Verena Wally is a Researcher at the University Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology within Paracelsus Medical University . Her work focuses on Epidermolysis bullosa , Squamous cell carcinoma , and microRNA in skin diseases, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic development. She leads projects such as Epigenetic modifiers in EB and miRNA targeting , contributing to gene editing advancements and drug repurposing strategies. Her research intersects Genodermatosis and Psoriasis pathologies. Notable scientific awards include the Bronze Science Prize (2009, 2012), Goldener Wissenschaftspreis der PMU (2018), and Isidor-Neumann Poster Preis (2013, 2015). She supervises thesis projects on topics like miRNA in situ hybridization and exosome delivery systems .
Stephen Buratowski is the Hamilton Kuhn Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School, where he leads an active research laboratory studying the mechanisms of eukaryotic gene expression. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of RNA polymerase II transcription and its connections to chromatin modifications and mRNA processing. Dr. Buratowski's research focuses on three interconnected areas of gene expression: (A) the functions and interactions of RNA polymerase II basal transcription factors, (B) communication between chromatin and the transcription machinery, and (C) mRNA processing enzymes and their interactions with RNA polymerase II. His lab uses yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system, employing biochemical, genetic, genomic, proteomic, and single-molecule approaches to dissect these complex processes. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on transcription mechanisms, particularly the CTD code (phosphorylation patterns of RNA polymerase II's C-terminal domain), transcription elongation and termination mechanisms, and the interplay between transcription and chromatin modifications. His work has established fundamental principles in how histone modifications are targeted to specific genomic regions through connections with the transcription machinery. Elected to the 2025 class of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Holds the prestigious Hamilton Kuhn Professorship, an endowed chair previously held by biochemistry giants including Chris Walsh, Gene Kennedy, Albert Baird Hastings, and Otto Folin Dr. Buratowski has mentored numerous successful scientists throughout his career, with many former lab members now holding faculty positions at institutions worldwide. His laboratory maintains active collaborations with other researchers, including Jarrod Marto at DFCI/HMS for proteomics work and Jeff Gelles at Brandeis University for single-molecule microscopy studies. The lab continues to investigate fundamental mechanisms of gene expression using cutting-edge approaches, including single-molecule studies of RNA polymerase II transcription and proteomics of transcription initiation and elongation complexes.
Roberto Bonasio, Ph.D., is a Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine , University of Pennsylvania. He serves as Core Faculty at the Penn Epigenetics Institute and Member of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Research Interests : The Bonasio Lab explores epigenetic gene regulation in brain function, focusing on noncoding RNAs , chromatin biochemistry , and gene-behavior relationships . His work spans traditional (mice) and non-traditional models (ants, fruit flies, planarians). Recent Articles highlight studies on neuropeptide-driven caste behavior in ants, RNA-binding chromatin complexes , and methodological innovations like ligation-independent RNA sequencing. Students : Roberto mentors PhD candidates in the Cell and Molecular Biology (CAMB) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics (BMB) graduate groups, including Johnny Doherty, Segovia Garcia, Lauren Reich, and Julia Tasca. Labs & Teams : The lab integrates epigenetics, genomics, and neurobiology , with expertise in single-cell RNA sequencing , protein-RNA interaction mapping , and R-loop analysis . Key collaborators include Penn researchers and international institutions.
Elizabeth A. Heller is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania within the Perelman School of Medicine and the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics . She is a member of the Penn Epigenetics Institute and directs the Neuroepigenetics Laboratory . Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University (2009) BA in Biology, University of Pennsylvania (2002) Stuyvesant High School (1998) Dr. Heller's research focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms underlying addiction, depression, and stress-related disorders. Her lab employs epigenetic editing tools (e.g., CRISPR/dCas9, zinc-finger proteins) to manipulate histone and DNA modifications at specific genes in vivo, investigating their causal roles in neuronal function and behavior. Key areas include alternative splicing , chromatin remodeling , and long-lasting effects of stress and drugs on neural circuitry. Recent publications highlight her work on sex-specific stress vulnerabilities , neuroepigenetic editing for therapeutic intervention , and computational models like MousiPLIER for pathway analysis. Her studies integrate high-throughput sequencing and behavioral assays to uncover gene-environment interactions. Grants and Collaborations: Dr. Heller has received funding for projects on epigenetic therapies and stress resilience , collaborating with institutions on neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases . Labs and Teams: The Neuroepigenetics Laboratory trains graduate students and research specialists , with affiliations to interdisciplinary programs like CAMB and NGG . The lab emphasizes innovative methodologies , including stereotaxic surgery and single-sample sequencing .
Rajan Jain , MD, is the William Wikoff Smith Associate Professor in Cardiovascular Research at the University of Pennsylvania , affiliated with the Perelman School of Medicine and the Department of Medicine . With a dual background in cardiology and developmental biology, his lab investigates how 3D genome organization governs cardiac cell identity and disease. Key Research Areas: 3D chromatin spatial positioning in cardiomyocytes Pathogenic LMNA variants in laminopathies BET protein regulation of genome folding (BRD4-GATA4 axis) Cellular plasticity mechanisms in transdifferentiation Collaborations: Joyce Lab (3D Genomics) Lakadamyali Lab (Imaging) Raj Lab (Cell Plasticity) 4D Nucleome Consortium Scientific Awards: NIH New Innovator Award (DP2HL147123) NHLBI R01 Grant (HL139783) Transformative Research Award (R01GM137425) The lab employs genome-wide CRISPR screens , mouse/human iPSC models , and high-resolution imaging to decode spatial genome rules. Their work has redefined understanding of lamin-associated domains in cardiac development and BRD4 's role in cohesin stability.
Mia Levine is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania in the School of Arts and Sciences , where she leads the Levine Lab at the Penn Epigenetics Institute and Penn Center for Genome Integrity . Her research bridges evolutionary genetics, genomics, and cell biology to explore chromatin protein evolution and its impact on genome stability. Education: Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis (2009) Levine investigates how essential chromatin proteins—despite their critical roles in chromosome segregation and telomere integrity—are subject to rapid evolutionary change. Her work focuses on molecular mechanisms of innovation, including de novo gene birth and gene duplication , particularly in Drosophila systems. She examines adaptive responses in chromatin-remodeling factors, such as the Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1) family, and how these proteins mediate genome defense across environmental gradients. The Levine Lab has pioneered studies on the paradox of conserved nuclear processes relying on unconserved molecular machinery. Her team’s work on the Dosage Compensation Complex (DCC) and HP1 gene family reveals lineage-specific adaptations and functional diversification. Recent publications highlight cross-species genomic conflicts, telomere inheritance mechanisms, and the role of chromatin in environmental adaptation. Her research has implications for understanding evolutionary constraints on essential biological functions and the dynamics of intra-genomic conflict. Collaborations with the Penn Center for Genome Integrity underscore her focus on genome stability.
Mirella Meyer-Ficca is an Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences at Utah State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, promoted in July 2022 after joining as Research Assistant Professor in 2013. She directs graduate courses including Veterinary Toxicology and Environmental Epigenetics, leveraging expertise from postdoctoral training at the University of Arizona and University of Pennsylvania. Her educational background includes: PhD in Human Genetics and Virology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tuebingen (2002), dissertation: "Analyses of Cytotoxicity of the Cardiotropic Coxsackievirus B3 and Development of Strategies for Immortalization of human Cardiomyocytes" MS in Biology (Genetics, Human Genetics, Zoology) and Chemistry (Organic Chemistry), University of Kaiserslautern (1997), thesis: "Molecular Cytogenetic Analysis of Spermiogenesis in the Rat" Dr. Meyer-Ficca investigates how environmental toxicants, dietary conditions, and aging alter the paternal germ-line epigenome to influence offspring health. Her lab uses niacin-dependent mouse models to study NAD decline effects on sperm quality, focusing on epigenetic marks like DNA methylation and histone modifications. This work aims to develop interventions for diseases like diabetes and autism linked to epigenetic dysregulation. Her 15 most recent publications (2025-2018) reveal a cohesive research trajectory centered on poly(ADP-ribose) metabolism in spermatogenesis, NAD+ biosynthesis, and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Key themes include reproductive aging, environmental toxicology impacts on sperm epigenetics, and niacin's role in mitigating age-related NAD decline, with applications in veterinary and human health. Major honors include: Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year Award (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, 2024) ADVS Faculty Researcher of the Year (USU ADVS, 2019) Susan Heyner Award for Excellence in Research (University of Pennsylvania, 2011) Special Recognition Award in Basic Science (American Association for Cancer Research, 2004) She has mentored three graduate students to completion: Morgan Feuz (Veterinary Clinical and Life Sciences, 2023), Laura Miller (Veterinary Clinical and Life Sciences, 2022), and Micah Forbush (Animal, Dairy & Vet Sciences, 2020-2021). Her research is supported by grants investigating epigenetic mechanisms in reproductive toxicology, with recent funding enabling NAD metabolism studies in aging models. Dr. Meyer-Ficca leads a research team at USU utilizing advanced molecular techniques to analyze chromatin remodeling during spermatogenesis, with active collaborations in veterinary pharmacology and environmental health addressing real-world impacts of toxicant exposure on reproductive outcomes.
Biju Bhargavan, PhD , is an Instructor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), affiliated with the College of Medicine. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of HIV-1-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and epigenetic regulation in neuroAIDS pathogenesis. PhD in Pharmacology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India (2009) Research Interests: Dr. Bhargavan investigates how HIV-1 subtypes differentially affect BBB integrity through viral proteins, adhesion molecules, cytokines, and chemokine receptors. His work explores TLR signaling, epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation, histone acetylation), and nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems for CNS targeting. Scientific Contributions: He holds multiple international patents for pharmaceutical compositions targeting bone disorders using Butea isoflavones. His publications reveal key insights into: HIV-1 Tat protein interactions with TLR4/6 in neuroinflammation Epigenetic regulation of LEDGF in aging and oxidative stress TLR3-mediated IL-6 expression via JNK/TAK1 pathways SARS-CoV-2 spike protein effects on endothelial injury and coagulation Methodologies: Utilizes in vitro BBB models, humanized mice, and molecular signaling analyses to study viral neuropathogenesis and develop antiretroviral nanotherapeutics.
Sudarshawn Damodharan serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics-Hematology and Oncology at the University of Chicago, where he conducts translational research bridging clinical pediatrics and molecular oncology. His work focuses on high-impact childhood cancers including brain tumors, leukemias, and retinoblastoma, with active collaborations across neurology, genomics, and public health disciplines. Dr. Damodharan's research centers on molecular mechanisms of pediatric malignancies, particularly diffuse midline glioma (H3 K27-altered) pathogenesis. His spatial profiling studies reveal critical region-specific differences in tumor biology and limited mRNA-protein correlation, challenging conventional biomarker approaches. Additional expertise spans acute myeloid leukemia genomics, CAR T-cell therapy outcomes, and cancer epidemiology as evidenced by his investigation into Wisconsin's retinoblastoma incidence patterns. His work consistently emphasizes therapeutic translation through clinical trial data integration and real-world evidence analysis. Publication analysis from 2018-2025 shows escalating focus on brain tumor molecular architecture, with 60% of recent work (2023-2025) dedicated to diffuse midline glioma characterization. Key trends include multi-omics integration (transcriptomics/proteomics), attention to treatment resistance mechanisms, and growing emphasis on public health implications of cancer incidence patterns. His collaborative network spans hematology, neuro-oncology, and immunotherapy domains with consistent co-authorship from University of Chicago colleagues. Dr. Damodharan maintains active research partnerships within the University of Chicago's pediatric oncology division, working alongside faculty including Wendy Darlington, Viviana Berthoud Barrandeguy, and Alexandre Chlenski. His physical proximity to researchers like Lorraine Canham and Rohini Chakravarthy facilitates cross-disciplinary projects in neuro-oncology and stem cell transplantation. The conceptual network derived from his publications highlights core expertise in glioma biology, histone modifications, and retinal neoplasms, positioning him at the intersection of molecular oncology and pediatric cancer therapeutics.
John Schimenti is a James Law Professor of Genetics at the Department of Biomedical Sciences , Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine . His research focuses on the genetics of reproduction , meiosis , and genome maintenance , particularly checkpoint mechanisms that prevent chromosomal aberrations and birth defects. He has developed CRISPR-based models for studying human infertility alleles. Education: BA from Rutgers University, PhD from University of Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Postdoctoral training at Princeton University Professional Experience: Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University (1987-1992), Staff Scientist at The Jackson Laboratory (1992-2004), Director of Cornell Center for Vertebrate Genomics (2004-2019) Research Interests span reproductive genetics, DNA replication stress responses, and mechanisms ensuring germ cell quality. His recent work explores epigenetic regulators in primordial germ cell development and organoid mutagenesis for ovarian cancer drivers. Publications cover meiotic recombination, infertility genetics, ovarian cancer modeling, and genome stability during development. Key areas include CHK2/CHK1 signaling , CDK2 functions , and RABL2A variants . Scientific Awards : March of Dimes Basil O'Connor Award, Searle Scholars Award, NSF Presidential Young Investigator, AAAS Fellow, SUNY Chancellor's Award Teaching includes BioMG Genomics 4000/6000 for 19+ years. Affiliations: Primary in Biomedical Sciences (Cornell CVM), Joint in Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Prof. Dr. Ullrich Wüllner is a leading researcher at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn, Germany. He heads the Cooperation Unit and previously led the GenBank of the Parkinson's Network, focusing on genetic variants in Parkinson's disease. His work bridges epigenetics with neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Specializes in DNA methylation and histone modifications Investigates epigenetic regulation of the SNCA gene Develops methyl-specific PCR techniques for early diagnosis Research interests center on epigenetic mechanisms in aging and neurodegeneration. Current projects examine DNA methylation patterns in peripheral blood monocytes as potential biomarkers and explore dopaminergic stimulation's impact on epigenetic modifications. His work has revealed hypomethylation of a hidden SNCA promoter in Parkinson's patients through bisulfite sequencing. Scientific contributions include: Identifying HDAC3's role in polyglutamine diseases Characterizing TNF-α promoter methylation in Alzheimer's Developing epigenetic tools for neurodegenerative diagnostics While no explicit advising or grant information appears in the text, his leadership in collaborative networks (like NGFN-Plus) suggests significant institutional support and team coordination efforts.
Jeffrey Mito, M.D., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Pathology at Brigham and Women's Hospital . His work bridges pathology , oncology , and translational research , with a focus on molecular diagnostics and cancer biology. Research Interests : Melanoma pathogenesis, radiation-associated sarcomas, immunohistochemical markers, and clinical cytology. Key Collaborations : Leonard Zon, Jason Hornick, Edmund Cibas, Lynette Sholl, Vickie Jo, Andrew Miron. Mito’s publications reveal trends in diagnostic innovation , particularly for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and neurofibromas , with emphasis on biomarker validation (e.g., MTAP, HMGA2) and NGS technologies . Recent work explores neural crest dynamics in melanoma and quality improvement in cytopathology. His scientific contributions include developing immunohistochemical panels for distinguishing pleomorphic adenomas and refining HPV triage protocols for cervical cancer screening. No awards or student advisees are documented in the provided data.
Prof. Bibekanand Mallick is a Professor at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela in the Department of Life Science . A Fellow of the National Academy of Biological Sciences (FNABS) and Member of the National Academy of Sciences, India (MNASc) , he leads the RNAi & Functional Genomics Lab focused on non-coding RNA biology in cancer. PhD in Molecular Biology (2008) from Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Research spans RNA interference , gene silencing , and drug repurposing for cancers Editorial roles at Gene (Elsevier) and Communications Biology (Nature Portfolio) His interdisciplinary research combines molecular biology and high-throughput omics to study non-coding RNAs (microRNA, piRNA, lncRNA) in cancer progression and treatment resistance . Recent work highlights piRNA-mediated chemotherapy sensitization and microRNA networks in oncogenesis . Scientific leadership includes: 6 major research grants from Ministry of AYUSH, ICMR, DBT, and DST Author/editor of 3 books with Oxford, McGraw Hill, and Elsevier 15+ publications in 2024-2023, focusing on RNA regulatory circuits in tongue cancer and glioblastoma The lab develops computational tools like TarpiD for piRNA target prediction while exploring nano-biotechnology approaches for RNA delivery and natural compounds like Gomutra ark for cancer therapy.
Liang Song serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany within the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC). His research program investigates molecular mechanisms underlying plant stress responses and seed development through transcriptional regulation. Education: BSc, Fudan University PhD, Pennsylvania State University Postdoctoral Fellow, Salk Institute for Biological Studies Dr. Song's research focuses on two interconnected domains: (1) Abscisic acid (ABA)-regulated gene expression networks that orchestrate plant stress responses and developmental decisions, and (2) Environmental and genetic control of seed development stages including storage reserve deposition, desiccation tolerance, and dormancy. His work employs Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system to dissect transcriptional networks involving activators, repressors, and co-regulators that integrate hormonal and environmental signals. Current investigations examine how combinatorial transcription factor interactions govern seed maturation and stress adaptation. Analysis of Dr. Song's publication record (2016-2024) reveals consistent emphasis on transcriptional networks in seed development and stress responses, with particular focus on ABA and auxin signaling crosstalk. His research demonstrates how co-repressors like AtSDR4L and transcription factor hierarchies coordinate developmental transitions and environmental adaptation through precise gene expression control. The work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with potential applications in crop resilience. Scientific Awards: No major personal awards documented in available sources Dr. Song actively mentors five graduate students (Milad Alizadeh, Ryan Hoy, Renwei Zheng, Gloria Bailan Lu, Dongeun Go) and multiple undergraduates, with trainees securing competitive funding including UBC 4 Year Fellowships, BC Graduate Scholarships, and NSERC USRA awards. His lab maintains collaborative relationships with the UBC Botanical Garden and Beaty Biodiversity Centre, supported by student awards and institutional resources. The research group emphasizes teamwork, evidenced by regular group activities including hiking excursions and social events. The Song Lab operates from the Biological Sciences Building (rooms 2231/2234) utilizing UBC's Bioimaging Facility and Herbarium resources. Current projects investigate molecular dialogues between transcriptional activators and repressors during seed-to-seedling transitions, with implications for understanding crop adaptation mechanisms under climate change.
Katherine West is a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biosciences at the University of Glasgow. Her research focuses on chromatin-binding proteins, particularly the HMGN family, and their roles in DNA repair, gene expression, and stem cell biology. She has contributed to advancements in CRISPR-Cas9 technology, epigenetic regulation of pluripotency, and cancer-related education methodologies. Key Research Themes: Epigenetic mechanisms in stem cell differentiation HMGN protein function in chromatin dynamics CRISPR-Cas9 optimization for transgene integration Interdisciplinary medical education innovations Grant History: Research funded by Tenovus Scotland, BBSRC, AICR, and European Commission for projects spanning DNA repair, HMGN protein engineering, and cancer therapy sensitization.
