Gregoire Rondelet is a researcher specializing in epigenetic cancer therapy, with a focus on DNA methyltransferases and their inhibition. He has collaborated extensively with J. Wouters and other colleagues on structural studies and drug development projects. Key affiliations include University of Liège (inferred from context) Active in structural biology, enzymology, and medicinal chemistry His research explores the molecular mechanisms of DNA methylation, histone interactions, and the design of non-nucleoside inhibitors for cancer treatment. Publications highlight collaborations with European institutions and contributions to structural biology databases. Scientific contributions include: Best Communication Prize at Séminaire des chercheurs Télévie (2015) Targeting DNA methylation for ATLL therapy (2015) His work spans high-impact areas such as cancer epigenetics, enzyme inhibition, and structure-based drug design, with research outputs cited over 197 times (h-index: 4). Activities include participation in international conferences and advanced training programs like the Vienna Summer School.
Gwenn A. Garden, MD, PhD is a Professor of Neurology and Chair of the Department of Neurology at the UNC School of Medicine . She also serves as Co-Director of the Duke/UNC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center , focusing on translational research in neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis Neuroinflammation regulation Molecular cascades in neuronal degeneration Human tissue/stem cell research integration Her research bridges basic science with clinical applications, emphasizing neuroimmunology and microglial biology . Recent publications highlight her work on: 2023: Microglial transcriptomic changes in AD 2020: Cytokine roles in CAR T-cell neurotoxicity 2016: MicroRNA regulation of CNS inflammation Certifications and training: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (2012) MD and PhD in Physiology/Biophysics (University of Washington) Residency in Neurology (Harvard Longwood Program)
Nancie M. Archin, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, affiliated with the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases. Her research focuses on HIV latency and cure strategies, particularly in women, using molecular biology and biochemical approaches to identify sex-specific factors and develop clinical applications for reservoir clearance. Education: Stony Brook University (Undergraduate), UT Health Science Center (Graduate), UT Southwestern Medical Center (Postdoctoral), and UNC Chapel Hill (Postdoctoral training). Research Areas: Dr. Archin investigates HIV persistence in women, latency reversal agents, immune-mediated clearance, and clinical translation of antiviral strategies. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with population-specific health disparities. Scientific Awards: Diversity in Science and Excellence award (2024), International Society for Antiviral Research Publications: Recent studies highlight CRISPR screening for latency regulators, HDAC inhibitor effects on reservoir formation, and non-canonical NF-κB signaling in latency reversal. Articles span 2014–2025, reflecting sustained contributions to HIV cure research. Lab: The Archin Lab develops molecular tools to disrupt HIV latency and translate findings into clinical trials, emphasizing underrepresented populations in virology.
Leah A. Gates, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a Member of the Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research program investigates the intersection between metabolism, chromatin, and gene regulation with a particular focus on the intestine as a model system. Dr. Gates earned her PhD in Molecular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine in 2017 and completed her postdoctoral training at The Rockefeller University. Her laboratory employs biochemical techniques, cell culture, organoid systems, and animal models to investigate how metabolite signaling to chromatin impacts cell and tissue function in health and disease. Dr. Gates' research focuses on three primary areas: mechanisms of metabolite signaling to chromatin, the role of chromatin in intestinal cell fate determination, and metabolism-chromatin interactions in disease. Her work particularly examines how environmental cues such as diet and microbiota regulate the chromatin landscape and gene expression programs, with special interest in histone butyrylation. She investigates how chromatin regulates intestinal cell fate across different epithelial cell types that have distinct metabolic profiles depending on their location in the epithelium. Analysis of Dr. Gates' publication record reveals a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms linking cellular metabolism to chromatin modifications and gene regulation. Her recent work demonstrates how microbiota-derived metabolites regulate histone modifications in the intestine, establishing direct connections between environmental factors, epigenetic regulation, and tissue function. Her research bridges basic biochemical mechanisms with physiological relevance in intestinal biology and cancer. Dr. Gates has established herself as a leading researcher in the emerging field of metabolite-chromatin signaling, with publications in high-impact journals including Nature Metabolism, Nature, Cell Metabolism, and Cell Reports. Her work has been particularly influential in demonstrating how short-chain fatty acids from the microbiota regulate histone modifications in the mammalian intestine. As principal investigator of the Gates Lab, she leads research investigating how the chromatin landscape integrates diverse cellular signals to regulate genome structure and biological functions through post-translational modifications on histone proteins. Her laboratory continues to explore how alterations in metabolism change cellular responses to environmental cues and impact tumorigenesis, with particular interest in how cancer-associated mutations in chromatin modifying enzymes alter the intersection between metabolism and chromatin.
M. Andres Blanco is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine . He is also affiliated with the Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the Abramson Cancer Center , both at the Perelman School of Medicine. His research focuses on epigenetics, chromatin biology, and cellular identity, particularly in the context of cancer progression and metastasis. Epigenetics Chromatin Biology Cellular Identity and Differentiation Cancer Epigenetics Transcriptional Regulation in Cancer Metastasis Mechanisms Blanco’s recent work explores the interplay between epigenetic regulation and cellular differentiation in cancers such as AML and pancreatic cancer . His research highlights the role of chromatin-state barriers in irreversible cell fate decisions, and the impact of LSD1 and WNT pathway perturbations on AML differentiation . He has also contributed to understanding how epigenetic and metabolic treatments can overcome differentiation blockades in leukemia . His publications span topics like histone modifications , nucleosome mapping , and epigenetic marks such as N6-adenine DNA methylation in C. elegans . He has collaborated with researchers across institutions like Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, and has contributed to studies involving epigenetic inhibitors for cancer treatment. Blanco received his PhD in Molecular Biology from Princeton University (2011) and a BA in Biological Sciences and Philosophy from Cornell University (2004)
David Humphreys is a Senior Scientist and bioinformatician at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, affiliated with the University of New South Wales. He manages the Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, specializing in high-throughput sequencing data generation and analysis. Dr. Humphreys holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours, 1994) and Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences (1999). His primary research focuses on bioinformatics, transcriptomics, microRNAs, and congenital heart disease, with expertise spanning genomics, gene expression analysis, and epigenetics. He maintains active collaborations with faculty at the Victor Chang Institute and cardiologists at St Vincent's Hospital, employing RNA-Seq and exome/genome sequencing techniques. Dr. Humphreys has received notable scientific awards including the 2019 ABACBS Professional Bioinformatician award, 2015 NHMRC reviewer recognition, and multiple best presentation awards. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on cardiac development, genetic disorders, computational biology, and novel methodologies in genomics. As manager of the Genomics Core Facility, he oversees laboratory operations for sequencing library preparation and provides bioinformatics support for diverse research projects. His work bridges molecular biology and computational analysis to advance understanding of cardiovascular diseases and developmental disorders.
Jonathan Karn is a Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine , serving as Chair of the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology and Director of the Case Center for AIDS Research . He is a leading figure in HIV research, particularly known for his work on viral latency and eradication strategies. Education : PhD in Molecular Biology (not explicitly stated but implied by academic rank) Key Collaborations : Martin Delaney Collaboratory (CARE), amfAR Research Consortium (ARCHE), Merck partnerships Karn's research focuses on epigenetic control mechanisms of HIV transcription and latency, including studies on microglial cells and the impact of drug abuse on viral reservoirs. His work has been pivotal in identifying distinct silencing pathways in T-cells (PCR2) versus microglial cells (SMRT/CoREST), enabling cell-type-specific reactivation strategies. Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding 2024 nuclear compartmentalization of latent HIV, 2023 iron transport dysregulation in microglia, and 2022 neuroinflammatory mechanisms. These studies span molecular biology, immunology, and neuroscience, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. Recognized as a 2024 AAAS Fellow , Karn emphasizes team science, acknowledging his lab's contributions to HIV research. He also led the Cleveland SARS-CoV-2 Task Force during the pandemic, expanding his impact into coronavirus diagnostics and mutation analysis.
Anaïs Noblanc is a Researcher at the University of Poitiers, affiliated with the PRODICET Laboratory within the Biology and Health Center. Her work focuses on molecular and cell biology, particularly investigating oxidative stress mechanisms in male reproductive systems. She specializes in sperm chromatin integrity, antioxidant systems, and the physiological processes governing fertility. Her research interests include understanding how aging and oxidative damage affect sperm nuclear structure, as well as identifying protective roles of tissues like the epididymis and meibomian glands. She utilizes mouse models and in vitro systems to explore these mechanisms, contributing to advancements in male infertility treatments and antioxidant formulations. Key research trends in her publications emphasize the interplay between oxidative stress, DNA damage, and reproductive outcomes. Her work highlights compensatory mechanisms in post-testicular environments and the critical role of enzymes such as glutathione peroxidases. Collaborations with clinical partners are implied through her affiliations with university hospitals. Her current projects are centered on translational research linking basic biology to clinical applications, particularly in developing antioxidant therapies for male infertility. No specific grants or awards are listed, though her active publication record suggests sustained research engagement.
Randy Allen is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. His research focuses on plant gene regulation during development and environmental responses, with a focus on cotton improvement for stress tolerance and fiber quality. He holds a PhD in Biology (Texas A&M University, 1986) and an MA in Biology (University of Texas at Arlington, 1982). Education: PhD in Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (1986) MA in Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX (1982) Research Interests: Plant stress tolerance mechanisms, transcriptional regulation in seed development, cotton fiber improvement, and epigenetic control of gene expression. His lab investigates how plants adapt to environmental challenges like drought and extreme temperatures through molecular and genetic approaches. Grants & Projects: "Stress Tolerant Cotton" (2018-2020) "Epigenetic Regulation of Seed Maturation" (2016-2018) "Cotton Fiber Development" (2019) "Weed Management in Oklahoma Cotton" (2024) Teaching: Teaches graduate-level Molecular Genetics courses (BIOC/GENE 5102), focusing on advanced genetic principles and molecular techniques. Labs/Teams: Leads a research group studying plant gene regulation and cotton improvement, with collaborations on transcriptional silencers and stress-responsive pathways.
Prof. Dr. Kathrin Thedieck is a Professor of Metabolism, Senescence, and Autophagy at the University of Duisburg-Essen's Faculty of Medicine, affiliated with the Research Center One Health Ruhr. Her research focuses on metabolic signaling networks, particularly the mTOR pathway, and their roles in cancer, rare diseases, and aging. She leads the Lab for Metabolic Signaling, investigating stress granules' influence on mTOR regulation and their implications for breast cancer and other tumors. Her work integrates proteomics, metabolomics, and systems biology. Notably, she holds an ERC Advanced Grant and has received awards for her studies on tuberous sclerosis and therapeutic strategies. Education: Studied Biology (University of Münster, 1996-1998) and Biotechnology (Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, 1999-2001). PhD from Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (2005). Postdoc at University of Basel (2006) with Michael N. Hall. Previous roles include group leader at University of Freiburg (2008-2013), Associate Professor at Universities of Groningen and Oldenburg (2013-2019), and Professor/Institute Head at University of Innsbruck (2019-2024). Research: Explores mTOR's role in metabolism, cancer, and rare diseases. Projects like ERC-funded 'BEYOND STRESS' study stress granules' regulatory effects on mTOR. Collaborates across disciplines using advanced omics technologies. Awards include Klüh Foundation Prize (2024) and German Tuberous Sclerosis Foundation Research Award (2017). Labs & Grants: Lab for Metabolic Signaling ( https://metabolic-signaling.eu/ ). ERC AdG grant (€2.5M). Active in University Alliance Ruhr initiatives.
Dr. Nick Burton is an Assistant Professor at Van Andel Institute (VAI) in the Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming, leading the Burton Laboratory. His research focuses on maternal environmental impacts on offspring metabolism and host-microbe interactions, particularly in C. elegans . He earned a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Ph.D. from MIT under Dr. H. Robert Horvitz, and was a Next Generation Fellow at the University of Cambridge. He joined VAI in 2021 and transitioned to his current department in 2023. Research Interests: Dr. Burton investigates how maternal environments and microbiomes influence metabolism, with a focus on insulin signaling and metabolic diseases like Type 2 diabetes. His work combines C. elegans models to study intergenerational adaptations, microbial interactions, and metabolic programming. Awards: He received a $2.9M NIH New Innovator Award (2023) for research on insulin resistance. His lab includes postdocs and students like Xiao Wang and Devia Williams, advancing proteomics and method development in oocyte studies. He actively promotes science through outreach, including mentoring and organizing meetings like the Midwest Worm Meeting. Labs/Teams: The Burton Lab collaborates across VAI and other institutions, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to metabolism and epigenetics.
Dr. Ikramuddin Aukhil is the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professor in the Department of Surgical Sciences at East Carolina University's School of Dental Medicine. He holds a BDS from Bangalore University and an MS in Periodontology from the University of Michigan. His research focuses on wound healing, tissue regeneration, and molecular biology of inflammation. He has held academic leadership roles, including Chair of Periodontology at the University of Florida (2005–2022). Dr. Aukhil has been awarded multiple NIH grants (NIDCR) and has contributed to over 70 peer-reviewed publications. He maintains a part-time clinical practice in periodontology. His work spans genetic, epigenetic, and cellular mechanisms in periodontal diseases, with emphasis on African-American populations and translational research in regenerative therapies. Education: BDS, Bangalore University, India MS in Periodontology, University of Michigan, USA Research Interests: Combining molecular biology and clinical practice to address periodontal diseases, with special focus on wound healing pathways, extracellular matrix dynamics, and genetic factors influencing disease progression. Active in translational research bridging basic science and clinical applications. Grants & Awards: Continuous NIH RO1 Research Grants (1983–2019) Industrial Research Contracts NIH Study Sections Service Professional Activities: Leadership roles at UNC Chapel Hill and University of Florida, involvement in academic governance and faculty development. Active in American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, and other scientific societies.
Claudia Waskow is a Group Leader at the Leibniz Institute on Aging (FLI) in Jena, Germany, with additional affiliation at the Institute for Immunology at the Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden. Her research focuses on the Immunology of Aging , particularly the regulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in steady-state and inflammatory conditions, spanning embryonic development to aged organisms. University: Leibniz Institute on Aging (FLI) School: Faculty of Biological Sciences Department: Research Group Waskow Academic Rank: Researcher Her team investigates cell-intrinsic and niche-mediated signals controlling HSC fate decisions, with applications in blood disorders , regenerative medicine , and immunosenescence . Key projects include XpandHSC (Leibniz SAW program) and collaborations within the German Stem Cell Network (GSCN) and DFG Excellence Cluster Balance of the Microverse . Recent publications highlight her work on macrophage-stem cell interactions , signaling pathways (e.g., PGE2/cAMP, WNT5A), and humanized mouse models for studying HSC function. The group also explores mesenchymal stromal cell regulation of HSC survival and RelB-dependent immune tolerance mechanisms. The Waskow group collaborates with institutes like the German Stem Cell Network , DFG CRC1278 Polytarget , and IMPULS Center for Age Research , supported by grants from the Leibniz Association and DFG.
Dr. Emma Morrison is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She holds a PhD in Molecular Biophysics from Washington University in St. Louis and a BA in Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University. Her postdoctoral training at the University of Iowa focused on chromatin regulation, where she studied nucleosome structure and dynamics. Dr. Morrison’s research explores molecular mechanisms of chromatin regulation, particularly the role of histone tails in nucleosome function. She uses biophysical techniques like NMR spectroscopy to investigate histone tail conformation, accessibility, and interactions with regulatory machinery. Her work highlights how histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and variants modulate nucleosome dynamics, impacting gene regulation and human health. Key findings include the reduced accessibility of histone tails within nucleosomes and the influence of histone tails on phase separation. Dr. Morrison has been awarded a Beckman Foundation fellowship for her postdoctoral research. Her lab develops protocols for nucleosome reconstitution and employs interdisciplinary approaches to advance chromatin biology. Major interests: Nucleosome structure, histone PTMs, chromatin accessibility, biophysical methods Techniques: NMR spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations Awards: Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Fellowship (2014-2019) Lab focus: Quantitative analysis of histone tail dynamics in chromatin contexts. Collaborates on projects involving histone variants, epigenetic modifiers, and disease mechanisms.
Aimee Jaramillo-Lambert is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on sexual reproduction mechanisms, particularly sex-specific differences in meiosis, chromosome segregation, and the role of DNA topoisomerases (e.g., TOP-2) in meiotic processes. She utilizes C. elegans as a model organism to study these phenomena, combining live imaging, genetics, and proteomics. Education: B.S. and Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, followed by postdoctoral training at the George Washington University Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health. Research interests include meiotic chromosome structure regulation, histone modifications, and the interplay between Topo II and meiotic cell cycle proteins. Current projects explore sex-specific chromosome compaction mechanisms and Topo II’s role in spermatogenesis vs. oogenesis. Teaching includes BISC403 (Genetics) and BISC400 (Special Topics in Biology: Chromosome Structure). She advises the UD SACNAS chapter and mentors undergraduate and graduate students in her lab. Lab members include postdocs, Ph.D. candidates, and undergraduates working on topics like WEE-1.3 in spermatogenesis, nucleosome remodeling factors, and embryonic viability.
