Dr. Douglas R. Kellogg's lab at UC Santa Cruz focuses on understanding how cells control their growth and size, fundamental processes that are crucial for healthy cell function. They explore the signals and mechanisms that link growth to cell cycle progression, particularly through a network known as TORC2. By studying these processes in yeast, the lab aims to uncover insights that could impact our understanding of cancer growth and offer pathways for new treatments.

Dr. Bin Chen's lab at UC Santa Cruz focuses on understanding how neural stem cells in the brain develop into various cell types needed for proper brain function. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind how these stem cells switch from producing neurons to producing supporting glial cells during brain development. This work is crucial for understanding developmental disorders and may contribute to better treatments for brain-related diseases.

Dr. Carol W. Greider's lab focuses on understanding how telomere lengths are regulated at the DNA level in yeast. Telomeres are critical for chromosome stability and their lengths influence aging and cancer. The lab uses innovative techniques, such as nanopore sequencing, to investigate the specific molecular mechanisms that determine telomere lengths across different chromosomes. Insights from this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases and cancer.

Dr. Yi Zuo's lab at UC Santa Cruz explores how psilocybin, a well-known psychedelic, can help counteract the harmful effects of chronic stress on the brain. They study the effects of psilocybin at multiple levels, from synapses to neural circuits, to uncover how it might promote healing in mental health disorders. The lab aims to provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of psychedelics, potentially paving the way for new treatments in psychiatry.