Dr. Bidadi Venkataram Prasad's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding the structure and function of rotaviruses, which are a leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy, to investigate how viral proteins contribute to the virus's ability to replicate and form infectious particles. Their research aims to provide critical insights that can lead to new antiviral strategies against rotavirus infection and improve vaccine effectiveness.

Dr. Jin Wang's lab focuses on developing new cancer treatments by targeting specific proteins in cells. The team studies how these proteins influence immune responses in cancer therapy, particularly in the context of experimental treatments that could make current therapies more effective. By investigating the role of RIPK1 — a protein that affects cell survival and immune signaling — they aim to create new drugs that help patients who do not respond to existing cancer immunotherapies.

Dr. Zhao Wang's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding how certain bacterial proteins known as efflux pumps help bacteria resist antibiotics. By studying the structure and assembly of these pumps using advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind multidrug resistance in pathogens like E. coli. This research is crucial for developing new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance, a significant public health threat.

Dr. Thomas Westbrook's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on developing innovative strategies to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of cancer. The lab studies how manipulating RNA splicing can activate the immune response against tumors, potentially improving the efficacy of cancer therapies. By understanding the relationship between RNA splicing and immune signaling, the lab aims to enhance treatment outcomes for TNBC patients.