Dr. Feyza Engin's lab focuses on understanding how stress affects insulin-producing beta cells in Type 1 diabetes (T1D). They explore the different responses beta cells exhibit under stress, which can either lead to disease progression or help protect against it. By studying these responses, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for preserving healthy insulin production in diabetic patients.

Dr. Michael D. Sheets' lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studies how specific proteins control gene expression during development, focusing on a protein called Bicaudal-C. This protein is crucial for making cell fate decisions that guide the normal development of vertebrates, including humans. The lab employs innovative techniques to unravel Bicaudal-C's role in regulating mRNA translation, which may lead to better understanding of diseases linked to cell dysfunction.

Dr. Samuel E. Butcher's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how RNA-protein complexes regulate gene expression and their implications for genetic disorders. Using a variety of biophysical methods, the research explores the structural dynamics of essential RNA components like the spliceosome and the role of newly discovered RNA types involved in gene silencing. This work aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and their connection to diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS.

Dr. Christina M Hull's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding the biology of Cryptococcus, a fungus that causes serious diseases, especially in people with weakened immune systems. The lab studies how Cryptococcus spores germinate and grow, aiming to uncover new ways to develop antifungal treatments. By exploring the interactions between these fungal spores and the human immune system, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could help prevent or treat lethal fungal infections.

Dr. Michael M. Cox's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how the DNA replication process works, especially when it gets interrupted by damages. They study the gaps that are left behind when DNA is copied incorrectly and how these gaps can lead to problems like cancer and antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The lab combines techniques from biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology to explore these important issues and aim to find new ways to mitigate genomic instability and antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Robert Landick's research lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how transcription processes are regulated in bacteria. By studying the interactions between RNA polymerase and regulatory molecules, the team seeks to uncover mechanisms that control gene expression through pausing and termination of transcription. This work has implications for antibiotics development and understanding gene regulation in human health.

Dr. Alan D Attie's research lab focuses on uncovering the genetic and cellular mechanisms behind type 2 diabetes, particularly the roles of pancreatic islet cells in insulin regulation. They use a diverse mouse population to identify new genes and small molecules that influence insulin secretion and ultimately impact blood sugar levels. Their work aims to offer insights into potential therapies to improve pancreatic function and prevent diabetes progression.

Dr. Melissa Harrison's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on how certain transcription factors, known as pioneer factors, can reprogram the genetic material in early embryos to enable development. By studying the molecular mechanisms that these factors use to bind to DNA and modify gene expression, the lab aims to uncover fundamental processes that impact growth and health. This research has implications for understanding both normal development and diseases related to gene regulation.

Dr. John M. Denu's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how cellular metabolism influences the epigenome, the layer of regulation above our DNA. By studying how enzymes modify proteins and how these modifications are affected by nutrition and environmental signals, the lab aims to uncover the intricate mechanisms connecting metabolism and gene expression, ultimately seeking insights into disease causes and potential drug developments.