Dr. Keriann Marie Backus leads a research lab at UCLA focused on developing advanced techniques to discover new cancer drug targets. Her work emphasizes the use of chemoproteomics, a method that utilizes mass spectrometry to identify proteins that can be targeted by cysteine-reactive drugs. By improving screening methods and enhancing the detection of functionally relevant cysteines, her lab aims to facilitate the discovery of powerful new therapeutics for precision cancer treatment.

Dr. Aparna Bhaduri's research lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how the human brain develops, particularly the processes that determine the specific types of cells formed in different brain areas. By studying how these processes go awry in conditions like neurodevelopmental disorders, the lab aims to improve models for brain development and potentially find new approaches to treat these disorders.

Dr. Feng Guo's lab focuses on discovering new cancer drugs that target specific RNA structures involved in cancer development. By using advanced techniques in crystallography, the lab aims to identify small molecules that can inhibit harmful RNA called microRNAs, which contribute to cancer. Their innovative approach could lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment by designing therapies that are more effective and targeted.

Peter Michael Clark's lab at UCLA focuses on improving how we understand cancer through advanced imaging techniques. They specifically study how different cancer cells absorb a radioactive glucose analog used in PET scans, aiming to identify unique subpopulations of cells that may respond differently to treatments. By developing innovative technology to measure this absorption at the single-cell level, the lab hopes to enhance the accuracy of cancer diagnoses and treatment evaluations.

Dr. Hsian-Rong Tseng's lab at UCLA focuses on developing innovative ways to monitor treatment responses in pediatric patients with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. The lab is working on a noninvasive test that analyzes extracellular vesicles (tiny particles released by tumors) to assess the activity of specific enzymes involved in cancer progression. This research aims to improve current diagnostic methods, offering better ways to track how well treatments are working for young patients with this aggressive disease.

The MicroED Imaging Center (MEDIC) at UCLA focuses on advancing the Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED) technique, enabling researchers to determine new molecular structures at atomic resolution from tiny crystals. By combining cutting-edge instrumentation and established crystallography methods, the lab trains individuals and collaborates with various partners to optimize and disseminate this technology. MEDIC aims to support both academic research and broader biomedical applications.

Dr. Hanna Mikkola's lab at UCLA studies how different forms of a protein called MLLT3 influence the growth and behavior of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are crucial for blood formation. They aim to understand how these protein variants can help improve the self-renewal and differentiation of HSCs, which is important for potential therapies for blood diseases. This research could lead to better ways to generate stem cells for treatments.

Dr. Volker Hartenstein's lab at UCLA studies how brain circuits develop and control behavior, using fruit flies (Drosophila) as a model organism. The team focuses on a specific brain circuit involved in navigation, investigating how neurons are connected and how they function to help flies find food and avoid danger. By mapping these connections and employing genetic tools, they aim to understand both larval and adult brain functions and their adaptations during development.

Dr. Heather Christofk's research lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how nutrients, particularly the amino acid asparagine, regulate cancer growth. The lab studies how renal cell carcinoma, a common kidney cancer, depends on asparagine for its survival and proliferation. Their work explores ways to target this dependency to improve treatment strategies, including the use of existing FDA-approved drugs like L-asparaginase and metformin.

Dr. Kathrin Plath's lab focuses on understanding how gene expression is regulated on the X chromosomes during embryonic development and its crucial role in the placenta's function. They specifically study X chromosome dosage compensation mechanisms and how their disruption can lead to developmental issues in embryos. By using mouse models, the lab aims to uncover the underlying processes affecting the feto-maternal interface, ultimately providing insights into female-specific developmental disorders and placental health.

Dr. Weizhe Hong's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding the neural circuits that govern social behaviors, particularly allogrooming, which is grooming directed towards another individual. This research is crucial because it aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that influence social interactions, which can be disrupted in conditions like autism and schizophrenia. By analyzing specific brain areas like the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the lab seeks to understand how these circuits control social behaviors and their relevance to mental health.

Dr. S. Lawrence Zipursky's lab at UCLA studies how neurons in the brain form specific connections, which are crucial for behavior. By using the fruit fly Drosophila, the lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that dictate how different synapses are formed and how neurons choose their partners during the connection process. This research aims to understand and ultimately address the issues related to neurological and psychiatric disorders resulting from faulty synaptic connections.

Dr. Yazhen Zhu's lab focuses on improving the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a severe type of liver cancer. The team is developing a novel assay that uses advanced chemistry to isolate and quantify specific particles released by tumors, which could serve as better biomarkers. This approach aims to enhance the accuracy of current diagnostic methods, ultimately allowing for earlier and more successful interventions for patients at risk of HCC.