Dr. Xaralabos Varelas's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how aging affects head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and their associated immune responses. The lab explores how mechanical signals from the extracellular matrix in older tissues influence tumor growth and the tumor microenvironment, aiming to uncover new therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, their work seeks to improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from HNSCC.

Dr. Mikel Garcia-Marcos leads a research lab at Boston University Medical Campus that focuses on understanding how G proteins, which are important for cellular signaling, operate and can be regulated. His team investigates novel regulatory components that influence G protein pathways, particularly in relation to neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. The lab employs innovative techniques to explore the flexibility and complexity of these signaling mechanisms, aiming to find new ways to treat cognitive decline and related disorders.

Dr. Joseph Zaia's lab focuses on improving influenza vaccines by studying how the virus's surface proteins, specifically hemagglutinin (HA), are modified with sugars (glycosylation). By understanding the relationship between these sugar modifications and the immune response they provoke, the team aims to design better vaccines that can be more effective against the ever-evolving virus. This research could lead to the development of a universal vaccine that protects against various strains of the virus.

The Lau Lab at Boston University Medical Campus studies how transposable elements, which are pieces of DNA that can move around in the genome, affect aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They focus on the natural RNA interference (RNAi) system that helps to silence these elements and maintain genomic stability, particularly when they're activated during aging. The lab conducts research using genetic and genomic techniques, particularly in the Drosophila model, to explore the mechanisms by which transposable element RNAs are regulated in humans and their potential impact on diseases.

David A Harris's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind inherited prion diseases—neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded proteins. By using advanced techniques like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the lab studies how mutations in prion proteins lead to neuronal damage and other cellular dysfunctions. This research aims to uncover potential therapies not only for prion diseases but also for related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.