin, affiliated with the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Her research focuses on structural and molecular biology, particularly on RNA helicases and spliceosome mechanisms. Master of Science, Technische Universität München (2008-2010) Bachelor of Science, Technische Universität München (2005-2008) Doctoral researcher at Free University of Berlin (2011-2016) Her recent work explores ribosome-associated mRNA degradation, tubulin autoregulation, and long-range allostery in RNA helicases. Key subfields include ubiquitination, protein interactions, and RNA splicing dynamics. She leads an SFB/CRC-associated research group since 2023 and has previously worked at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Cambridge, UK) and Free University of Berlin on ribosome quality control and DNA repair mechanisms.

Markus WahlView profile

Professor

• Structural Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Macromolecular Crystallography
• +3 more

Markus Wahl is a Professor of Structural Biochemistry (W3) at the Freie Universität Berlin , where he leads the Joint Research Group Macromolecular Crystallography with Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin. He is also a faculty member of the International Max-Planck-Research School Biology and Computation and has held roles at institutions including the Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie and Technische Universität München . Education : PhD in Biochemistry (1996, The Ohio State University) under Muttaiya Sundaralingam; Habilitation in Biochemistry (2002, Technische Universität München) under Robert Huber. His research focuses on structural biochemistry , particularly RNA-protein interactions , spliceosome dynamics , and macromolecular crystallography . Recent work explores transcription regulation , antitermination factors , and spliceosome activation mechanisms using structural biology techniques. Publications highlight collaborations with labs in Germany and the U.S., emphasizing dynamic molecular systems and functional interfaces . Scientific Awards : EMBO Member (2014) Award for Excellent Teaching (2011) Fellowships: EMBO, Peter und Traudl Engelhorn-Stiftung, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Awards from Pittsburgh Diffraction Society, Ohio State University, Fulbright Association Wahl has served on the Executive Committee of SFB 958 , co-chaired international crystallography symposia, and led research groups at Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie . His work bridges molecular structure and functional dynamics in biological systems.

• Molecular Biology
• RNA Biology
• Ribosome Biogenesis
• +12 more

Markus Bohnsack is a Professor of Molecular Biology at the University Medical Center Göttingen, part of the University of Göttingen. He leads a research group focused on RNA-protein complexes (RNPs), ribosome biogenesis, and RNA modifications. He has held leadership roles as Speaker of the PhD program 'Molecular Biology of Cells' since 2014 and Speaker of the Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB) since 2019. 2005: Dr. rer. nat. (PhD), Center for Molecular Biology Heidelberg (ZMBH), University of Heidelberg 2006–2008: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Edinburgh, UK 2008–2012: Group Leader, Goethe University, Frankfurt 2009–2012: Adjunct Investigator, Cluster of Excellence Frankfurt Since 2012: Professor of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen His research centers on the biogenesis, dynamics, and function of RNA-protein complexes in yeast and mammalian cells. He employs genome-wide techniques like CRAC and proteomics to study protein-RNA and protein-protein interactions. A major focus is ribosome biogenesis, particularly the roles of RNA helicases and methyltransferases in driving structural transitions and maturation. His work also investigates how RNA modifications regulate gene expression and how defects in these processes lead to diseases like ribosomopathies. He explores the cross-regulation of RNA metabolic pathways by multifunctional enzymes. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding the molecular mechanisms of ribosome assembly, RNA helicase function, and RNA modifications. These works span from fundamental enzymatic mechanisms to disease implications, with recurring themes in structural dynamics, regulatory networks, and translational control. Techniques such as CRAC, mass spectrometry, and functional assays are consistently used across studies. Markus Bohnsack has not been mentioned with any scientific awards in the provided text. He advises graduate students through the GGNB and IMPRS programs and leads funded research projects on RNP dynamics and ribosome biogenesis. His group investigates how ribosome production is modulated during development and in disease contexts. While specific grants are not listed, the depth and continuity of research suggest sustained funding from national and institutional sources. He mentors students in interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. His laboratory, the Molecular Biology Research Group (AG M. Bohnsack), is based at the Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen. The team uses integrative methods including CRAC, proteomics, and functional assays to study RNPs. They are actively involved in training through PhD programs and collaborate within the GGNB network, focusing on biomolecules, molecular medicine, and cellular dynamics.

Hiten MadhaniView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Fungal Pathogenesis
• Gene Silencing
• +5 more

Hiten Madhani, MD, PhD, is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) specializing in epigenetics, fungal pathogenesis, and RNA biology. His research spans from yeast genetics to human disease mechanisms, particularly focusing on Cryptococcus neoformans virulence and chromatin regulation. Education: B.S./M.S. (Stanford, 1986), PhD (UCSF, 1993), MD (UCSF, 1995) Postdoctoral Training: Whitehead Institute (1995-1999) His work explores how fungal pathogens interact with the immune system, chromatin fidelity mechanisms, and spliceosome dynamics. Recent publications highlight innovative tools for fungal mutagenesis, deep learning in epigenetic studies, and immune evasion strategies. Scientific accolades include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Scholar Award (2017), Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Career Development Awards, and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator designation (2022). Research funding from NIH spans over 20 projects from 1996-2022. Notable grants: R01GM071801 (Gene Silencing), R01AI100272 (Cryptococcus Resource), R01AI120464 (Epigenetic Virulence Control)

Neena GroverView profile

Professor

• RNA Biochemistry
• Nucleic Acid Biochemistry
• RNA Thermodynamics
• +3 more

Neena Grover is a Professor of RNA Biochemistry in the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department at Colorado College. She leads The Grover Lab, where she conducts research on RNA thermodynamics with undergraduate students. Her work focuses on understanding small RNA structural motifs and the role of magnesium ions in stabilizing RNA structures. As an educator, she teaches a range of courses from introductory organic chemistry to specialized topics in RNA and nucleic acid biochemistry, including courses on coronaviruses and HIV-1. Professor Grover's research interests span RNA biochemistry, nucleic acid thermodynamics, and science education. Her laboratory investigates the sequence requirements and stability of small RNA loop regions, particularly examining how metal ions contribute to RNA structure formation and function. She also explores pedagogical approaches including student-centered teaching, problem-based service learning, and anti-racist teaching methodologies. Her work bridges fundamental RNA research with practical applications, including potential contributions to understanding viral RNA structures like those in coronaviruses. Dr. Grover's scholarly output demonstrates a dual focus on RNA biochemistry and science education. Her recent publications cover thermodynamic studies of various RNA structures while also addressing cultural structures in biology education and inclusive teaching practices. This combination reflects her commitment to both advancing scientific knowledge and improving how science is taught and experienced by diverse student populations. Among her professional recognitions, Dr. Grover serves as Editor of CourseSource, an evidence-based undergraduate teaching resource for the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2016-present), and as an Editorial Board Member for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education. Her 2011 work was highlighted in the CUR Undergraduate Research Highlights. Professor Grover actively mentors undergraduate researchers, with recent students including Piper Catlin, Quinn Eaheart, Abbott Gifford, Adrian Larkspur, and Abe Rosenthal. Many of her publications feature undergraduate co-authors, demonstrating her commitment to involving students in meaningful research. She founded and advises the Student Club for Science Outreach (CC Science Outreach), extending her educational impact beyond the classroom through community engagement and science communication initiatives. The Grover Lab utilizes multiple biophysical techniques including thermal denaturation, isothermal calorimetry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and native PAGE to characterize RNA structures. The lab is expanding its capabilities with circular dichroism and Raman spectroscopy. Current research includes projects related to coronavirus RNA structures and potential RNA-based inhibitors, connecting fundamental research to contemporary health challenges while training the next generation of scientists.