Dr. Steven B. McMahon's lab at Thomas Jefferson University studies how exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, leads to lung cancer. His research focuses on a specific RNA modification enzyme, METTL3, to understand its role in promoting tumor growth and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in lung tissues. By uncovering the mechanisms behind these processes, the lab aims to identify potential biomarkers for cancer detection and prevention in individuals exposed to chromium.

Dr. Santhosh Girirajan's lab at Penn State University focuses on understanding how genetic variations lead to different developmental and behavioral outcomes in individuals with complex disorders. The research primarily investigates the effects of a specific chromosome deletion (16p12.1) and how it interacts with other genetic factors to influence susceptibility to conditions such as neurodevelopmental disorders. By studying these interactions in model organisms, the lab aims to shed light on the mechanisms behind phenotypic variability and improve strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

Arthur G. Palmer's lab focuses on understanding how the shapes of proteins and their movements influence their functions in biological processes. They study conformational changes in proteins—like how they fold or interact with other molecules—using advanced techniques such as NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Their research has implications for various diseases and can aid in the design of new therapeutic agents.

Marcus Michael Seldin's lab at UC Irvine focuses on understanding how different organs communicate with each other, particularly in the context of diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. By combining computational tools with experimental research, the lab aims to identify and validate new endocrine signaling pathways. This innovative integration of bioinformatics and experimental techniques will help uncover the mechanisms of organ communication and their implications in metabolic diseases.

Dr. John M. Denu's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how cellular metabolism influences the epigenome, the layer of regulation above our DNA. By studying how enzymes modify proteins and how these modifications are affected by nutrition and environmental signals, the lab aims to uncover the intricate mechanisms connecting metabolism and gene expression, ultimately seeking insights into disease causes and potential drug developments.

Dr. Brian Strahl's lab at the University of North Carolina focuses on understanding how proteins that modify and manage histones—key components of our DNA—affect gene expression and chromatin structure. By studying the roles of these proteins and their modifications, especially in diseases like cancer, the lab aims to fill gaps in our knowledge about how genes are regulated and potentially identify new treatment targets. Students in the lab will engage with cutting-edge research at the intersection of biochemistry and genetics.

David Bilder's lab at UC Berkeley focuses on understanding the biology of epithelial tissues, which are essential for forming protective barriers in animals. The lab uses fruit flies, Drosophila, to study how these tissues develop their shapes and how they respond to injuries. This research aims to uncover important mechanisms that can help repair damaged organs and prevent congenital defects.

Dr. Laura J. Blair's lab at the University of South Florida studies the role of a protein called FKBP51 in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how it relates to neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression. The lab uses mouse models to investigate whether modifying FKBP51 can protect against nerve cell damage linked to tau protein accumulation. This research could enhance understanding of Alzheimer's progression and identify potential therapeutic targets for improving mental health in affected patients.

Megan Y Dennis's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how human gene duplications influence neurodevelopment and are linked to various neurological disorders. Their research employs innovative techniques like CRISPR and utilizes zebrafish as a model organism to study the effects of duplicated genes on brain development. Additionally, the lab is developing improved computational approaches to identify genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in complex regions of the human genome.

Dr. Jennifer B Jacob's lab focuses on discovering and targeting genes involved in cancer progression, specifically using mouse models that mimic human cancers. They investigate regulatory genes and their potential as targets for cancer therapies, studying immune responses and intervention strategies to improve treatment outcomes. Through advanced genetic analysis and bioinformatics, the lab aims to enhance our understanding of tumor immunity and develop new cancer treatment approaches.

Dr. George Lucian Moldovan's lab studies how cells manage DNA damage during replication. They focus on understanding the mechanisms that prevent and repair damage to DNA, which is crucial for maintaining genomic stability and preventing diseases like cancer. By exploring the roles of specific proteins in repairing DNA, the lab aims to uncover insights that could improve cancer therapies and enhance our understanding of how cells respond to DNA damage.

Dr. Joshua Levitz's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins and receptors in the brain regulate neuronal signaling, particularly through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). His research explores the interactions between different types of receptors and their accessory proteins, which play critical roles in brain function and can influence neurological and psychiatric disorders. By employing advanced techniques like microscopy and electrophysiology, the lab aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors operate and their implications for treating various mental health conditions.

Dr. Stephen Wiley Ragsdale's lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins regulate critical processes related to heme and carbon monoxide in human health. Their research explores how these proteins protect against diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular and neurological disorders, and investigates the mechanisms by which these proteins interact with metals and signaling molecules. This work has broad implications for both understanding human metabolism and developing new biotechnologies.

Dr. Guochun Jiang's lab at UNC Chapel Hill focuses on understanding HIV latency and the molecular mechanisms that control HIV reservoirs in the brain. Their research investigates how specific epigenetic modifications influence the behavior of HIV, particularly in myeloid cells in the central nervous system. By developing new therapeutic strategies, the lab aims to find ways to disrupt HIV latency and enhance treatment effectiveness for individuals living with HIV.

Dr. Yan Cui's research lab focuses on understanding how a specific pathway in the immune system affects head and neck cancers, particularly those that arise due to tobacco and alcohol use. The team studies how certain molecules in the tumor environment, like CD73 and its receptor A2BR, help tumors evade the immune system, making them harder to treat. By exploring these interactions, the lab aims to develop new therapies that can enhance immune responses against these aggressive cancers.

Dr. Ivan Marazzi's lab at UC Irvine focuses on understanding how inflammation affects disease responses during infections and in neurodegenerative conditions like ALS. Their current projects explore how the immune system, particularly certain T cells, influences the severity of COVID-19 and a rare juvenile form of motor neuron disease. The lab aims to develop therapeutic strategies based on their findings to better manage these diseases.

Dr. Xiangpeng Kong's lab is focused on developing innovative vaccines against HIV/AIDS, particularly targeting a crucial site on the HIV-1 virus that can elicit strong immune responses. They utilize a unique approach by combining HIV fusion peptide immunogens with cholera toxin subunit B to create potent vaccine candidates. The lab aims to enhance the effectiveness and coverage of antibody responses that could lead to a successful vaccine against HIV.

Dr. Karen L. Adelman's lab at Harvard Medical School focuses on understanding how the Integrator complex regulates gene expression in response to various signals. This work is crucial for deciphering mechanisms underlying normal development and diseases that arise from dysfunctions in these processes, such as cancer and developmental disorders. The research provides insights into how cells respond to stress and environmental cues by controlling the production of messenger RNA.

Dr. Sharon L. Campbell's research lab at the University of North Carolina focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which mutated proteins contribute to cancer, particularly through the study of KRAS, a protein often mutated in lung cancers. The lab employs a variety of techniques to explore how these mutations can be targeted with innovative drugs, enhancing therapeutic strategies and potentially improving patient outcomes. Additionally, the lab delves into the roles of specific cell adhesion proteins in regulating cellular movement and stability, aiming to uncover pathways that could lead to new treatments for associated diseases.

The lab led by Stephen G. Sligar at the University of Illinois focuses on understanding how membrane proteins work within lipid bilayers, which are essential for cell function. By using a special technology called Nanodiscs, which create small, stable environments that mimic natural cellular conditions, the lab explores how these proteins affect processes like hormone production and drug metabolism. This research aims to reveal the intricate mechanisms behind cell signaling and communication, key areas important for health and disease.