جست‌وجوی استاد و پژوهشگر

Zhao-Qing Luoمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Bacterial Virulence Mechanisms
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Dr. Zhao-Qing Luo is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Science at Purdue University. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and host immune responses, using Legionella pneumophila as a model pathogen to investigate intracellular survival strategies and host defense systems. His educational background includes: Ph.D. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2001) M.S. from Beijing Agricultural University (1994) B.S. from Beijing Agricultural University (1991) Dr. Luo's research centers on how bacterial pathogens manipulate host cells through virulence effectors, particularly examining the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system of Legionella pneumophila that injects 300+ effector proteins into host cells. His work reveals mechanisms of bacterial replication niche formation, host immune detection pathways (including RpsL-triggered lysosomal cell death), and the function of Fic proteins across bacterial species. This research provides fundamental insights into cell signaling with implications for infectious disease control and cellular biology. Analysis of his 12 most recent publications (2007-2024) shows consistent focus on ubiquitin-related modifications during infection, including novel E1/E2-independent ubiquitination, deubiquitination mechanisms, and phosphoribosyl ubiquitination. His work has fundamentally advanced understanding of how bacterial effectors target host GTPases (Rab1), manipulate ubiquitin homeostasis, and subvert immune signaling pathways. Scientific recognition includes: Biochemical Society Award for Significant Breakthrough or Achievement (2025) Herbert Newby McCoy Award for Outstanding Research (2022) Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology (2019) Purdue University Faculty Scholar (2012-2016) Purdue College of Science Research Award (2015) NIH-NIAID Independent Scientist Award (2011-2015) As principal investigator of the Luo Lab, Dr. Luo has secured substantial research funding including NIH-NIAID support and Purdue Faculty Scholar resources. He actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with his laboratory serving as a hub for molecular microbiology research. His service as Associate Editor for PLoS Pathogens since 2013 demonstrates commitment to scholarly communication. The Luo Lab maintains active research programs investigating bacterial effector functions, host immune detection mechanisms, and Fic protein biology, with ongoing collaborations across microbiology and immunology disciplines to address fundamental questions in host-pathogen interactions.

Reinhard Lührmannمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• RNA Splicing
• Spliceosome Structure
• Molecular Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Reinhard Lührmann is a Professor and Director at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, leading the Department of Cellular Biochemistry. He holds an honorary professorship at Georg-August University of Göttingen. His research focuses on RNA splicing mechanisms, particularly the spliceosome's structure and function. He earned his PhD from the University of Münster in 1975 and has held roles at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (1981–1988), University of Marburg (1988–1999), and currently directs the MPI department since 1999. Research Interests: Lührmann’s lab investigates how the spliceosome recognizes intron/exon boundaries in complex metazoan pre-mRNAs, the assembly of catalytically active spliceosomes, and the structural basis of splicing. Techniques include biochemical purification, mass spectrometry, RNA engineering, X-ray crystallography, and cryo-EM to visualize spliceosome components. Work emphasizes mammalian systems but also uses yeast for core mechanisms. Publications highlight structural insights into spliceosome activation, RES complex roles, and small molecule inhibitors targeting splicing. Collaborations with structural biologists (e.g., Stark, Kastner) and functional studies on catalytic steps underscore his interdisciplinary approach. Labs/Teams: His group is part of the Max Planck Institute’s Molecular Biology and Structural Biology research networks. The lab’s homepage is here .

• Cancer Research
• Structural Biology
• NMR Spectroscopy
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Ridvan Nepravishta serves as an Honorary Lecturer in the School of Molecular Biosciences and Affiliate of Beatson Associates in the School of Cancer Sciences at the University of Glasgow, conducting research at the CRUK Scotland Institute (formerly CRUK Beatson Institute). His work bridges cancer biology and structural biochemistry through advanced NMR methodologies. His research program centers on protein-ligand interactions and cancer target validation , with dual emphases on: Methodological innovation in NMR spectroscopy (rd-STD, DEEP-STD, SDTD) for characterizing weak biomolecular complexes Translational cancer research focusing on Ras inhibitors, thymosin α1 immunomodulation, and bacterial metabolism pathways relevant to oncology Key contributions include developing accelerated NMR techniques for drug discovery and elucidating mechanisms of protein conformational changes in oncogenic targets. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: 1) Ras protein inhibition strategies spanning conformational state-specific targeting, 2) NMR method development for weak binding validation, and 3) structural characterization of immune modulators like thymosin α1. His work consistently integrates biophysical techniques with cancer biology to address drug discovery challenges. While no formal advising roles or specific grants are documented in available materials, his extensive collaboration with the CRUK Scotland Institute indicates active participation in cancer research consortia. His laboratory work focuses on NMR-based structural analysis of protein complexes relevant to oncology and infectious disease.

• Autophagy
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +۶ مورد دیگر

Fei Wang is an Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, appointed in the Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry. He joined the faculty in 2017 after postdoctoral training at Harvard University, focusing on autophagy and its roles in eukaryotic cell development. His research spans molecular mechanisms of membrane-associated processes, including autophagy, chloroplast protein import, and the GET pathway. B.S. and M.S. in Genetics and Gene Therapy from Fudan University Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Massachusetts-Amherst His work explores autophagy’s dual roles in canonical lysosomal degradation and non-canonical functions like protein secretion, particularly during meiosis. Key contributions include elucidating the GET pathway for ER membrane protein insertion and autophagy’s regulatory mechanisms in gametogenesis. Articles from 2020–2023 highlight meiosis-specific autophagy and its interplay with protein phosphorylation and intracellular remodeling. Nancy Cain and Jeffrey A. Marcus Scholar in Medical Research Fei Wang’s lab employs yeast genetics, live-cell imaging, and biochemical reconstitution to study autophagy and small proteins. The team includes Rudian Zhang (Research Scientist), Jayaprakash Monala (Postdoctoral Researcher), and Akshay Chellappa (Research Technician). Collaborations and grants focus on autophagy’s therapeutic potential for diseases linked to developmental and metabolic dysregulation.

Heidi Hehnlyمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Cytoskeletal dynamics
• Membrane transport
• Cell division
• +۷ مورد دیگر

Heidi Hehnly is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Syracuse University's College of Arts & Sciences. She serves as Associate Director of the BioInspired Institute and Director of the Blatt Imaging Center. Her research focuses on cellular mechanisms connecting cytoskeletal dynamics, membrane transport, and centrosome function to control essential cellular processes such as cell division, fate, and polarity. Education: Ph.D., Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa (2009) B.S., Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester (2003) Dr. Hehnly's laboratory investigates the interface between cytoskeletal dynamics and membrane transport, with particular focus on how these systems co-regulate one another during cellular processes. Her research program addresses the fundamental question: how are ciliated tissues assembled during tissue development? Using zebrafish, mammalian tissue culture, C. elegans, and murine models, her lab employs cell biology, biochemistry, live cell imaging, and high-resolution imaging techniques to study centrosome function, Rab GTPases, and their roles in cellular organization. A major focus is understanding how membrane trafficking events controlled by Rab11 interact with the centrosome to regulate cellular processes. Analysis of Dr. Hehnly's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the relationship between membrane trafficking (particularly Rab GTPases) and centrosome function. Her work has increasingly incorporated advanced imaging techniques and expanded into studying cellular mechanics, particularly the role of vimentin intermediate filaments. Key themes include the coordination of lumen and cilia formation during development, mechanisms of centrosome positioning, and the role of pericentriolar matrix integrity in cell division. Scientific Awards: Renée Crown Professor in the Sciences & Mathematics, Syracuse University (2022-2025) Inaugural member of the Women in Leadership Cohort, Syracuse University (2022) James K. Dual-Agyeman Award for Outstanding faculty (2022) New Investigator Idea award, DOD (2020) Dr. Hehnly has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate students, many of whom have gone on to prestigious medical and graduate programs. Her research is supported by multiple significant grants including an NSF NRT-URoL grant (2024-2029) as Co-PI, and several NIH grants as PI including 'Cell Cycle Dependent Mechanisms Triggering Lumen Formation in vivo' (2021-2025) and 'Four-Dimensional Prediction and Quantification of How Physical Forces Impact Organogenesis in Zebrafish' (2020-2025). She has also pioneered BioArt initiatives at Syracuse University, including the CHIMERA Art and Science Exhibition Programming. The Hehnly Laboratory, established in 2015, operates the Blatt Imaging Center at Syracuse University. The lab brings together researchers from diverse backgrounds to study cellular mechanisms using cutting-edge techniques including live cell imaging, optogenetics, and biosensor assays. The lab has developed novel methodologies for in vivo experimentation and maintains strong collaborative relationships with researchers across disciplines to gain novel perspectives on centrosome protein interactions during development.

Lorraine Santyمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Lorraine Santy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University and serves as the Associate Chair of the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrated Biosciences (MCIBS) Graduate Program. She is affiliated with the Center for Cellular Dynamics and holds roles on committees including the BMB Ombuds and BMMB Steering Committee. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving epithelial cell migration, particularly in contexts like tissue repair and metastasis, with emphasis on cytohesin/Arf signaling pathways. Key projects include HGF-stimulated migration, adhesion receptor recycling, and the role of cytohesin splice variants in kidney injury recovery. Dr. Santy received the 2013 Daniel R. Tershak Memorial Teaching Award for her educational contributions. Her work integrates cellular, biochemical, and molecular approaches to elucidate signaling networks in epithelial biology. Research interests span cell biology, developmental biology, and molecular mechanisms of disease. Her lab investigates how cytohesins regulate Rac activation and integrin dynamics, with applications to kidney injury recovery and cancer metastasis. Recent studies emphasize the functional differences between cytohesin splice variants and their roles in membrane trafficking and adhesion. These findings have implications for therapeutic strategies targeting epithelial migration in disease states.

Gina Razidloمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

• Cancer Metastasis
• Cytoskeletal Signaling
• Tumor Microenvironment
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Gina Razidlo, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic. She leads the Cell Biology of Metastasis Laboratory, focusing on understanding mechanisms of tumor cell invasion and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Her research integrates cell biology and biochemical strategies to study cytoskeletal signaling, tumor microenvironment interactions, and metabolic reprogramming driving metastasis. She holds administrative roles as Senior Associate Consultant II-Research in both the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Razidlo earned her PhD in Cancer Research from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a BA in Chemistry from Gustavus Adolphus College. She has received awards including the Mayo Clinic Teacher of the Year Award (2018) and a Career Development Award from the Mayo Clinic Pancreatic Cancer SPORE program. Her work aims to identify novel therapeutic targets to inhibit metastasis, particularly through targeting cytoskeletal dynamics and metabolic pathways. Her research has been published in high-impact journals and focuses on themes such as KRas-driven metabolic rewiring, inflammatory signals in tumor progression, and lipid utilization in cancer cell migration. She actively participates in professional organizations like the American Association for Cancer Research and American Society for Cell Biology, contributing to postdoc mentoring through roles like her service on the COMPASS committee (2013–2015).

• Ribosome biogenesis
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Dr. Dieter Kressler is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Biology , Faculty of Science and Medicine , University of Fribourg. Holding a PhD and serving as head of the proteomics platform , his work focuses on the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis. Email: dieter.kressler@unifr.ch ORCID: 0000-0003-4855-3563 Contact: +41 26 300 8645 Location: PER 05 building, Fribourg Research Interests include: Dedicated chaperones for ribosomal proteins Co-translational regulation of ribosomal protein expression Ubiquitin signaling in ribosome assembly RNA helicase roles in pre-ribosomal particles Structural dynamics of ribosome maturation Stress response coupling to translational control His 15 most recent publications (2025-2016) reveal a consistent focus on ribosome biogenesis, with key articles in eLife , Nature Communications , and Nucleic Acids Research . Research spans from thermal avoidance circuits in C. elegans to ubiquitin fusion mechanisms in yeast ribosomes , integrating structural biology, genetics, and biochemical approaches.

• Actin Dynamics
• Cell Migration
• Cytoskeleton Regulation
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Prof. Dr. Klemens Rottner is a leading cell biologist at the Institute for Zoology (Technische Universität Braunschweig) and head of the Molecular Cell Biology research group at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) . With a career spanning institutions like the University of Bonn and the former GBF Braunschweig, he specializes in actin dynamics, cell migration, and host-pathogen interactions. His work bridges fundamental cytoskeletal mechanisms with applications in cancer, neurodegeneration, and bacterial infections.

Adrienne D. Coxمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Ras Superfamily Proteins
• +۴ مورد دیگر

Adrienne D. Cox, PhD is a Professor of Pharmacology and Radiation Oncology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, where she also serves as Vice Department Chair of Pharmacology. She is a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, focusing her research on molecular mechanisms of cancer biology with particular emphasis on the Ras superfamily of proteins. Dr. Cox's laboratory investigates several key areas in cancer biology: the control of subcellular localization of small GTPases to precise cellular membrane regions; the disruption of lipid modifications (particularly farnesyl isoprenoid) for cancer treatment; the contribution of novel Rho proteins to cellular transformation; and understanding how Ras family proteins influence cellular responses to ionizing radiation. Her research has revealed that different subpopulations of GTPases traffic to different subcellular membranes where they interact with distinct downstream effectors, and that correct attachment of Ras proteins to cell membranes requires unusual lipid modifications that have become targets for novel anticancer agents. Analysis of Dr. Cox's recent publications (2014-2025) reveals a strong focus on KRAS signaling pathways in cancer, with particular attention to pancreatic cancer therapeutics. Her work spans multiple approaches including transcriptomics, phosphoproteomics, and combination therapy strategies targeting the RAS-MAPK pathway. A consistent theme across her research is overcoming resistance mechanisms in KRAS-mutant cancers through novel therapeutic combinations and understanding the molecular basis of drug resistance. Dr. Cox's laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how small GTPases function in cancer development and treatment resistance. Her team has identified multiple pathways involved in Ras-mediated radioresistance, including the PI3K/Akt survival pathway, autocrine EGFR family ligand pathways, and novel Ras/Raf pathways that diverge from the canonical MEK/ERK cascade. This work has important implications for developing radiosensitizers that could differentially affect cancerous versus healthy cells.

Linda Van Aelstمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Cancer Research
• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Linda Van Aelst is a Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, holding the Harold and Florence & Ethel McNeill Professorship of Cancer Research. Her work bridges cancer biology and neuroscience, focusing on small GTPases like Ras and Rho in disease mechanisms. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology from Catholic University of Leuven (1991), BS in Biology (1985) Her research explores how mutations in genes like OPHN1 and DOCK7 disrupt synaptic plasticity and cortical neurogenesis, contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders and cancers. Recent work links chronic stress to metastasis via immune microenvironment changes. Her 15 most recent publications span Alzheimer's disease, neurofibromatosis, glioblastoma metabolism, and stress-cancer interactions, emphasizing GTPase signaling and synaptic regulation. Scientific Awards: CSHL WISE Mentorship, National Alliance for Autism Research/NARSAD, Dana Foundation, Sidney Kimmel Foundation, V Foundation Awards, McNeill Endowed Professorship Van Aelst mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, contributing to understanding tumor suppressors, neuronal migration, and therapeutic strategies for NF1 and fragile X syndrome.

Cinzia Anita Maria Progidaمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Membrane Trafficking
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Cinzia Anita Maria Progida is a Professor in the Department of Biosciences at the University of Oslo, where she leads the Cell Dynamics research group within the Section for Physiology and Cell Biology (FYSCELL). Her laboratory is housed in the Institute of Biosciences building at Blindern campus in Oslo. Professor Progida's primary research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular trafficking and the interplay between membrane transport and cytoskeleton dynamics. Her work particularly emphasizes the Rab family of small GTPases, which serve as master regulators of intracellular transport and also influence cytoskeleton remodeling. Her research group employs a combination of molecular and cell biology methods with state-of-the-art imaging techniques to unravel the spatio-temporal regulation of these cellular processes. An analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory centered on Rab GTPases and their roles in membrane trafficking, cell migration, and disease mechanisms. Her work spans fundamental cell biology to applications in cancer and immunology, with increasing emphasis on mechanobiology and the role of the endoplasmic reticulum in cellular processes. Recent publications demonstrate growing international collaboration with institutions across Europe and North America. Funding from Anders Jahres fond Funding from S. G. Sønneland Foundation Funding from Astri og Birger Torsteds legat Professor Progida actively mentors a diverse research team including current members Sathiaruby Sivaganesh, Marie Bergundhaugen, Jonathan Marcus Townson, and several others, along with numerous former lab members who have contributed to her extensive publication record. She has organized significant scientific events including the 'Cells on the Move' conference in 2016, demonstrating her leadership in the field of cell dynamics. Her laboratory maintains strong collaborations with institutions including Oslo University Hospital, Technical University of Denmark, Institute Curie in France, University of Salento in Italy, Leiden University in the Netherlands, and University of California Berkeley in the USA. Her research group 'Cell Dynamics - Progida' investigates how membrane traffic is regulated in eukaryotic cells and functions in concert with the cytoskeleton, with special emphasis on the molecular mechanisms controlling spatio-temporal dynamics and coordination between membrane traffic, cytoskeleton, and cell motility. They employ various imaging approaches, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology techniques to functionally characterize these processes.

• Cell Biology
• Exosomes
• Extracellular Vesicles
• +۹ مورد دیگر

Dr. Frederik Verweij is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science since 2021. His research focuses on the intricate mechanisms of extracellular vesicle (EV) biology, particularly exosomes, using advanced imaging techniques in zebrafish models. Prior to his current position, he served as a Researcher at INSERM U1266, IPNP in Paris (2017-2021) and completed postdoctoral work at the Institut Curie in Paris (2014-2017), where he investigated exosome research under the guidance of Dr. Graça Raposo. Dr. Verweij earned his PhD from the Exosome Research Group led by Dr. D. Michiel Pegtel (2009-2014). Dr. Verweij's research interests span multiple aspects of cell biology, with particular expertise in exosome biogenesis, trafficking, and function. His work integrates cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques to study protein trafficking, virology, and signaling in the endo-exosomal pathway. He has pioneered the use of zebrafish as a model organism for in vivo EV imaging, developing innovative approaches for live imaging, dynamic correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), optogenetics, and electron microscopy. His laboratory investigates how extracellular vesicles mediate intercellular communication in physiological and pathological contexts, with implications for cancer, viral infections, and potential therapeutic applications. Analysis of Dr. Verweij's publication record reveals a strong trajectory in extracellular vesicle research, with increasing focus on in vivo imaging techniques and physiological relevance. His work has evolved from basic mechanisms of exosome biogenesis and viral protein sorting to sophisticated in vivo models that capture the dynamic nature of EV communication within living organisms. The zebrafish model has become a cornerstone of his research approach, allowing unprecedented visualization of EV trafficking between organs and during development. Recent publications highlight technical innovations in EV imaging and quantification, demonstrating his leadership in methodological advancements within the EV field. ERC Starting grant - European Research Council 5-year grant (2021) Vidi award - Dutch Research Council (NWO) 5-year grant (2021) KWF Young Investigator Grant (2020) ASEMV 2020 Young Investigator Award INSERM CRCN laureate (tenure) via national competition (2020) Multiple featured abstracts and travel awards from ISEV meetings Dr. Verweij has successfully secured substantial funding as both principal investigator (ERC Starting grant, Vidi award, KWF Young Investigator Grant) and co-PI (INCa PLBIO project, ARC project grants). His research group at Utrecht University combines expertise in cell biology, imaging, and zebrafish models to investigate fundamental questions in EV biology. He actively contributes to the scientific community through extensive peer review activities for high-impact journals and funding agencies, and has taken leadership roles in organizing international workshops, including co-chairing the first international 'EV imaging in vivo workshop' in 2020. Dr. Verweij serves on the scientific board of the French Society for Extracellular Vesicles and has established himself as a rising leader in the extracellular vesicle research community.

Haymanti Bhanotمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس پاره‌وقت

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Haymanti Bhanot is a PartTime Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Northeastern University , focusing on molecular mechanisms in cancer biology and metabolic reprogramming. Her research spans oncology , molecular biology , and biochemistry , with key contributions to understanding: Glycogen metabolism in leukemia cells NADPH-dependent pathways in acute myeloid leukemia Epigenetic and chromatin regulation in head and neck cancers Non-apoptotic cell death mechanisms (e.g., methuosis) Her work intersects cancer metabolism , signal transduction , and novel therapeutic strategies , as evidenced by publications in journals like Leukemia , Oncotarget , and Cell Reports .

Michael Lawsonمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

• Structural Biology
• Computational Biology
• Systems Biology
• +۵ مورد دیگر

Michael Lawson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he leads the Lawson Lab focused on eukaryotic translational quality control mechanisms. His research integrates structural, biochemical, and computational approaches to investigate ribosome-mRNA interactions and mRNA decay pathways. Dr. Lawson's research centers on how ribosomes and decay factors distinguish between normal and defective mRNAs during translation, with particular emphasis on premature stop codon diseases affecting 11% of heritable human disorders. His lab employs biochemical reconstitution , structural techniques , and biophysical assays to dissect molecular mechanisms of translational termination and mRNA surveillance. Key interests include ribosome dynamics, release factor function, and the structural basis of quality control decisions. Recent publications reveal a consistent focus on translation termination fidelity and ribosome-associated decay pathways , with significant contributions to understanding eukaryotic termination mechanisms through structural and kinetic analyses. His work bridges bacterial and eukaryotic systems to uncover fundamental principles of mRNA quality control. The Lawson Lab maintains an active mentoring program with graduate students including Michelle Thaxton, Marcella Mirabelli, Jake Cozy, Aubrey Emmi, Adrian McFarland, Izaiah Cole, and Morgan Grimes. Student achievements include CMB and CBI awards recognizing research excellence in computational and biomedical sciences. Located within UCLA's Chemistry and Biochemistry department, the lab operates as a dynamic research hub utilizing cutting-edge biochemical and structural methodologies to advance understanding of translational quality control mechanisms and their therapeutic implications.