Dr. Joe R. Delaney's research at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how certain genetic changes in tumors can affect their behavior and response to treatment. Specifically, his lab investigates a group of proteins called metallothioneins, which are involved in regulating metals in cells and can influence tumor development, especially in ovarian cancer. This research aims to find new ways to target these genetic vulnerabilities in cancer cells, ultimately leading to improved therapies for patients.

Dr. Kathryn D Meyer's lab focuses on understanding how certain modifications to RNA affect the functioning of immune cells in the brain, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease. The research aims to unravel how microglia, the brain's immune cells, respond to inflammation and contribute to neurodegeneration. By studying a specific RNA modification known as m6A, the lab seeks to uncover new potential biomarkers and treatment targets for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Laura F Landweber's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how natural processes in tiny organisms called microbial eukaryotes, like Oxytricha, edit their genomes. They explore complex ways DNA and RNA are processed and rearranged, shedding light on genetic diversity and evolution. This research is important because it can reveal insights into genetic disorders and cancers seen in humans.

Dr. Maria M. Mihaylova's research lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding how aging affects cancer metabolism. Her team studies the metabolic changes in tumors and their surrounding environments as people age, with the goal of discovering new insights into cancer initiation and progression. By using advanced techniques to analyze single cells, they aim to uncover how diets and microbiome metabolites influence these processes, potentially transforming how we treat cancers in older individuals.

Dr. Hanna Mikkola's lab at UCLA studies how different forms of a protein called MLLT3 influence the growth and behavior of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are crucial for blood formation. They aim to understand how these protein variants can help improve the self-renewal and differentiation of HSCs, which is important for potential therapies for blood diseases. This research could lead to better ways to generate stem cells for treatments.

Dr. Ding Xue's lab focuses on understanding how certain biological processes, like the removal of paternal mitochondria in embryos and the effects of radiation on cells, impact development and health. They investigate the mechanisms behind these processes to uncover how defects can lead to diseases, including mitochondrial disorders. The research aims to identify new targets for treatments that could improve outcomes for patients experiencing these issues.

Dr. Dmitry Temiakov's lab focuses on understanding how our cells replicate and transcribe mitochondrial DNA, which is critical for energy production and overall cell function. The lab investigates the structures and mechanisms of dedicated enzymes that carry out these processes, aiming to unveil insights that could help in treating diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. This research not only enhances our basic understanding of cellular biology but also contributes to addressing degenerative diseases linked to aging and mitochondrial mutations.

The McCommis lab at Saint Louis University focuses on understanding how the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) works and its role in cellular metabolism. They conduct experiments using both in vitro techniques and genetic mouse models to uncover the structural dynamics of the MPC. Their research aims to reveal how this transporter contributes to energy production and metabolic regulation, particularly in the context of diseases like diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders.

Dr. Golam Mohi's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind specific blood disorders called myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic syndromes. They study how certain gene mutations lead to abnormal blood cell production and increased risk of cancer. The goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies to improve treatment options for these conditions.

Dr. Heather Montie's lab focuses on understanding a neuromuscular disease called spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). The team investigates how a specific enzyme, CD38, can influence energy production in muscle cells, potentially leading to new therapies for SBMA. Using advanced techniques like CRISPR and stem cell technology, they aim to explore metabolic dysfunction in affected individuals and identify clinical interventions.

Dr. Moorthy P. Ponnusamy's lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center focuses on understanding how specific sugar molecules on proteins, called truncated O-glycans, affect the spread of pancreatic cancer. They investigate how these sugar alterations influence cancer behavior and contribute to the aggressive nature of the disease. Their work aims to develop potential new treatments by manipulating these sugar structures.

Dr. James H. Morrissey’s lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding the complex mechanisms behind blood clotting, particularly how certain molecules can cause harmful blood clots leading to conditions like heart attacks and strokes. The research aims to differentiate between normal blood clotting processes and those that result in disease, offering insights that could lead to new treatments for thrombotic disorders. Through exploring aspects such as tissue factor interaction and procoagulant polymers, this lab contributes to improving public health outcomes related to clotting disorders.

Dr. Joshua C. Munger's lab studies how human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) interacts with the immune system and how cytokines can help protect against viral infections. The research focuses on understanding the balance between the immune response and viral evasion strategies, particularly investigating how metabolism can be altered to resist infection. The lab aims to uncover novel mechanisms that can be targeted for therapeutic interventions against HCMV, which is a significant cause of disease in immunocompromised patients and can lead to severe congenital disabilities.

Dr. Mary Munson's lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on understanding how cells transport materials inside them using small vesicles. The research explores the proteins involved in the fusion of these vesicles with cellular membranes, which is crucial for processes like hormone release and neurotransmission. By studying specific proteins, particularly in the model organism yeast, the lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of vesicle transport and its implications for various diseases.

Dr. Sujatha Jagannathan's lab at the University of Colorado Denver focuses on understanding a muscle disease called facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The lab's research investigates how a protein called DUX4 disrupts RNA processing in muscle cells, leading to toxicity and muscle degeneration. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms at play, the lab aims to identify potential new treatments for FSHD and other similar neuromuscular conditions.

Dr. Sally Molloy's lab at the University of Maine focuses on understanding how certain viruses, known as prophages, help mycobacteria resist antibiotics. This research is important because infections caused by drug-resistant mycobacteria present a major public health challenge. By investigating the mechanisms that these prophages use to alter gene expression and enhance bacterial survival, the lab aims to provide insights that could improve treatment options for resistant infections.

Dr. Na Ji's lab at UC Berkeley focuses on advancing optical imaging techniques to monitor neuronal activity with unprecedented speed and resolution. They are working on optimizing a technology called FACED, which will enhance the capability of two-photon microscopy to examine large areas of the brain at high frame rates. Their research aims to make these advanced imaging methods more accessible for various biological studies, ultimately contributing to our understanding of brain function and neural signaling.

Dr. Geeta J Narlikar's lab at UCSF focuses on understanding how chromatin, the material that makes up our DNA, is regulated in cells. They study both active and repressed states of chromatin, which are crucial for maintaining cellular identity and function. By investigating the mechanisms of chromatin remodeling and phase separation, the lab aims to discover how these processes relate to development and diseases, particularly cancer.

Dr. Susann Brady-Kalnay's lab focuses on understanding how cancer cells invade and metastasize along nerves. By investigating a specific biomarker found in cancer that is linked to this nerve growth, they are developing nanoparticles that can be used for both imaging and treatment of metastatic breast cancer. This research aims to improve early detection and provide better therapeutic outcomes through targeted therapies and enhanced radiation treatment.

Dr. Volker Hartenstein's lab at UCLA studies how brain circuits develop and control behavior, using fruit flies (Drosophila) as a model organism. The team focuses on a specific brain circuit involved in navigation, investigating how neurons are connected and how they function to help flies find food and avoid danger. By mapping these connections and employing genetic tools, they aim to understand both larval and adult brain functions and their adaptations during development.