Normand LeBlanc, Ph.D., is a Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Nevada, Reno. Holding a doctorate in Biology from the University of Sherbrooke, his academic career spans over three decades with a focus on ion channel biophysics and pharmacology. EDUCATION B.S.B., 1981, University of Sherbrooke, Biophysics M.S.B., 1983, University of Sherbrooke, Biophysics Ph.D., 1987, University of Sherbrooke, Biology His research primarily investigates calcium-activated chloride channels (ANO1/TMEM16A), nanosecond electric pulse effects on cellular membranes, and ion channel regulation in smooth muscle and neuroendocrine cells. This work bridges molecular pharmacology, biophysics, and cardiovascular/airway physiology. Scientific trends in his publications reveal expertise in: Excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms Nanosecond pulse-induced ion fluxes Phosphorylation-dependent channel regulation Tetrodotoxin resistance evolution Chloride channel inhibitors for hypertension Adrenal chromaffin cell electrophysiology His laboratory employs advanced techniques including patch clamping, fluorescent calcium imaging, and microfluidic impedance spectroscopy to study ion channel dynamics in health and disease states.
Iain Buxton , a Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine , has a distinguished career spanning pharmacology, cell signaling, and smooth muscle dynamics. His research focuses on uterine relaxation mechanisms in preterm labor and purinergic signaling in breast cancer progression. Pharm.D. from University of the Pacific Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Enzymology from North Carolina State University Postdoctoral work in Cardiovascular Pharmacology at UC San Diego Early research at Salk Institute under Nobel laureate Robert Holley Research Interests center on preterm labor etiology, stretch-activated signaling in uterine smooth muscle, and tocolytic drug development. In cancer, he investigates exosomal NM23 signaling, purinergic mechanisms in angiogenesis, and metastasis. Article Trends (2016-2025) reveal a focus on β3 adrenergic receptors in myometrial relaxation Connexin 43 phosphorylation and trafficking Piezo1 and TREK-1 channel modulation Exosomal NM23 in breast cancer metastasis S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) in labor dysregulation Pharmacological targeting of mechanosensitive pathways Collaborative Networks include researchers like Dr. Sedaa Barnett, Dr. Shino Yokdang, and Dr. Haras Asif, with affiliations to institutions such as UC San Diego and Medipol University.
Dr. Pamela Swiatlowska is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at the School of Engineering and Materials Science , Queen Mary University of London. Her research focuses on mechanobiology in vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes, particularly in relation to atherosclerosis and heart disease . Education: PhD (Imperial College London), MSc (University of Virginia and others), BSc (Medical University of Gdansk) Her expertise includes mechanical stimulation techniques , biomechanical characterization , and super-resolution microscopy . Recent work investigates how pressure and stiffness regulate vascular smooth muscle cell behavior in atherosclerosis. She has contributed to a special issue on cardiovascular mechanobiology in Biophysical Reviews . Scientific Awards: Erasmus Scholarship, Fulbright BioLAB, Imperial College PhD Scholarship, QMUL Research IMPACT Award 2022 Her publications span Nature Communications , Science Advances , and PNAS , emphasizing multiscale studies of mechanical forces in cardiovascular systems. She actively participates in scientific outreach, including mentoring and organizing symposia.
Derek Kendig is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Loyola University Maryland. His research focuses on gastrointestinal (GI) physiology, particularly the mechanisms by which nutrients influence GI motility patterns and smooth muscle function. He employs techniques like video recording, computer analysis, and spatiotemporal mapping to study nutrient effects on motility in the stomach, small intestine, and colon. Specialization: Gastrointestinal Physiology and Nutrition Email: dmkendig@loyola.edu Dr. Kendig's work examines intracellular signaling pathways in GI smooth muscle and hypothesizes that nutrients activate mucosal receptors, which communicate with smooth muscle via the enteric nervous system. His methods are also applicable to studying smooth muscle in the urinary bladder and blood vessels. Scientific awards or educational details are not mentioned in the provided text. Recent publications highlight his research on nutrient receptors (e.g., umami), signaling molecules like hydrogen sulfide, and the role of kinases in GI motility. His work spans both tissue-level contractility and organ-level motility patterns, emphasizing the interplay between luminal nutrients and physiological responses.
Huanghe Yang is an Associate Professor with multiple appointments at Duke University School of Medicine, holding positions in Biochemistry, Neurobiology, and Medicine. He also has an appointment as Assistant Professor of Cell Biology and is a Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. His research bridges multiple disciplines, focusing on ion channels, membrane transport, and cellular signaling mechanisms. Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine Associate Professor in Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine Associate Professor in Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine Faculty Network Member, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences Dr. Yang received his Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis in 2008. His academic journey has led him to become a prominent researcher in the field of ion channels and membrane transport proteins. Dr. Yang's research primarily focuses on the structure, function, and physiological roles of ion channels and lipid scramblases, particularly the TMEM16 and PIEZO families. His work spans multiple systems including neuronal circuits, placental development, red blood cell physiology, and vascular biology. He investigates how these membrane proteins transduce mechanical, chemical, and electrical signals to regulate cellular functions in health and disease. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining electrophysiology, structural biology, cell imaging, and animal models to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying channelopathies and develop potential therapeutic strategies. Analysis of Dr. Yang's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on mechanosensitive channels (particularly PIEZO1 and TMEM63), lipid scramblases (TMEM16F), and their roles in diverse physiological processes. His work spans multiple systems including placental development, red blood cell disorders, neuronal signaling, and vascular biology. A significant portion of his recent research investigates the interplay between PIEZO1 and TMEM16F in various pathologies, suggesting a unifying theme of mechanotransduction and lipid signaling across different biological contexts. NIH Director's New Innovator Award (2017) Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) from NINDS (2014) Dr. Yang leads an active research program with substantial NIH funding, including multiple R01 grants and program project support. His laboratory trains graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in advanced techniques for studying membrane proteins. Current research directions include developing TMEM63B channelopathy mouse models, investigating BK channel regulatory subunits in pain pathways, and targeting ion channel interactions for therapeutic intervention in blood disorders and neurological conditions. His collaborative approach is evident in numerous interdisciplinary projects spanning neuroscience, hematology, and reproductive biology. Dr. Yang's laboratory is part of the broader research ecosystem at Duke University, collaborating with multiple departments and institutes. His work on ion channels and membrane transport proteins has implications for understanding neurological disorders, blood diseases, and developmental processes. The integration of structural, functional, and physiological approaches in his research provides a comprehensive framework for translating basic discoveries into potential therapeutic strategies.
David M. Warshaw is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Vermont's Larner College of Medicine. He earned his Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics from UVM in 1978 and completed postdoctoral work at UMass Medical School on smooth muscle mechanics. Ph.D. (1978) - University of Vermont, Physiology & Biophysics Postdoctoral Training - University of Massachusetts Medical School, Single Smooth Muscle Cell Mechanics The Warshaw Molecular Motors Group investigates two primary areas: (1) myosin and kinesin molecular motors and their regulation in intracellular cargo transport systems, and (2) cardiac and skeletal muscle contractility mechanisms related to heart failure. Their work employs single molecule biophysics , laser trapping , and super-resolution microscopy to analyze these processes at the molecular level. Key research trends from his publications include: (1) ATP consumption dynamics in resting skeletal muscle using single molecule techniques (2020), (2) Ultrafast zebrafish swimming muscle mechanics (2020), (3) Myosin binding protein-C (MyBP-C) isoform effects on skeletal muscle contractility (2019), and (4) 3D actin network transport mechanisms by myosin Va (2019). These studies frequently intersect with genetic disease research , particularly regarding hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and developmental muscle disorders. Scientific Distinctions: Established Investigator & Fellow - American Heart Association Fellow - Biophysical Society As principal investigator on NIH Program Project Grants, Dr. Warshaw has trained 26 pre- and postdoctoral fellows, 17 of whom have transitioned to university faculty positions. His lab team includes researchers like Brandon Bensel, Andy Mead, and Guy Kennedy. The group maintains affiliations with UVM's Cardiovascular Research Institute and employs comparative approaches across diverse myosin variants to understand physiological motion mechanisms from cardiac pumping to intracellular transport phenomena .
Ingrid van der Pluijm is an Associate Professor at Erasmus MC , affiliated with the Department of Molecular Genetics. Her research spans DNA repair mechanisms, vascular biology, cardiovascular diseases, and aging, with recent work focusing on dietary restriction, cardiac fibulin-4, and stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Research Interests include DNA damage response in progeroid models, vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction, and molecular pathways underlying heart failure. Her work intersects molecular genetics and translational medicine, utilizing mouse models to study aging-related pathologies. Scientific Contributions highlight her role in 66 research outputs, including studies on: Modulating the cGAS-STING pathway in vascular aging Cardiac fibulin-4 as a protective agent in heart failure Stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte differentiation protocols Social frailty indices in aging mice Current collaborations involve institutions like the University of Minnesota, C57BL/6 mouse models, and interdisciplinary teams in molecular imaging and cell biology.
Thomas Andrew Qvistgaard Jepps is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, where he leads research on vascular physiology with a focus on circulation, kidney, and lung systems. He also holds a Guest Researcher position in the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology within the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology section. Dr. Jepps received his BSc (Hons.) in Biomedical Sciences from St. George's University of London (2005-2008), followed by a PhD from the same institution funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (2009-2013). His academic journey includes postdoctoral research at the University of Copenhagen and prestigious fellowships including a Marie Curie Independent Research Fellowship and a Carlsberg Foundation Research Fellowship. His research program centers on understanding vascular ion channel regulation, particularly potassium channels, and their role in hypertension and vascular diseases. Dr. Jepps investigates two primary areas: KCNE ancillary subunits and microtubules in smooth muscle cells, with additional projects on smooth muscle proliferation in atherosclerosis, novel ion channels in angiogenesis, and functional sympatholysis mechanisms. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including isometric tension recordings, electrophysiology, immunostaining, proximity ligation assays, and molecular biology approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on vascular tone regulation, with particular emphasis on microtubule function in hypertension, potassium channel modulation by novel compounds, and translational research connecting basic mechanisms to clinical applications such as colchicine for hypertension treatment and understanding drug-induced hypotension. Scientific Recognition: Selected for the 68th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (2018) Multiple best presentation awards at international symposia (2009-2014) Widdicombe Prize in Physiology from St. George's University of London (2009) Regular invitations to present at international conferences and departmental seminars Dr. Jepps has supervised 2 ERASMUS students, 9 bachelor's project students, and 3 Master's students. His research is supported by significant grants including the Carlsberg Foundation Research Fellowship (1,178,053DKK), Lundbeck Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (700,000DKK), and a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (€199,809). He has organized numerous scientific events including the First International Kv7 Channels Symposium and Cardiovascular Seminar Series at the University of Copenhagen. His laboratory maintains active collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions including Prof. Geoffrey Abbott at UC Irvine (KCNE subunits), Prof. Christian Aalkjær at Aarhus University (microtubules in arteries), and Prof. Anthony Heagerty at the University of Manchester (colchicine for hypertension treatment).
Nicolas Chevalier is a CNRS Researcher at the Matière & Systèmes Complexes Laboratory, Paris Diderot University, specializing in biophysics, physical embryology, and endometriosis research. His work focuses on understanding the mechanical properties and developmental processes of the gastrointestinal system, particularly the enteric nervous system and intestinal motility. Dr. Chevalier's research interests span the intersection of physics and biology, with a focus on how mechanical forces shape embryonic development. His laboratory investigates the biomechanical properties of tissues, calcium wave dynamics in gut development, and the physical principles underlying peristalsis. His work has revealed that the enteric nervous system is unexpectedly rigid compared to brain tissue, with mechanical properties influenced by collagen structures. He has also discovered novel mechanisms of intestinal growth driven by mechanical tension and demonstrated how smooth muscle contractions shape the developing enteric nervous system. His publications reveal a consistent focus on the physical principles governing gut development and function. Analysis of his 15 most recent articles shows an evolution from basic mechanical measurements of embryonic tissues toward more complex investigations of neural-muscular interactions in the gut. Recent work emphasizes the mechanosensitive properties of smooth muscle and their implications for understanding endometriosis and other gastrointestinal disorders. His research demonstrates how physical forces interact with biological processes to shape organ development. Dr. Chevalier has successfully mentored at least one PhD student, Richard, who defended his thesis on 'Fundamentals of Intestinal Peristalsis: Myogenic, Neurogenic and Hydrodynamic Behavior' in January 2024. His research is supported by the Fondation pour la Recherche sur l'Endométriose (Foundation for Endometriosis Research), which funds investigations into uterine contractility and related mechanisms. Working within the Matière & Systèmes Complexes Laboratory, Dr. Chevalier collaborates extensively with researchers from the Jacques Monod Institute and IMRB of Créteil. His interdisciplinary approach bridges physics, developmental biology, and clinical medicine, with particular relevance to understanding gastrointestinal pathologies and potential therapeutic interventions.
