Dr. Neil Osheroff's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how certain antibiotics work and how bacteria resist them. The lab studies key bacterial enzymes that are targets for widely used antibacterial drugs like fluoroquinolones. By investigating these enzymes and their interactions with both existing and novel antibiotics, the team aims to develop new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Dr. Charles R. Sanders’ lab at Vanderbilt University studies Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT), a genetic disorder that affects the nerves and causes muscle weakness. The lab is particularly interested in understanding how mutations in a specific protein called PMP22 lead to the disease. By investigating how PMP22 is processed within cells, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this condition and seek potential therapeutic targets.

Dr. Bruce D. Carter's lab at Vanderbilt University studies how signals affect the development of the nervous system, particularly focusing on the processes that lead to the degeneration of neurons and connections. The lab aims to understand the mechanisms behind neuronal cell death and how they may contribute to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and autism. By exploring the role of specific receptors and molecular signals, their research seeks to uncover new insights into nervous system development and disease.

Dr. Yi Ren's lab at Vanderbilt University is delving into the mechanisms of mRNA nuclear export, focusing on how the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 protein inhibits this process to enhance viral replication. The lab aims to uncover how this viral protein interacts with host cellular machinery and how understanding these interactions can lead to new antiviral strategies. Their research combines techniques from biochemistry, cell biology, and structural biology to provide insights into both fundamental cellular processes and viral pathogenesis.