James Manley is the Julian Clarence Levi Professor of the Life Sciences at Columbia University, with extensive research in gene expression regulation. His work spans transcription, RNA splicing, and polyadenylation mechanisms in human cells, connecting these processes to neurodegenerative diseases (ALS/FTD) and cancers. Affiliation: Columbia University, Department of Biological Sciences Contact: jlm2@columbia.edu Research Interests: Dr. Manley's laboratory investigates nuclear processes including: Transcriptional control via RNA polymerase II CTD modifications Alternative splicing regulation by hnRNP and SR proteins Polyadenylation dynamics in cell cycle and differentiation Disease mechanisms in spliceosome mutations (SF3B1, SRSF2) RNA-protein interactions in stress responses Publication Trends: Recent work focuses on disease-associated mutations affecting RNA processing, non-canonical RNA functions, and immune regulation via polyadenylation. Articles span molecular oncology, neurodegeneration, and RNA surveillance mechanisms. Scientific Recognition: Member, American Academy of Arts & Sciences Member, National Academy of Sciences Key Collaborations: Studies involve interdisciplinary work with neurology, cancer biology, and immunology teams. His lab employs biochemical assays, structural analysis, and genetic models to dissect RNA processing pathways.
Mikhail Gelfand is a Full Professor and Director of the Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), where he also serves as Vice President for Biomedical Research. His distinguished career spans multiple prestigious institutions including Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Higher School of Economics. His educational background includes: 1985: MSc in mathematics (functional analysis) 1993: PhD in physics-mathematics (biophysics) 1998: DSc in biology (molecular biology) 2007: full professor (bioinformatics) Professor Gelfand's research focuses on molecular evolution, comparative genomics, systems biology, and metagenomics. His work examines eukaryotic processes including alternative splicing, mRNA editing, and chromatin structure, as well as bacterial genome evolution and transcription regulation. His lab combines data on three-dimensional chromatin structure, epigenetic states, and gene expression to obtain an integrated view of genome functioning across diverse organisms from humans to amoebae. One major research direction focuses on the evolution of transcript splicing and editing, while comparative analysis of bacterial genomes yields functional annotations of novel enzymes, transporters, and transcription factors. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on RNA editing in cephalopods, bacterial genome analysis, and computational approaches to understanding chromatin structure. The work spans molecular biology, evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics, with particular emphasis on how RNA editing contributes to adaptation and molecular evolution across metazoans. His research shows how edited adenines are more frequently substituted with guanine in evolution than their unedited counterparts, suggesting RNA editing may enhance adaptation. His notable awards include: The President of Russian Federation's Award for Young Doctors of Science (2000) The "Best Scientist of the Russian Academy of Sciences" award (2004) A. A. Baev Prize in Genomics and Genoinformatics (2007) Member of Academia Europaea (2010) As Director of the Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Professor Gelfand leads a research group that combines computational and experimental approaches to study genome function and evolution. His lab's work has significant implications for understanding molecular mechanisms of evolution and adaptation across diverse biological systems, from bacteria to complex eukaryotes. His research on metagenomics extends to practical applications in areas including coral disease, aphids, and oil wells.
Guillaume Chanfreau is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the College of Letters and Science at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on fundamental mechanisms of RNA metabolism, with particular emphasis on RNA splicing, decay pathways, and ribonuclease functions. His work spans molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics, utilizing yeast as a primary model organism to investigate conserved RNA processing mechanisms. Professor Chanfreau's research interests center on understanding how RNA processing pathways regulate gene expression. His work examines transcription termination, RNA splicing fidelity, RNA decay mechanisms, and the role of ribonucleases in cellular RNA homeostasis. He investigates how these processes are interconnected and how they respond to cellular stress conditions. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how RNA quality control mechanisms prevent the accumulation of aberrant transcripts and maintain cellular health. Analysis of Chanfreau's recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a strong focus on RNA splicing mechanisms, RNA decay pathways, and ribonuclease functions. His work frequently employs yeast genetics combined with advanced RNA sequencing techniques. A notable trend is the increasing use of long-read sequencing technologies to analyze RNA isoforms and decay intermediates. His research consistently bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with potential implications for understanding human diseases related to RNA processing defects. Professor Chanfreau has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health, with his current grant R35GM130370 (2019-2023) titled 'The Control of Gene Expression by Eukaryotic Ribonucleases' and previous long-term funding through R01GM061518 (2000-2019). His research program has supported numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have contributed to his extensive publication record spanning over two decades.
Dorota Kawa is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science, Utrecht University , specializing in Plant Stress Resilience and Experimental and Computational Plant Development . Her research focuses on plant-microbiome interactions, root development under stress, and bioinformatics approaches to enhance crop sustainability. Education : PhD in Plant Physiology and Cell Biology (2017, University of Amsterdam) MSc in Plant Biotechnology (2011, Warsaw University of Life Sciences) BSc in Biotechnology (2010, Warsaw University of Life Sciences) Research Interests span plant adaptation to abiotic stresses, microbiome-driven root cell modifications, and computational modeling of development. She investigates how microbial communities and genetic pathways regulate root metabolomes and cellular traits, particularly under salt and drought stress. Publication Trends show her work centers on Striga resistance in cereal crops, stress-induced root architecture changes , and microbiome-root interactions . She explores auxin-independent signaling and mRNA decay mechanisms to improve multi-stress resilience. Teaching includes courses on plant development and research design at Utrecht University. Her work contributes to Pathways to Sustainability and Future Food initiatives.
Fadia Kamal, PharmD, PhD is an Associate Professor holding dual appointments in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation and the Department of Cell and Biological Systems. She leads research at the Center for Cannabis and Natural Product Pharmaceuticals (CCNPP) with a strong publication record including 33 research outputs and an h-index of 18 based on Scopus data. Dr. Kamal's research focuses on cellular pathways that control chondrocyte homeostasis in healthy tissue and the pathological processes leading to cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. Her work investigates how chondrocytes transform into pathological cells that cause cartilage degradation, with particular interest in discovering new pathways and drugs to control chondrocyte behavior and potentially reverse osteoarthritis progression. Her laboratory also explores the therapeutic potential of non-euphorigenic cannabis compounds for bone fracture pain management and healing. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining orthopedics, molecular biology, immunology, and pharmacology. The work spans from fundamental cellular mechanisms in osteoarthritis to applied therapeutic development, with particular emphasis on cannabis-based treatments, immune responses in fracture healing, and novel imaging techniques. Her research shows increasing collaboration across multiple institutions and disciplines. Scientific Awards: Samuel Hinkle Junior Faculty Research Scholar Award (2022) - widely recognized with coverage by 5 news outlets, blogged by 1 source, posted by 38 X users, and shared on 1 Facebook page with 33 Mendeley readers Dr. Kamal serves as Principal Investigator on significant research projects, most notably the NIH-funded 'Therapeutic targeting of GPCR Gbetagamma-GRK2 in osteoarthritis' project (2019-2023) from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Her mentorship is evident through numerous co-authored publications with junior researchers who appear to be her students and postdoctoral fellows. She maintains active collaborations across immunology, bone healing, and natural product pharmacology research areas. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being, with research spanning osteoarthritis, heart failure progression, chondrocyte biology, and G protein-coupled receptor research. The Kamal lab maintains strong connections with the Center for Cannabis and Natural Product Pharmaceuticals, indicating a specialized research focus on natural compounds for musculoskeletal conditions.
Dr. Sheng-Jian Ji is a Tenured Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. He also serves as the Academic Vice President of Shude Academy and was previously the first Deputy Director of Research and Graduate Affairs in the Department of Biology at SUSTech (2016-2018). As a leading neuroscientist specializing in RNA modification and neural development, Dr. Ji has established an internationally recognized research program. Dr. Ji's educational background includes: 2003-2007: Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neurobiology 1998-2003: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences 1994-1998: Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Yantai University Department of Biochemistry Dr. Ji's research primarily focuses on developmental neurobiology, with particular emphasis on post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms including RNA modification and local translation of mRNA in axons. His laboratory is recognized as one of the leading international groups studying how mRNA modification (particularly m6A and m5C) regulates neural development and function. Through innovative approaches combining molecular biology, cell biology, and microfluidic technologies, his team has revealed important insights into axon growth, dendrite maintenance, cortical neurogenesis, and retinal development. His publication record shows a clear trajectory from fundamental mechanisms of RNA modification to applications in understanding neurological disorders and aging. Recent work has expanded into aging-related neural decline, cognitive functions, and potential therapeutic targets for neurological conditions. Dr. Ji has received numerous prestigious awards: 2020, 2016: SUSTech Excellent College Mentor 2020: SUSTech Biology Department Outstanding Service Award 2019: Guangdong Province Talent Youyue Card A 2017: Guangdong Provincial Professor of Neurobiology 2013: Jiangsu Distinguished Professor (Nanjing University) 2011: National Natural Science Award Second Prize (third contributor) As an educator, Dr. Ji teaches undergraduate Neurobiology and graduate Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology courses. He actively mentors students, with recent master's graduates including Yuan Jiaxin and Zhang Pingrui. His laboratory recruits postdoctoral fellows (with salaries of 335,000+ RMB annually), research assistants, and graduate students, providing comprehensive training in molecular techniques, neuronal cell culture, microfluidics, and omics approaches. Dr. Ji leads a vibrant research team that collaborates both within SUSTech and internationally. His work continues to advance understanding of RNA modification in neural development, function, and aging, with recent progress highlighted in June 2025.
Susanne Bornelöv is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on computational genomics and gene regulation, particularly exploring posttranscriptional mechanisms such as codon optimality-mediated mRNA decay and transposon silencing. She uses computational methods, ribosome profiling, and Drosophila models to study how codon usage, tRNA availability, and RNA modifications influence gene regulation and genome evolution. Her work integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and comparative genomics to model gene regulatory processes and design novel regulatory elements. Key research areas include piRNA clusters' roles in suppressing retroviruses, codon usage bias in pluripotent stem cells, and the interplay between mRNA methylation and protein synthesis. The Bornelöv Group collaborates widely, including with institutions like Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, to advance understanding of fundamental gene expression principles. Publications highlight contributions to topics like deep learning in genomics, evolutionary conserved piRNA mechanisms, and transcriptional regulation. She leads a group open to interns, students, and researchers, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to address complex biological questions.
Zhishan Wang, MD, PhD is a Research Professor in the Department of Pathology at Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine . His work focuses on environmental carcinogenesis , particularly mechanisms of cancer biology and cancer therapy , with a specialization in metal-induced carcinogenicity. Research Interests: Environmental Carcinogenesis Epigenetic and Epitranscriptomic Mechanisms Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling Metal Toxicity Pathobiology Non-Coding RNA Regulatory Networks Scientific Contributions: Analysis of 15 recent publications reveals expertise in: Metal-Induced Oncogenic Pathways (e.g., NF-κB activation, Hedgehog signaling) RNA Modification Dynamics (m6A, lncRNA-splicing interactions) Stem Cell Plasticity in Carcinogenesis Multi-Carcinogen Synergy Mechanisms Epigenetic-Genotoxic Interplay Transcriptomic Reprogramming by Toxicants
Heather R. Christofk is a Professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Her research focuses on the intricate relationship between cellular metabolism and various biological processes, particularly in the contexts of cancer development, stem cell function, and viral infections. Education: PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard University (2007) BS in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology from UCLA (2001) Dr. Christofk's research program centers on understanding how metabolic pathways regulate cellular processes in both normal physiology and disease states. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to support rapid growth and proliferation, with particular focus on glucose metabolism, amino acid utilization, and metabolic adaptations in tumor microenvironments. She has also pioneered work on the metabolic regulation of stem cell function, especially in hair follicle stem cells, demonstrating how metabolic pathways control stem cell activation and differentiation. Her research has important implications for developing novel therapeutic approaches that target cancer metabolism while preserving normal tissue function. Analysis of Dr. Christofk's recent publications reveals a strong focus on metabolic heterogeneity across different biological contexts. Her work spans cancer metabolism (particularly in liposarcoma, melanoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma), stem cell metabolism (especially hair follicle stem cells), viral metabolism (including Epstein-Barr virus and Zika virus), and developmental metabolism (fetal development and organogenesis). A recurring theme is how metabolic pathways serve as regulatory nodes that control cell fate decisions, tumor progression, and therapeutic responses. Selected Research Funding: Metabolic Control of Hair Follicle Stem Cell Homeostasis and Tumorigenesis (NIH R01AR070245, 2018-2023) - Co-Principal Investigator Nutrient regulation of cancer cell growth (NIH R01CA215185, 2017-2022) - Principal Investigator Regulation of the Warburg Effect in Cancer (NIH DP2OD008454, 2011-2016) - Principal Investigator Dr. Christofk's laboratory maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines, working with clinicians, basic scientists, and computational biologists to address complex questions in metabolism and disease. Her team employs a range of cutting-edge techniques including metabolomics, stable isotope tracing, molecular biology, and in vivo models to investigate metabolic regulation in health and disease.
Ana Paula Mora Tavares is an Assistant Researcher at CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Portugal. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Aveiro (2006), preceded by a MSc from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2000) and a BSc from Estadual University of Rio de Janeiro (1997). Her academic career includes postdoctoral research at LSRE/FEUP (2006–2009) and a Ciência 2008-funded independent position (2009–present). She teaches laboratory classes in Microbial Biotechnology at the University of Aveiro and has been involved in COHITEC’s technology commercialization training. Research Interests: Her work focuses on biomolecules purification (e.g., enzymes, antibodies), ionic liquids, aqueous biphasic systems, nanomaterials, and biocatalysis for organic synthesis. She pioneers applications in enzyme immobilization, anticancer drug development (e.g., L-asparaginase), and eco-friendly bioremediation strategies. Current projects include the InsectERA initiative for circular economy innovation. Awards: 2007 Honourable Mention from Companhia União Fabril for PhD thesis Supervision: 3 PhD students (Ana Filipa Soares Pereira, Ana Isabel Bastos Valente, Ana Sofia Correia Marques) Key Projects: InsectERA (circular economy), COHITEC (technology valorization) Labs/Teams: PATh G5 - Biomimetic Materials Group and L3 Sustainability Unit at CICECO. Her research leverages interdisciplinary approaches, combining chemical engineering with nanotechnology for biomedical and environmental applications.
Dr. Athma A Pai is an Associate Professor at UMass Chan Medical School, holding primary appointments in the RNA Therapeutics Institute and the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. She maintains extensive secondary appointments across multiple departments including Genomics and Computational Biology, Systems Biology, and several graduate programs at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, reflecting the highly interdisciplinary nature of her work. Education: BS in Biochemistry/Anthropology from University of Pennsylvania PhD in Human Genetics from University of Chicago Postdoctoral training in RNA Genomics from MIT Dr. Pai's research program centers on RNA biology with particular emphasis on RNA processing, splicing mechanisms, and the regulation of gene expression. Her work investigates how environmental factors influence RNA processing through biochemical, molecular, and genetic mechanisms. She employs cutting-edge genomic and transcriptomic approaches to study alternative polyadenylation, mRNA transcript initiation and termination, and the spatial organization of RNA processing events within cells. Her research has significant implications for understanding fundamental gene regulation mechanisms and their roles in disease processes. Analysis of Dr. Pai's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing high-resolution profiling methods for understanding transcriptional and translational regulation. Her work increasingly integrates computational approaches with experimental biology to investigate how RNA processing events are coordinated across the transcriptome. A notable trend is her exploration of how RNA processing contributes to inflammatory responses and cellular defense mechanisms, with implications for therapeutic development. Dr. Pai actively mentors students through multiple graduate programs at UMass Chan Medical School, including Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Biophysical Chemical and Computational Biology, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, MD/PhD Program, RNA Therapeutics and Biology Program, and Systems Computational and Quantitative Biology. She maintains an active laboratory (Pai Lab) that welcomes postdoctoral researchers interested in RNA biology. Her laboratory website provides additional information about ongoing research projects and opportunities for collaboration and training, and she maintains a professional presence through her Twitter account (@athmapai).
John Prensner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics - Hematology Oncology at the University of Michigan. He is a physician-scientist and pediatric hematologist/oncologist specializing in childhood brain tumors, particularly medulloblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Education: Tufts University (BS 2005), University of Michigan (MD/PhD 2014) Clinical training: Boston Combined Residency, Boston Children's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute fellowship Postdoctoral research: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard His research focuses on: Molecular mechanisms of childhood brain cancers Synthetic lethality in cancer genomics Metabolic dependencies in Group-3 medulloblastoma Non-canonical RNA translation and microproteins in oncogenesis CRISPR screening for therapeutic targets Recent work highlights PELO as a synthetic lethal target in 5% of adult cancers and metabolic vulnerabilities in medulloblastoma, including cuproptosis mechanisms. Collaborations include: @LyssiotisLab (metabolism) @vennetilab @CancerDepMap Carl Koschmann Paul Northcott Deepak Nagrath
Harald Pichler is an Associate Professor and Team Leader at the Institute of Biotechnology (IMBT) at Graz University of Technology. His research focuses on membrane biology, enzyme engineering, and industrial biotechnology using yeast systems like Pichia pastoris . Key projects include engineering microbial membranes for protein secretion, optimizing biocatalysts for terpenoid synthesis, and studying lipid interactions with membrane proteins. Collaborations with companies like DSM and LONZA highlight industrial applications of his work. Research interests span microbial membrane modifications, sterol biosynthesis, and metabolic engineering for producing valuable metabolites. Major contributions include developing yeast strains for high-throughput screening of terpenoids and engineering hydratases for biocatalytic applications. His team also explores protein secretion pathways and membrane protein expression in yeasts, with patent filings for key genetic targets. Current projects involve lipid raft dynamics, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interactions with membranes, and low-cost cell culture media alternatives. Collaborations with academic partners like the University of Geneva and Wageningen University emphasize interdisciplinary approaches. Publications frequently address membrane biophysics, enzyme mechanisms, and yeast strain engineering, reflecting a blend of fundamental and applied research.
Silvia Monticelli is a Group Leader in Molecular Immunology at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona, Switzerland. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Milan and has held research positions at San Raffaele Scientific Institute, King’s College London, and Harvard Medical School. Her research focuses on transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of immune responses, particularly in T lymphocytes and mast cells. Education: Ph.D. – University of Milan, Italy Postdoctoral training – San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan Research training – Randall Institute, King’s College London Research training – Center for Blood Research, Harvard Medical School Research Interests: Silvia Monticelli’s lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that control gene expression in immune cells. Her work spans epigenetic regulation , microRNA function , transcription factor networks , and RNA methylation in T cells and mast cells. A central theme is understanding how these mechanisms shape immune cell identity and function in health and disease. Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2020–2024) reflect a strong emphasis on RNA biology , epigenetic control , and immune regulation . She has contributed to high-impact journals such as Nature , Nature Immunology , and Science Advances , with work ranging from microRNA-mediated control of T cell activation to epigenetic regulation in mast cells and cancer immunity. Scientific Recognition: While no formal awards are listed, her work has been highlighted by editorial commentary and co-corresponding authorships in high-impact journals, indicating recognition within the immunology community. Labs & Affiliations: She leads a research group at the IRB in Bellinzona, focusing on immune cell regulation at the molecular level. Her lab is part of a broader European research network and collaborates with institutions like Harvard and the University of Milan.
Dr. Ting-Yu Shih is an Assistant Professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy . His research focuses on biomaterials-based targeted therapies for precision medicine , particularly in improving cancer treatment safety and efficacy. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences (Bioengineering) from Harvard University under Prof. David Mooney and completed postdoctoral training at Boston University. Education : Ph.D. (2018), Harvard University M.S. (2012), Johns Hopkins University B.S. (2009), Johns Hopkins University Post-doctoral Fellow (2019-2024), Boston University Dr. Shih’s work spans hydrogels , nanoparticles , and RNA vaccines , with recent studies on self-amplifying RNA platforms, tumor extracellular matrix targeting, and mast cell stabilizers for diabetic wound healing. His research has been supported by the International Lung Cancer Foundation Fellowship Grant (2023) . Selected publications highlight innovations in ultrasound-triggered drug delivery , compression-induced adipocyte behavior , and biomaterial-enhanced immunotherapy . Collaborative efforts include injectable scaffolds for vascular grafts and bone marrow engineering. Scientific Awards : International Lung Cancer Foundation Fellowship Grant (2023)
