Dr. Steven Jacobsen is a Professor in the Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he leads the Jacobsen Lab. His work focuses on epigenetic inheritance and gene regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana and mammalian stem cells, utilizing genetic screens, genomics, epigenomics, and biochemical approaches. The lab also pioneers CRISPR-mediated genome editing techniques. University: University of California, Los Angeles Department: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Research Interests: Jacobsen's research spans multiple interconnected domains in epigenetics, including DNA methylation patterning, histone modification interplay, and transposable element silencing. His team investigates how chromatin structure influences gene expression and epigenetic inheritance, with applications from plant development to human health. Key areas include: CRISPR-based epigenetic modifications RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) mechanisms Chromatin compaction via MORC proteins Histone variant functions in methylation Transposon control in plant genomes Comparative epigenomics across species Advising Legacy: Over two decades, Dr. Jacobsen has mentored 21 former lab members who now hold academic and industry positions globally, including professors at Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Georgia, and Southern University of Science & Technology. His lab's publications reveal a consistent focus on DNA methylation dynamics, chromatin remodeling, and small RNA pathways, with recent work emphasizing CRISPR innovations and structural insights into epigenetic regulators.
Professor Udo Oppermann serves as Professor of Molecular Biology and Director of Laboratory Sciences at the Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford. He is also Deputy Director of the Oxford Centre of Translational Myeloma Research and a fellow at St Catherine's College. His educational background includes a Diploma in Human Biology (1990) and PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology (1994), both earned with distinctions from Philipps University Marburg. Prior academic appointments include Associate Professor at Karolinska Institutet (until 2004) and sabbatical work at Yale University. Research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in disease through drug and target discovery using systems biology and single-cell approaches . Key disease targets include metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and malignant diseases—particularly multiple myeloma and secondary bone cancers. His group pioneers chemical biology applications in primary tumor microenvironments. Current funding sources include Cancer Research UK, Innovate UK, EPSRC, Royal Society-Newton Fund, Bristol Myers Squibb, Bayer Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline, Blood Cancer UK, and Leducq Foundation. Notable research trends show increasing emphasis on epigenetic regulation in immune cells (2020-2024), single-cell technologies for myeloma (2022-2024), and translational applications of chromatin modifiers (2016-2019). Recent work integrates metabolomics with epigenetic mechanisms in gynecological and hematological disorders. He supervises doctoral research including Singh K.'s 2024 thesis on sonodynamic therapy mechanisms. Leadership roles encompass directing Oxford's Molecular Laboratory Sciences division and co-leading translational myeloma research initiatives.
Lauren Weiss, PhD is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine and a faculty member at the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences. Her research focuses on understanding the genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorder through genome-wide genetic data analysis and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models. Dr. Weiss's laboratory investigates the genetic mechanisms by which DNA variants influence autism risk, examining questions about copy number vs. SNP variation, rare vs. common variation, gene-sex interaction, gene-gene interaction, and gene-environment interaction. Her team uses rich genetic datasets to identify susceptibility loci and the physiological pathways these risk loci implicate. Additionally, they employ iPSC models to study known mutations or copy number variants predisposing to autism, first identifying the effects of genetic risk variants and then determining whether these effects can be modified at the cellular level by environmental or pharmacological agents. Analysis of Dr. Weiss's recent publications reveals a strong focus on sex differences in autism genetics, the role of specific copy number variants (particularly 16p11.2 and 22q11.2), maternal environmental factors during pregnancy, and the integration of multi-omics data to understand neurodevelopmental pathways. Her work bridges basic genetic research with potential clinical applications for improving understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of autism and related traits. Dr. Weiss has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants, including R01MH114924 (Decoding the Genetics of Sexual Dimorphism in Autism Spectrum Disorders), R01MH107467 (Utilizing eQTL networks to gain biological insight into multigenic CNVs), and DP2OD007449 (Dissecting Epistasis and Pleiotropy in Autism towards Personalized Medicine). Her laboratory offers research opportunities for students interested in analytical genetics projects related to gene-environment effects, gene-sex effects, gene-gene effects, and the relationship between ASD and brain size. Dr. Weiss actively collaborates with numerous researchers across institutions, particularly on large-scale genomic studies of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work has contributed significantly to our understanding of the complex genetic architecture underlying autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
Marc Diamond, M.D. , is a Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He previously served as the David Clayson Professor of Neurology at Washington University in St. Louis (2009-2014) and held faculty positions at UCSF (2002-2009). As founding director of the Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases (CAND), he leads a multidisciplinary team investigating protein aggregation mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases. Education: M.D. from UCSF (1993), history degree from Princeton Key Contributions: Discovered cell-to-cell propagation of tau protein aggregates, linking Alzheimer's to prion biology His research focuses on tauopathies , prion-like protein propagation , and translational therapeutics . He has developed methods for detecting proteopathic seeding activity now used globally, holds multiple patents, and invented a monoclonal antibody in clinical trials for Alzheimer's therapy. His work has profoundly impacted understanding of neurodegenerative disease progression and therapeutic strategies. Laboratory: The Diamond Lab trains postdocs, graduate students, and staff in multidisciplinary approaches to neurodegeneration, emphasizing cellular models and molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation.
Dr. Paul Marcogliese is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics at the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine. He leads the Marcogliese Lab, focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurological disorders such as autism, Parkinson’s disease, and rare conditions like NEDAMSS. His work employs Drosophila melanogaster and mouse models to assess genetic variants and develop therapeutic strategies. Dr. Marcogliese holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Ottawa and completed postdoctoral training at Baylor College of Medicine, where he studied neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. His research integrates functional genomics, disease modeling, and drug screening to identify genetic drivers of neurological disorders and potential treatments. Key research interests include: Functional assessment of human disease variants using Drosophila and murine models Role of Wnt signaling in neurodegeneration and neurodevelopmental disorders Identification of novel therapeutic targets for rare and common neurological conditions Dr. Marcogliese is affiliated with the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) and co-leads the ENRRICH and MGM research groups. He currently accepts Master’s and PhD students. His lab has secured grants from Brain Canada and the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation, among others. Recent achievements include the 2023 Shaun Lamoureux Legacy Award for grant writing and the 2024 Brain Canada Future Leaders award. His work has been published in Genome , Neurobiology of Disease , and other high-impact journals.
Shengwu Li is a Professor of Economics at Harvard University’s Department of Economics, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). He previously served as a Junior Fellow of the Society of Fellows. His research spans behavioral economics theory and molecular oncology, focusing on mechanisms of cancer drug resistance, targeted therapies, and epigenetic regulation in tumors. He has contributed to understanding KRAS inhibition resistance, HER2 exon 20 insertion mutations, and synergistic immunotherapies combining epigenetic modifiers with immune checkpoint blockade. Education details not explicitly listed in the text. Research interests include behavioral economic models of decision-making under uncertainty, coupled with experimental studies in cancer biology. His work bridges theoretical economics and translational oncology, addressing challenges in precision medicine and drug development. Recent studies explore therapeutic efficacy of CDK7 inhibitors in pancreatic cancer and mechanisms of adeno-to-squamous transition in lung tumors. Notable achievements include the Junior Fellow distinction, highlighting early-career excellence in interdisciplinary research. Collaborative projects involve preclinical models of tumor organoids and ex vivo patient-derived spheroids to identify combination therapies for HER2-mutant lung cancers.
Dr. Stephanie de Alcantara Fernandes is a Minerva Fast Track Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne, Germany, where she leads research on muscle metabolism and aging. Her laboratory investigates how spatial and functional regulation of mTORC1 signaling influences skeletal muscle health, growth, and regeneration throughout the lifespan, with implications for understanding and promoting healthy aging. Dr. Fernandes completed her academic training through a distinguished path: PhD in Biology (Summa cum laude, with distinction), University of Cologne/Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing (2017-2023) Master of Science in Genetics, University of São Paulo (2015-2017) Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, University of São Paulo (2009-2014) Exchange year at University of Birmingham, UK (2013) Her research focuses on skeletal muscle biology, particularly the balance between anabolic and catabolic processes that maintain muscle health. Dr. Fernandes investigates how mTORC1 (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1), a central signaling hub, is spatially organized within cells to selectively regulate specific cellular functions in response to different nutrient sources. Her work reveals that mTORC1 is not simply "on or off" but can be finely tuned to control distinct processes in different cellular compartments, particularly in skeletal muscle cells. A key aspect of her research examines how these regulatory mechanisms change with age, contributing to age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia). By understanding the molecular basis of muscle maintenance and regeneration, her laboratory aims to identify targets for interventions that could promote healthier aging and prevent age-related decline in muscle function. Analysis of Dr. Fernandes' publication record shows a clear trajectory of increasingly independent research focused on mTORC1 signaling, nutrient sensing, and their roles in aging and muscle biology. Her most recent work demonstrates sophisticated understanding of mTORC1's spatial regulation, revealing how different pools of mTORC1 respond to distinct amino acid sources to control specific cellular processes. This research bridges fundamental cell biology with translational applications for aging-related conditions. Dr. Fernandes has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her scientific excellence: Minerva Fast Track Fellowship (2025) - Group Leader Position for Outstanding Female Scientists from Max Planck Society Graduate School for Biological Sciences (GSfBS) doctoral award for 2023 (2025) World Muscle Society Fellowship (2016) Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research fellowship (2017-2020) Master's scholarship from São Paulo Research Foundation (2015-2017) Science Without Borders Scholarship from Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Development (2013) As a newly appointed Group Leader through the Minerva Fast Track program, Dr. Fernandes is establishing her independent research program with substantial institutional support. Her laboratory combines advanced techniques including high-throughput omics approaches (proteomics, metabolomics), molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and super-resolution microscopy. She utilizes multiple model systems including mouse models, skeletal muscle cell lines, and iPSC-derived skeletal muscle cells to identify evolutionarily conserved mechanisms relevant to human health. Dr. Fernandes leads the Minerva Fast Track Group at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, which focuses specifically on "Muscle metabolism and aging." Her team investigates how selective mTORC1 signaling is coordinated between different skeletal muscle cell types and how it changes with age, with the ultimate goal of understanding how muscle health can be maintained throughout life.
Maria M. Viveiros is an Associate Professor and Assistant Department Head in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research integrates experimental approaches like live cell imaging, molecular biology, and genetic mouse models to study meiotic division accuracy in oocytes, genomic stability, and the effects of environmental toxicants on embryonic development. She co-leads the Dr. Viveiros’s Lab and participates in interdisciplinary programs such as the Interdisciplinary Toxicology and Regenerative Biosciences Programs. Dr. Viveiros holds a PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology from the University of Guelph (Canada), an MSc from the same institution, and a BSc from McMaster University (Canada). She coordinates multiple graduate courses, including Integrative Systems Physiology I and II (VPHY 8210 and VPHY 8250), and leads the Endocrine and Reproductive Systems I course (VETM 5194). Her research interests focus on cell and developmental biology, regenerative medicine, reproductive physiology, and toxicology. Key projects address mechanisms regulating meiotic spindle assembly, monitoring chromosome attachment, and assessing how aging and environmental factors disrupt these processes. She explores epigenetic control of oocyte maturation, centromere function, and the impact of chemicals like bisphenol on gamete and embryo health. Publications highlight her work on pericentric satellite transcription, bisphenol toxicity, and epigenetic modifiers in oogenesis. Her contributions bridge molecular and cellular mechanisms with broader implications for human health, such as Down Syndrome and pregnancy loss linked to meiotic errors. She also investigates the role of proteins like ATRX, NEDD1, and Aurora Kinase A in spindle stability and chromosome segregation.
Dr. Gajender Aleti serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences within the College of Agriculture at Tennessee State University (TSU), having joined the institution in August 2022. His academic appointment bridges agricultural sciences, environmental health, and biomedical research through interdisciplinary microbiome studies. His educational credentials include a PhD in Microbial Ecology from the Austrian Institute of Technology & The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna; an MSc in Bioinformatics from the University of Abertay Dundee; an MSc in Biotechnology from Osmania University, India; and a BSc in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry from Osmania University. Dr. Aleti's research program investigates critical interactions between diet, the gut microbiome, and host health, with three core pillars: Understanding diet-microbiome-gut health interactions Characterizing bioactive small molecules produced by gut microbiota Elucidating gut microbiome-nervous system communication (Gut-Brain Axis) Analysis of his 15 recent publications (2016-2022) reveals a strong translational focus spanning human health contexts (salivary/gut microbiomes in depression, obesity, OCD, and oral cancer) and agricultural applications (rhizosphere microbiomes, bioremediation). His work predominantly employs mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and genomic data mining within large collaborative frameworks, demonstrating methodological innovation in multi-omics integration. While no specific scientific awards are documented in the provided materials, his publication record in journals like Nature Communications , Nature Methods , and BMC Microbiology reflects significant scholarly impact. His research is supported by active grants enabling investigations into microbiome-host dynamics across diverse physiological systems. Dr. Aleti actively mentors graduate researchers within TSU's Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, contributing to the university's research infrastructure through laboratory-based investigations of microbial community dynamics and molecular mechanisms in health and disease contexts.
Matthias Peter is a Professor of Biochemistry at ETH Zurich, leading research into mechanisms governing cell growth and division. His laboratory focuses on ubiquitin-dependent regulation of DNA replication and mitosis, and autophagy's role in cellular quality control. He chairs the Department of Biology (2011-2015) and holds leadership roles in Switzerland's research infrastructure, including Vice Chair of ScopeM's microscopy platform. His academic career includes roles at ISREC (1996-2002) and postdoctoral training at UCSF (1991-1996). Education: PhD in Biochemistry from ISREC (1991), ETH Zurich diploma in Gene Technology (1987). Research interests span molecular mechanisms of cell division, ubiquitin systems, and autophagy. Awards include ERC Advanced Grant (2011) and UBS Excellence in Research (2002). Leadership: Member of Swiss National Research Council, SNF selection committee, and SWTR council. Over 20 years of committee service in national research programs. His lab's work is published in top journals like Science, Nature, and Molecular Cell.
Raul A. Urrutia, MD is a Professor in the Department of Surgery & Biochemistry and the Director of the Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He holds the Warren P. Knowles Endowed Chair of Genomics and Precision Medicine and directs the Pancreas Cancer Program. His research focuses on genomics, epigenomics, and precision medicine, particularly in pancreatic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. He has discovered key tumor suppressor genes and epigenetic pathways operational in pancreatic cancer and other diseases. His lab employs a multidisciplinary team of biochemists, geneticists, and bioinformaticians to advance precision medicine. Education: MD, University of Cordoba Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH Research Interests: Dr. Urrutia’s work integrates genomic and epigenomic approaches to uncover mechanisms underlying pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. His lab has made seminal contributions to understanding KLF proteins, histone-modifying enzymes (HDACs, HATs, HMTs), and histone-protein subcodes. Recent studies focus on epigenetic regulators in cancer progression and therapy resistance, mitochondrial genomic variants in transplantation outcomes, and precision medicine simulation models. Publications Trends: Recent articles emphasize targeting epigenetic regulators (e.g., CBX5, EZH2), mitochondrial genomics in hematopoietic transplantation, and systems biology approaches combining germline/somatic mutations for tumor analysis. The work spans disciplines from molecular biology to clinical translation. Awards: Warren P. Knowles Endowed Chair Member, American Society of Clinical Investigation Advising & Grants: Dr. Urrutia has mentored over 50 investigators. His lab is funded by NCI grants, the CIBMTR Data Resource (U24), and philanthropic support like the Theodore W. Batterman Family Foundation. Research units include the Precision Medicine Simulation Unit and collaborations with global institutions. Labs & Teams: Leads the Urrutia Research Laboratory and the Mellowes Center, collaborating with experts in epigenetics, computational biology, and clinical genomics. Key lab members include Angela J. Mathison, PhD (Technology Director) and Gareth Pollin, PhD (Bioinformatics).
Caroline Arber Barth is an Associate Professor at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), affiliated with the Faculty of Biology and Medicine and the UNIL-CHUV Department of Oncology. She specializes in hematology and immuno-oncology, with a focus on hematopoietic cell transplantation and immunotherapy using genetically modified cells. Her research spans basic, translational, and clinical domains, aiming to improve cancer immunotherapies through adoptive T cell transfer and neoantigen identification. She has pioneered approaches to reduce post-transplant infections and enhance immune reconstitution. Her work targets long-term tumor control while minimizing toxicity in patients. The trends in her publications reflect a strong focus on cellular therapies, particularly CAR-T and TCR-modified T cells, for treating hematological malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Her research integrates molecular engineering, tumor immunology, and clinical applications, emphasizing personalized treatment strategies. Awarded international recognition, her scientific honors include: Dean's Recognition, Stanford University (2002) L'Oréal UNESCO Award for Women in Science (2010) Award from the American Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation (2012) Award from the American Society of Hematology (2013) She has secured major research funding from the NIH, SNSF, Oncosuisse, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. She has supervised multiple undergraduate and doctoral students and is actively involved in teaching at both Swiss and U.S. institutions. Her laboratory, based at the Center for Cellular and Gene Therapy (CAGT) during her time in Houston and now at UNIL-CHUV, focuses on developing next-generation cell therapies for cancer.
Michelle Krogsgaard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where she leads the Krogsgaard Lab at the Smilow Research Center in New York. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling in the context of cancer immunology, autoimmunity, and immunotherapy development. Research Interests: Dr. Krogsgaard's work lies at the intersection of immunology, biophysics, and structural biology. Her lab investigates how T cells recognize antigens, with a particular emphasis on TCR sensitivity, receptor signaling dynamics, and the structural basis of immune recognition. This includes studying neoantigens, TCR-CD3 complex assembly, and strategies to enhance immunotherapy while minimizing autoimmune side effects. Publication Trends: Her recent publications, appearing in high-impact journals such as Nature , Cell Reports , and PNAS , reflect a strong trajectory in structural immunology and translational cancer research. Themes include TCR engineering, phosphopeptide immunogenicity, mitochondrial influences on immune response, and the balance between antitumor efficacy and autoimmunity. The work combines molecular, structural, and clinical approaches to advance precision immunotherapy. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Krogsgaard leads an active research laboratory and mentors trainees in immunology and cancer research. Her lab has received support from programs such as the Blood Cancer Pilot Grants, which fund translational research in novel immunotherapies. While specific grant amounts and student names are not provided, her extensive publication record and lab leadership indicate a robust program of funded research and academic mentorship. Labs and Teams: The Krogsgaard Lab is based at the Smilow Research Center and employs a multidisciplinary approach, including structural biology, animal models, and human tissue analysis. The team investigates fundamental TCR signaling mechanisms to inform the development of safer and more effective cancer immunotherapies.
Andrea Kasinski is a Professor of Biological Sciences and Deputy Director of the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research at Purdue University. Her research focuses on non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs) in cancer development and their therapeutic applications. She leads a multidisciplinary team investigating RNA delivery systems, extracellular vesicle biology, and epigenetic regulation in cancer. Key projects include ligand-mediated delivery of miRNAs, exosome-based therapies, and high-throughput screens for miRNA inhibitors. Education: PhD in Molecular & Systems Pharmacology (Emory University, 2009), Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genetics (Yale University, 2013). Awards include NIH Pathway to Independence Award (2013), American Cancer Society Research Scholar (2017), and multiple grants from NIH/NCI (R01 CA205420, R01 CA226259). Her lab has pioneered 'FolamiRs' – folate-targeted miRNA therapeutics – and developed novel strategies for endosomal escape of RNA payloads. Major contributions include identifying miRNA drivers of drug resistance, demonstrating exosome-mediated tumor progression, and advancing miR-34a as a clinical candidate. The lab maintains active collaborations with institutions including Harvard Medical School, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the National Cancer Institute. Current initiatives focus on KMT5C-mediated epigenetic regulation in EGFR-resistant lung cancers and translational development of fully modified miR-34a (FM-miR-34a).
Anton Baysa is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Oslo's Department of Pathology within the Faculty of Medicine. His research focuses on cardiovascular pathophysiology, particularly mechanisms of inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular repair following myocardial infarction and ischemia-reperfusion injury. He has published extensively on topics including Toll-like receptor signaling, mitochondrial DNA-induced inflammation, and the role of adaptor proteins in cardiac healing. His work integrates molecular biology, immunology, and clinical cardiology to understand and mitigate cardiac damage. Collaborative projects include studies on extracellular vesicles in surgery-related complications and growth factor pathways in myocardial repair. Key Research Themes: Cardiac inflammation mechanisms, mitochondrial damage responses, post-infarction healing, oxidative stress mitigation Recent Projects: Investigating p66ShcA protein signaling, nucleolin inhibition effects, and BMP-mediated cardiac remodeling
