Terminomics Professors and Supervisors

Christopher M. OverallView profile

Professor

University of British ColumbiaCanada

Christopher M. Overall is a Full Professor at the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences . He is also a Principal Scientist at the Centre for Blood Research and holds associate memberships in UBC's Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , Obstetrics and Gynecology , and Bioinformatics Graduate Program departments. As a Canada Research Chair Laureate , he pioneered the field of degradomics to study proteases in vivo. B.D.S., University of Adelaide Ph.D., University of Toronto Postdoctoral Fellowship, UBC (with Nobel Laureate Michael Smith) Dr. Overall’s research focuses on protease proteomics and systems biology , particularly degradomics to analyze protease substrates in diseases like COVID-19 and immunodeficiency . His work on matrix metalloproteinases has revealed new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases and cancer . His 15 most recent articles (2015–2008) demonstrate expertise in TAILS proteomics , protein terminomics , and protease network analysis with applications in arthritis , antiviral immunity , and precision medicine . Scientific Awards 2022 Helmut Holzer Award 2018 Royal Society of Canada Fellow 2014 Tony Pawson Canadian Proteomics Award 2013 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award Dr. Overall has mentored 61 trainees , including 9 full professors with department chairs, and received the UBC John McNeill Mentorship Award (2023). He leads the HUPO Chromosome-centric Human Proteome Project and consults for Genentech and Novartis .

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Anil KumarView profile

Assistant Professor

University of SaskatchewanCanada

Dr. Anil Kumar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. He specializes in molecular virology, focusing on positive-stranded RNA viruses and their interactions with host immune systems. His research employs high-throughput genetic screens and reverse genetics systems to identify host factors critical for viral infection. Education includes a BSc in Agricultural Sciences (1999, Kerala Agricultural University), MSc in Plant Pathology (2001, Indian Agricultural Research Institute), and PhD in Molecular Virology (2010, University of Heidelberg). Postdoctoral training included stints at the University of Heidelberg (2010–2013) and the University of Alberta (2014–2020). Research interests center on Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) and Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). For EEEV, his lab investigates immune evasion mechanisms and host-virus protein interactions to identify therapeutic targets. For EV-D68, they study CNS invasion mechanisms and novel host dependency factors linked to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). Recent work includes studies on SARS-CoV-2, uncovering roles for host proteins like Argonaute 2 in viral restriction. His lab integrates molecular biology, virology, and systems biology approaches, with a focus on translational research for antiviral drug development. Collaborations include work on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) entry mechanisms and dengue virus replication regulation.

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Ulrich EckhardView profile

Researcher

University of British ColumbiaCanada

Ulrich Eckhard is a researcher with expertise in structural biochemistry and enzymology, focusing on proteases and their roles in biological systems. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Salzburg (2012) and completed postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia (2012-2016) under Prof. Chris Overall, and later at the Proteolysis Lab, Structural Biology Unit, IBMB-CSIC in Barcelona, Spain, funded by the Beatriu de Pinós COFUND program. His research integrates structural biology, proteomics, and enzymology to study bacterial collagenases and matrix metalloproteinases. Key techniques include TAILS (Terminal Amine Isotopic Labeling of Substrates) and PICS (Proteomic Identification of protease Cleavage Sites) for protease profiling. He has contributed to understanding collagen degradation mechanisms and proteolytic processing in health and disease, including dental pulp, blood platelets, and skin inflammation. Ulrich's work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, with publications in top journals like Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, Journal of Biological Chemistry, and Nature Methods. His current position in Barcelona focuses on the intersection of protease degradomics and structural biology.

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Joyce WilsonView profile

Professor

University of SaskatchewanCanada

Joyce Wilson is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine. Her research program investigates viral pathogenesis mechanisms, focusing on SARS-CoV-2 host interactions and miRNA-mediated regulation in hepatitis C virus (HCV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Research Focus: Current projects include CRISPR-based identification of SARS-CoV-2 host dependency factors, development of reporter viruses and subgenomic replicons for antiviral screening, and analysis of viral variant pathogenesis. Her laboratory also studies Ago2-mediated restriction of SARS-CoV-2 and miRNA-independent HCV replication mechanisms. Virology Tools: Dr. Wilson's team has developed reverse genetics systems, human lung cell lines with high SARS-CoV-2 cytopathology, and novel reporter viruses for high-throughput antiviral screening.

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Allison WilliamsView profile

Assistant Professor

University of California, San FranciscoUnited States

Allison Williams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, with research focused on structural microbiology, bacterial cell wall biosynthesis, and signal transduction in pathogenic microorganisms. Her work investigates the molecular mechanisms of bacterial nanomachines, particularly in stress response and cell wall dynamics. Institution: University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School: School of Medicine Department: Department of Microbiology and Immunology Position: Assistant Professor Email: allison.williams@ucsf.edu Location: Genentech Hall, Room S572B, 600 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 Dr. Williams holds a PhD in Biochemistry from Duke University and completed postdoctoral training at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Institut Pasteur. Her research lies at the intersection of structural biology and microbial pathogenesis, with emphasis on enzymes involved in peptidoglycan metabolism and stressosome activation in bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes and Neisseria meningitidis . Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in understanding the structural and functional basis of bacterial cell wall enzymes, including lytic transglycosylases, O-acetylesterases, and stressosome complexes. These studies employ cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, and biochemical assays to elucidate mechanisms that could inform new antibacterial strategies. Dr. Williams has not been publicly recognized with named scientific awards in the provided text, but her publication record in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications , eLife , and PNAS reflects significant scholarly contributions. She advises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, as evidenced by her role as corresponding or senior author on multiple studies. Her lab is actively advancing understanding of bacterial resilience mechanisms, with potential implications for antibiotic development and microbial pathogenesis. She leads an independent research group at UCSF, continuing her trajectory in structural microbiology.

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Christopher Mark OverallView profile

Professor

University of British ColumbiaCanada

Christopher Mark Overall is a Professor in the Department of Oral Biological & Medical Sciences within the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of British Columbia (UBC). His research spans proteomics, terminomics, and protease biology with significant contributions to the Human Proteome Project. He supervises graduate students in Bioinformatics, Craniofacial Science, and Genome Science and Technology programs. His research focuses on proteolytic mechanisms in viral infections, inflammation, and immunodeficiency. Key areas include viral protease functions (particularly SARS-CoV-2), host-pathogen interactions, and the development of proteomic methodologies like TAILS (Terminal Amine Isotopic Labeling of Substrates). His work integrates 'One Health' perspectives across human, animal, and environmental systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant themes in viral protease evolution (SARS-CoV-2), bacterial membrane proteases, and strategic AI applications in proteomics. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals and contributes to major international consortia like HUPO. Overall maintains active research collaborations through UBC's Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, and Vancouver Prostate Centre. His laboratory develops cutting-edge proteomic technologies for substrate identification and has received continuous funding for protease-related research.

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Tobias KockmannView profile

Researcher

ETH ZurichSwitzerland

Tobias Kockmann is a Researcher at the Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ), a joint center of University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. Since 2017, he has served as a full-time employee specializing in proteomics, providing scientific and technical expertise across various proteomic methodologies while supporting user lab projects and maintaining research infrastructure. His educational background includes: Diploma in Biology and Informatics from University of Freiburg PhD in Epigenetics from ETH Zurich Research experience in a collaborative project between ETH Zurich and Novartis focused on protease substrate deconvolution using mass spectrometry Kockmann specializes in bottom-up proteomics with expertise spanning label-free screening workflows (both data-dependent and data-independent analysis modes), chemical and metabolic labeling techniques (TMT, SILAC, NeuCode), and targeted quantification strategies (SRM, PRM). His current focus includes making trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) accessible to the local research community and developing proteomics data analysis software in collaboration with the proteome informatics group. His work bridges technical proteomics expertise with computational approaches to advance biomedical research. Analysis of Kockmann's recent publications reveals a strong focus on applied proteomics across diverse biological contexts. His work spans parasitology (particularly Angiostrongylus vasorum research), dermatology, neuroscience, and molecular biology. Common themes include host-pathogen interactions, quantitative analysis of biological systems, and development of proteomics methodologies and software tools. His collaborative approach is evident through numerous co-authorships across different research domains. Kockmann actively contributes to methodological development in proteomics through internal research projects and collaborations. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the available text, his involvement in numerous publication projects suggests participation in various funded research initiatives. His technical expertise positions him as a valuable collaborator in interdisciplinary research teams requiring advanced proteomic analyses. At FGCZ, Kockmann works within the proteomics facility, collaborating closely with the proteome informatics group. His "special project" involves implementing trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) for the local research community, indicating his role in advancing the center's technological capabilities. His work environment emphasizes both service provision for user projects and internal methodological development.

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Antoine DufourView profile

Associate Professor

University of CalgaryCanada

Dr. Antoine Dufour is an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, affiliated with the Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. He leads the Dufour Lab, focusing on proteolytic post-translational modifications in inflammatory diseases, particularly protease roles in immune signaling and drug target identification. Key research areas include: Calpain proteolytic networks in calcium signaling Protease substrates in macrophage reactivity Systems biology approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics) Quantitative mass spectrometry Recent publications demonstrate expertise in mucin barrier function, STING agonism in cancer, metalloprotease inhibition, and neuroprotection. Awards include Avenue Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 (2020), Canadian Society for Mass Spectrometry's Young Investigator Award (2021), and the Groll Calpain Award (2022). His lab actively seeks collaborators and students via antoine.dufour@ucalgary.ca .

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