Dr. Emad S Alnemri's lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on understanding the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in the body's inflammatory response. They investigate how this complex is activated in response to infections and tissue damage, which may lead to various inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and type 2 diabetes. By studying the molecular mechanisms behind NLRP3 activation, they aim to discover new therapeutic approaches to manage these conditions.

Dr. Diane E Merry's lab focuses on understanding spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the androgen receptor. By studying cellular and animal models, the lab aims to uncover the role of protein interactions related to this disease and to develop potential therapeutic strategies. This work seeks to ultimately provide insights into not just SBMA, but also other neurodegenerative conditions associated with protein misfolding.

Erik Debler's lab at Thomas Jefferson University studies a type of parasite called the African trypanosome, which causes serious diseases like sleeping sickness. The team focuses on understanding how this parasite regulates its genes using special enzymes that modify DNA. By uncovering these mechanisms, they hope to find new treatments for infections caused by these parasites, which affect millions of people worldwide.

Dr. Ya-Ming Hou's research lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on discovering new antibiotics to fight resistant Gram-negative bacteria, which are notoriously difficult to target due to their protective double membrane. The lab aims to inhibit a specific bacterial enzyme, TrmD, that is crucial for protein synthesis. By screening natural products from various microbial sources, the lab hopes to identify new compounds that can penetrate bacterial cells and effectively kill these resistant organisms.

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.

Dr. Yohei Kirino's lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on understanding the role of small non-coding RNAs in acute lung injury (ALI), a serious respiratory condition. The lab aims to uncover how specific types of RNA derived from tRNA and rRNA contribute to the inflammatory response in ALI, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Using a novel sequencing technique, the lab's research may lead to new insights into potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for treating this condition.

Dr. Christine M. Eischen's lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on studying oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a common and aggressive oral cancer. The research aims to uncover new vulnerabilities in OSCC, especially in cases where the tumor suppressor p53 is inactivated, to improve treatment methods. The lab is investigating a novel protein degrader that targets Mdm2, a protein essential for the survival of p53-null cancers, with the goal of increasing tumor immunogenicity and overcoming resistance to current therapies.

Dr. Richard T. Pomerantz leads a research lab at Thomas Jefferson University focused on DNA repair mechanisms, specifically those involving double-strand breaks and their implications in cancer therapy. His team's work includes developing targeted drugs for BRCA-deficient cancers and new treatments for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). They utilize innovative strategies to improve existing therapies and explore previously unrecognized DNA repair pathways.

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.