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Richard I. GregoryView profile

Professor

• RNA regulation
• Stem cell biology
• MicroRNA biogenesis
• +7 more

Richard I. Gregory, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, and Department of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. He serves as the Stem Cell Biology Endowed Chair for Boston Children's Hospital Department of Pediatrics and is Co-Director of the HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine. His laboratory at Boston Children's Hospital focuses on RNA regulation mechanisms in stem cell pluripotency, development, cancer, and neurological diseases. Dr. Gregory's research program bridges RNA biochemistry/molecular biology and stem cell research, with a focus on the regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). His lab has made significant contributions to identifying key molecular mechanisms of stem cell biology, including the regulation of let-7 miRNAs by the RNA-binding protein and pluripotency factor LIN28. His work spans several critical areas: RNA biogenesis & decay pathways in human disease RNA methylation in gene regulation and cancer (epitranscriptomics) MicroRNA stem cell biology Development of novel therapeutic approaches for cancer Dr. Gregory's laboratory has pioneered the field of epitranscriptomics and cancer, providing the first functional evidence linking RNA modifications with cancer development. His innovative research strategy addresses new, unexplored areas of RNA metabolism and disease, with a focus on developing small molecule inhibitors targeting RNA regulatory pathways as potential cancer therapies. The laboratory has published extensively in top journals including Nature, Cell, and Molecular Cell, with recent work focusing on m6A and m7G RNA modifications in cancer. His laboratory has received significant recognition: Stem Cell Biology Endowed Chair for Boston Children's Hospital Department of Pediatrics (2018) Dr. Gregory has mentored numerous postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to establish successful careers in academia and industry. His laboratory is supported by multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health, including the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The Gregory Laboratory continues to be at the forefront of RNA biology research with implications for understanding and treating cancer and degenerative diseases.

Thomas PreissView profile

Professor

• RNA Biology
• Gene Regulation
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Thomas Preiss is a Professor of RNA Biology at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR), Australian National University (ANU), and serves as Director of the Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation and the National Therapeutic mRNA Platform. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and has extensive postdoctoral experience at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). His research focuses on RNA-level gene regulation, particularly in eukaryotes, with applications to cancer and cardiac biology. Key affiliations include the Division of Genome Sciences and Cancer and leadership roles in collaborative research groups. Education Bachelor of Chemistry (1986-1991), Philipps-Universität, Marburg (Germany), and University of Bristol (UK) Ph.D. (1992-1995), University of Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) Habilitation in Biochemistry (1995-2002), EMBL, Heidelberg (Germany) Research Interests His group investigates RNA processing, modification, and interactions, with a focus on translational control mechanisms. Projects include studying RNA methylation (e.g., m5C and m6A), ribosome dynamics, and the role of RNA dysregulation in diseases like cancer. Techniques employed range from classical molecular biology to cutting-edge 'omics approaches. Publications Recent work highlights advancements in RNA modification profiling, translational control, and therapeutic mRNA applications. Key themes include the interplay between RNA modifications and translation efficiency, as well as the development of novel sequencing methods for studying ribosome interactions. Labs & Teams He leads the Preiss Group - RNA Biology and collaborates with the Shirokikh and Hannan groups on protein biosynthesis, translational control, and cancer therapeutics. The National Therapeutic mRNA Platform under his direction advances mRNA-based therapies.

Andrea TanzerView profile

Researcher

• RNA Biology
• Transcriptomics
• Non-Coding RNA
• +4 more

Andrea Tanzer is a researcher at the Max Perutz Labs, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Her work focuses on RNA biology, particularly RNA structure and function, non-coding RNA, and bioinformatics tools for genomic analysis. She leads the RNALands project (2015–2019), developing methods for RNA folding landscape analysis. Her research contributes to understanding RNA editing mechanisms, epigenetic regulation, and host-pathogen interactions. Key research interests include RNA structure prediction, transcriptome-wide analyses, and the role of RNA modifications in gene regulation. Tanzer has presented on topics such as RNA bioinformatics, structureomics, and G-quadruplexes in RNA. Her work bridges computational methods and experimental biology, with applications in both fundamental science and biomedical diagnostics. Notable contributions include the RNAxplorer tool for RNA structure sampling and collaborations on the GENCODE project. Media highlights include coverage of her work on mouse genome applications for human diagnostics.

Shu-Bing QianView profile

Professor

• mRNA Translation
• Nutrient Signaling Pathways
• Stress Response Mechanisms
• +5 more

Dr. Shu-Bing Qian is the James Jamison Professor in the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University. Holding a PhD from Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School (Molecular Biology & Biochemistry), he conducted postdoctoral research at NIH and UNC before joining Cornell in 2008. His lab investigates translational reprogramming , mRNA epigenetics (notably m6A methylation), and stress response mechanisms in diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration using biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches. Research Focus: Translational initiation site mapping m6A methylation dynamics Nutrient signaling pathways Stress granule biogenesis Ribosome pausing and fidelity Awards: Ellison Medical Foundation Young Investigator (2009) NIH Director's New Innovator (2009) DOD Idea/Development Awards HHMI Faculty Scholar (2016) NIH Pioneer Award (2020) Training: Mentored students: Joy Zhou, Botao Liu, Erica Shu, Xiao-Min Liu, Longfei Jia Postdocs: Saori Uematsu, Shengchao Shi, Rongrong He

Eric LyonsView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Genomics
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Computational Biology
• +4 more

Eric Lyons is an Associate Professor in the School of Plant Sciences and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He is also an Affiliate Faculty member in the College of Information Science and part of the BIO5 Institute. His research focuses on plant genomics, bioinformatics tools, and agricultural cyberinfrastructure. Key projects include developing platforms like CyVerse and PhytoOracle for genomic and phenomic data analysis, as well as advancing understanding of mRNA modifications and plant responses to environmental stresses. Lyons contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI), bridging computational and biological sciences. Research interests span plant molecular biology, computational genomics, and open-science infrastructure. He has pioneered tools for genomic data management (e.g., CoGe) and phenomic analysis, enabling collaborative research in agriculture and plant biology. His work integrates machine learning for plant imaging and addresses challenges in translating genomic data into actionable insights for crop improvement. No notable scientific awards are listed. His contributions to grants and advising are not detailed in available texts. He collaborates with the BIO5 Institute and the College of Information Science on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing data-driven solutions in agriculture and biology.

Samie JaffreyView profile

Professor

• RNA Regulatory Mechanisms
• Epitranscriptomics
• RNA Modifications
• +12 more

Samie Jaffrey is a Professor at the Graduate School of Medical Sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine , where he leads groundbreaking research in RNA regulatory mechanisms and epitranscriptomics. His lab focuses on RNA modifications, RNA structure, and RNA-binding proteins, with applications in understanding neurological disorders, cancer, and developing RNA-based therapeutics. Education: Bachelor’s degree from MIT (1992), MD and PhD from Johns Hopkins University (1999). Affiliations: Department of Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, and Tri-Institutional PhD Programs. Research Interests: Epitranscriptomics and mRNA modifications (e.g., m 6 A, Cap2) in gene expression regulation. RNA aptamers (Spinach, Broccoli, Corn) for imaging and biosensing in living cells. RNA synthetic biology tools (Pepper aptamer, Tornado circularization technique). Role of RNA deregulation in neurological disorders (Fragile X syndrome), cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Scientific Awards: John J. Abel Award (ASPET) Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists NIH Director’s Transformative R01 Award McKnight Technology Development Award Klingenstein Fellow in Neuroscience Grants & Collaborations: NIH funding (R01, EUREKA), McKnight Foundation, and affiliations with cancer pharmacology and neurodevelopmental research programs.

Syam SomasekharanView profile

Assistant Professor

• RNA Biology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +7 more

Syam Somasekharan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine and serves as a Senior Research Scientist at the Vancouver Prostate Centre, located at Vancouver General Hospital. His academic career spans multiple institutions across continents, reflecting his international research expertise. Dr. Somasekharan's research interests focus on RNA Biology , with particular emphasis on Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomolecular Condensates, Nucleolus function, mRNA Translation mechanisms, and Liquid-liquid Phase Separation. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of RNA regulation in both health and disease states, with special attention to prostate cancer. Analysis of Dr. Somasekharan's recent publications reveals a strong focus on RNA granule machinery in prostate cancer treatment resistance, epitranscriptomic RNA modifications (particularly m6A), liquid-liquid phase separation mechanisms involving proteins like G3BP1, and multiomics approaches to understanding selective mRNA translation. His work bridges fundamental molecular biology with clinical applications in cancer research. Among his scientific achievements, Dr. Somasekharan was awarded the prestigious Ramanujan Fellow position at the Indian Institute of Technology. His research methodology emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understand how RNA regulatory mechanisms contribute to disease pathogenesis, particularly in prostate cancer. Dr. Somasekharan actively collaborates with other researchers and expresses interest in working with undergraduate students on research projects.

Cristian BellodiView profile

Senior Lecturer

• RNA biology
• Stem cell research
• Cancer and oncology
• +4 more

Cristian Bellodi is a Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator at Lund University, affiliated with the Division of Molecular Hematology (DMH) and the RNA and Stem Cell Biology department. He leads research initiatives under StemTherapy (National Stem Cell Initiative) and LUCC (Lund University Cancer Centre). Senior Lecturer at Lund University Principal Investigator in RNA and Stem Cell Biology Key roles in StemTherapy and LUCC Research Focus: Unraveling post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in stem cell genomes using hematopoietic systems as models, with emphasis on RNA-based regulatory networks in cancer and stem cell biology. Active Projects (2024): RNA Epitranscriptomic Code in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer T-cell Leukemia in Pediatric Contexts Oncogenic mRNA Splicing Specialization in Hematological Cancers Supervision: Assistant supervisor for PhD theses on therapeutic RNA tracking and cancer immunotherapy.

Mandy MullerView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Virology
• Gamma-herpesvirus pathogenesis
• KSHV replication and latency
• +4 more

Adjunct Associate Professor Mandy Muller of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Department of Microbiology studies how gamma-herpesviruses—particularly Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)—re-shape host RNA metabolism to enable lifelong infection. Her NIH-funded group combines genome-wide sequencing, molecular virology and cell biology to uncover how viral nucleases target host mRNAs and how select antiviral transcripts escape decay. Education: PhD in Virology, Pasteur Institute (2013) Research Interests: Muller’s work centers on the interface of viral pathogenesis and RNA biology. She investigates (i) virus-induced mRNA degradation, (ii) host restriction factors that withstand this decay, (iii) epitranscriptomic modifications such as m6A that protect transcripts, and (iv) innate antiviral proteins like Shiftless that block viral gene expression and P-body dissolution. These studies illuminate fundamental cell-biology questions while identifying new targets for antiviral therapy. Publication Trends: Since 2019 her team has published >20 papers dissecting KSHV–host RNA interactions, revealing viral endonuclease substrates, RNA escape elements, and antiviral restriction mechanisms. The portfolio spans high-resolution molecular studies to genome-wide screens, consistently highlighting how herpesviruses hijack or evade host RNA regulatory networks. Grants & Awards: NIH MIRA R35 ($1.9 M, 2020-2025) Multiple trainee awards including Curt Thorne and David Pollack prizes Best talk & poster recognitions at regional meetings Advising & Mentorship: Nine PhD students have defended under her mentorship since 2021 (Yadi Bermudez, Jacob Miles, Tarah, Shai, David, Dr. MacVeigh-Fierro, Will Rodriguez, Jake, Tim), together with numerous MS and undergraduate researchers. Her laboratory emphasizes both research excellence and inclusive teaching, earning a CNS Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion group award. Laboratory & Outreach: The Muller Lab relocated to the Institute of Microbiology at the University of Lausanne (IMUL) in May 2025, continuing its work on viral RNA biology. Muller also engages in public communication through weekly radio segments (“The Muller Report”) separating virology fact from fiction for general audiences.

Eric Van NostrandView profile

Assistant Professor

• RNA Genomics Technologies
• RNA Processing Mechanisms
• Host:RNA Viral Interactions
• +4 more

Eric Van Nostrand is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine, and a member of the Therapeutic Innovation Center. His research focuses on RNA processing regulatory networks, particularly how RNA binding proteins (RBPs) regulate RNA processing in health and disease. He holds a PhD from Stanford University School of Medicine (2012), a BS from MIT (2005), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at UC San Diego (2020). Research interests include RNA genomics technologies, mechanisms of RNA processing, host-viral interactions, and bioinformatics. His group develops innovative methods like chimeric eCLIP to map RBP interactions and study their roles in viral replication, cancer, and physiological processes. Key projects investigate how viruses hijack host RNA processing systems, and how dysregulated mRNA translation drives breast cancer progression. Notable contributions include defining snoRNA-target interactions using chimeric eCLIP, uncovering roles for SNORD89 in spliceosome biogenesis, and identifying novel RBP functions in pluripotent stem cells. He is also involved in industry collaborations, serving as co-founder and advisor to Eclipse BioInnovations. Publications span high-impact journals like Nature, Genome Biology, and Cell Reports, with a focus on RNA biology, viral mechanisms, and translational applications. His work bridges computational and experimental approaches to advance understanding of RNA's role in disease and therapeutic development.

• Transcriptional Genomics
• Genomic Technologies
• Chromatin Regulation
• +4 more

Peggy Farnham, PhD, is the William M. Keck Professor of Biochemistry and Professor of Cancer Biology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC). She previously held roles at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UC Davis. Her research focuses on chromatin regulation, transcription factor binding, and genomic technologies, with leadership in the ENCODE and PsychENCODE consortia. Dr. Farnham’s work has advanced understanding of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. Education: Bachelor’s degree from Rice University, PhD from Yale University, postdoctoral training at Stanford University. Research Interests: Transcriptional genomics, genomic technologies, chromatin regulation, and their roles in cancer and disease. Key projects include ENCODE (encyclopedia of DNA elements) and NIH Roadmap Reference Epigenome Mapping Center initiatives. Publications: Over 300 peer-reviewed articles, including seminal work on ZFX transcription factors, epigenetic engineering, and cancer genomics. Recent studies explore mechanisms of chemoresistance, cisplatin resistance in bladder cancer, and 3D epigenomic mapping in prostate cancer. Awards: AAAS Fellow (2010), ASBMB Herbert A. Sober Award (2012). Labs/Teams: Director of the Farnham Lab, collaborating on projects in the ENCODE consortium and PsychENCODE. Active in training the next generation of genomic researchers.

• Nephrology
• Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Biochemistry
• +7 more

Katrina Blount is an Associate Research Scientist in Nephrology at Yale School of Medicine, where she coordinates clinical trials for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). She holds a BA in Molecular Biology and Philosophy of Science from Hampshire College (1991), a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Utah School of Medicine (2000), and completed postdoctoral research at The Scripps Research Institute (2005). Her research spans biochemical mechanisms, RNA biology, and translational nephrology, with a focus on integrating ethical and regulatory frameworks into clinical research practices. Dr. Blount also served as a Senior Regulatory Analyst at Yale’s Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), specializing in human subjects research review, and became a Certified IRB Professional (CIP) in 2012. She has collaborated extensively with prominent researchers like Harlan Krumholz and Joseph Ross on studies addressing open science initiatives and post-market medical device surveillance. Education: Bachelor of Arts (BA): Hampshire College, Molecular Biology and Philosophy of Science (1991) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): University of Utah School of Medicine, Biochemistry (2000) NIH Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA (2005) Research Interests: Dr. Blount’s work bridges molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Her early research elucidated RNA editing via ADAR enzymes and STAR protein interactions, while her later career emphasizes ethical and regulatory aspects of biomedical research. She advocates for open science practices and has contributed to guidelines for post-market medical device evaluations. Her current focus on ADPKD trials reflects a commitment to translational nephrology and improving kidney disease outcomes through rigorous clinical investigation. Publications & Trends: Her publications reflect a trajectory from foundational molecular studies to applied clinical and ethical research. Early works (1999–2005) explored RNA editing, RNP complexes, and developmental genetics, while recent contributions (2014–2015) address regulatory challenges and open science advocacy. This demonstrates a growing emphasis on translational research and interdisciplinary ethics in her career. Awards: NIH Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2005) Certified IRB Professional (CIP) designation (2012) Advising & Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, Dr. Blount has co-authored studies with senior researchers, indicating collaborative mentorship roles. Her work at IRBs involved grant-related regulatory oversight, though specific grant details are not provided. She actively participates in team-based research initiatives at Yale, aligning with institutional priorities in health equity and translational medicine. Labs & Teams: Affiliated with Yale’s Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams focused on clinical trial coordination and regulatory science. She contributes to the Stephen & Denise Adams Center for Parkinson’s Disease Research and the Organoids & Stem Cells program through her institutional roles.

Sara RouhanifardView profile

Assistant Professor

• RNA Processing
• Single-Cell Analysis
• Gene Expression Regulation
• +5 more

Sara Rouhanifard is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. She leads the Rouhanifard Lab, which focuses on developing chemical approaches to study RNA processing, DNA-protein interactions, and their roles in disease and development. Her work integrates chemical, biological, and computational methods to address challenges in biomedical research. Education: PhD (2014), MS (2012) in Biochemistry from Albert Einstein College of Medicine; BS (2007) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Research interests include single-cell RNA dynamics, epitranscriptomics, and nanopore sequencing. Recent articles highlight advancements in live-cell click chemistry (inCu-click), pseudouridine modification profiling, and viral particle analysis via nanopore systems. Awards: 2025 Søren Buus Outstanding Research Award; 2023 CMBE Rising Star Award; NIH F32 Fellowship. Advising includes PhD students Keqing Nian and Oleksandra Fanari. Active grants include a $4.2M NIH R01 (2024) for RNA sequencing tools and a $3.4M NIH R01 (2023) for mRNA pseudouridylation studies. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with projects like the Spark Fund-supported InCu-Click reagent and partnerships with Yale University on RNA sequencing innovations. Future work targets translational applications in diagnostics and drug discovery.

Jessica BryantView profile

Research Fellow

• Parasitology
• Epigenetics
• Gene Regulation
• +7 more

Jessica Bryant is a Research Fellow in the Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions Unit within the Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors at the Institut Pasteur, Paris. She conducts cutting-edge research on epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in Plasmodium falciparum , the deadliest malaria parasite, focusing on the var multigene family and antigenic variation. Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania (2008–2014) B.S. in Cellular Biology, University of Georgia (2004–2008) Her research expertise lies in chromatin biology, gene regulation, and CRISPR-based technologies in parasitology. She investigates how epigenetic mechanisms control virulence gene expression and immune evasion in malaria parasites. Her work integrates molecular biology, genomics, and functional assays to dissect transcriptional networks in Plasmodium . The recent publications highlight a strong focus on CRISPR applications, m6A mRNA methylation, noncoding RNA regulation, and chromatin remodeling in Plasmodium . These studies reveal complex regulatory layers controlling antigenic variation and stage-specific gene expression, with implications for malaria pathogenesis and therapeutic development. Scientific Awards and Fellowships: EMBO Long-term Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015–2017) Institut Pasteur Roux-Cantarini Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015–2016) Goldwater Scholar (2008) Biomedical Graduate Studies Travel Grant (2012, 2013) University of Pennsylvania Genetics T32 Training Grant (2010–2012) Jessica Bryant has contributed significantly to mentoring and scientific community building, having served as Departmental Postdoc Representative at the Institut Pasteur. She has taught epigenetics and next-generation sequencing courses at Sorbonne University and the University of Bern. She co-organized the international CRISPR in Parasitology Symposium, fostering collaboration across the field. Her research is supported by prestigious grants and conducted within a leading parasitology research unit, with no indication of retirement or former status.

Harinad Babu MagantiView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology
• Epitranscriptomics
• Genetic Engineering
• +5 more

Dr. Harinad Babu Maganti serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine and holds dual roles as Research Scientist and Scientific Director of Cellular Therapies Research and Development at Canadian Blood Services in Ottawa, Ontario. His academic credentials include: Master of Science in Microbiology from McMaster University Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology and Stem Cell Biology from the University of Ottawa Postdoctoral training in Neuroscience at the Hospital for Sick Children Postdoctoral training in Hematology and Stem Cell Biology at Canadian Blood Services Dr. Maganti's research centers on hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology to develop curative cellular therapies for over 30 illnesses. His laboratory employs systems biology and omics data (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq) to construct gene-regulatory networks, validated through CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering. Key projects investigate epi-transcriptomic regulation of HSPCs and CRISPR-based correction of sickle cell disease mutations in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada, with emphasis on "off the shelf" immune cell therapies and GMP manufacturing. His publication trends (2022-2025) reveal consistent focus on HSC expansion mechanisms, cryopreservation optimization, transplantation outcomes through systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and translational applications of gene editing. The work bridges basic molecular discovery with clinical implementation across hematology, oncology, and regenerative medicine. Scientific recognition includes: American Society of Hematology Scholar Award (2024) Leading the Maganti Lab at Canadian Blood Services, he cultivates an inclusive research environment uniting biologists, engineers, and clinicians. The team leverages molecular biology, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics to pioneer novel HSC products, with current efforts targeting universal cellular therapies and precision oncology applications.