Dr. Fatah Kashanchi is a Professor of Virology and Director of the Laboratory of Molecular Virology at George Mason University (GMU) , affiliated with the School of Systems Biology . His research focuses on human retroviruses, biodefense, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in host-pathogen interactions. PhD in Microbiology, University of Kansas (1991) MS in Microbiology, Emporia State University (1985) BS in Microbiology, Missouri State University (1983) Dr. Kashanchi's work spans retrovirus gene expression, EV-mediated viral pathogenesis, and transcription inhibition. He investigates EVs in HIV-1 and Ebola virus immune evasion , small molecule inhibitors against viral machinery, and humanized mouse models for disease study. His recent publications highlight EVs' role in viral spread , transcriptional dynamics , and therapeutic RNA delivery systems . Key contributions include understanding how EVs modulate cell cycle and inflammation in HIV-1 and Ebola infections, and developing EV-based therapies. R01 MH134389 (2023-2028): HIV in the brain via EVs VIPC/CCF/extracellular vesicles grant (2023-2024) R56 NIAID (2024-2025): Parasite-derived EVs in Babesia R43 NIGMS (2024-2025): Anti-aging EVs detection He co-organized and presides over the American Society for Intercellular Communication (ASIC) annual meetings. Dr. Kashanchi teaches Emerging Infectious Diseases and Grant Writing , and facilitates colloquium series.
Alexander Price, Ph.D. serves as an Assistant Professor in the Genome Regulation and Cell Signaling Program within the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center at The Wistar Institute, a position he assumed in August 2023. Previously, the program was known as the Gene Expression and Regulation Program until its renaming in 2024. Price earned his B.S. in Genetics and Cell Biology from Washington State University before completing his Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University in 2016. He then pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Price's research focuses on how DNA viruses co-opt and manipulate cellular RNA processing pathways, with particular emphasis on how viral genomes are controlled during infection. His laboratory investigates three core questions: 1) How nuclear dsRNA is sensed and responded to during viral infection; 2) How DNA viruses spatially regulate RNA transcription and processing; and 3) How herpesviruses exploit RNA processing. His work has significant implications for understanding viral pathogenesis, innate immunity, and potential therapeutic targets for viral diseases and cancer. The Price Laboratory has identified how viruses balance the ability to produce diverse RNAs from limited coding capacity while preventing the formation of non-self RNAs that trigger immune responses. His research has revealed critical insights into adenovirus RNA splicing, viral evasion of host immune responses, and the role of RNA modifications in viral replication. Price leads a research team that includes postdoctoral fellows Alison Yu and Molly Patterson, graduate student Lorenzo Serra from UniBO, and research assistant Claire O'Brien. His laboratory is actively recruiting additional researchers to advance their work on viral RNA biology and host-pathogen interactions.
Peter Shen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Utah, specializing in protein homeostasis, structural biology, and cryo-electron microscopy. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms governing protein quality control, including synthesis, folding, and degradation pathways essential for cellular health. Key research areas include: Protein synthesis (ribosomes) Protein folding (chaperonins) Unfolding pathways (AAA+ ATPases) Disease mechanisms in cancer and neurodegeneration Shen's lab utilizes cryo-EM for high-resolution structural analysis of dynamic macromolecular complexes. Recent work highlights structural heterogeneity studies, therapeutic development targeting quality control failures, and viral protein interactions with host machinery. His publications emphasize cryo-EM methodologies, chaperonin functions, and structural insights into AAA+ ATPases. The lab actively explores viral adaptation mechanisms, transcriptional reprogramming in cancer, and evolutionary structural biology.
Kleopas A. Kleopa is a distinguished Senior Consultant Neurologist and Professor at The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING), where he serves as Head of the Neuroscience Department, Director of the Neuropathology Lab, and Coordinator of both the Neuroscience MSc/PhD Graduate Program and the Center for Neuromuscular Disorders. His academic leadership extends to teaching Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience and supervising graduate students in research. His educational background includes Medical Studies (1987-1993) and Doctoral Thesis Project (1991-1994) at the University of Würzburg Medical School, Germany, where he earned his Medical Degree with "very good" grade (1993) and Doctor of Medicine Title Award with "magna cum laude" (1994). He completed Neurology residency at Drexel University (1999) and a fellowship in neuromuscular disorders at the University of Pennsylvania. Prof. Kleopa's research focuses on elucidating mechanisms of neurological disorders, particularly inherited neuropathies and leukodystrophy, with pioneering work in cell-targeted gene therapy approaches for demyelinating diseases. His laboratory investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms of X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT1X), glial connexin pathology in multiple sclerosis, and mechanisms in autoimmune encephalopathies and chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. His work has established responsive blood biomarkers and developed gene therapy methods using lentiviral and AAV vectors for cell-targeted expression. His extensive publication record includes over 130 peer-reviewed papers cited in PubMed with more than 8,800 citations (H-index 42), many published in high-impact neuroscience journals. His research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward clinical translation, particularly in gene therapy approaches for inherited neuropathies, with several papers showing successful preclinical results using viral vector delivery systems that could be adapted for human treatment. Scholarships from Cyprus Government and DAAD for Medical School (1987-1993) Distinction in Neuroscience and Erasmus Winter School (1990) Neurology Teaching Award (1999) Bursary Award of EFNS (2003) Fellowship Award of Peripheral Nerve Society (2009) European Academy of Neurology Investigator Award (2015) National Distinguished Researcher Award (2017) 2025 Research and Commercialization Award As Principal Investigator, Prof. Kleopa has secured over 5 million Euros in external funding across 25 research projects. He supervises MSc and PhD students, teaches medical students and residents, and participates in clinical trials. He maintains extensive collaborations with leading institutions in Europe and the USA, and serves on numerous professional boards including the International Charcot-Marie-Tooth Consortium, Peripheral Nerve Society, and European Reference Networks for rare neuromuscular and neurological disorders. His laboratory serves as a hub for translational neuroscience research with strong industry partnerships aimed at clinical application of gene therapies.
Jette Bornholdt Lange is a Research Fellow at the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Her research spans multiple disciplines including molecular biology, genomics, and epigenetics, with a focus on transcriptional regulation and host-microbe interactions. Her research interests include: Molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation Host responses to microbial stimulation Epigenomic profiling of tissue development Plant immune responses Cancer epidemiology Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on understanding transcriptional mechanisms across different biological systems. Her work combines experimental approaches with computational analysis, particularly evident in her studies on promoter architecture and microsatellite transcription. She has made significant contributions to understanding how YAP signaling regulates intestinal epithelium maturation and how plants respond to pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Her scientific contributions include: Multiple high-impact publications in journals like Nature Communications, Science Advances, and The Plant Cell Research on both plant and mammalian systems, demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise Contributions to understanding fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation Work bridging basic science with potential clinical applications Dr. Lange collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions, with notable collaborations with Sandelin, Jensen, and Brodersen groups. Her work demonstrates a commitment to understanding fundamental biological processes with implications for human health and disease.
Laura Arribas Hernandez is a Guest Researcher in the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen specializing in Computational and RNA Biology. Her research focuses on RNA regulatory mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana , particularly N 6 -methyladenosine (m6A) modification pathways and their roles in plant development and stress responses. She maintains active collaborations with Professor Peter Brodersen's research group and contributes to high-impact publications in plant molecular biology. Her core research interests include: RNA methylation dynamics YTH domain protein function RNA interference mechanisms Stress-responsive alternative splicing Plant antiviral defense systems Post-transcriptional gene regulation Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal her pivotal contributions to understanding m6A-YTH regulatory networks in plants, including the discovery of RNAi-independent roles for DICER-LIKE2 in growth regulation and antiviral resistance. Her work bridges computational biology with molecular genetics to dissect RNA modification pathways, demonstrating how ALBA proteins facilitate cytoplasmic m6A reading and how YTHDF-PABP interactions drive organogenesis. These findings establish critical links between RNA epigenetics and plant physiology. Based at Ole Maaløes Vej 5 in Copenhagen, she operates within the Computational and RNA Biology research environment, utilizing advanced molecular techniques and bioinformatic approaches to investigate RNA regulatory networks. Her publications in The Plant Cell , EMBO Journal , and PLOS Genetics reflect significant engagement with the international plant science community.
Dr. Shigeki Kuroiwa is an Assistant Professor at Waseda University's Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, specializing in nanobioscience and biosensor development. With extensive experience across multiple Japanese research institutions including Waseda University, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, and The University of Tokyo, his work focuses on advancing field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor technology for medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Dr. Kuroiwa earned his Ph.D. from Hiroshima University in Biofunctional Science following undergraduate studies at the same institution. His academic journey includes research positions at prestigious institutions across Japan, culminating in his current role at Waseda University where he leads research in nanobioscience applications. Dr. Kuroiwa's research centers on developing innovative FET-based biosensors capable of detecting a wide range of biomarkers including stress indicators, cancer markers, viral particles, and therapeutic drugs. His work addresses critical challenges in biosensor technology such as improving sensitivity for uncharged molecules, enhancing long-term stability in biological environments, and enabling multiplexed detection of multiple biomarkers simultaneously. His research bridges nanotechnology, electronics, and biomedical applications to create practical diagnostic solutions. His publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in biosensor design, with recent work focusing on optical microresonators, improved stability coatings, and novel detection methods for challenging targets like uncharged cortisol and 5-fluorouracil. The research shows a clear trajectory toward more practical, clinically relevant biosensing applications with emphasis on real-world implementation. Nano Technology Forum Award 2019: Improving Reproducibility of Responses in Reusable FET Biosensors Dr. Kuroiwa has secured significant research funding through Japan's Center of Innovation Program and has collaborated extensively with both academic and industry partners. His work has practical applications in healthcare monitoring, food safety, and pandemic preparedness, demonstrating strong translational potential from laboratory research to real-world implementation. As part of Waseda University's Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Dr. Kuroiwa collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of researchers spanning chemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering. His laboratory focuses on translating fundamental discoveries in nanobioscience into practical biosensing technologies with commercial potential.
Richard Alexander is an Associate Research Fellow in Lab On A Chip Design And Manufacture at Deakin University's School of Engineering within the Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment. He is affiliated with the Centre for Regional and Rural Futures research center and maintains an active research program in microfluidics, Lab-on-a-Chip technology, and point-of-care diagnostics. His work bridges engineering, chemistry, and biomedical applications with a focus on practical, manufacturable solutions. Master of Engineering, University of Hull Dr. Alexander's research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields with a strong emphasis on microfluidic device development. His work particularly focuses on 3D printing for microfluidic applications, electrochemiluminescence biosensors, and nanoporous membrane integration. His research has significant implications for point-of-care diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and biomedical applications. He has developed innovative approaches for DNA extraction, microRNA detection, and cell analysis that simplify complex laboratory procedures into portable, accessible formats. His publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research across microfluidics, materials science, and biomedical engineering. The trend shows increasing focus on practical applications of microfluidic technology for point-of-care diagnostics, with recent work emphasizing mobile phone integration, simplified manufacturing processes, and environmental/biological monitoring applications. His articles span interdisciplinary fields connecting engineering, chemistry, and biomedical sciences with strong emphasis on practical implementation. Richard Alexander has made significant contributions to the field of microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip technology through his extensive publication record in high-impact journals. His work appears in prestigious publications including Lab on a Chip, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, and Journal of the American Chemical Society, demonstrating the breadth and significance of his research contributions across multiple disciplines. His research program focuses on developing practical, manufacturable microfluidic systems with applications in biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and materials science. Through collaborations across multiple institutions, he has established a robust research trajectory with emphasis on translating laboratory innovations into real-world applications. His work with the Centre for Regional and Rural Futures suggests application of his technologies to address challenges in regional and rural healthcare settings. Based at Deakin University's Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, Alexander works within the Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, which suggests his research has practical applications for regional communities. His work on portable diagnostic devices, environmental monitoring tools, and simplified manufacturing processes aligns with addressing healthcare and technical challenges in less resourced settings.
Dr. Dhruba Acharya is a Research Fellow at the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, affiliated with the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics. His academic appointments include current research positions at Griffith University since 2022, with previous roles as a Teaching Assistant in microbiology and cell biology courses. Education: PhD, Griffith University (2015-2020) M.Sc. Immunology, Mahidol University (2009-2011) B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (2003-2006) Research Focus: Dr. Acharya specializes in host-pathogen interactions, with emphasis on therapeutic development for viral infections (SARS-CoV-2, RSV) and bacterial pathogenesis (Streptococcus agalactiae, E. coli). His work integrates nanotechnology, immunology, and drug delivery systems, particularly focusing on siRNA therapeutics, extracellular vesicles, and vaccine platforms. Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate advanced work in antiviral nanotherapeutics (75% of recent publications), including siRNA delivery systems and vaccine development for respiratory viruses. Bacterial pathogenesis studies (25%) explore virulence mechanisms of streptococcal and enteric pathogens, with consistent focus on immune modulation and diagnostic methods. Laboratory Affiliations: Active member of Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics research group, contributing to infectious disease and immunology projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Judy Lieberman is an Endowed Chair in Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Senior Investigator at the Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital. She is also a Professor of Pediatrics and Adjunct Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Her research spans immunology, cell biology, and cancer research, with a focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of immune responses to infection and cancer. Dr. Lieberman earned her undergraduate degree from Radcliffe College, followed by a Ph.D. in physics from Rockefeller University. She worked as a high-energy physicist at the prestigious Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton before earning her M.D. from the joint Harvard-MIT Program in Health, Science, and Technology. She completed her clinical training in internal medicine and hematology-oncology at Tufts Medical Center and was a postdoctoral fellow in immunology at MIT. Her research has made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, cell death mechanisms, and immune responses. Key areas of focus include: Mechanisms of granzyme-mediated cell death, including the discovery of caspase-independent programmed cell death pathways Pyroptosis and gasdermin proteins in immunity and disease RNA interference and its therapeutic applications Immune responses to viral infections, particularly HIV Cancer immunology and tumor microenvironment Analysis of Dr. Lieberman's recent publications (2020-2024) reveals a strong focus on gasdermin proteins and pyroptosis in various disease contexts. Her work has elucidated how gasdermins function in tumor immunity, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases. There's also significant work on how tumors evade immune recognition and potential strategies to reverse this process. Her research bridges basic science with therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Lieberman's scientific achievements have been recognized with election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2008. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of immune cell function and cell death mechanisms. Dr. Lieberman has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows throughout her career, as evidenced by her extensive list of alumni. Her laboratory at Boston Children's Hospital is a hub for innovative research at the intersection of immunology, cell biology, and disease mechanisms. The lab has received substantial funding for research on immune responses, cell death mechanisms, and therapeutic applications. The Lieberman Laboratory is part of the Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital and maintains strong affiliations with Harvard Medical School programs in Immunology, Genetics, and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. The lab continues to make significant contributions to understanding the molecular basis of immune responses and developing novel therapeutic approaches.
Vasiliki Gretsi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at European University Cyprus's School of Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2006) and a Biology degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2001). Her research focuses on molecular oncology, specifically the mechanisms of cancer metastasis, cell adhesion dynamics, and the roles of proteins like RSU-1, ILK, and GDF-15 in breast cancer and glioblastoma progression. She employs molecular biology techniques, 3D in vitro models, and clinical sample validation to investigate therapeutic targets. Her recent work (2019–2020) demonstrates a consistent focus on metastasis regulation through proteins like RSU-1 and GDF-15, with applications in breast cancer and glioblastoma treatment. Research themes include cytoskeletal dynamics, gene silencing effects, and biomarker discovery. Scientific Awards: EASL Sheila Sherlock Post-Doc Fellowship (2012-2014) International Liver Congress Travel Award (2012) University of Pittsburgh Yellow Ribbon Honoree (2006) Stephen L. Phillips Scientific Achievement Award (2005) ASIP Trainee Travel Award (2004) She leads/co-leads research projects including pharmaceutical plant analysis (2021–2024) and metastasis studies. Editorial roles include organizing special issues for Life and International Journal of Molecular Sciences . Institutional service includes membership in the Bioethics Committee and Quality Assurance Committee.
Sandra Smit is an Associate Professor in Bioinformatics at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in genomics and bioinformatics. Her research focuses on pangenomics, microbial and plant genetics, and their applications in agriculture and evolutionary biology. She leads projects exploring genomic diversity in species like Pectobacterium, Arabidopsis, and Rosa, with a particular emphasis on pathogen adaptation, plant breeding, and genomic tool development. Dr. Smit has supervised multiple PhD students, including Flege, Syma, Papastolopoulou, and Selvanayagam, and collaborates on projects such as 'Developing an efficient pangenome representation' and 'Lactuca Diversity and Evolution.' Her work involves analyzing genomic variation in polyploid species, prophage dynamics in bacterial pathogens, and transcriptomic regulation in photosynthetic plants. She has contributed to the development of tools like PanVA and Multipla for genomic analysis. Key datasets include genome assemblies for species such as Hirschfeldia incana and Picochlorum sp. BPE23, highlighting her focus on genomic resources for agricultural and ecological applications. Recent publications reflect her interdisciplinary approach, covering topics from Fusarium head blight pathogen adaptation to comparative genomics of Capsicum and rose genomes. She actively engages in international collaborations, advancing both fundamental and applied research in bioinformatics and genomics.
Volker Patzel is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. His research focuses on RNA technologies for gene expression modulation, including antisense, RNA interference, and CRISPR/Cas systems. He leads projects in computational RNA design and delivery strategies for therapeutic applications. Specializes in RNA structure optimization Develops delivery systems for nucleic acids Pioneers computational platforms for RNA design Research Highlights: The team works on three major pillars: in silico RNA design algorithms, in vitro synthesis of functional RNA molecules, and in vivo delivery optimization using DNA vectors, peptides, and polymer capsules. Current projects target HIV-1, HPV-16, and disease-related cellular genes. Delivery Innovation: Key contributions include novel delivery strategies like dumbbell-shaped DNA vectors, cell-penetrating peptides, and micrometer-scale polymer capsules enabling RNA delivery into stem cells for gene therapy and vaccination. Scientific Recognition: 2 patent applications in nucleic acid delivery Published in high-impact journals like Nature Biotechnology and Nucleic Acids Research
Dr. Lucas Wange is a Post-Doc Researcher at the Comparative Genomics Group led by Tomàs Marquès Bonet at Pompeu Fabra University. His research focuses on the evolution of gene regulation across vertebrates, utilizing high-throughput sequencing techniques such as mcSCRB-seq2. He specializes in evolutionary genomics, epigenetics, and comparative analyses of genomic sequences. His work explores topics like the role of genes (e.g., TRNP1) in brain evolution, mechanisms of cancer (e.g., AML) and lymphoma, and cross-kingdom interactions involving fungal pathogens. He has contributed to methodological advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing and CRISPR-based screens for therapeutic target identification. Recent research highlights include studies on immune surveillance in lymphoma, epigenetic modulation in atherosclerosis, and synergistic drug effects in leukemia. His findings bridge evolutionary biology with translational medicine, particularly in cancer biology and genomic technologies. Lucas collaborates on projects involving PDX mouse models, CRISPR screens, and functional genomics. His lab is part of the Institut de Biologia Evolutiva, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to genomic and evolutionary questions.
Xuguo Zhou is the C. W. Kearns, C. L. Metcalf, and W. P. Flint Endowed Chair and Professor of Entomology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research focuses on RNA interference mechanisms in insects, whitefly biology, termite genomics, and insect-plant interactions. Recent work explores virus-vector interactions, insecticide resistance, and CRISPR applications in pest control. Key research areas include molecular entomology, agricultural pest management, and genetic regulation of insect behavior. Dr. Zhou's studies investigate how plant viruses manipulate insect vectors, mechanisms of Bt resistance in agricultural pests, and functional genomics of ladybeetles. His work bridges basic molecular biology with applied pest management strategies. Recent publications highlight innovations in RNAi applications, CRISPR-mediated gene editing, and odorant-binding protein characterization. These studies contribute to developing sustainable pest control methods and understanding fundamental insect biology. No scientific awards are listed in the provided text. Collaborations involve international teams studying insect genomics and pest management strategies. Dr. Zhou's research group focuses on genomic approaches to address agricultural challenges posed by insect pests.
