Prof. Ilse Dewachter is the head of the Biomed Neuroscience research group at Hasselt University (UHasselt), specializing in Alzheimer’s therapy and prevention for over 25 years. Her work focuses on multi-targeted therapies targeting tau, inflammation, and ApoE, alongside pioneering research into disease prevention via blood-based biomarkers. Recent studies explore a protective APOE3ch mutation that halted Alzheimer’s progression in a patient, offering hope for new treatments. Research Interests: - Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms (Abeta, tau, inflammation) - Multi-target therapies and biomarker development - Neurodegenerative disease prevention strategies - Genetic mutations impacting disease progression Articles Overview: Her most recent work (2025-2022) addresses neuroinflammation, tau propagation models, and AI-driven neuroimaging. Key themes include APOE genetics, blood-brain barrier dynamics, and exercise impacts on cognition. Funding & Grants: Current projects require significant investment for advanced biomarker equipment and clinical trials. A notable €300,000 grant funded research on brain lipid metabolism’s role in Alzheimer’s. Labs & Teams: Leads the BIOMED Neuroscience group at UHasselt, collaborating internationally on preclinical models and drug development.
Prof. Stephan J. Sigrist is a Full Professor of Genetics at the Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin. His lab focuses on synaptic active zone architecture, neuroplasticity, and aging-related neurodegeneration. He leads the Collaborative Research Center 958 on Membrane Scaffolding and co-directs NeuroCure, a DFG Cluster of Excellence at Charité. Education: PhD in Molecular Genetics (1997) and Habilitation (2005) from the University of Göttingen. Positions: Einstein Professor (2014–present), Spokesperson CRC 958 (2012–present), and Co-Director NeuroCure (2009–present). Research explores presynaptic mechanisms using Drosophila and mouse models, combined with STED microscopy. Key contributions include discoveries of Bruchpilot's role in active zones and spermidine's protective effects against age-related synapse decline. Grants: Over €6 million in funding, including DFG CRCs, Einstein Foundation, and ERC Advanced Grant (2025). Awards: Einstein Professorship, Best Habilitation Award, EMBO/HFSP Fellowships. Collaborations span structural biology (e.g., Stefan Hell), neurophysiology (David DiGregorio), and aging research (Frank Madeo).
Anna G Orr serves as Nan and Stephen Swid Assistant Professor of Frontotemporal Dementia Research and Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College's Brain and Mind Research Institute since 2016, leading pioneering research on astrocyte biology in dementia pathogenesis. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. from Emory University (2008) B.S. from Allegheny College (2002) Dr. Orr's research program centers on astrocytic-neuronal interactions , mitochondrial signaling , and neuroimmune mechanisms through three interconnected pathways: neuroimmune , oxidative , and G protein-coupled signaling . Her lab investigates how these mechanisms influence neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, synaptic function, and behavioral outcomes in dementia, with parallel therapeutic discovery efforts targeting astrocytic pathways for novel dementia treatments. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2025-2010) reveals escalating focus on astrocyte-specific dementia mechanisms , particularly mitochondrial ROS signaling, sex-dimorphic memory effects, TDP-43 pathology interactions with antiviral pathways, and lipid dysregulation in neurodegeneration. Her work consistently bridges molecular discoveries with therapeutic applications, demonstrating increasing NIH funding support for translational approaches. Key scientific recognitions include: NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (2017) Leon Levy Fellowship in Neuroscience (2021) Nan and Stephen Swid Endowed Professorship (2021) Outstanding Neuroscience Teaching Award (2021) Dr. Orr actively mentors eight trainees across career stages, including Ph.D. candidates Evelyn Hardin and Constance Zhou, while securing major NIH grants as Principal Investigator for projects like Uncovering Dementia-Related Lipid Alterations in Astrocytes (NIA 2024-2026) and Mitochondrial Complex III Free Radicals in Dementia Pathology (NIA 2020-2026), alongside collaborative awards from the Alzheimer's Association. Her Orr Lab maintains a dual focus on mechanistic astrocyte biology and therapeutic translation, with current projects examining astrocytic TDP-43 dysregulation, mitochondrial complex III signaling, and sex-specific memory mechanisms using advanced in vivo techniques and disease models.
Jenny PY Ting, PhD, is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Genetics at the UNC School of Medicine and a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. She serves as Director of the Center for Translational Immunology and Co-Director of the Inflammatory Diseases Institute. Her research focuses on innate immunity, inflammation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neuroinflammation. Dr. Ting's lab investigates the NLR protein family, particularly their roles in inflammasome activation, MHC regulation, and microbial sensing. She has discovered critical functions of NLRC5 and CIITA in immune gene transcription and pioneered studies on plexin-semaphorin signaling in immune cell interactions. Her work on SARS-CoV-2 revealed necroptosis-driven cell death cascades in airway cells, informing therapeutic strategies against cytokine storms. Key Projects: Microbiome-based therapies for multiple sclerosis Targeting NLRP3 inflammasomes in inflammatory diseases Role of plexins in T cell activation and sepsis Awards: National Academy of Sciences member (2022), AAI Distinguished Fellow (2023), ICIS-Pfizer Award (2021). Her lab employs cutting-edge techniques including transcriptomics, proteomics, and murine models. Collaborations span virology, oncology, and neurobiology, with translational goals for immune-based therapies.
Hollis Cline, PhD, is the Hahn Professor of Neuroscience and Director of the Dorris Neuroscience Center at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). She holds adjunct positions at the University of California San Diego and the Salk Institute. Her research focuses on understanding how sensory experience shapes visual circuit development, plasticity, and function, with a focus on neurodevelopmental disorders. Cline earned her PhD in Neurobiology from UC Berkeley (1985) and conducted postdoctoral work at Yale and Stanford. She has served in leadership roles including Co-Chair of TSRI’s Department of Neuroscience and President of the Society for Neuroscience (2015–2016). Her research integrates molecular genetics, electrophysiology, and imaging to study structural dynamics in neural circuits, neurogenesis regulation, and excitation/inhibition balance. Key projects include the Dynamic Connectome (3D connectomics in the optic tectum), neurogenesis control, and the role of inhibition in visual circuit function. Her work revealed activity-dependent mechanisms driving synaptic maturation and topographic map formation, and identified molecular pathways linking visual experience to brain development. Education : PhD (UC Berkeley), B.A. (Bryn Mawr College) Awards : NIH Pioneer Award, AAAS Fellow, TSRI Mentor Award Labs/Teams : Cline Lab at TSRI, Dorris Neuroscience Center Grants : Not explicitly listed but implied via NIH advisory roles and research infrastructure Professional Service : NINDS Board, NIH Advisory Council, Society for Neuroscience leadership Her recent work bridges neurodevelopmental mechanisms with translational insights, using Xenopus models to study exosome-mediated intercellular communication and regeneration responses to injury. Collaborative efforts include the BigNeuron project for neuronal morphology analysis and AI-driven behavior recognition studies.
D.S. Fahmeed Hyder is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University, with additional appointments in Radiology & Biomedical Imaging. He holds a Ph.D. from Yale University and leads the Hyder Lab, which focuses on advancing quantitative and translational imaging technologies using magnetic resonance methods to study brain function and dysfunction at the laminar level. His research integrates multidisciplinary approaches, including molecular imaging, neurophysiology, and material science. Research Interests: Neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling mechanisms Molecular imaging probes for disease diagnostics Functional MRI (fMRI) and metabolic imaging in health and disease Imaging applications for Alzheimer’s, stroke, and cancer Publications: Dr. Hyder’s recent work emphasizes cutting-edge imaging techniques, such as pH-sensitive biosensors, high-resolution fMRI, and multimodal optical imaging. His research highlights include studies on neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer’s models, therapeutic interventions for brain injury, and molecular imaging of tumor microenvironments. Awards: Niels Lassen Award (2003), for cerebral blood flow research Early Career Faculty Award (1998), NSF & NIH Pilot Awards from JDRF & Yale-UCL Collaborative (2008, 2013) Labs/Teams: The Hyder Lab collaborates with institutions like UCL and the James S. McDonnell Foundation, advancing translational imaging solutions for clinical applications.
Wenjie Luo is a researcher at the Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases and neuroimmunology. His role involves investigating molecular pathways linking tauopathy, microglial function, and genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Education: B.S. and M.S. from Peking University (China), Ph.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2001) His research explores the interplay between neuroinflammatory mechanisms, tau pathology, and genetic variants in Alzheimer's disease progression. Key areas include the cGAS-STING pathway, TREM2 agonism, and microglial interactions with oligodendrocytes. Recent publications highlight his work on tau propagation models, microglial signaling pathways (NF-κB, AKT), and sex-based differences in neurodegeneration. He collaborates on grants from the National Institute on Aging and BrightFocus Foundation, focusing on tau metabolism, TREM2 ligands, and APOE mutations in neurodegenerative diseases.
Professor Philip Taylor is a Professor of Translational Immunology in the Division of Infection and Immunity at Cardiff University's School of Medicine. He serves as PGR Lead for the Systems Immunity Research Institute and is a UK Dementia Research Institute Professor. His research focuses on the innate immune system, particularly macrophages, myeloid cell surface receptors, and the complement system. His educational background includes a PhD in Molecular Genetics from Imperial College London (1998) and a BSc in Human Genetics from University College London (1994). His career progression shows a strong trajectory in immunology research, with positions at Oxford University before joining Cardiff University. Professor Taylor's research interests center on macrophage biology, particularly their origins, development, renewal, and transcriptional control of cellular activation. More recently, he has developed a significant focus on microglia in dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. He also has interests in developing technologies that promote the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in animal research while maintaining scientific excellence. His work heavily involves experimental murine models of disease and immunity with the ultimate goal of elucidating novel mechanisms to manipulate macrophage activity for beneficial outcomes in disease. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward understanding the role of the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's, while maintaining his foundational work on macrophage biology and pathogen recognition. The research spans multiple disciplines including immunology, neuroscience, cell biology, and genetics, with strong translational potential. Recipient of a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award (2016-2021) Recipient of a Medical Research Council Senior Fellowship (2007-2014) Awarded Research Lecturer status, Oxford University (2006) Recipient of a Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowship (2003-2007) Awarded RSII status, Oxford University (2002) Recipient of Medical Research Council PhD studentship (1994) Professor Taylor leads the Myeloid Cell Biology Group at Cardiff University, which investigates macrophage biology in homeostasis and disease, as well as the role of microglia in dementia. His current grant funding includes an MRC UK Dementia Research Institute Programme Grant (2017-2023) worth £1.7M and a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award (2016-2021) worth £1.41M. His research group is actively involved in understanding how genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease impact microglial function, with the aim of inspiring novel therapeutic approaches. The Myeloid Cell Biology Group is investigating professional phagocytes (macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils) and their diverse roles in development, host defense, inflammation, wound healing, and immune surveillance. The group focuses on fundamental aspects of phagocyte biology, including pathogen recognition receptors, downstream signaling, and cellular activation events, with the goal of manipulating cell behavior for therapeutic benefit.
Guoqiang Yu is a Professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech. He holds a joint appointment at the Virginia Tech Research Center - Arlington. His research focuses on integrating machine learning, signal processing, and statistical methods to develop computational tools for analyzing multiplatform biomedical data. Key areas include neuroinformatics, bioinformatics, and systems biology, with applications in understanding human diseases through genomic, proteomic, and imaging data integration. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Virginia Tech (2011) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University (2012) M.S. Tsinghua University (2004) B.S. Shandong University (2001) Research Interests: Machine learning methodologies for biomedical data analysis, pattern recognition in complex datasets, optimization algorithms for high-dimensional data, stochastic signal processing, and their applications in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., ALS, Alzheimer's), glial cell biology, and precision medicine. His work emphasizes developing open-source tools like ABDS, CAM3.0, and SynQuant for data normalization, deconvolution, and quantitative imaging analysis. Awards & Service: NSF Career Award (2018) Dean's Award for Excellence in Research (2022) Member of NIH BRAIN Initiative Consortium (2021–present) Associate Editor for BMC Bioinformatics (2017–present) Labs & Teams: Leads the Yu Lab at Virginia Tech, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in neuroscience, bioengineering, and computational biology. Active in NIH-funded consortia focused on brain data science and large-scale neuroimaging initiatives.
Carlos B. Mantilla, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota. He holds a joint appointment in both departments and serves as Director of the Biomedical Engineering and Physiology graduate program at Mayo Graduate School since 2013. His research is centered on the neural and muscular control of breathing, with a focus on spinal cord injury, aging, and neuromuscular disorders. Ph.D. in Molecular Neuroscience, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine M.D., Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Senora del Rosario Residency and Fellowship in Anesthesiology, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education Dr. Mantilla’s research investigates the mechanisms of respiratory motor recovery after spinal cord injury, the impact of aging on diaphragm function, and the role of growth factors in neuromuscular health. His lab employs advanced techniques such as 3-D confocal imaging, single-cell transcriptional analysis, electrophysiology, and whole-body plethysmography. His work has been published extensively in high-impact journals and is supported by NIH and other foundations. His recent publications highlight trends in respiratory neuroplasticity, autophagy in motor neurons, diaphragm function in aging, and recovery mechanisms post-injury. These studies integrate molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches to understand breathing control and develop therapies for respiratory impairment. Scientific awards and honors include: Anthony DiMarco Lectureship Award, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (2021) Medal Ministerio de Defense Nacional, Colombia (2013) Multiple Teaching Awards (2008, 2004) Distinguished Resident Clinician (1997) Dr. Mantilla actively mentors graduate students through his leadership in the Biomedical Engineering and Physiology program and has been a co-investigator or principal investigator on multiple NIH-funded grants. He serves as Associate Editor for Physiology and Frontiers in Respiratory Physiology . He is also involved in editorial roles and scientific advisory committees, contributing to the broader academic and clinical research community. His research is conducted within the Cell and Regenerative Physiology program at Mayo Clinic, collaborating closely with Dr. Gary C. Sieck. The lab focuses on regenerative approaches to restore respiratory function and is part of Mayo Clinic’s broader research infrastructure in anesthesiology, physiology, and biomedical engineering.
Ping Zhou is an Associate Professor of Research in Neuroscience at the Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, where he has been conducting groundbreaking research since 2013. His work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Zhou received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1991 and completed his undergraduate studies at Nanjing University in China in 1982. His educational background provided the foundation for his extensive research career in neuroscience and neurovascular biology. Dr. Zhou's research interests center on neurovascular coupling, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and mitochondrial mechanisms of neuroprotection. His laboratory investigates how ApoE4 contributes to neurovascular dysfunction, the role of border-associated macrophages in white matter injury, and the neuroprotective functions of prohibitin through S-nitrosylation. His work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with translational applications for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Analysis of Dr. Zhou's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of neuroinflammation and neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. His work increasingly incorporates single-cell and epigenetic approaches while maintaining a strong emphasis on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress pathways. The research shows a clear progression from basic mechanisms of neurovascular coupling to more complex investigations of macrophage interactions and genetic risk factors like ApoE4. Dr. Zhou currently serves as Principal Investigator on the NINDS-funded project "Role of prohibitin nitrosylation in its neuroprotective functions" (2022-2027) and as Co-Investigator on two additional NINDS grants: "ApoE4, neurovascular injury and cognitive impairment" (2022-2027) and "Dietary sodium, neurovascular dysfunction and cerebrovascular risk" (2021-2026). These projects reflect his continued focus on molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment. While the available information doesn't specify his laboratory structure, Dr. Zhou's extensive publication record spanning over two decades suggests leadership of a productive research team focused on neurovascular biology and neurodegeneration mechanisms.
Federica POLLASTRO is an Associate Professor at the University of Eastern Piedmont 'Amedeo Avogadro', Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her research focuses on cannabinoid pharmacology, drug delivery systems, and neuropharmacology, with particular emphasis on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. She leads projects such as NOrCa (Exploring Cannabis waste for circular economy applications) and has collaborated on initiatives like PRIME (green chemistry processes) and NUTRAcore (bioeconomy-driven food ingredients). Her work addresses cannabinoid synthesis, cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, and molecular mechanisms underlying neuroprotection. Key collaborations span European institutions, with projects funded by the Italian Ministry of Research and Piedmont Region. Publications emphasize transcriptomic analysis of cannabinoids' effects on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and glioblastoma models. Research activity highlights include: Over 150 peer-reviewed articles (2005–2025) Principal Investigator on grants totaling €2M+ (e.g., FFABR 2017, NOrCa 2023–2025) Development of novel cannabinoid derivatives and drug delivery systems Investigations into bitter taste receptor signaling in gastrointestinal physiology
Ville Paavilainen is a Research Director at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, and supervisor for doctoral programs in Biomedicine and Integrative Life Science. With a postdoctoral background at the University of California, San Francisco (2008–2014), he focuses on Biochemistry , Cell Biology , and Molecular Biology , particularly mechanisms of protein translocation, membrane biology, and structural modeling. His research includes groundbreaking work on Sec61 translocon inhibition for cancer therapy and mitochondrial gene expression noise . Recent publications address lipid scrambling pathways, glioma stem cell targeting, and actin regulation. Active projects span EU-funded drug discovery and NIH collaborations. Key scientific contributions include Elucidating Sec61-client interactions Developing computational models for signal peptide prediction Uncovering mitochondrial-ER communication mechanisms He has supervised PhD theses (e.g., Paul Carlson) and contributed to over 39 research outputs. His work bridges structural biology, computational modeling, and translational pharmacology, with applications in tumor biology and neurodegenerative disease research.
Remco Westerink is Associate Professor at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and head of the Neurotoxicology Research Group at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS). His work focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicants in food, drugs, and environmental pollutants. Expertise Areas: In vitro toxicology, developmental neurotoxicology, neuropharmacology, microplastics, risk assessment of chemicals Techniques: Multi-electrode arrays, calcium imaging, PC12 cell models, human iPSC-derived neurons Research explores how pollutants like pesticides, flame retardants, and microplastics affect brain development, function, and degeneration through key projects including EU-funded initiatives (TUBE, ENDpoiNTs) and national collaborations. Recent articles highlight his team's work on neurotoxic effects of: Microplastics crossing blood-brain barrier Bisphenols and PFAS disrupting neuronal networks Insecticides altering calcium signaling Organophosphate flame retardants (TCP) linked to aerotoxic syndrome Designer drugs affecting neurotransmission Scientific Contributions: Editorial Board: NeuroToxicology , Toxicology in Vitro Keynote Speaker: 1st International Congress on Global Environmental Contamination (2014) Invited Talks: International Neurotoxicology Association meetings (2012-2017) Westerink leads research into advanced in vitro models to replace animal testing, including development of 48-well microelectrode array platforms and collaborations with Mimetas and RIVM for organ-on-a-chip technology.
Shaul Yogev is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and the Department of Cell Biology at Yale School of Medicine. He is affiliated with the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program and the Wu Tsai Institute, reflecting his interdisciplinary research in neuronal cell biology. PhD, Weizmann Institute of Science, Molecular Genetics Postdoctoral Training, Stanford University with Kang Shen BSc and MSc, Paris VII University, France Dr. Yogev's research focuses on the fundamental mechanisms governing neuronal architecture and transport. His lab investigates how the neuronal cytoskeleton, particularly microtubules, is organized and how this organization enables polarized cargo transport essential for synaptic maintenance over long distances. Using C. elegans as a model system, his team employs advanced live imaging and genetic tools to study microtubule nucleation, motor protein navigation, and organelle distribution. Their work has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases where axonal transport is compromised. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on microtubule dynamics, motor-cargo interactions, and organelle transport, with key contributions to understanding mitochondrial trafficking, spectrin transport, and ER stress in neurons. These studies employ cutting-edge imaging and quantitative analysis techniques, positioning his lab at the forefront of cellular neuroscience. Human Frontiers Fellowship Haim Holzman memorial prize for academic excellence and scientific accomplishments Dr. Yogev leads an active research program with strong collaborative ties, particularly with Marc Hammarlund and Pietro De Camilli. His lab has developed novel imaging methodologies and contributed significantly to understanding how neurons maintain their complex structure and function. He is involved in graduate education through the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program and the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program at Yale. Dr. Yogev's work is conducted within the vibrant neuroscience community at Yale, including the Wu Tsai Institute and the Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, where his research on cytoskeletal dynamics contributes to broader efforts in understanding brain function and disease.
