Dr. Reuben S. Harris leads a research lab focused on understanding APOBEC enzymes and their role in cancer mutations. His team studies how these enzymes contribute to genetic changes in various cancer types, such as bladder and breast cancer, which can lead to treatment resistance and metastasis. The lab aims to develop new therapies that inhibit these enzymes, ultimately improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Dr. Patrick Sung's lab studies the intricate mechanisms by which cells repair harmful DNA damage, specifically focusing on a critical repair process called homology-directed repair (HDR). By understanding how various proteins interact to facilitate or inhibit this process, the lab aims to uncover insights into cancer biology, particularly regarding how the failure of these repair pathways can lead to tumor development. Their research is aimed at developing new therapeutic strategies for treating cancers associated with defects in DNA repair processes.

Dr. Shaun Olsen's lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins called RAD51 paralogs help repair damaged DNA in cells. Their research is crucial for maintaining genome integrity, and they explore how failures in this repair process can lead to cancer. By studying these complex protein interactions, they aim to develop new cancer therapies targeting DNA repair pathways.

Dr. Yogesh K Gupta's lab focuses on understanding how the SARS-CoV-2 virus modifies its RNA to evade the human immune system. By studying a specific protein complex that adds a chemical cap to the viral RNA, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that can help develop therapies for COVID-19 and potentially other viral infections. The research combines structural biology, molecular tools, and drug development to create innovative antiviral treatments.

Dr. Dmitri N Ivanov's research focuses on understanding how a protein called SAMHD1 helps the body's immune system fight against HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS. This protein regulates the levels of deoxynucleotides, which are vital for various cellular functions including DNA repair. His lab studies the biochemical properties and regulatory mechanisms of SAMHD1 to explore how it can enhance antiviral defense in non-dividing immune cells.

Dr. Jean X Jiang's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an especially aggressive form of breast cancer that disproportionately affects younger patients and women of color. The lab is working on creating novel drugs that target adenosine receptors to inhibit tumor growth and enhance anti-tumor immunity. By employing advanced technologies in drug design and testing in animal models, the aim is to generate effective therapies that improve the survival of patients with this challenging disease.