Boxuan Zhao is an Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with an affiliate role at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research focuses on RNA biology, epigenetics, and neurobiology, developing cutting-edge technologies to map brain connectivity and molecular mechanisms underlying neural function. He holds a B.S. from Peking University (2012), M.S./Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (2017), and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University (2017-2023). Research interests include RNA modifications (e.g., m6A), single-cell multi-omics, and systems-level analysis of brain organization. His lab integrates transcriptomics, proteomics, and connectomics to study neuronal connectivity dynamics and molecular mechanisms of brain disorders. Key contributions include methods like Connectome-seq for high-resolution neuronal mapping and RNA-protein interaction mapping via APEX targeting. Highlighted Achievements: 2023 & 2022 Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher in Molecular Biology Howard Hughes Medical Institute Predoctoral Fellowship (2014) Winner of multiple innovation awards in RNA biology and chemical biology Publications span foundational insights into m6A’s role in mRNA translation, viral replication, and developmental transitions. Zhao’s interdisciplinary approach bridges chemical biology, neuroscience, and genomics, with a focus on translational applications in health and disease.
Raquel Garcia Vilchez is a Researcher in the Department of Physiology at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS). She holds a doctorate from the University of Salamanca (2023), where her thesis focused on the role of guanosine-7 tRNA methylation in prostate cancer progression, supervised by Dr. Sandra Blanco Benavente. Her work explores RNA epigenetics, particularly tRNA modifications and their impact on cancer biology and aging. Her research interests center on RNA modifications (e.g., m7G, m5C), their roles in translational control, and their implications in diseases like prostate cancer. She investigates how epitranscriptomic changes influence tumor progression, stress responses, and therapeutic targets. Her findings bridge basic molecular mechanisms with clinical applications in oncology. Raquel’s publications highlight advancements in detecting RNA modifications (e.g., m7G at single-nucleotide resolution) and their functional consequences. Her recent work emphasizes the interplay between transposable elements, aging, and epigenetic regulation, offering new insights into cellular stress adaptation. Despite no listed awards, her contributions to cancer epigenetics are notable in the field. While no specific grants or students are documented here, her affiliation with CIMUS suggests participation in collaborative research projects targeting chronic diseases. Her work is part of the GENOMES-DISEASE research group, focusing on genomic and epigenomic mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis.
Anna M. Kietrys is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, with affiliation to the Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology. Her research bridges chemical biology and neurodegeneration, focusing on RNA structure-function relationships in cellular signaling and disease progression. Ph.D. in Chemistry/Biochemistry (2013) from Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University (2015–2019) in the Kool Laboratory Research Associate at Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry (2013–2015) Kietrys' research explores the dynamic RNA world, particularly circular RNAs (circRNAs) and ultra-small RNAs (usRNAs), to uncover their structural and epitranscriptomic profiles. She develops universal acylating reagents using 2'-OH acylation to study RNA interactomes and proposes RNA-based therapeutic approaches for Parkinson's disease. Her work combines chemical, biochemical, and bioinformatics tools to decode RNA-mediated signaling in neurodegeneration. Her recent publications highlight advancements in RNA functionalization, epitranscriptomic mapping, and transcriptome-wide drug interactions. Key trends include reversible RNA acylation for CRISPR control, circRNA structural analysis, and small RNA regulatory roles in aging. Awards include the Kwolek Fellowship and Harrison Legacy Graduate Fellowship. Kwolek Fellowship in Chemistry Edwin N. Lassettre Graduate Travel Award John & Nancy Harrison Legacy Graduate Fellowship Kietrys teaches multidisciplinary courses in Bioorganic Chemistry and Toxicology, integrating organic chemistry with biological applications. Her lab provides hands-on experience in modern biological methods and emphasizes RNA chemistry for therapeutic innovation.
Dr. Shengjian Ji serves as Associate Professor with Tenure in the Department of Neuroscience at Southern University of Science and Technology's School of Life Sciences, concurrently holding the position of Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Shude College. His laboratory is internationally recognized for pioneering research on mRNA modification mechanisms in neuronal development and function, with particular emphasis on posttranscriptional regulation in axons. Dr. Ji's academic foundation includes: Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) from Peking University (1998-2003) Bachelor of Science from Yantai University (1994-1998) His research program centers on mRNA modifications (m 5 C and m 6 A), local axonal translation, and retrograde signaling pathways critical for neuronal development. The lab employs advanced techniques including microfluidic axonal analysis and molecular neuroscience approaches to investigate how RNA-binding proteins regulate neurogenesis, axon guidance, and dendrite maintenance in cortical, retinal, and cerebellar systems. Analysis of Dr. Ji's 2018-2025 publications reveals a dominant focus on RNA epitranscriptomics in neural development, with emerging applications in aging and disease models. His work demonstrates how m 6 A and m 5 C modifications orchestrate local translation in axons through readers like YTHDFs and Ybx1, influencing processes from embryonic neurogenesis to age-related visual decline. Major recognitions include: National Natural Science Award of China, Second Prize (2011) Ministry of Education University Scientific Research Award, First Prize in Natural Science (2008) Peking University's Ten Most Academically Outstanding Graduate Students (2003) Dr. Ji actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with recent master's thesis defenses by Jiaxin Yuan and Pingrui Zhang. His laboratory maintains active funding evidenced by student Yu Jun's 2024 NSFC Young Scientists Fund award, and consistently recruits talent through SUSTech's postdoctoral and graduate programs. The lab currently investigates RNA modification mechanisms across multiple neural systems using cutting-edge molecular and bioengineering approaches, with ongoing projects spanning cortical development, retinal neurodegeneration, and axon guidance pathways.
Dr. Samie R Jaffrey is the Greenberg-Starr Professor of Pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medical College since 2016, with a focus on RNA modifications and epitranscriptomics. His research spans molecular biology, cancer mechanisms, and neurogenetics. RNA Methylation Dynamics RNA Aptamer Engineering Neuronal mRNA Regulation His work addresses critical questions in mRNA stability, stress granule formation, and RNA-based therapeutics. Recent publications highlight mechanisms of m6A-dependent degradation and tRNA modification impacts on metastasis. Dr. Jaffrey's lab develops innovative RNA imaging tools like Pepper and Broccoli tags, enabling live-cell visualization of RNA processes. Collaborations with biotech partners (Lucerna, Chimerna) translate these discoveries into clinical applications.
Jordan L. Meier, Ph.D. is a Senior Investigator and Head of the Epigenetics and Metabolism Section at the Chemical Biology Laboratory within the Center for Cancer Research at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. His research bridges chemical biology, cancer metabolism, and epigenetic regulation, focusing on how metabolic states influence genomic signaling through chromatin modifying enzymes. Dr. Meier's educational background includes: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Creighton University (2004) Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of California-San Diego (2009), working under Professor Michael D. Burkart Postdoctoral training as an American Cancer Society fellow at California Institute of Technology with Professor Peter B. Dervan His research interests center on the intersection of metabolism and epigenetics, particularly how metabolic perturbations influence epigenetic signaling. Dr. Meier's laboratory develops chemical approaches to investigate metabolic and epigenetic signaling pathways in cancer, with special focus on acetyl-CoA mediated acetylation mechanisms and oncometabolite-driven cancers. His work aims to discover biological mechanisms underlying oncometabolite-driven cancers, develop new cancer diagnostics, and identify small molecules that inhibit epigenetic modifications through metabolic disruption. Analysis of Dr. Meier's publications reveals a consistent research trajectory exploring the chemical biology of metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk. His work spans from fundamental chemical probe development to cancer-relevant biological applications, with particular emphasis on acetylation-based signaling mechanisms, oncometabolite detection, and chemoproteomic mapping of metabolic enzyme targets. His research has significantly advanced understanding of how metabolites like fumarate and acyl-CoA derivatives regulate epigenetic processes in cancer. Notable recognition includes: American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellowship Dr. Meier actively mentors a diverse research team including postdoctoral fellows and postbaccalaureate researchers. His laboratory has developed innovative chemical tools and approaches that have enabled new avenues for understanding metabolic regulation of epigenetic processes. Current research includes development of the Fumarate Chemoproteomic Reactivity Database to enable community efforts in studying FH-regulated cysteines. The Chemical Biology Laboratory fosters a collaborative environment with active participation in symposia and scientific meetings. Dr. Meier's team engages in both fundamental chemical biology research and translational applications, with a particular focus on developing new approaches for cancer therapy, diagnosis, and chemoprevention based on metabolic-epigenetic connections.
Jinfan Wang is an Assistant Professor and UT Southwestern Endowed Scholar in the Department of Biochemistry at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW). He obtained his B.S. in Biotechnology from the University of Science and Technology Beijing (2010) and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Uppsala University (2016), where he studied prokaryotic translation under Dr. Anthony Forster. Supported by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, he conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University (2016–2023) with Dr. Jody Puglisi, developing single-molecule methods to study eukaryotic translation. His lab at UTSW combines quantitative biochemistry, structural biology, and genetics to investigate cytosolic and mitochondrial translation mechanisms. Education B.S., Biotechnology – University of Science and Technology Beijing (2010) Ph.D., Biochemistry – Uppsala University (2016) His research focuses on the dynamic interplay between mRNA structure, ribosome function, and translation regulation in eukaryotes. Using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, his team established frameworks for understanding start codon recognition, elongation fidelity, and drug-induced translation arrest. Recent work explores mitochondrial translation and its dysregulation in human diseases. Key publications reveal insights into: Eukaryotic translation initiation (Cell 2022, Nature 2019) Ribosome interactions with modified mRNA (Nat Struct Mol Biol 2018) Engineering of translation systems (Nucleic Acids Res 2017) Kinetic bottlenecks in unnatural amino acid incorporation (ACS Chem Biol 2015) Scientific Awards Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship UT Southwestern Endowed Scholar Dr. Wang’s lab seeks to bridge fundamental translation mechanisms with therapeutic applications, particularly in diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. They actively recruit graduate students, technicians, and postdocs for interdisciplinary research.
Ana Rebane is a Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Tartu's Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine since October 2019. Previously, she served as a Senior Research Fellow in RNA Biology (2016-2019) and in the Department of General and Molecular Pathology. She has held various research positions at the University of Tartu since 2004, with a visiting scientist position at the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (2010-2013) and a postdoctoral associate at Yale University (2000-2003). Her educational background includes a Doctor's Degree from the University of Tartu (1999) with a thesis on "Mammalian ribosomal protein S3a genes and intron-encoded small nucleolar RNAs U73 ans U82" under Andres Metspalu. She completed her PhD studies from 1995-1998 and earned her degree in Bioorganic Chemistry from Tartu University (1984-1989). Ana Rebane's research focuses on immunology, molecular biology, and RNA biology, particularly in the context of allergy, asthma, and skin conditions. Her work extensively examines the role of microRNAs in immune responses, inflammasome activation, and skin barrier function. She investigates how RNA modifications, particularly in keratinocytes, influence inflammatory responses in conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Her research bridges basic molecular mechanisms with clinical applications, exploring therapeutic delivery systems like cell-penetrating peptides for RNA-based treatments. Her publication record shows a strong focus on molecular mechanisms of skin and respiratory inflammation, with recent work emphasizing RNA modifications, inflammasome biology, and innovative delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics. Her research demonstrates consistent progression from basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, particularly in dermatological and respiratory conditions. 2020 Estonian National Science Award (medical sciences) 2019 Academic Leader of Eastern Europe, European Society of Dermatological Research 2015 The Eastern European Dermatology Research Award 2014 Research Fellow from European Society of Dermatological Research 2010 SCIEX stipendium to work at Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research 2000 Fellowship from NATO-NSF 1997 Fellowship from Finnish Government 1996 Fellowship from Nordic Council of Ministers Ana Rebane serves in significant administrative roles including Member of the University of Tartu Senate (since 2023), President of the Estonian Society of Human Genetics (since 2022), and Board Member of the same society (since 2020). She is an Associated Editor for Frontiers in Allergy (since 2020) and serves on the Reviewer Board of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (since 2017). She has been an active member of several professional societies including the European Society of Dermatological Research and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Her research activities are centered around the Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine at the University of Tartu, where her team investigates molecular mechanisms of immune responses, particularly focusing on RNA biology and its implications for inflammatory skin and respiratory diseases. Her laboratory develops and applies advanced techniques for studying gene regulation, epigenetic modifications, and innovative therapeutic delivery systems.
Louie Van de Lagemaat is a bioinformatician at the University of Aberdeen's Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine (School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition), joining in October 2021. He holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of British Columbia (2006) and has extensive experience in genomic data analysis. Research Interests : Haematopoiesis, molecular neuroscience, and transcriptomics using high-throughput sequencing technologies. Expertise : ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, Ribo-seq, and meRIP-seq analysis, with a focus on HLA allele heterozygosity and epigenetic regulation. Collaborations : Active in interdisciplinary studies with researchers in stem cell biology, cancer genomics, and neurogenetics.
Antonio Giraldez is the Fergus F. Wallace Professor of Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, where he has led his research laboratory since 2007. He served as Director of Graduate Studies (2012-2016) and Chair of the Genetics Department (2017-2023). His academic appointments span multiple departments and centers including Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BQBS), the Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale Center for Genomic Health, Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), and the Yale Stem Cell Center. Professor Giraldez's research focuses on understanding the regulatory code that governs gene expression during vertebrate development after fertilization. His lab investigates four interconnected areas: genome activation during the maternal-to-zygotic transition, post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, modeling of therapeutic mRNA design, and modeling of gene regulatory networks. Using zebrafish as a primary model organism combined with advanced genomic, computational, and imaging approaches, his lab has made significant contributions to understanding how transcription factors activate the embryonic genome and how RNA regulatory elements control mRNA stability and translation. Analysis of Professor Giraldez's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms of embryonic development, particularly the maternal-to-zygotic transition where control of development passes from maternal to embryonic factors. His work increasingly integrates high-throughput genomic approaches with computational modeling to decode regulatory elements in RNA that determine stability, translation efficiency, and tissue-specific expression - knowledge directly applicable to therapeutic mRNA design for gene therapy and vaccines. Scientific Awards and Honors: HHMI Faculty Scholar (2016) Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists National Finalist (2016) Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science (2014) Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences (2008) NYAS Blavatnik Young Investigator Award Finalist (2007) Professor Giraldez has established a productive research program with consistent funding and publication in top-tier journals. His lab maintains active collaborations with researchers across Yale and beyond, as evidenced by his frequent co-authorship with scientists from multiple departments. He has trained numerous students and postdocs who have gone on to independent research careers. The Giraldez Lab maintains a diverse team of researchers working at the intersection of developmental biology and genomics. The lab provides extensive resources including published datasets, computational tools like CRISPRscan, and detailed genomic annotations available through their data repository. Professor Giraldez's research program continues to advance our understanding of fundamental gene regulatory mechanisms with implications for both basic science and therapeutic applications.
Sigrid Nachtergaele serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, with cross-appointments across Yale Cancer Center, Center for RNA Science and Medicine, and multiple interdisciplinary programs including Biochemistry/Quantitative Biology (BQBS), Genomics/Genetics/Epigenetics, and the Yale Combined Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). Her research program centers on RNA biology with particular emphasis on epitranscriptomics – investigating how chemical modifications to RNA molecules regulate mRNA function and gene expression. This work combines biochemical methodology development with molecular analysis to understand fundamental regulatory mechanisms, leveraging Yale's specialized resources including the Center for RNA Science and Medicine. Her focus bridges basic molecular mechanisms with potential implications for cancer biology through Yale Cancer Center affiliations. Recent publication trends (2023-2024) demonstrate dual expertise in technical methodology (RT-based mapping of RNA modifications) and conceptual analysis of RNA modification roles in mRNA regulation, alongside contributions to scientific culture discourse. This output appears in high-impact venues including Annual Review of Biochemistry and Methods in Enzymology, reflecting both technical leadership and broad scholarly impact. As an active member of Yale Cancer Center's Genomics, Genetics, and Epigenetics Program, she contributes to collaborative cancer research while mentoring through the BBS graduate program. Her laboratory environment benefits from institutional support through Yale's RNA-focused research infrastructure and cancer center resources, though specific lab branding isn't detailed in available sources.
