Dr. Ubaldo A. Soto-Wegner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Basic Sciences, Microbiology Division at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He holds additional roles as Program Director for SM-Infection, Immunity, & Inflammation (PhD and MS programs). His research focuses on cellular plasticity mechanisms in breast cancer, particularly cancer stem cells (CSCs), and the role of the microbiome in cancer development. He employs experimental approaches including microenvironmental modification, epigenetic modulation, and hypoxia studies to elucidate CSC-driven tumor initiation and progression. Education: PhD from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (1994), MSc from Universidad de Concepción (1982). Professional service includes roles on the Faculty Graduate Council, Institutional Biosafety Committee (Vice-Chair), and Radiation Safety Committee at Loma Linda. He is also active in community health initiatives and serves as Coordinator for the Inland Empire Stem Cell Consortium. Research emphasizes integrin signaling pathways (e.g., α6-integrin variants), epigenetic regulators (histone acetylation), and microbiome interactions. Key findings include aminoflavone's efficacy against CSCs and discoveries about breast cancer stem cell subpopulations' differentiation patterns. His work has been presented at major conferences like AACR and ISSCR. Professional development includes post-doctoral training at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and participation in advanced biosafety workshops. He has secured federal grants including studies on dendritic cell signaling and dopamine neuron regulation.
Dr. Víctor Mayoral Varo is a Professor of Biochemistry at Camilo José Cela University (UCJC), teaching in the Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Dentistry, and Biomedical Informatics Engineering programs. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biosciences from the Autonomous University of Madrid and is an ANECA-accredited Assistant Professor since 2023. His research focuses on cancer biology, particularly the roles of c-Src oncogene and TRIB2 in tumor progression and therapy resistance. He has published extensively in high-impact journals like Cancers and PLoS One . Education: Bachelor's Degree in Biology (Autonomous University of Madrid, 2012) Master's Degree in Genetics and Cell Biology (2014) PhD in Molecular Biosciences (Cum Laude, 2019) Research Interests: Cancer cell signaling, oncogene function (c-Src/TRIB2), drug resistance mechanisms, and metabolic reprogramming in tumors. His work bridges basic research and translational oncology, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets in breast and pancreatic cancers. Scientific Contributions: Over 9 peer-reviewed articles (2017–2022) demonstrating expertise in cancer stem cell biology and molecular mechanisms of drug resistance. Key findings include miR205's role in breast cancer stem cell inhibition and TRIB2's involvement in melanoma therapy resistance. Awards & Grants: ANECA accreditation as Assistant Professor (2023) ANECA 6-year research grant (2023) Teaching & Mentorship: Supervises student internships and final projects in Biomedicine. Serves on examination panels for Medicine and Biomedical Informatics programs. Integrates cutting-edge research findings into biochemistry coursework for healthcare students.
Dr. MARCOS VIEJO SOMOANO is a **Professor** at the **Department of Functional Biology**, part of the **Faculty of Pharmacy** at the **University of Santiago de Compostela**. His research focuses on **Plant Physiology**, particularly **epigenetic regulation mechanisms** in trees, with emphasis on conifers like Norway spruce and chestnut species. He holds a PhD from the University of Oviedo (2015), where his thesis explored epigenetic regulation in European chestnut embryogenesis under Dr. María Jesús Cañal Villanueva and Dr. Peter E. Toorop. His work investigates how environmental stresses (temperature, light, and climate) induce **epigenetic memory** in plants, influencing traits like bud phenology and stress resilience. He leads the **BIOTEC (Biotechnology Research Group)**, focusing on molecular mechanisms underlying plant development and conservation biology. Key methodologies include transcriptomics, DNA methylation analysis, and small RNA profiling. Major research trends in his articles include **DNA methylation dynamics**, **non-coding RNA roles**, and **transgenerational stress memory** in long-lived tree species. His studies bridge basic epigenetic mechanisms with applied forestry and conservation challenges. No awards or grants are explicitly noted in the provided text.
Daniela CAPELLO is an Associate Professor at the Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale Amedeo Avogadro. Her research focuses on aging mechanisms, biomarker discovery, and translational oncology. She leads projects investigating metabolic vulnerabilities in colorectal cancer and the role of epigenetic modifiers like LSD1/KDM1A. Research Interests: Her work bridges gerontology and oncology, emphasizing aging biomarkers, stem cell senescence, and drug repurposing for cancer therapy. Key areas include systemic sclerosis pathogenesis, cryopreservation impacts on biomarkers, and metabolic disruptions induced by antipsychotics in stem cells. Grants & Projects: Active grants include EU-funded initiatives on colorectal cancer metabolism and LSD1 inhibitors. She collaborates internationally on cohort studies like the Novara Aging Project, exploring lifestyle and environmental determinants of aging. Labs & Teams: Leads the Translational Medicine Lab focused on biomarker development and drug repositioning strategies. Collaborates with bioengineering teams on exosome-based diagnostic tools and biobanking ethical frameworks.
Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla is a prominent academic leading research in epigenetics and stem cell biology. She holds the position of Professor for Stem Cell Biology at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU) and is Director of multiple institutes, including the Institute for Epigenetics and Stem Cells and the Stem Cell Center at Helmholtz Munich. Her work focuses on understanding the epigenetic mechanisms underlying cellular reprogramming, totipotency, and early embryonic development. Education: Maria-Elena earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from the National University of Mexico (UNAM), followed by a PhD in Molecular Biology at the Institut Pasteur in Paris. She completed her postdoctoral training at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, before establishing her independent research group in 2008. Research Interests: Her lab investigates how chromatin dynamics and epigenetic regulation shape cell fate decisions in early embryos. Key areas include the role of histone modifications, nuclear organization, and transposable elements in maintaining totipotency and driving cellular plasticity. Her work aims to engineer cells for regenerative therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries. Publications: Recent work highlights discoveries in nuclear architecture, epigenetic pathways, and transposable element regulation during embryogenesis. These studies underscore the importance of chromatin dynamics in developmental processes and therapeutic applications. Awards: She has received prestigious accolades, including the 2025 Leibniz Prize (Germany’s highest scientific honor), membership in the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, and recognition by the World Economic Forum as a Young Scientist. Advising & Grants: She mentors a multidisciplinary team of postdocs and doctoral researchers, fostering a diverse and collaborative environment. Her lab’s funding includes ERC grants and initiatives like the LifeTime European Initiative, supporting her vision to bridge basic and translational research. Labs & Teams: The Torres-Padilla Lab at Helmholtz Munich integrates microscopy, genomics, and computational biology to study epigenetic principles in development. Collaborations span disciplines, including the Epigenetics@HelmholtzMunich network, to advance cell-based therapies. Her future work aims to leverage epigenetic insights to create ‘cells à la carte’ for regenerative medicine, emphasizing ethical and societal impacts of scientific innovation.
Matthew Hirschey is an Associate Professor of Medicine, Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, and Cell Biology at Duke University. He is affiliated with the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Sarah Stedman Nutrition & Metabolism Center, and Duke Cancer Institute. His research focuses on metabolic control, mitochondrial signaling, and cellular processes in health and disease. Education: Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara (2006). He has held multiple academic positions at Duke since 2011, progressing from Instructor to current roles as Associate Professor in multiple departments. Research Interests: The Hirschey Lab explores metabolic pathways, mitochondrial signaling, and their roles in cancer, diabetes, and aging. Key areas include protein acylation, NAD+ metabolism, and metabolic reprogramming in tumors. Grants: Recipient of NIH grants including the Endocrinology and Metabolism Training Program (2024–2029) and a project on breast cancer therapy (2024–2028). He mentors students in training programs like the Duke University Program in Environmental Health. Awards: 2013 New Scholar in Aging Award from the Ellison Medical Foundation. Labs/Teams: Leads the Hirschey Lab, collaborating with institutions like Duke-NUS and GenFlow Biosciences. Their work integrates biochemistry, data science, and imaging to uncover metabolic mechanisms.
Dr. Charlene Waryah is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow affiliated with The University of Western Australia (UWA), based at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. She holds positions in the School of Human Sciences, Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer, UWA Medical School, and UWA Centre for Medical Research. Her research focuses on CRISPR-based epigenetic editing and the development of molecular therapeutics targeting dysregulated cancer cells. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Key collaborations include projects on triple-negative breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dr. Waryah leads CRISPR epigenetic editing projects in the Cancer Epigenetics laboratory under Prof. Pilar Blancafort. She has secured grants from NHMRC and Cancer Australia, including a current project on epigenome engineering for breast cancer therapy. Research interests include tumor suppressor gene reactivation, epigenetic reprogramming, and CRISPR technologies. She has contributed to over 14 peer-reviewed publications and 12 datasets, with notable citations in journals like Advanced Science and Nature Communications .
Edina Wang is a Researcher affiliated with the UWA Medical School at the University of Western Australia, based at the UWA Centre for Medical Research (affiliated with the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research). Her work focuses on epigenetic editing, CRISPR technology, nanoparticle drug delivery, and oncogene signaling in breast cancer. She has contributed to over 15 peer-reviewed publications and leads or co-leads multiple grants targeting breast cancer therapies and molecular mechanisms. Education: Details not explicitly stated in text, but her research indicates expertise in molecular biology and drug delivery systems. Her research interests include synthetic epigenetic reprogramming, CRISPR-based therapies for solid tumors, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies for triple-negative breast cancer. She explores marine-derived anticancer compounds and peptide-based drug delivery systems. Her work intersects nanotechnology, molecular biology, and clinical oncology. Recent articles highlight advancements in lipid nanoparticle-mediated CRISPR delivery for epigenetic editing and the use of synthetic peptides to inhibit oncogenic pathways. Her projects include therapeutic targeting of Rab12 tumor suppressors and PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathways in breast cancer. Grants: Active projects include 'Therapeutic opportunities for metastatic breast cancer' and 'Targeting an alternate nuclear receptor for aggressive breast cancers.' Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and collaborates on interdisciplinary teams focusing on nanomedicine and epigenetic therapies.
Kathryn O'Donnell-Mendell serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where her laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms driving lung cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Her research integrates oncogenic signaling pathways with therapeutic development, utilizing molecular biochemistry, functional genetics, and sophisticated mouse models to dissect tumor biology. Her academic foundation includes: B.S. in Genetics from Cornell University Ph.D. in Human Genetics from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2005) Dr. O'Donnell-Mendell's research program centers on cancer genetics and molecular oncology, with dual emphases on lung cancer pathogenesis and transposon-mediated gene discovery. She pioneered work on MYC-driven tumorigenesis involving transferrin receptor and microRNA networks during her doctoral studies, later transitioning to retrotransposon biology during her Damon Runyon-funded postdoctoral fellowship. Current investigations dissect EGFR/KRAS signaling cascades, metabolic reprogramming in tumors, and transposon-based mutagenesis platforms for identifying novel cancer drivers. Her approach bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with translational applications for therapeutic development. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strategic progression from foundational retrotransposon biology toward lung cancer-specific mechanisms. Early work established transposon systems for cancer gene discovery, while current research focuses on PD-L1 regulation in immunotherapy resistance, lactate metabolism in tumor microenvironments, and cell adhesion molecules in metastasis. Her publications consistently integrate mouse modeling with molecular techniques across multiple cancer types, demonstrating technical versatility while maintaining lung cancer as the primary translational focus. Her scientific recognition includes: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation fellowship CPRIT Recruitment of First-Time Tenure-Track Faculty Member Award Dr. O'Donnell-Mendell maintains robust funding from major cancer research entities including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Sidney Kimmel Foundation, LUNGevity Foundation, Welch Foundation, and CPRIT. These grants support her dual research thrusts in lung cancer therapeutics and transposon-based functional genomics. She actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows through UT Southwestern's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, emphasizing rigorous experimental design and translational relevance. Her laboratory serves as a nexus for cancer genetics research, fostering collaborations with clinical oncologists to bridge bench findings to patient applications. The O'Donnell Lab operates as a dynamic research hub combining wet-lab molecular techniques with computational genomics. Current projects include developing novel transposon platforms for in vivo mutagenesis screens, characterizing metabolic vulnerabilities in KRAS-driven lung tumors, and investigating cell surface receptor networks as therapeutic targets. The lab maintains extensive mouse colonies for tumor modeling and collaborates with bioinformatics teams to analyze large-scale genomic datasets from mutagenesis screens.
Christo Christov is Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lorraine. His research focuses on oncology, molecular biology, and cancer therapeutics, with specific expertise in leukemia, mitochondrial metabolism, and drug resistance mechanisms. Affiliated with Team 1 at Campus Brabois Santé, his work bridges clinical oncology and molecular biology. Research interests span oncology, hematology, and molecular mechanisms of cell death. Key areas include mitochondrial metabolism in cancer, drug resistance pathways, and novel therapeutic strategies for leukemia. His investigations explore immunogenic cell death mechanisms and metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells. Publications demonstrate strong focus on leukemia therapeutics, cancer metabolism, and drug development. Recent articles explore mitochondrial targeting, epigenetic modulators, and biomarker discovery for personalized cancer treatment.
Lu Chen is an Assistant Professor at Temple University's Fox Chase Cancer Center, affiliated with the Cancer Epigenetics Institute Research Program specializing in Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer. Their lab focuses on RNA biology mechanisms underlying cancer and aging-related diseases. Key research areas include epigenetic regulation of telomerase, engineering senescence-resistant CAR-T cells, and developing CRISPR-based diagnostics. Education includes a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Kansas Medical Center (2013), postdoctoral training at Stanford University (2013–2019), and a BS from Wuhan University (2006). Honors include the NIGMS-MIRA Award (2023) and Stanford Cancer Institute Fellowship (2018). The lab employs advanced techniques like icSHAPE-seq, CRISPR engineering, and single-molecule imaging. Current projects investigate telomerase regulation, RNA modifications, and translational therapies for degenerative diseases. Collaborations span structural biology, nanotechnology, and clinical oncology. Lab Team: Includes postdocs (Aldana Vistarop, Musinu Zakari), PhD students (Julia Hoopman, Alexander Morris), and undergraduate researchers. Grants: Active NIGMS-MIRA funding supports ongoing studies on RNA processing and cancer immortality. Awards: Recognitions for telomere research and contributions to understanding RNA biology. Labs: Operates at Fox Chase Cancer Center (lab website: luchenlab.org ). Active in mentoring with a focus on training early-career scientists in molecular oncology and RNA technologies.
Roles and Affiliations: Jonathan Chernoff is the Cancer Center Director and Senior Vice President at Fox Chase Cancer Center, part of Temple University Health System. He holds the Stanley P. Reimann Chair in Oncology Research and serves as an adjunct professor at Drexel University School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on cancer signaling pathways, tumor suppression mechanisms, and translational oncology. Education and Credentials: Chernoff earned a BA in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University (1978), followed by an MD and PhD in Biochemistry from Mount Sinai School of Medicine (1984). He completed residencies in internal medicine and clinical oncology at the University of Pittsburgh and Johns Hopkins, respectively, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University. Research Interests: Chernoff’s lab investigates Rac1 signaling in melanoma, p21-activated kinases in cancer, the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, and Kras isoform-specific signaling. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing translational research, precision medicine, and immunotherapy. Awards and Recognition: Notable honors include AAAS Fellowship (2017), the Stanley P. Reimann Chair (2008–present), and the Pennsylvania Drug Discovery Award (2013). He has chaired multiple national and international scientific committees. Advisees and Grants: Chernoff has trained dozens of postdoctoral and graduate students, including Dorothy Benton (Drexel). He leads grants in cancer signaling and epigenetics, with active collaborations across academia and industry. Labs and Teams: His lab at Fox Chase focuses on cell growth and movement mechanisms, with key personnel including Cristina Uribe-Alvarez and Daniela Araiza-Olivera. Research programs emphasize signaling reprogramming and cancer disparities.
James S. Duncan, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center (part of Temple University Health System). His research focuses on applying proteomics to identify therapeutic targets in cancer kinomes, particularly in ovarian and colorectal cancers. He leads a lab investigating kinase-driven therapies, kinome reprogramming in response to targeted inhibitors, and combination therapies to combat drug resistance. Educations: PhD in Biochemistry (University of Western Ontario, 2008), BSc in Biochemistry (2005). Research interests include: Proteomics-driven discovery of 'dark kinome' targets for cancer treatment. Kinome profiling using Multiplexed Inhibitor Beads and Mass Spectrometry (MIB-MS). Mechanisms of resistance to BET bromodomain inhibitors and MEK inhibitors. Role of K-Ras mutations in colorectal cancer signaling. Publications highlight work on MRCKA in ovarian cancer, SRPK1 in endometrial cancer, and kinome reprogramming in drug resistance. Awards include the Liz Tilberis Early Career Award (2020) and CIHR postdoctoral fellowship (2009-2012). Awards: Listed under 'scientific_awards' above. Lab team includes postdocs and research associates (e.g., Alison Kurimchak, Carlos Herrera-Montávez) advancing projects on PROTAC resistance, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and kinase-driven therapies.
Mohsin Khan, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. He leads the Center for Metabolic Disease Research, focusing on cardiac regeneration and metabolic signaling. His work integrates stem cell biology, exosome-mediated communication, and epigenetic reprogramming to address cardiac repair deficits in aging/diabetes. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, National Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, Lahore (2008) MS in Zoology, Government College University, Lahore (2002) BS in Biological Sciences, Forman Christian College, Lahore (2000) Research Interests: Dr. Khan’s lab investigates neonatal cardiac repair mechanisms, embryonic microRNA signaling, and diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction. Key projects include: Reactivation of embryonic factors to enhance adult heart repair Exosome-based therapies using stem cell-derived vesicles Metabolic regulation in cardiac progenitor cells Age-related epigenetic changes in heart repair capacity Publications: Over 80 peer-reviewed articles focus on miRNA regulation, exosome therapies, and metabolic-cardiac crosstalk. Recent work highlights LIN28A-driven regeneration and UCP2-mediated metabolic reprogramming. Honors: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Advising & Grants: Ongoing NIH-funded projects explore exosome-based cardiac repair and diabetes-cardiac axis modulation. Collaborations include Temple’s Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Engineering. Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary team at the Center for Metabolic Disease Research, collaborating with immunologists, bioengineers, and computational biologists to advance regenerative therapies.
Sakthikumar Ambady is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He holds a DVM from Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (1984), an MVSc from Kerala Agricultural University (1988), and a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (1996). His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on laboratory approaches over theoretical methods, focusing on foundational biological principles to equip students with troubleshooting skills in modern 'kit-based research.' Research interests include regenerative medicine, genome analysis, and molecular biology with a focus on stem cell biology, gene mapping, and cellular reprogramming. Notable work includes studies on vimentin’s role in mechanosensitivity, OCT4A gene expression in stem cells, and applications of animal cloning in agriculture. He has advised students on projects such as a colonoscopy design that won an award in 2025. Dr. Ambady’s scholarly contributions span over two decades, with publications in areas like Xenopus egg extract effects on fibroblast pluripotency, microRNA identification in oocytes, and genomic studies in livestock and poultry.
