Zebrafish Inner Ear Development Professors and Supervisors

Ian Swinburneمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

University of California, BerkeleyUnited States

Ian Swinburne is an Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology at the University of California, Berkeley, affiliated with the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology and the Division of Cell & Developmental Biology. His research integrates quantitative cell biology, developmental biology, and physiology to study how tissues, cells, and subcellular dynamics coordinate to form organs and initiate physiologies in zebrafish. The lab focuses on hydraulic control mechanisms in vertebrate organs, particularly in the ear, eye, and kidney, leveraging live-imaging, CRISPR-based genetics, and biophysical measurements. Key projects include understanding pressure regulation in the inner ear, mechanisms governing eye pressure, and multi-scale principles of organ maintenance. Research interests emphasize conditional epithelial barriers, tissue mechanics, and the interplay between molecular regulation and organ-level dynamics. His lab develops advanced imaging techniques like Fourier-based 3D multistage transformers and serial multiview microscopy to observe subcellular dynamics in vivo. Recent work includes studies on lamellar projections as pressure relief valves and hydraulic feedback in inner ear development. Publications highlight breakthroughs in imaging technology, epithelial dynamics, and developmental processes. Collaborations span bioengineering, physics, and computational biology. No specific advising or grants details are provided, but the Swinburne Lab actively engages in interdisciplinary projects at UC Berkeley’s Molecular & Cell Biology Department.

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Ksenia Gnedevaمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

University of Southern CaliforniaUnited States

Dr. Ksenia Gnedeva is an Assistant Professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, holding dual appointments in the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Her research focuses on molecular and mechanical mechanisms governing sensory organ development and regeneration, particularly in the inner ear and retina. She investigates signaling pathways (e.g., Hippo, Yap/Tead) and tissue mechanics to understand how developmental programs can be reactivated post-injury for hearing and balance restoration. Her lab identified key regulators like p27 Kip1 and Atoh1 enhancers, targeting these pathways to unlock regenerative potential. She earned her Ph.D. in developmental and cell biology from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and Koltsov Institute, and is a member of the Hearing Restoration Project. Research Interests: Molecular signaling pathways (e.g., Hippo, YAP), tissue mechanics, inner ear regeneration, retinal regeneration, and epigenetic regulation of sensory cell differentiation. Her work bridges developmental biology and regenerative medicine to address hearing loss and vision impairment. Lab Activities: The Gnedeva Lab develops organoid models, employs CRISPR-based tools, and tests pharmacological inhibitors to target regeneration-suppressing pathways. Recent studies include identifying shared genes in hearing and vision regeneration across species (e.g., zebrafish, lizards) and exploring nephron progenitor cells for kidney disease modeling. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes Hippo/YAP pathway modulation, epigenetic control of sensory competence, and translational applications like cochlear hair cell detection datasets. Her research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to preclinical therapeutic strategies.

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Aaron Steinerمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

Pace UniversityUnited States

Aaron Steiner is an Associate Professor and Department Chairperson in the Department of Biology at Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Pace University. He is based at the Westchester campus in Dyson Hall, Room 221, and can be reached at asteiner@pace.edu. His office hours are on Tuesdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Education: PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 2006 BS in Biology, Brandeis University, 2000 Dr. Steiner's research centers on the development and regeneration of sensory systems, particularly sensory hair cells responsible for hearing and balance. These cells degenerate with age or due to noise and ototoxic drugs, and unlike in mammals, zebrafish naturally regenerate them. His lab leverages zebrafish as a model to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms enabling regeneration, aiming to translate findings into therapies for human hearing loss. He employs genetic tools and advanced microscopy to dissect regenerative pathways. His recent publications span topics including hair cell regeneration, gene expression in neural development, and live imaging techniques. The work demonstrates a consistent focus on sensory biology, regeneration mechanisms, and innovative experimental assays using zebrafish. His publications appear in high-impact journals such as PNAS , PLOS ONE , and Journal of Visualized Experiments . Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Dr. Steiner mentors students through research courses such as BIO 480, BIO 481, BMB 710, and BMB 711, indicating active supervision of undergraduate and graduate researchers. While specific grants are not mentioned, his ongoing research program and publication record suggest sustained funding. He teaches a broad range of courses, including General Biology, Genetics, Neurobiology, Developmental Biology, and independent research modules. His laboratory focuses on the zebrafish lateral line system as a model for sensory regeneration. The team utilizes confocal microscopy, laser ablation, and genetic analysis to study progenitor cell behavior and molecular regulation during regeneration. This work contributes to the broader field of regenerative medicine and neural repair.

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Raquel Freire Pereira de Ornelas e Vasconcelosمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

Lusophone University of Humanities and TechnologiesPortugal

Raquel Freire Pereira de Ornelas e Vasconcelos is an Assistant Professor at Universidade Lusófona in Lisbon and an Associate Professor at the University of Saint Joseph in Macau. She is also a Senior Researcher at Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente (MARE), where she conducts cutting-edge research in bioacoustics and marine biology. Her educational background includes: Licenciatura in Biology, 2004 Mestrado in Biologia e Gestão de Recursos Marinhos, 2006 Doutoramento in Biologia, Universidade de Lisboa, 2011 Postdoctoral training in Behavioral Neurophysiology and Neural Systems and Behaviour Her research focuses on animal communication, hearing, behavioral physiology, ecoacoustics, and the impacts of noise pollution on aquatic life. She employs zebrafish and other fish species as model organisms to study auditory sensory adaptation, noise-induced stress, and developmental effects of anthropogenic noise. Her work integrates neuroethology, environmental physiology, and conservation biology. Her recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding how noise and environmental stressors affect fish behavior, development, and hearing. Key themes include noise-induced hearing loss, vocal communication, temperature effects on agonistic behavior, and sensory adaptation across species such as zebrafish, cichlids, and toadfish. Her research often bridges lab-based models with ecological implications. Scientific honors include: Grass Fellowship She has secured multiple international grant projects and has supervised numerous students from undergraduate to postdoctoral levels. Her work is supported by active collaborations across institutions in Portugal, Macau, and internationally. She frequently presents at major conferences such as the Society for Experimental Biology, International Bioacoustics Congress, and The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life. Raquel is actively involved in research through her roles at MARE and her academic appointments, contributing to both teaching and advanced scientific inquiry in marine bioacoustics.

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Richard Kollmarمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUnited States

Richard Kollmar, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center . His research focuses on molecular genetics of otolith formation in zebrafish and regeneration of spiral ganglion neurons in mice . He combines proteomics, molecular biology, and embryology to study biomineralization and Wnt-Frizzled signaling pathways. Research Interests : Molecular mechanisms of inner ear morphogenesis and regeneration Cross-species proteomics and genetic networks in otolith development Wnt signaling in auditory neuron repair and cochlear implants Publications : 15+ studies on zebrafish otolith proteins (e.g., Sparc) and neuronal regeneration Recent work on neurocritical care milestones and contrast-induced encephalopathy Labs & Teams : Established culture protocols for adult spiral ganglion neurons Collaborates on clinical trials like INTREPID and WAKE-UP

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Robert Knightمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

King’s College LondonUnited Kingdom

Dr. Robert Knight is a Reader in Developmental Genetics at King’s College London, affiliated with the Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology and Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences. He obtained his PhD in Molecular Evolution from the University of Reading in 2000, followed by postdoctoral work at UC Irvine and University of Sheffield, focusing on AP-2 genes, neural crest, and cranial muscle development in zebrafish. His research explores molecular regulation of muscle regeneration and stem cell behavior, combining live imaging, transcriptomics, and zebrafish models. Key findings include the role of Ret tyrosine kinase in facial muscle development and FSHD therapy, RhoA coupling migration/differentiation, and NF-κB in macrophage function during repair. Collaborations span systems biology (Dresden), physiology (Amsterdam), and macrophage signaling (Lyon). Recent publications highlight trends in muscle stem cell dynamics , signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, Ret), and age-related regeneration . His work aligns with SDGs via health (musculoskeletal diseases) and innovation (AI in biosciences, multiphoton microscopy). Scientific Awards: BBSRC Project Award MDUK Studentship NC3Rs Studentship Royal Society Partnership Award Carl Zeiss Collaboration Current projects address DUX4-activated Ret in FSHD, chromatin organization in aging, and macrophage-stem cell interactions . He leads grants from BBSRC, Dunhill Medical Trust, and Leverhulme Trust.

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David Paul Coreyمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Harvard UniversityUnited States

David Paul Corey serves as the Bertarelli Professor of Translational Medical Science at Harvard Medical School's Department of Neurobiology. His research focuses on mechanotransduction in vertebrate hair cells, particularly the structural and functional analysis of tip-link proteins (CDH23, PCDH15) and transduction channels (TMC1/2). The Corey Laboratory develops gene therapies for Usher syndrome and hereditary deafness using advanced techniques including X-ray crystallography Single-molecule force spectroscopy Adeno-associated viral vectors Cryo-electron microscopy Current translational work targets Usher syndrome type 1F through dual-AAV delivery systems and base editing approaches. The lab employs multidisciplinary methods combining biophysics , molecular genetics , and nanomechanical modeling to understand and treat sensory deficits. Recent publications highlight breakthroughs in Mini-PCDH15 protein design Primate gene therapy safety Transduction channel pore characterization Therapeutic force spectroscopy with ongoing clinical translation efforts. Scientific distinctions include: Bertarelli Foundation Professorship NIH grant collaborations Leadership in mechanotransduction

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