Dr. Ammar Shaker Hasan is a distinguished Research Fellow specializing in Biomedicine, Lab Animal Science, and in vivo studies involving Genetically Modified Mice (GMM). His expertise extends to GMM breeding strategies and translational research methodologies. University of Tsukuba, Japan (Ph.D. in Biomedicine, 2021) King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia (BSc in Veterinary Medicine, 2007) His research focuses on advancing genetically modified mouse models for biomedical applications, with notable participation in international workshops and peer-review activities. 2023: Completed International Clinical Genomic Medicine Course at Harvard Medical School Professional Recognition: Best Scientific Presentation & Poster Award (Tsukuba Scientific Global Week, 2019) Professional Memberships: Expert Reviewer, International Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Analysis (IJBCA, 2022) Member, Japanese Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JALAS, 2020) Organizer, International PhD Students Research Workshop (Japan, 2020)
Dr. Lecturer Özge Şebnem ÇILDIR currently serves as a full-time Lecturer in the Department of Genetics at Kafkas University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Previously, she worked as a Researcher at Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (2018-2021) and holds a PhD in Veterinary Genetics from Ankara University (2015-2022). PhD: Veterinary Genetics, Ankara University (2015-2022) Bachelor's: Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University (2009-2015) Her research focuses on veterinary genetics and animal genomics , with specific expertise in: CRISPR/Cas9 applications in livestock Heat stress response in cattle Genetic analysis of animal diseases Maternal phylogeny studies Next-generation sequencing techniques Comparative genomics in domestic animals Scientific contributions include: First identification of hereditary polycystic kidney disease in Turkish cats (2019) Whole-genome sequencing of radial hemimelia in cats (2021) Seasonal gene expression studies in Angora goats (2023) Genetic analysis of canine mammary tumors (2023) Key projects: Genetic basis of radial aplasia/hypoplasia (2018-2020) PALB2 gene analysis in canine mammary tumors (2019-2021) Awards: TÜBİTAK 2211/C Domestic Priority Areas Doctoral Scholarship (2019) Collaborators include researchers from: Ankara University University of California, Davis Bilkent University Labroots (2022 NGS training)
Professor Giampietro Schiavo is a distinguished academic at University College London, serving as Professor of Cellular Neuroscience in the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases at the Queen Square Institute of Neurology, where he also holds the position of Deputy Director. With over two decades of academic leadership, he previously served as Senior Group Leader at Cancer Research UK's London Research Institute from 2003-2013. His educational journey began with a degree in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of Padua in 1988, followed by a PhD in Biological Sciences from the same institution in 1992 under Prof. Cesare Montecucco. As an EMBO Fellow, he conducted postdoctoral research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with Prof. J. Rothman. Professor Schiavo's research centers on axonal transport mechanisms and their role in neurodegenerative diseases. His laboratory has made seminal contributions to understanding how neurotrophins, their receptors, and virulence factors like tetanus toxin interact with axonal retrograde transport pathways. His current work focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets for devastating neurological conditions including ALS, frontotemporal dementia, and peripheral neuropathies. Analysis of his recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on BDNF signaling, axonal transport defects in aging and disease models, tetanus neurotoxin mechanisms, and genetic factors in ALS and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. His research increasingly integrates molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches to understand disease mechanisms and develop potential interventions. Fellow, Royal Society of Biology (2014) Fellow, Academy of Medical Sciences (2011) Member, European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) (2010) Career Development Award, Giovanni Armenise-Harvard Foundation (2002) Young Scientist Award, International Society for Neurochemistry (1995) Professor Schiavo maintains an active supervisory role, mentoring PhD students across multiple international institutions including UCL, NIH (USA), ETH (Switzerland), and several Italian research centers. His laboratory, the Molecular NeuroPathobiology Laboratory, serves as a reference center for analyzing axonal transport in vivo in animal models of neurodegeneration. His research has been supported by major funding bodies including the Medical Research Council, as evidenced by his role in grant application assessment since 2022. The Molecular NeuroPathobiology Laboratory under Professor Schiavo's leadership has established itself as a premier center for studying axonal transport in neurodegenerative conditions. The team combines expertise in neurobiology, cell biology, and molecular techniques to investigate the fundamental mechanisms linking transport defects to disease pathology, with particular emphasis on therapeutic development.
Mingrui Zhao is an Associate Professor of Research in Neuroscience at the Brain and Mind Research Institute , Weill Cornell Medical College , with a focus on neurovascular coupling, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Their work integrates advanced imaging techniques and genetic models to study seizure mechanisms and tau pathology. Education : M.S. from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (1996), Ph.D. from Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (1999), B.M. from Hebei Medical University (1993) Research Interests include neurovascular coupling dynamics during seizures, optogenetic tools for epilepsy network analysis, and molecular pathways in tauopathy. Their studies use animal models and human iPSC-based systems to uncover therapeutic targets. Recent Articles highlight work on APOE3 mutations in tau resilience, laser-based seizure control, and neurovascular uncoupling mechanisms. Publications span journals like Immunity , Cell , and Nature Neuroscience . Primary Email : miz2003@med.cornell.edu
Prof. Olivier Devuyst is a Full Professor and Head of the 'Mechanisms of inherited kidney disorders' research group at the Department of Physiology, University of Zurich. He co-leads the University Research Priority Program (URPP) ITINERARE (2021-2032), a translational initiative targeting rare diseases affecting 500,000 people in Switzerland. His work integrates molecular genetics, patient studies, and animal models to investigate renal fluid/electrolyte homeostasis and its clinical implications for hypertension, kidney stones, and dialysis. His primary research interests focus on epithelial transport mechanisms in kidney tubules, with emphasis on water/ion channels, lysosomal storage disorders, and genetic mutations underlying tubulopathies and polycystic kidney disease. Key projects include: TRPV4 mechanosensing in proteinuria, uromodulin's role in hypertension and urinary tract infection resistance, and AQP1 regulation in peritoneal dialysis. His group pioneers translational approaches linking rare disease insights to common conditions like progressive renal failure. Recent publications (2019-2023) reveal strong trends in lysosomal-autophagy pathways and genetic modifiers of renal function , with high-impact studies in Nature Communications, NEJM, and Science Signaling demonstrating how rare disease mechanisms inform treatments for dialysis patients and genetic hypertension. His scientific awards include: 2019 Award for Outstanding Basic Science Contributions to Nephrology (ERA-EDTA) 2019 Dr. D.G. Oreopoulos Memorial Award (Canadian Society of Nephrology) Devuyst actively advises PhD students through UZH's Life Science Graduate School and secures major grants via: EU consortia : TrainCKDis, EUNEFRON, EURenOmics, TranCYST Swiss networks : NCCR Kidney.CH, ERA-EDTA Working Group on Inherited Kidney Disorders The MIKADO lab maintains extensive biobanks including 500+ kidney biopsies and 800+ peritoneal dialysis DNA samples, utilizing transgenic mouse models, segment-specific cell cultures, and high-throughput genomic platforms to dissect tubular transport defects and develop targeted therapies.
Zhaolan Zhou is a Professor of Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and a Core Member of the Epigenetics Institute. His research focuses on understanding the epigenetic mechanisms underlying brain development and neurological disorders. Education: B.S. in Bioengineering from Nankai University (1991) M.S. in Genetics from Chinese Academy of Sciences (1994) Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Harvard University (2001) He completed postgraduate training as a Helen Hay Whitney Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital Boston (2003-2008) and as an S.O. Mast Fellow at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole (2002). Research Interests: Dr. Zhou's laboratory investigates the epigenetic control of genome function in brain development and disease, with particular focus on neurogenetics and neuroepigenetics. His team explores how DNA methylation, histone modification, and genomic editing mechanisms contribute to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders including Rett syndrome, CDKL5 deficiency disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and major depressive disorder. The lab employs cutting-edge genomic technologies, cellular and physiological assays, and genetically modified mouse and human induced pluripotent stem cell models to uncover pathophysiological mechanisms and develop therapeutic interventions. Three major research themes guide the Zhou laboratory: (1) Understanding the molecular basis of stress vulnerability and its relationship to major depressive disorder; (2) Gaining pathogenic insights into X-linked disorders like Rett syndrome and CDKL5 deficiency disorder by overcoming challenges posed by X chromosome inactivation; and (3) Investigating how epigenetic regulation controls synaptic gene expression in the brain, particularly how DNA methylation interacts with histone modifications in the context of autism spectrum disorders. Research Trends: Dr. Zhou's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on epigenetic mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly X-linked conditions. His work increasingly integrates advanced genomic technologies with sophisticated animal models to dissect disease mechanisms at cellular and circuit levels. There's a clear progression toward developing therapeutic strategies, with several recent papers exploring the reversibility of symptoms in disorder models. His research bridges basic molecular mechanisms with translational applications, as evidenced by studies identifying potential biomarkers and treatment-responsive endpoints for conditions like Rett syndrome. Scientific Contributions: Development of innovative models to overcome X-linked cellular mosaicism in studying disorders like Rett syndrome Pioneering work on the role of epigenetic regulation in stress vulnerability and depression Advancing understanding of how DNA methylation and histone modifications collaboratively regulate synaptic gene expression Developing CRISPR-based epigenomic editing approaches for locus-specific manipulation Training and Mentorship: Dr. Zhou has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research specialists who have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and medicine. His lab currently includes postdoctoral fellows, PhD students from multiple graduate groups, research specialists, and undergraduate researchers. His former trainees have secured positions at prestigious institutions including Yale University, Stanford University, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, with several receiving competitive fellowships and awards during their training. Research Environment: The Zhou laboratory is situated within the Department of Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, with strong connections to the Epigenetics Institute and multiple graduate groups. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining "omics" technologies, epigenetic remodeling using adapted CRISPR systems, mouse phenotyping, confocal microscopy, electrophysiology, and biochemical characterization to address complex questions in neuroepigenetics.
Hung-Teh Kao is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. He joined Butler Hospital and Brown University in 2007, combining clinical expertise in psychiatry with molecular neuroscience research. MD from University of Manitoba (1980) PhD in Molecular Biology from Rockefeller University (1985) The Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, led by Dr. Kao, investigates: Molecular pathways in neuropsychiatric diseases Telomere shortening in schizophrenia Proteomic biomarker discovery Synapsin III knockout mice models Fluorescent biosensors for phosphorylation His research spans molecular psychiatry, signal transduction, and animal models. Key projects include studying accelerated aging in schizophrenia via telomere erosion, developing proteomic diagnostics, and exploring synapsin III's role in neurogenesis. The lab uses molecular biology, proteomics, and genetically modified animal models. Current funding comes from the NIH, supporting postdoctoral research. Collaborations include institutions like Stanford University and Rockefeller University.
Lee Ho-young is a Professor at Seoul National University , specializing in Pathophysiology . His research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of lung diseases such as lung cancer and emphysema, with an emphasis on developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Lung cancer and emphysema pathogenesis Role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling Drug resistance in anticancer therapies Natural product-based drug discovery His lab employs genetically modified animal models to analyze interactions between lung stem cells, epithelial cells, and the microenvironment under stressors like smoking, fine dust, and chronic stress. Recent work includes studies on IGF2-mediated resistance to HDAC inhibitors and the development of low-toxicity dual inhibitors for IGF1R/Src pathways. Publications highlight translational approaches combining mechanistic research with clinical applicability.
Maja Lind Nybo serves as a Guest Researcher in the Department of Biomedical Sciences within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Her work centers on molecular mechanisms of metabolism, obesity, and lifestyle-related diseases using laboratory animal models. M.Sc in Molecular Biomedicine Her research integrates genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological approaches to investigate reproductive disorders and metabolic dysregulation. Key focus areas include ADGRA3-related reproductive anomalies , N-terminal protein acetylation defects , and GHSR-mediated metabolic pathways , primarily utilizing genetically modified mouse models to uncover disease mechanisms with translational relevance. Recent publications demonstrate consistent investigation into gene-phenotype relationships, particularly regarding ADGRA3 in reproductive tract development (2023-2024) and metabolic regulation (2020). Her collaborative work spans genetics, biochemistry, and pharmacology, revealing novel pathogenic mechanisms in congenital disorders and metabolic conditions through rigorous mouse model phenotyping. Maja Lind Nybo actively contributes to collaborative research within the Molecular and Translational Pharmacology group, co-authoring publications with cross-institutional teams across Denmark. Her work receives consistent peer-reviewed publication in high-impact journals including BMC Biology and FASEB Journal , demonstrating ongoing research productivity without documented grant leadership or student supervision. She maintains laboratory operations within the Department of Biomedical Sciences, utilizing specialized mouse model facilities for metabolic and reproductive phenotyping studies. Her collaborative network spans multiple Danish research institutions as evidenced by co-authorship patterns in recent publications.
Rhonda Voskuhl, M.D., is a Professor in the Department of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. She serves as Director of the UCLA Multiple Sclerosis Program and holds the Jack H. Skirball Chair in MS. With over 20 years of continuous research funding, her work bridges clinical observations and laboratory discoveries through a 'Bedside to Bench to Bedside' approach. Neurology Faculty UCLA MS Program Director Jack H. Skirball Chair Her research focuses on sex differences in multiple sclerosis , exploring hormonal therapies like estriol and testosterone for neuroprotection. She investigates X chromosome contributions to autoimmune susceptibility, astrocyte transcriptomics, and cholesterol homeostasis in remyelination. Recent publications highlight neuroprotective mechanisms, DNA methylation patterns, and cortical atrophy imaging. Neuroimmunology Neuroendocrinology Epigenetic Regulation Translational Clinical Trials Voskuhl mentors at postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels while maintaining active clinical practice in MS care. Her laboratory employs cutting-edge techniques including voxel-based morphometry and single-cell transcriptomics to advance MS treatment strategies.
Professor Robert J. Kittel is a leading neuroscientist at the University of Leipzig, holding the Chair of Animal and Behavioral Physiology within the Institute of Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences. His research program investigates molecular mechanisms of neuronal communication with a particular focus on the presynaptic active zone. He leads an active research group employing neuro- and optogenetic approaches, electrophysiology, behavioral analyses, and high-resolution light microscopy in Drosophila melanogaster models. Dr. Kittel's research interests center on synaptic plasticity, sensory physiology, and neuronal circuits in the context of adaptive behavior. His work spans three main areas: Plasticity (how active zone physiology is modified by activity-induced plasticity in behaving animals), Pathology (investigating nociception and therapeutic potential of receptors like Latrophilin/CIRL), and Evolution (exploring active zone properties across species to identify conserved features versus specializations). His team has made significant contributions to understanding molecular dynamics at single synapse resolution and neurotransmission in intact organisms. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on connectomics, synaptic plasticity mechanisms, and molecular neuroscience. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Nature , with notable contributions to the fruit fly connectome project. The research demonstrates consistent integration of advanced imaging techniques with behavioral analysis to understand neural circuit function. Emmy Noether Fellowship Principal Investigator for DFG-funded Research Training Group NeuroTune Member of Clinical Research Unit KFO 5001 Co-leader of second funding phase for orthodontic research project 'ResolvePain' Professor Kittel actively mentors PhD and Master's students, with numerous alumni including Daniel Bidell, Kim Borstel, and Sven Dannhäuser. His research is supported by multiple DFG grants, including the NeuroTune Graduate School and the Priority Program SPP 2205 'Evolutionary Optimization of Neural Processing'. His laboratory collaborates extensively with clinical colleagues like Heike Rittner and Tobias Langenhan, bridging basic neuroscience with translational applications. The Kittel Lab maintains strong connections with the Pauls Lab and Selcho Lab, forming an integrated neuroscience research community at the University of Leipzig. The team has recently contributed to the publication of the fruit fly connectome in Nature and continues to investigate molecular mechanisms of active zone plasticity in the context of neuronal information coding and memory formation.
Dr. Huda Yahya Zoghbi is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine , holding appointments in the Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics, Pediatrics - Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Neuroscience , and other programs. She serves as an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and as Director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital. Her research spans neurogenetics, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurodevelopmental biology. Education: MD, Meharry Medical College (1979) BS, American University of Beirut (1976) Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine (1985) Research Interests: Dr. Zoghbi's work focuses on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and Rett syndrome , using genetic and biochemical approaches to understand disease mechanisms. Her lab investigates Ataxin-1 in polyglutamine diseases, Atoh1 in neurodevelopment, and MECP2 regulation in neurological disorders. She explores therapeutic strategies including antisense oligonucleotides and deep brain stimulation . Notable Awards: Kavli Prize in Neuroscience (2022) Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2017) National Academy of Sciences (2004) Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine (2016) Canada Gairdner International Award (2017) Honorary Doctorates from Yale, Meharry, and Middlebury (2007-2014) Laboratory: The Zoghbi Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine investigates genetic mechanisms in neurological disorders , collaborating with institutions like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Texas Children’s Hospital. The lab employs mouse models , CRISPR tools , and single-cell sequencing to study neuronal differentiation and disease vulnerability.
Paschalis-Thomas Doulias is Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Ioannina, Greece. His laboratory, located in Ioannina Campus building X3-106D, investigates the molecular mechanisms governing mitochondrial fatty-acid β-oxidation and their translational exploitation for rare inherited disorders of long-chain fatty-acid oxidation. Research Interests His research spans two tightly integrated themes: Basic Research: Elucidating post-translational redox modifications—particularly S-nitrosylation, acetylation and succinylation—that regulate key enzymes of mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation. Work uses genetically modified mouse models (Sirt-3 -/- , Sirt-5 -/- , eNOS -/- and VLCAD Cys238Ala knock-in) complemented by cellular mutagenesis to dissect how energetic demand is coupled to enzymatic flux. Translational Research: Developing nitric-oxide-based therapies for long-chain fatty-acid oxidation disorders (LC-FAODs). The group pioneered the concept that augmenting NO signalling restores catalytic efficiency of mutant VLCAD, and is currently validating FDA-approved NO donors and proprietary hybrid NO-plus-substrate molecules in patient-derived cells and a humanised VLCAD-deficient mouse. Publication Landscape (2020-2025) Over the past five years, Doulias and collaborators have generated 15 high-impact articles that collectively map redox-proteomic landscapes in cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and metabolic disease contexts. Recurring keywords include S-nitrosylation, TCA-cycle compromise, mitochondrial energetics, HFpEF, ALS and Alzheimer’s disease, underscoring a unifying theme of redox-metabolic crosstalk. Scientific Awards & Recognition While specific honours are not enumerated, the consistent citation of his work (H-index 30, 3571 citations) attests to significant peer recognition. Funding & Collaborations Active translational projects include medicinal-chemistry optimisation of NO-donating compounds and in vivo efficacy testing in humanised mouse models of VLCAD deficiency, implying sustained competitive funding and multi-disciplinary partnerships. Laboratory & Team The group operates within the Department of Chemistry core facilities, leveraging state-of-the-art proteomics, metabolomics and transgenic animal resources to advance both basic and pre-clinical goals.
Paolo Medini is an Associate Professor at Umeå University, affiliated with the Department of Medical and Translational Biology and the Center for Transdisciplinary AI. His research focuses on cortical microcircuits, sensory processing, and brain recovery mechanisms. Neuroscience Neurophysiology Cortical Plasticity Optogenetics His lab investigates how sensory information is processed by distinct cell types in cortical circuits and how these circuits adapt after brain lesions or sensory deprivations. Research spans both adaptive and maladaptive plasticity, aiming to differentiate molecular mechanisms for targeted interventions. Recent publications highlight applications of all-optical interrogation strategies and multisensory integration in the neocortex. Paolo Medini's group employs advanced techniques such as in vivo patch clamp recordings, two-photon calcium imaging, and optogenetics. They use genetically modified strains to study cell-type-specific responses and circuit reorganization post-lesion. Their work is critical for developing therapies in neurodegenerative diseases and cortical repair. Environmental enrichment for brain recovery (Nature Neuroscience) Cortical microcircuit organization (Neuron) Post-stroke plasticity (Journal of Physiology)
Dr. Kevin Williams is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where he serves as the Merck Professor in Integrated Biosciences at the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE). He is also a member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC and an associate member of the Duke Cancer Institute. Dr. Williams joined NCCU in 2007 as an associate professor and was promoted to full professor in 2018. Dr. Williams earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, UK in 1988 and his B.Sc. in Biochemistry (upper second-class honors) from the University of Bath, UK in 1984. Prior to joining NCCU, he spent 15 years in the biopharmaceutical industry, including 6 years at Biogen. Dr. Williams' research primarily focuses on the Hedgehog signaling pathway and its dysregulation in cancer. His laboratory investigates Hedgehog pathway dysregulation in cancer, pharmacologic profiling of cancer cells, the identification and development of novel hedgehog pathway inhibitors, and the role of the hedgehog pathway in alcohol-induced birth defects. He also has significant research interests in Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), including identifying potential therapeutics and raising awareness of this aggressive disease. His publication record demonstrates consistent research activity across multiple disciplines, with recent work spanning cancer therapeutics, developmental biology, and health disparities research. His most recent publications (2022-2025) show a strong focus on hedgehog pathway modulation, inflammatory breast cancer research, and racial disparities in cancer outcomes, with increasing incorporation of computational and AI/ML approaches in drug discovery. NCCU Merck Distinguished Professorship in Integrated Biosciences, 2020 American Association Cancer Research MSI Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research Award (2009, 2010, 2012) Dr. Williams has been continually funded since joining NCCU, with grants from NIH, DoD, Susan G. Komen, and NIIMBL. He leads or co-leads several significant research projects, including the NIH/NIHMD R01 MD017405-01 project addressing health disparities by targeting geographical ancestry-driven variants of immunity. His lab also maintains a strong focus on student training and workforce development, particularly for underrepresented groups in biomedical research. Dr. Williams directs research activities at the BRITE Institute, where his laboratory employs various techniques including high-throughput screening, molecular biology, and in vitro and in vivo cancer models. He collaborates extensively with researchers at UNC and Duke, particularly through the NCCU-DUKE Cancer Disparities Translational Research Partnership.
