Sign in

Lukasz Bugaj

@bugajlab.bsky.social
564 followers 175 following 103 posts

Associate Professor @ Penn Bioengineering. Optogenetics, thermogenetics, synthetic biology, cancer cell signaling, cell stress, bio-tinkering. www.bugajlab.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
jared toettcher @toettch.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
New Toettchlab paper alert! Harrison Oatman just published his beautiful work combining software design for "smart" microscopy+optogenetics and some really beautiful work understanding EGFR-driven collective cell migration. www.cell.com/cell-systems...
213942
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
A bit late but…Tenured! Immense gratitude for those who got us here. Firstly the students/postdocs (too many to list!) who took a chance on an unproven lab and were unafraid to pursue some strange new ideas. I couldn't have predicted our path, and I couldn’t be more excited for what's next.
6214
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
#CellSigSRC
010
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Zikang (Dennis) Huang @dennishuang.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Wanna know more about a photoreceptor that encodes a signal adaptation circuit in a single protein, its evolution, and how we engineer it into different info processing modes? Check out poster #26 (and flash talk!) on Tuesday at FASEB signaling!
062
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Missed the deadline to submit an abstract to #FASEB Dynamics and Encoding in Cell Signaling (June 21-25)? Fear not: abstract deadline has been extended for 1 more week, until *Sunday May 10*. Several speaker slots and travel awards remain! events.faseb.org/event/Dynami... #CellSigSRC
131
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Abstracts are due this Sunday, April 26th! ⏰ Come present your latest work to a fantastic community of researchers interested in all aspects of how cell signal dynamics regulate biological function. events.faseb.org/event/Dynami...
events.faseb.org
Abstracts/Presentations - Dynamics and Encoding in Cell Signaling.
Explore advances in cell communication, signaling, and imaging tech at this unique conference, bridging diverse molecular pathways and systems biology.
010
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Abstracts due in 2 weeks for the Signal Dynamics FASEB! Many speaking slots will be filled from submitted abstracts events.faseb.org/event/Dynami...
events.faseb.org
Abstracts/Presentations - Dynamics and Encoding in Cell Signaling.
Explore advances in cell communication, signaling, and imaging tech at this unique conference, bridging diverse molecular pathways and systems biology.
024
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
FASEB @faseborg.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Encode the cell signals for this "dynamic" conference! Featuring keynotes Tobias Meyer of @weillcornell.bsky.social and @jinzhanglab.bsky.social, alongside organizers Mary Teruel, Eric Batchelor, @bugajlab.bsky.social, and Andrew Paek. Register and submit your abstract by April 26: buff.ly/YMRzst4
002
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
The Hughes lab @hugheslabpenn.bsky.social develops a robust optogenetic RET receptor and shows it can drive shape changes characteristic of kidney development. Will be exciting to see how opto can help us comprehend development of complex tissue structures
010
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Abstract submission now open for the Signaling Dynamics FASEB in Nashville (6/21-25, 2026)! events.faseb.org/event/Dynami... Many speaking slots from submitted abstracts, with a focus on emerging work from trainees and early-career. Come for the science, stay for the line dancing.
events.faseb.org
Abstracts/Presentations - Dynamics and Encoding in Cell Signaling.
Explore advances in cell communication, signaling, and imaging tech at this unique conference, bridging diverse molecular pathways and systems biology.
030
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Speaker lineup posted for FASEB: Dynamics and Encoding in Cell Signaling (June 2026)! Live-cell imaging, biosensors, signal dynamics, and quant. modeling/analysis, across the biosciences. Stellar lineup, Keynotes from Tobias Meyer and Jin Zhang Join us in Nashville! tinyurl.com/bd9wmyve
073
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Alex Hughes Lab @hugheslabpenn.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Check out our new @natbiotech.nature.com review on how to build kidneys & other epithelial organs using principles from embryonic development. Led by Emma Warrner and @azyhuang.bsky.social. www.nature.com/articles/s41... rdcu.be/e3fy0
rdcu.be
Developmentally inspired synthetic kidney engineering
Nature Biotechnology - Hughes and colleagues present a developmentally inspired tissue engineering strategy to overcome barriers in kidney tissue generation, enhancing prospects for renal...
095
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Zikang (Dennis) Huang @dennishuang.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
@GRC photoreceptor and signal transduction now! Please come and check my poster #22 on single proteins that’s adaptive to light stimulation!
041
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Now in print at ACS Synbio! Introducing Aviatar: a concept for inducible translocation to any cell compartment using only a 1-component probe pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
pubs.acs.org
Optogenetic Translocation to Subcellular Compartments through Regulation of Protein Avidity
Inducible translocation to subcellular compartments is a common strategy for protein switches that control a variety of cell behaviors. However, existing switches achieve translocation through induced...
0196
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Zikang (Dennis) Huang @dennishuang.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Our new paper just out! pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
pubs.acs.org
Optogenetic Translocation to Subcellular Compartments through Regulation of Protein Avidity
Inducible translocation to subcellular compartments is a common strategy for protein switches that control a variety of cell behaviors. However, existing switches achieve translocation through induced...
2139
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Joel Boerckel @jboerckel.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
Defending PhD student, looking over their thesis: “If I knew then what I know now, I could’ve done all of this in like 9 months.” A thread about my favorite pioneering cave explorers and why I don’t think AI will ever “solve” biology.
38832
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Speaker lineup posted for FASEB: Dynamics and Encoding in Cell Signaling (June 2026)! Live-cell imaging, biosensors, signal dynamics, and quant. modeling/analysis, across the biosciences. Stellar lineup, Keynotes from Tobias Meyer and Jin Zhang Join us in Nashville! tinyurl.com/bd9wmyve
073
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Zikang (Dennis) Huang @dennishuang.bsky.social · 25/12/2025
lol real love
011
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Prakash Lab at Stanford @prakashlab.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
(1/n) What if you never had to make your bed? What if your laundry could fold itself? Folding is everywhere around us - but did you know that folding flat sheets are at the ❤️ of diversity of shapes in the animal world - since 500 million years ago. Our latest work: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nudC...
youtube.com
Self-folding laundry
YouTube video by PrakashLab
35616
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
🚨Preprint 2/2: Several studies implicate condensates in RTK fusion onco-signaling. So we were surprised to find that condensates are entirely dispensable😮(!). A study from proteins to mice, by dynamic duo @davidgonzmar.bsky.social and @trmumford.bsky.social. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6... 👇
12010
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
🚨New preprint(1/2)! We show that RTK fusion oncoproteins broadly suppress EGFR signaling. How? Sequestration of adapters as the shared principle. Led by superb PhD student Carol Gao. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... Implications for drug tolerance/resistance, and includes one big surprise🫧.👇
21918
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Alex Hughes Lab @hugheslabpenn.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Researcher back to at least 1912 have noticed that nephrons, the blood-filtering units of the kidney, tend to be born just as the nearest epithelial tubule begins to branch. This tree of tubes is called the 'ureteric bud epithelium' - the future urinary collecting system.
111
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
🤩🤯 work by @hugheslabpenn.bsky.social: cyclic mechanics entrain proper dev’t timing/patterning in the kidney. Super innovative concepts and approach, congrats all!!
030
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Louis Prahl @lsprahl.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Our lab neighbors @bugajlab.bsky.social are presenting some cool cell signaling science today and tomorrow at #CellBio2025!
032
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
#Cellbio2025 come see the latest from the lab, including on opto/thermogenetics, condensates, RTK fusions, stress granules, biosensors of clustering. Talks and posters today and tomorrow!
186
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Zikang (Dennis) Huang @dennishuang.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
#cellbio2025 please stop by my talk (Mon 4:35 evolution) and poster (Mon 12:45 #B479 optogenetics) tmr! Title: Intraprotein domain competition dictates pulsatile response of photoreceptors shaped by temperature and evolution. BcLOV4 as a model. I’m also looking for postdoc opportunities!
0166
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Aria 哲媛 Huang @azyhuang.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
if you are attending #CellBio2025 please check out the posters from our lab @hugheslabpenn.bsky.social. The lab will have a great showing this year featuring my talented colleagues @lsprahl.bsky.social @danielalber.bsky.social and many others!
095
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
#CellBio2025 come check out the workshop on applying optogenetic tools in cell biology! Today (Sunday) at 5:30p in Rm 121. Note that this session does *not* appear in the app for some reason
0104
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Jason Zhang 🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸 @jasonzxzhang.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
My lab website is now live! My lab feels a bit real now 🥺. Website: www.jasonzhanglab.com
0155
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Ningaloo Biosystems @ningaloobio.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Join us at the 2nd Workshop on Biological Control Systems by @bioctrl.bsky.social . On Nov 19 at 3 PM CET, Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Gebel will present Ningaloo’s work on optogenetic control in biomanufacturing and its role in cyber-bioproduction. 📝Register: lnkd.in/enrHdv_m #optogenetics #synbiology
033
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
MIT Department of Biological Engineering @mitdeptofbe.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
BE Seminar Series this Thurs w Lukasz Bugaj University of Pennsylvania “Using Light, Temperature, and Protein Condensation to Understand and Control Cells” be.mit.edu/our-community/seminars
031
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Kevin Gardner @nmrkaygee.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Absolutely outrageous interference in NIH extramural funding by OMB dropping this evening. Damaging to our nation’s world leadership, innovation, and training today and for years in the future. www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
wsj.com
Trump Administration Puts New Chokehold on Billions in Health-Research Funding
The National Institutes of Health can’t award grants to outside researchers under a new White House restriction.
32219
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Tara Deans @genegirl007.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Don’t miss this great opportunity for a wonderful workshop run by NCI to discuss genetic tools and omics to better understand cancer. Join us to learn and contribute to unraveling the complexities of cancer. Let’s do this together! Details 👇🏼
031
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Last day to apply!
010
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Explore how synthetic & systems biology can advance our understanding of cancer initiation at NCI’s virtual S³ Innovation Lab! Synthetic biologists particularly encouraged to apply! Application deadline now June 5: apply.knowinnovation.com/s3-cancer-in...
apply.knowinnovation.com
s3-cancer-initiation
000
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Final #SynSysBio4SpatialCancerResearch workshop (#3) on Tuesday! Drug response and resistance Featuring: Gordon Mills, Kathryn Miller-Jensen, Matt Thomson, Brian Brown, Stacey Finley, Andriy Marusyk, Pulin Li, Karmella Haynes, Arjun Raj, Justin Prichard events.cancer.gov/nci/syntheti...
010
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Join us Thursday (tomorrow!) for session 2: Tumor-Immune Interactions. Including: Thea Tlsty, Karin Pelka, Evanthia Roussos Torres, Rogelio Hernandez-Lopez, Elizabeth Wayne, Jose Reyes, Xiaojing Gao, Tullia Bruno, Lucas Pelkmans, Josh Leonard events.cancer.gov/nci/syntheti...
events.cancer.gov
Synthetic and Systems Approaches to Interrogate Spatiotemporal Processes in Cancer (Overview) | Events Registration
Overview This series of virtual mini workshops will explore how synthetic and systems biology can advance our understanding of spatially defined processes in cancer. Each interactive workshop will foc...
010
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Michael Baym @baym.lol · 14/05/2025
Yesterday, the NIH R35 “Outstanding Investigator” grant to fund scientists in my lab studying antibiotic resistance was terminated for reasons not related to the content of the science, or any actions taken by me or members of my lab
A screenshot of the termination notice showing "Outstanding Investigator Grants"A screenshot of the termination notice with "This award is terminated effective the date of this award, due to unsafe antisemitic actions that suggest the institution lacks concern for the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students." highlighted
145875575
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Dr. Allyson Sgro @allysonsgro.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
“Maybe if people see [images from my research], they will understand why I want to get back to work.” www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | The Science I Would Be Doing if I Weren’t in ICE Detention
031
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
First session *tomorrow*, on Tumor Initiation. Speakers: Lau, Dumitrascu, Snyder, Schutt Ibsen, Cukierman, Burdziak, Stevens, Bugaj, Lander, Khalil Join us for this interactive event! events.cancer.gov/nci/syntheti... #SynSysBio4SpatialCancerResearch
events.cancer.gov
010
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Are you interested in synthetic and systems biology approaches to study #spatiotemporal processes in cancer? Join NCI for virtual workshops on May 13, 15, & 20 (next week!) from 12:00–4:30 PM ET: registration: events.cancer.gov/nci/syntheti... #SynSysBio4SpatialCancerResearch
1117
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Proteins often bind targets using avidity, the combined interaction strength of multiple weak binders. Now we’ve harnessed this principle for compact, *single*-component optogenetic tools for translocation. Lead by phenom PhD student @dennishuang.bsky.social #synbiosky🧵 📝 tinyurl.com/aviatar
1197
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
bioRxiv SysBio @biorxiv-sysbio.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Pulsatory response of the BcLOV4 photoreceptor through intramolecular feed-forward regulation www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/202…
112
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Super clever, turning biosensors into bio-actuators. 👏👏👏
000
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Ophir Shalem @ophirshalem.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Check out our paper, now extensively revised and published in @cp-molcell.bsky.social! This has been a real tour de force led by Stephanie Sansbury and @ysereb.bsky.social and we are very excited about the findings and future potential of this approach www.cell.com/molecular-ce...
cell.com
Pooled tagging and hydrophobic targeting of endogenous proteins for unbiased mapping of unfolded protein responses
Sansbury and Serebrenik et al. use pooled gene tagging with in situ sequencing and high-throughput image analysis to generate a cell pool with endogenous HaloTag fusions. Hydrophobic targeting is then...
24113
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
Katherine W. Rogers @katwrog.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Happy to share a new preprint from my lab! We characterize the on/off kinetics, light dosage-dependence, and more for a suite of optogenetic signaling activators in zebrafish embryos 💡 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
biorxiv.org
An optogenetic toolkit for robust activation of FGF, BMP, and Nodal signaling in zebrafish
Cell signaling regulates a wide range of biological processes including development, homeostasis, and disease. Accessible technologies to precisely manipulate signaling have important applications in ...
910436
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
New preprint! We found dynamic signal processing (IFFL) in a single protein, which pulses in response to step inputs. New insights for capability of protein computation + implications for new opto and thermo probes www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... Check out the 🧵 from first author Dennis Huang:
172
Reposted by Lukasz Bugaj
jared toettcher @toettch.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
I'm so happy to report that our preprint on light-induced collective cell migration has now been published in Cell Systems! This project was a lot of fun and will be the basis for a lot of our ongoing & future work.
cell.com
Large-scale control over collective cell migration using light-activated epidermal growth factor receptors
Programmable control over tissue movement is a fundamental challenge for tissue engineering and wound healing. Suh, Thornton, et al. discovered that a light-controlled EGF receptor controls long-range...
25017
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
everyone doing image analysis should try Nimbus. Hands down the freshest and most intuitive, user-friendly platform. Powerful functions for cell labelling, single-cell tracking (+track fixing), simple back-and-forth between data and images. And web-based, so easy sharing of data/annotations w/ link
171
Lukasz Bugaj @bugajlab.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Our paper on 96-well control of temperature is now out @cp-cellsystems.bsky.social. Exceedingly proud of this work led by Will Benman, plus Pavan Iyengar, @trmumford.bsky.social, and much of our lab. Come for DIY hardware, stay for the stress granule dynamics and memory🧵 📝 tinyurl.com/thermoPlate
2195