Dr. Giulia Biancon is an Assistant Professor Adjunct in the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Yale School of Medicine. She holds a PhD from the University of Milan (2019) and is a member of the Halene Lab, focusing on RNA biology and hematologic malignancies. Her research combines high-throughput methodologies to study RNA mechanisms in diseases like myeloid leukemias and splicing factor mutations. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Milan (2019). Research Interests: RNA splicing, stress granules in cancer, epitranscriptomics, clonal hematopoiesis, and the interplay between genetic mutations and cellular pathways in blood cancers. Awards: 2024 Eclipse Award, 2022 ASH Abstract Achievement Award, and 2022 RNA Society Best Poster Award. Her work has been published in journals like Cell Reports , Blood , and Molecular Cell . Labs/Teams: Principal member of the Halene Lab and coordinator at the Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine. Collaborates with institutions like the SeroNet network for immunology studies.
Janusz Bujnicki is a Professor and head of the Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), Poland. He holds concurrent roles in science policy advisory bodies, including the European Commission's Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (2015-2020, then expert) and the Polish Academy of Sciences’ advisory panel (2024-). He is also a founding member of the Association of ERC Grantees (AERG) and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Life Science Center at Vilnius University. Academia Europaea Member (2018-) EMBO Member (2018-) Leadership Academy for Poland (2018) His research spans structural biology, RNA modification, computational biology, and molecular evolution. He has pioneered computational methods like ModeRNA, SimRNA, and ClaRNA for RNA structure prediction and analysis, and developed databases like MODOMICS for RNA modification pathways. His work has applications in understanding RNA function and drug design targeting RNA-processing enzymes. The 15 most recent publications focus on RNA structural modeling (e.g., ModeRNA, ClaRNA, SupeRNAlign), RNA-ligand interactions (LigandRNA), and RNA modification biology (MODOMICS database). These works bridge computational methods with experimental validation in RNA enzymology and structure-function relationships. Scientific Awards: ERC Starting Grant (2010), EMBO Member (2018), Crystal Brussels Sprout (2016), Prime Minister’s Award (2014), Knight’s Cross of Polonia Restituta (2014) Grants & Leadership: Founded RNA bioinformatics infrastructure at IIMCB, led EU science policy advisory groups, and organized international research competitions (RNA Puzzles)
James Shorter is a Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He is affiliated with multiple prestigious institutes, including the Institute on Aging (IOA), the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT), the Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), the Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI), and the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation. He mentors several training programs such as the Penn Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP), PennPREP, and the Translational Research Immersion Program (TRIP), and serves as a Primary Trainer at the Center for Neurodegenerative Research (CNDR). Ph.D. in Cell Biology, University of London, 2000 M.A. in Biology, University of Oxford, 1995 Dr. Shorter’s research focuses on protein homeostasis, particularly the mechanisms of protein disaggregation and the role of prion-like domains in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. His lab investigates the Hsp104 disaggregase from yeast and has engineered variants to combat human proteinopathies. They also identified the mammalian disaggregase system (Hsp110/Hsp70/Hsp40) and explore how small molecules and nuclear import receptors can reverse pathological phase transitions of RNA-binding proteins like TDP-43 and FUS. His work bridges structural biology, genetics, and translational neuroscience. His recent publications highlight trends in targeting TDP-43 and FUS proteinopathies, engineering Hsp104 for selective detoxification, understanding mitochondrial disaggregases like Skd3, and modulating phase transitions with nuclear import receptors. His research spans from fundamental mechanisms of protein folding to therapeutic development for neurodegenerative diseases. Faculty Member, Institute on Aging (IOA) Faculty Member, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT) Mentor, Penn Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) Primary Trainer, Center for Neurodegenerative Research (CNDR) Faculty Member, Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Member, Penn Institute for RNA Innovation Mentor, Translational Research Immersion Program (TRIP) Dr. Shorter advises numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers through the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Cell and Molecular Biology graduate groups. His lab receives funding from NIH and other sources to support research on protein disaggregation, phase separation, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. He has trained many scientists now active in academia and biotech. His lab, located in Stellar-Chance Laboratories, operates at the intersection of biochemistry, cell biology, and translational medicine, with active projects on Hsp104 engineering, mitochondrial proteostasis, and the role of RNA-binding proteins in disease. The lab collaborates widely across Penn and with international partners to advance understanding and treatment of protein misfolding disorders.
Dr. Qin Li is an Assistant Professor of Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, affiliated with the Penn Institute for Immunology & Immune Health (I3H), the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, and the Penn Center for Genomic Integrity. He earned his BS and PhD in Biological Science and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Peking University, followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University. Education : BS (Peking University, 2009), PhD (Peking University, 2014) Dr. Li’s research focuses on the ADAR1-dsRNA-MDA5 axis, exploring how RNA editing mediates self/non-self discrimination in the immune system. His work connects RNA editing quantitative trait loci (edQTLs) to inflammatory disease heritability and develops computational/experimental tools for RNA editing and sensing. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding RNA editing’s role in autoimmune diseases, CRISPR-based regulatory principles, and novel RNA ligand engineering. He mentors PhD and Master’s students in Bioengineering, Cell and Molecular Biology, and related programs.
Brian D. Gregory is a Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on RNA modifications, computational biology, and plant genetics, particularly studying how RNA modifications regulate gene expression in plants and animals. He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University (2005) and a B.S.A. from the University of Arizona (2000). Research Interests: RNA epitranscriptomics (e.g., m6A, NAD+ caps) RNA secondary structure and protein interactions Genomic approaches to study plant stress responses Development of high-throughput sequencing tools like PIP-seq Recent Work Highlights: Recent studies include analyzing pathogen-induced RNA modifications' role in plant immunity (Plant Cell 2023), global RNA structure/protein interaction mapping, and epitranscriptomic dynamics in drought tolerance. His lab's work bridges computational methods with molecular genetics to uncover post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Lab & Collaborations: The Gregory Lab uses Arabidopsis thaliana as a primary model organism but also explores animal systems. They collaborate with institutions like Cornell University and have developed protocols published in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology. Teaching: BIOL 4231: Genome Sciences and Genomic Medicine BIOL 6010: Communication for Biologists
Nikolaus Rajewsky is a leading Professor at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin , where he founded and directs the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB) . His lab integrates experimental (biochemistry, molecular biology) and computational (bioinformatics, physics) approaches to study RNA regulation in gene expression , with applications to developmental biology, regeneration, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer . Using model systems like C. elegans , planaria, and human brain organoids, his team pioneers cutting-edge methods such as MirDeep , DistMap , and FLAM-seq for RNA analysis. His research focuses on single-cell transcriptomics , spatial RNA sequencing , and circular RNA (circRNA) regulation , revealing novel roles for circRNAs like CDR1as in neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent work includes 3D tumor microenvironment mapping and computational modeling of RNA metabolism in diseases. Scientific Awards : Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2012) EMBO Membership (2010) Honorary PhD, Sapienza University of Rome (2014) Berlin Science Award (2009) His team's recent articles highlight breakthroughs in 3D spatial transcriptomics , circRNA degradation mechanisms , and mitochondrial disease modeling using human brain organoids. The lab actively collaborates with clinical partners across Charité and European institutions, driving the LifeTime initiative for cell-based interceptive medicine.
Dr. Sheng-Jian Ji is a Tenured Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. He also serves as the Academic Vice President of Shude Academy and was previously the first Deputy Director of Research and Graduate Affairs in the Department of Biology at SUSTech (2016-2018). As a leading neuroscientist specializing in RNA modification and neural development, Dr. Ji has established an internationally recognized research program. Dr. Ji's educational background includes: 2003-2007: Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neurobiology 1998-2003: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences 1994-1998: Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Yantai University Department of Biochemistry Dr. Ji's research primarily focuses on developmental neurobiology, with particular emphasis on post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms including RNA modification and local translation of mRNA in axons. His laboratory is recognized as one of the leading international groups studying how mRNA modification (particularly m6A and m5C) regulates neural development and function. Through innovative approaches combining molecular biology, cell biology, and microfluidic technologies, his team has revealed important insights into axon growth, dendrite maintenance, cortical neurogenesis, and retinal development. His publication record shows a clear trajectory from fundamental mechanisms of RNA modification to applications in understanding neurological disorders and aging. Recent work has expanded into aging-related neural decline, cognitive functions, and potential therapeutic targets for neurological conditions. Dr. Ji has received numerous prestigious awards: 2020, 2016: SUSTech Excellent College Mentor 2020: SUSTech Biology Department Outstanding Service Award 2019: Guangdong Province Talent Youyue Card A 2017: Guangdong Provincial Professor of Neurobiology 2013: Jiangsu Distinguished Professor (Nanjing University) 2011: National Natural Science Award Second Prize (third contributor) As an educator, Dr. Ji teaches undergraduate Neurobiology and graduate Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology courses. He actively mentors students, with recent master's graduates including Yuan Jiaxin and Zhang Pingrui. His laboratory recruits postdoctoral fellows (with salaries of 335,000+ RMB annually), research assistants, and graduate students, providing comprehensive training in molecular techniques, neuronal cell culture, microfluidics, and omics approaches. Dr. Ji leads a vibrant research team that collaborates both within SUSTech and internationally. His work continues to advance understanding of RNA modification in neural development, function, and aging, with recent progress highlighted in June 2025.
Dr. Ramanjulu Sunkar is a Regents Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Oklahoma State University. He leads research on epigenetic and small RNA mechanisms in plant stress responses, focusing on gene regulation under drought, heat, and abiotic stresses. His work integrates genomic tools like ChIP, RNA sequencing, and CRISPR/Cas9 to study stress tolerance in crops. Education: B.Sc. (Sri Venkateswara University), M.Sc. and Ph.D. (Sri Krishnadevaraya University, India), followed by postdoctoral research at the Weizmann Institute (Israel), University of Bonn (Germany), and UC Riverside (USA). He joined Oklahoma State University in 2006, becoming Professor in 2016 and Regents Professor in 2024. Research Interests: Epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone changes), microRNA-guided gene regulation, plant stress memory, and translational control mechanisms. His lab uses model systems like Arabidopsis, rice, and sorghum to study adaptive responses to environmental challenges. Grants: Over 15 grants, including USDA-funded projects on microRNA roles in photosynthesis, epigenetic control of drought tolerance, and systems genetics in rice. NSF-EPSCoR support for bioenergy research. Teaching: Courses include 'Plant Biochemistry,' 'Epigenetics,' and graduate supervision through research credits. Developed new courses on plant stress biology and molecular techniques. Labs/Teams: Leads a research group focused on epigenomics and RNA regulation in plants. Collaborates internationally on projects like the Arabidopsis transcriptome and stress memory mechanisms.
Prof. Dr. Kirsten Jung is a faculty member at the Department of Microbiology , Faculty of Biology , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich . Her research focuses on bacterial signal transduction, stress response mechanisms, and systems biology approaches to understand microbial regulatory networks. Key research areas include stress-dependent gene expression in bacterial populations Structural and functional analysis of membrane-integrated receptors Metabolism-based chemical communication in bacteria Integration of experimental and computational systems biology Recent publications highlight her lab's work on Escherichia coli epitranscriptomic modifications under heat stress, m 5 C rRNA dynamics, and the role of RNA methylation in host-pathogen interactions. Collaborative studies address bacterial acid stress responses and their implications for antibiotic tolerance. Her interdisciplinary work bridges microbiology with ecological studies, as evidenced by research on biodiversity conservation in forest and urban ecosystems. Publications also demonstrate expertise in advanced imaging techniques (e.g., arterial spin labeling for glioma analysis) and bioinformatics approaches. Current advisees include Gloria Gessinger and Tania P. Gonzalez-Terrazas . She can be contacted at jung@lmu.de .
Zhishan Wang, MD, PhD is a Research Professor in the Department of Pathology at Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine . His work focuses on environmental carcinogenesis , particularly mechanisms of cancer biology and cancer therapy , with a specialization in metal-induced carcinogenicity. Research Interests: Environmental Carcinogenesis Epigenetic and Epitranscriptomic Mechanisms Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling Metal Toxicity Pathobiology Non-Coding RNA Regulatory Networks Scientific Contributions: Analysis of 15 recent publications reveals expertise in: Metal-Induced Oncogenic Pathways (e.g., NF-κB activation, Hedgehog signaling) RNA Modification Dynamics (m6A, lncRNA-splicing interactions) Stem Cell Plasticity in Carcinogenesis Multi-Carcinogen Synergy Mechanisms Epigenetic-Genotoxic Interplay Transcriptomic Reprogramming by Toxicants
Pankaj Jaiswal is a Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University. He leads the Jaiswal Lab, which focuses on plant genomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology. His research integrates computational and experimental approaches to study flowering time, seed development, and plant responses to abiotic stresses. Dr. Jaiswal is affiliated with the Center for Quantitative Life Sciences and collaborates with projects like the Gramene Database and Plant Ontology. Education: Ph.D. (1998), M.Sc. (1992), B.Sc. (1990) from Lucknow University, India. Professional awards include the Emerging Scholar Faculty Award (2013) and recognition from the Rice Genetics Cooperative (2009). Research interests span comparative plant genomics, functional genomics, bioinformatics tools, and database development. His lab has contributed to projects such as the Gramene Database, Plant Reactome, and Planteome, supporting interdisciplinary training in plant biology and computational methods. Key achievements include the chia genome assembly, space biology studies on plant transcriptomes, and collaborations on pathway databases for rice, maize, and other species. His work emphasizes leveraging genomic resources to address agricultural challenges like crop improvement and climate adaptation.
Yufei Huang is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and the Leader of AI Research at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. He holds a PhD and MS in Electrical Engineering from Stony Brook University. His work bridges artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and cancer research, focusing on applications such as drug response prediction, epigenetic regulation, and viral pathogenesis. Huang is affiliated with both the School of Medicine and the School of Computing and Information, reflecting his interdisciplinary research. His contributions span computational tools for healthcare, including R Shiny apps for drug response analysis and machine learning models for unbiased patient representation. Research interests include AI-driven oncology, molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, and leveraging genomics for precision medicine. He has contributed to studies on lung cancer therapeutics, viral infections (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 and KSHV), and epigenetic modifications like m6A methylation. His lab develops innovative algorithms for single-cell transcriptomics and spatial biology to unravel disease mechanisms. Notable projects include MetGen, a generative model for metastatic cancer prediction, and m6A-express, which deciphers RNA methylation's role in gene expression. His work on CASTOR1 phosphorylation highlights biomarker discovery in lung adenocarcinoma. Huang's interdisciplinary approach integrates machine learning, virology, and computational biology to address critical challenges in healthcare and cancer research.
Beckman Research Institute of City of HopeUnited States
Jianjun Chen, Ph.D. serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Systems Biology and Director of the Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics at City of Hope's Beckman Research Institute. Appointed Chair in August 2020, he previously served as Professor and Vice Chair from 2017-2020. He also holds the Simms/Mann Family Foundation Chair in Systems Biology since 2018. Dr. Chen's research focuses on RNA and DNA epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development and therapy resistance. His laboratory has made seminal contributions to understanding RNA modifications including N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A), 5-methylcytosine (m⁵C), and 7-methylguanosine (m⁷G), and their roles in cancer initiation, progression, drug resistance, and immune evasion. The lab also studies DNA epigenetic regulation through TET proteins and develops novel therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic regulators. His recent publications reveal trends in RNA epigenetics, cancer metabolism, immune evasion mechanisms, and therapeutic targeting of epigenetic regulators. His work spans multiple cancer types including leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors, with emphasis on translating basic discoveries into clinical applications. Research Scholar of the American Cancer Society (2011) Scholar of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (2017) Researcher of the Year, The Pamela B. Katten Memorial Leukemia Research Foundation Award (2014) The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar CDP Achievement Award (2022) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (2023) Dr. Chen's research program is supported by multiple R01 grants from the National Cancer Institute. His laboratory actively mentors researchers and has developed several small-molecule inhibitors with strong therapeutic potential in preclinical models. The Chen Laboratory is dedicated to translating fundamental discoveries in RNA and DNA epigenetics into effective clinical therapies for cancer patients. The laboratory operates within City of Hope's comprehensive cancer center, collaborating with clinical teams to bridge basic research and patient care. Current projects focus on developing prognostic systems for cancer risk stratification and creating targeted therapeutic strategies that inhibit aberrant epigenetic regulators such as FTO, IGF2BP2, YTHDF2, METTL16, and TET1.
Eduardo Eyras is a Professor at the Australian National University (ANU) and EMBL Australia Group Leader, leading research in computational RNA biology and cancer genomics. He directs the Centre for Computational Biomedical Sciences and is part of the Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation. His work focuses on transcriptome and epitranscriptome analysis using long-read sequencing, machine learning, and computational methods to study cancer mechanisms. Eyras holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Groningen (1999) and previously led research at the Sanger Institute and Pompeu Fabra University. Affiliations: Director, Centre for Computational Biomedical Sciences Researcher, Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation Member, Division of Genome Sciences and Cancer Leader, The Eyras Group - Computational RNA Biology Research Interests: Development of algorithms for long-read sequencing Machine learning applications in RNA biology Epitranscriptomic modifications and cancer Therapeutic mRNA platform steering Key Projects: Novel algorithms for transcriptome variation analysis Predictive models of RNA modifications in disease Ribosomal DNA variation analysis Advisees & Grants: Supervises PhD students (e.g., Favour Oyelami, Stefan Prodic) and leads ARC-funded projects on mRNA diagnostics and epitranscriptomic therapies. Collaborates with global teams on forensic genomics, cancer drug resistance, and AI-driven translational research. Labs/Teams: Leads the Eyras Group, collaborating with the Hannan Group (Cancer Therapeutics) and Shirokikh Group (Protein Biosynthesis).
Ian J. Mohr, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. His research focuses on post-transcriptional control of gene expression during virus infection, intersecting virology, RNA biology, and genome integrity. Education PhD in Molecular Biology from Stony Brook University Postdoctoral Training at University of California, Berkeley (Molecular and Cell Biology) Research Interests Mohr's lab investigates how physiological stress and viral infections dysregulate translational control, RNA metabolism, and gene expression. Key areas include: RNA modifications (e.g., m6A) in viral replication Translational control during viral infection Host antiviral responses targeting mRNA decay Stress signaling in virus-infected cells Herpesvirus latency and reactivation Recent Trends in Research Mohr's recent publications emphasize RNA modifications and translational regulation in herpesvirus infections, particularly HCMV and HSV-1. His work explores: Epitranscriptomic mechanisms in viral RNA accumulation Integration of stress response pathways with viral replication Computational approaches for RNA modification detection Role of nuclear body assembly in viral pathogenesis Laboratory Mohr leads the Mohr Lab at NYU Langone's virology research group. His lab collaborates extensively with other virology and RNA biology teams, particularly with Associate Professor Angus C. Wilson's lab, with which he has co-mentored trainees and secured joint grants.
