Dr. Sara Sawyer's lab focuses on combating HIV/AIDS through innovative research that seeks to develop a new animal model for studying the virus. This model aims to provide critical insights into virus behavior and how it spreads, which will help in the search for effective vaccines and cures. The lab's work is intended to address the limitations present in current research methods, ultimately aiming to save lives affected by this global health crisis.

Dr. Jingshi Shen's lab at the University of Colorado studies how cells regulate the movement of proteins within their membranes, which is essential for proper metabolic function. They specifically focus on how vesicle fusion—a process where small membrane-bound packages merge with larger membranes—affects glucose transport and insulin response in human cells. Research in this lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of metabolic disorders like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, which could ultimately lead to new treatment strategies.

Dr. Ding Xue's lab focuses on understanding how certain biological processes, like the removal of paternal mitochondria in embryos and the effects of radiation on cells, impact development and health. They investigate the mechanisms behind these processes to uncover how defects can lead to diseases, including mitochondrial disorders. The research aims to identify new targets for treatments that could improve outcomes for patients experiencing these issues.

Dr. David L. Bentley's lab at the University of Colorado Denver focuses on understanding how genes get turned into messenger RNA (mRNA), the vital molecules that carry genetic information. They study the processes involved in mRNA production, including how the mRNA is created and then modified before it functions in the body. By examining these critical steps, the lab aims to find out what goes wrong in diseases like cancer when these processes are disrupted.

Dr. Leslie Anne Leinwand's lab focuses on understanding how muscle cells adapt and change in response to various stimuli such as exercise and genetic mutations. They study myosin, a key protein in muscle function, to explore how it is replaced and repaired over time, particularly in relation to heart and skeletal muscles. The lab uses advanced imaging techniques to measure protein turnover and investigate how these processes are influenced by factors like biological sex and disease-causing mutations.