Intercellular Communication Professors and Supervisors

P. Kent Langstonمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

Yale UniversityUnited States

Dr. P. Kent Langston is an Assistant Professor of Pathology at Yale School of Medicine and a core member of the Yale Center for Research on Aging (Y-Age). His research program bridges immunology, metabolism, and muscle biology, with a focus on how exercise-induced inflammation regulates tissue adaptation and aging. The Langston Laboratory investigates cellular communication between immune cells and skeletal muscle, aiming to develop interventions for age-related frailty and chronic inflammation. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School (2025) Ph.D. in Immunometabolism, Harvard University (2019) B.S. (Honors) in Chemistry, Wake Forest University (2014) His research examines how regulatory T cells and interferon signaling modulate mitochondrial function in muscle during exercise, with recent work revealing how immune cells protect tissue energetics during physical adaptation. Studies employ in vivo exercise models, single-cell genomics, and metabolic phenotyping to dissect inflammation-resolution pathways that enhance performance and healthspan. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on immunometabolic crosstalk, with recent high-impact papers in Science Immunology and Cell Metabolism exploring T cell regulation of muscle/brown fat physiology. Work spans basic mechanisms of macrophage metabolism to translational studies in fibrosis and age-related decline. Lab leadership includes mentorship through Yale's BBS program and recruitment of research staff. Current funding includes an NIA/NIH K22 award supporting investigations into exercise immunology during aging.

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Scott D. Olsonمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonUnited States

Dr. Scott D. Olson is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, where he has been conducting research since September 2011. His academic journey includes a BS in Biochemistry from Texas Christian University, a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Tulane University, and postdoctoral training in the Stem Cell Program at University of California at Davis Health System. Dr. Olson's research centers on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their therapeutic applications, particularly for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). His work explores how MSCs can immunomodulate and restore homeostasis, with a focus on their impressive ability to control immune system activation in inflammatory conditions. His laboratory conducts comparative studies of different MSC preparations to identify optimal therapeutic candidates and investigates MSC interactions with immune cells, particularly monocytes and macrophages. Dr. Olson's research program has evolved from studying MSC applications for Huntington's Disease at UC Davis to focusing on TBI treatment at UTHealth. His work demonstrates a consistent theme of leveraging MSCs' innate therapeutic abilities to develop improved cellular therapies. The research shows particular promise in conditions involving prolonged or exaggerated inflammation, where MSCs have demonstrated significant efficacy in clinical trials. His scientific contributions span multiple disciplines including regenerative medicine, neurology, immunology, and trauma surgery. Dr. Olson has published extensively on MSC therapies, with recent work expanding into synthetic biology approaches and novel drug delivery systems. His collaborative research extends across multiple institutions and specialties, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern regenerative medicine research. Dr. Olson's laboratory focuses on three primary research directions: Comparing different MSC and MSC-like cell preparations to identify optimal therapeutic candidates Studying MSC interactions with specific immune cell populations, particularly their influence on monocyte and macrophage phenotype Developing mixed cell preparations using selectively permeable scaffolds for implantable therapeutic constructs His work aims to translate basic MSC research into clinical applications, with a particular emphasis on improving treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury through better understanding of MSC mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

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Gunther Döhlemannمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchGermany

Prof. Dr. Gunther Döhlemann serves as a Professor and Principal Investigator at the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, where he leads a research group dedicated to molecular plant-microbe interactions. Since joining CEPLAS (Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences) in 2014, his work has centered on elucidating communication mechanisms between plants and pathogens, with significant contributions to understanding effector biology and plant immunity. His research program investigates how biotrophic microbial effectors manipulate host immunity and metabolism, particularly focusing on Ustilago maydis effectors in maize systems. Complementary studies explore protease-mediated plant immune signaling and the role of peptide signals in regulated cell death. Current work within CEPLAS examines how plant proteases and microbial protease inhibitors modulate root-microbiome assembly, integrating approaches from synthetic biology and data science to optimize plant performance. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent focus on maize-smut pathosystems, with recent work expanding into phyllosphere microbiome dynamics and theoretical plant biology. His research demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary integration, combining molecular genetics, metabolomics, and computational approaches to address fundamental questions in plant-pathogen coevolution. Prof. Döhlemann actively mentors early-career researchers, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and resilience in scientific inquiry. His laboratory leverages University of Cologne infrastructure including the Plant Metabolism and Metabolomics Facility and Imaging Platform, supporting collaborative projects aimed at translating molecular insights into crop improvement strategies. He identifies developing disease-resistant crops through mechanistic understanding of plant-pathogen interactions as a primary career motivation.

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Guido Grossmannمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding ResearchGermany

Prof. Dr. Guido Grossmann serves as Head of the Institute of Cell and Interaction Biology at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), joining CEPLAS (Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences) in October 2020. His research program investigates biological interactions from protein-level organization to organism-level symbioses, with particular focus on plant cell dynamics and root-microbe relationships. His academic journey includes: Doctoral research with Widmar Tanner at University of Regensburg studying plasma membrane organization EMBO postdoctoral fellowship at Carnegie Institution for Science in Stanford with Wolf Frommer and David Ehrhardt Independent research group leadership at Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University (2013-2020) Grossmann's laboratory specializes in developing advanced imaging technologies for plant science, most notably pioneering the RootChip microfluidic platform that enables quantitative microscopy of metabolite dynamics in living plant roots. His research explores how biological systems develop functionalities beyond the sum of their parts, from signaling clusters of membrane proteins regulating cellular growth to root-soil microbe interactions shaping diverse microenvironments. The lab develops soil-inspired cultivation devices for high-resolution imaging of root colonization processes and investigates cell polarization, growth regulation, and intercellular communication in plant roots. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent innovation in plant imaging technologies alongside fundamental discoveries in root biology, calcium signaling, and plant stress responses. His work bridges theoretical plant biology with practical technological applications, particularly through the development of microfluidic systems that enable precise environmental control for plant studies. Key recognition: EMBO Fellow As head of his institute, Grossmann oversees research programs spanning plant metabolism, metabolomics, and advanced imaging. His mentorship philosophy emphasizes maintaining scientific curiosity while upholding rigorous research integrity. The laboratory maintains specialized facilities including the Plant Metabolism and Metabolomics Facility and Imaging Platform, supporting quantitative approaches to plant science. His current research initiatives within CEPLAS focus on optimizing plant performance through understanding development-metabolism interfaces, plant microbiota networks, and synthetic biology approaches to plant science.

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Reham Hassan Reyad Khalil Alkashefمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human FactorsGermany

Dr. Reham Hassan Reyad Khalil Alkashef is a Scientific Associate in the Intravital Toxicology department at the Institute for Work Physiology (IFADO) at Technische Universität Dortmund. She works under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Jan G. Hengstler and specializes in advanced toxicological research using intravital imaging techniques to study liver toxicity, drug metabolism, and interspecies differences in toxic responses. Her primary research interests include: Intravital imaging of toxicological processes Drug-induced liver injury and mechanisms Bile acid transport and metabolism Mycotoxin (ochratoxin A, AFB1) metabolism and toxicity Species differences in toxicological responses Liver-kidney axis in toxicology Spatiotemporal distribution of toxins Dr. Alkashef's publication record demonstrates extensive work on liver toxicity mechanisms, with particular emphasis on acetaminophen-induced injury, bile acid homeostasis, and mycotoxin metabolism. Her research integrates intravital imaging with analytical techniques like HPLC-MS/MS to provide comprehensive understanding of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. Recent publications show her active role in developing liver digital twins for in silico toxicity testing and investigating the liver-kidney axis in cholestatic conditions. Her research has significant implications for drug safety assessment, understanding species differences in toxic responses, and developing strategies to mitigate drug-induced organ damage. She frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary teams including computational biologists, hepatologists, and pharmacologists to advance the field of toxicology.

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Mohamed Y. El-Naggarمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of Southern CaliforniaUnited States

Mohamed Y. El-Naggar serves as Dean’s Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Professor of Physics, Biological Sciences, and Chemistry at the University of Southern California. His research group operates at the Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, focusing on interdisciplinary investigations at the interface of biology, physics, and materials science. El-Naggar's research explores biological electron transfer and energy conversion mechanisms, with emphasis on biotic-abiotic interfaces. His work spans fundamental cell physiology, renewable energy systems, biofuels development, environmental remediation strategies, and next-generation bioelectronics that merge biochemical precision with nanotechnology. Current leadership includes directing a 5-year Department of Defense-funded multi-university initiative on Living Electronics. His scientific contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from President Obama in 2014, Popular Science’s 'Brilliant 10' in 2012, and a Department of Defense Young Investigator Program Award in 2010. Research trends across his publications reveal consistent focus on microbial electrochemistry, electron transport mechanisms in bacterial systems, biohybrid materials, and environmental applications of bioelectronic principles. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), 2014 Popular Science’s 'Brilliant 10', 2012 Department of Defense Young Investigator Program Award, 2010 El-Naggar leads significant grant-funded research including the Department of Defense multi-university initiative on Living Electronics. His laboratory develops advanced techniques for measuring electron transport in microbial systems and engineering bioelectronic interfaces. The research group maintains strong collaborations across physics, biology, and engineering disciplines, with particular emphasis on translating fundamental discoveries into environmental and energy applications. The El-Naggar Laboratory operates within the Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience at USC, maintaining specialized facilities for electrochemical measurements, microbial culturing, nanomaterial synthesis, and advanced microscopy. Research teams integrate approaches from biophysics, microbiology, electrochemistry, and materials science to investigate electron transfer phenomena across multiple scales.

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Joakim Bergströmمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

Uppsala UniversitySweden

Joakim Bergström serves as an Associate Researcher at Uppsala University's Department of Public Health and Care Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine, specifically at the Molecular Geriatrics/Rudbeck Laboratory. He concurrently holds a Research Advisor position at the University Administration's Office of Medicine and Pharmacy. Faculty of Medicine, Uppsala University Department of Public Health and Care Sciences Molecular Geriatrics/Rudbeck Laboratory Office of Medicine and Pharmacy (Research Support Unit) His primary research focuses on alpha-synuclein pathology mechanisms in Parkinson's disease, with particular emphasis on oligomer formation, propagation pathways, and immunotherapeutic interventions. Bergström investigates how alpha-synuclein aggregates interact with cellular components like SNARE proteins and glial cells, and develops antibody-based strategies to mitigate neurodegeneration in transgenic models. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent investigation of alpha-synuclein oligomerization mechanisms, transgenic mouse modeling of Parkinson's symptoms, and therapeutic antibody development. His work spans molecular neuroscience, neuroimmunology, and translational neuropharmacology, with increasing focus on imaging techniques and cross-amyloid interactions in recent years. Bergström actively collaborates with leading researchers in the field including Martin Ingelsson, Veronica Lindström, and Gunilla Westermark, contributing to studies that bridge basic molecular mechanisms with potential clinical applications for synucleinopathies.

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Friedrich Kraglerمشاهده پروفایل

استاد پژوهش

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyGermany

Dr. Friedrich Kragler serves as a Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam, Germany, operating within Department 2 (Plant Reproductive Biology and Epigenetics) under Prof. Köhler's leadership. His position represents an independent academic research role equivalent to a professorship in the German research ecosystem. His primary research focuses on Intercellular Macromolecular Transport in plants, investigating molecular movement mechanisms during reproductive development. This work bridges plant molecular biology, epigenetics, and cellular communication, utilizing advanced techniques like live-cell imaging and genetic screens in model systems such as Arabidopsis. His investigations address fundamental questions about how proteins and RNA traverse cellular boundaries to regulate fertility and seed formation. Dr. Kragler leads a dedicated research group exploring transport pathways within plant reproductive tissues, maintaining active collaborations across international research networks to advance understanding of plant communication systems with potential agricultural applications.

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Lars Fuggerمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Lars Fugger is a Professor at the University of Copenhagen's Globe Institute, specifically within the Section for Geogenetics. His research bridges evolutionary biology, immunology, and genomics, focusing on how ancient human adaptations influence modern disease susceptibility. His research interests center on evolutionary immunology and the genetic origins of autoimmune diseases. Fugger employs ancient DNA analysis to investigate how historical population movements and adaptations have shaped contemporary immune responses and disease vulnerabilities. His work particularly examines multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions through the lens of human evolutionary history, revealing how genetic variants that once provided survival advantages now contribute to disease risk in modern environments. Fugger's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on interdisciplinary research connecting ancient DNA with modern disease mechanisms. His recent work in high-impact journals like Nature and Nature Reviews Immunology reveals trends in evolutionary medicine, particularly how steppe pastoralist populations carried genetic variants that now increase multiple sclerosis risk. His research spans neuroimmunology, population genetics, and viral immunology, showing how evolutionary pressures have shaped immune responses to pathogens like HIV-1. Fugger maintains active research collaborations across multiple institutions, as evidenced by his extensive co-authorship network. His work receives significant attention in both academic and public spheres, with several papers picked up by hundreds of news outlets and referenced in Wikipedia pages. His research has practical implications for understanding disease susceptibility and developing targeted therapies based on evolutionary insights.

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Morten Schak Nielsenمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Morten Schak Nielsen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. He serves as head of the Gap Junction Group and has maintained a continuous academic career at the university since 1999, progressing from Assistant research professor to his current position. His educational background includes: 1994: Cand.scient. (M.Sc.) in biology 1999: Ph.D. Scient. Dr. Nielsen's primary research focuses on cardiac electrophysiology and cellular communication mechanisms in the heart. His work centers on understanding the role of gap junctions and pannexin channels in cardiac conduction and arrhythmogenesis. He investigates how conductance disturbances associated with ischemia, metabolic syndrome and diabetes contribute to cardiac dysfunction. His research employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, electrophysiology, and advanced imaging techniques to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying cardiac conduction abnormalities. The Gap Junction Group he leads has established important connections between cellular communication structures and clinical cardiac conditions. Analysis of Dr. Nielsen's publication record reveals consistent contributions to understanding cardiac conduction mechanisms. His work spans fundamental channel physiology to clinical implications, with particular emphasis on how intercellular communication structures like gap junctions and pannexin channels function under pathological conditions. Recent publications demonstrate growing interest in mitochondrial pannexin channels and their role in ischemia-reperfusion injury, as well as detailed investigations of the intercalated disc as a critical structure for cardiac function. His research bridges basic science with potential clinical applications in cardiac arrhythmia treatment. Dr. Nielsen serves as a dedicated educator and PhD supervisor with extensive teaching experience across multiple levels: Pregraduate: Course in Excitable Cells, Course in Heart and Lungs, Human Anatomy and Systems Physiology, Cardiac Physiology Postgraduate: Cardiac Physiology, Cardiovascular Summer School, Cardiac arrhythmias: Pathophysiological mechanisms and interventions He has held significant administrative roles including Chairman of the Danish Cardiovascular Research Academy (2011-2018) and Chairman of the cardiovascular graduate program under the PhD school of Health Sciences. Dr. Nielsen maintains active roles in the scientific community as a reviewer for journals including Heart Rhythm, Pflügers Archiv, and Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, and has participated in organizing major international conferences on gap junctions and cardiovascular physiology.

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Ferdinand von Waldenمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

Karolinska InstitutetSweden

Ferdinand von Walden is an Assistant Professor and Docent at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Women's and Children's Health, where he leads Thomas Sejersen's Neuromuscular Diseases research group. He holds a dual clinical role as a pediatric resident at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital. His academic credentials include: Docent (Karolinska Institutet, 2025) PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology (Karolinska Institutet, 2015) Medical Degree (Karolinska Institutet, 2009) Master of Medical Science (Karolinska Institutet, 2007) Dr. von Walden leads multidisciplinary research in muscle physiology with emphases on: Molecular mechanisms of ribosome biogenesis in muscle adaptation Exercise interventions for cerebral palsy patients Epigenetic regulation of muscle growth Systemic effects of endurance/resistance training His work bridges clinical pediatrics with fundamental muscle biology. His publication record demonstrates consistent focus on muscle adaptation mechanisms across populations. Recent work (2022-2025) shows strong trends toward: Advanced molecular analysis of exercise responses Clinical translation in cerebral palsy rehabilitation Innovative biomarker discovery using omics technologies Integration of basic muscle physiology with clinical applications He leads several funded projects including studies on ribosome biogenesis, resistance training in children, and exercise physiology in cerebral palsy. His research team includes 6 PhD students and 2 postdoctoral fellows. He collaborates extensively with Linköping University and has secured significant funding, including a SEK 10 million grant from Promobilia Foundation for research on motor impairments in children.

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Emanuela Gussoniمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

Boston Children's HospitalUnited States

Emanuela Gussoni is an Associate Professor in the Division of Genetics and Genomics at Harvard Medical School, with her laboratory based at Boston Children's Hospital. She leads the Gussoni Laboratory, which is part of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center and Research Genetics and Genomics Research units at Boston Children's Hospital. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications in the field of muscular dystrophy and muscle stem cell biology. Dr. Gussoni earned her PhD from the University of Milan, Italy, followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University and Boston Children's Hospital. Her research career has focused on muscle stem cells and their potential for treating muscular dystrophy. Her laboratory investigates muscle stem cells in human and mouse tissues with the translational goal of developing cell-based strategies to enhance regeneration or slow the progression of muscular dystrophy. A primary focus is understanding the function of tetraspanin CD82 in muscle stem cells, which serves as an excellent prospective marker for myogenic cells. Her team also discovers new antigens expressed by muscle stem cells and studies their role in normal and diseased tissue. Her work has led to important discoveries about bipotent progenitors in skeletal muscle that can adopt either muscle or fat lineages, and proteins that mediate fusion of myoblasts into myofibers. Analysis of Dr. Gussoni's recent publications reveals a strong focus on muscle stem cell biology, with particular emphasis on CD82 as a marker for muscle satellite cells and its role in muscular dystrophies. Her work spans basic molecular mechanisms of muscle development and regeneration to translational applications for muscular dystrophy. Over the past decade, her research has evolved from characterizing muscle stem cell properties to developing potential therapeutic strategies, including cell-based therapies and understanding the molecular pathways that could be targeted for treatment. Harvard-BBS mentorship award for mentoring graduate students (2017) Permanent member of Muscular Dystrophy Association (USA) Scientific Advisory Committee (2006-2017) Dr. Gussoni has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in her laboratory at Boston Children's Hospital. Her work has been supported by various grants focused on muscular dystrophy research and muscle stem cell biology. She has also contributed to the field through service on the Muscular Dystrophy Association Scientific Advisory Committee for over a decade. The Gussoni Laboratory consists of researchers working on various aspects of muscle stem cell biology, including molecular characterization of muscle progenitors, development of methods for isolating and expanding muscle stem cells, and testing cell-based therapies in animal models of muscular dystrophy. The lab collaborates with clinicians at Boston Children's Hospital through the Roya Kabuki Program, of which Dr. Gussoni serves as co-director, connecting basic research with clinical applications.

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James Burkeمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

University of FloridaUnited States

James Burke serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology at the University of Florida's Scripps Research campus in Jupiter, Florida. His laboratory investigates RNA biology during pathogenic viral infections using biochemical, molecular, and advanced microscopy approaches. Dr. Burke's research focuses on RNA biology in viral pathogenesis , particularly examining the OAS/RNase L pathway during infections by dengue virus, Zika virus, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza A. His work reveals how viral infections manipulate host mRNA decay pathways, induce ribonucleoprotein condensates, and disrupt nuclear-cytoplasmic transport. Key findings include RNase L-mediated formation of specialized RNA granules that sequester viral RNA and regulate antiviral responses. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications shows a dominant focus on viral-host RNA interactions (80% of articles), with significant contributions to understanding stress granule dynamics, PKR regulation, and mRNA decay mechanisms during infection. His work bridges fundamental RNA biochemistry with translational virology. Dr. Burke currently leads an active NIH/NIGMS-funded project titled "Understanding the OAS/RNase L pathway during pathogenic viral infections" as Principal Investigator. His lab maintains strong collaborative ties with clinical researchers, evidenced by co-authorship on studies examining stroke outcomes, cardiac care disparities, and cognitive aging.

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