Dr. Allison D Ebert's lab studies how the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) affects brain development, especially in cases where the virus is transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy. By exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this condition, the lab aims to find new antiviral treatments and better understand the impacts of HCMV infection on the brain and nervous system. Their research combines advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and organoid culture to unravel these complex interactions.

Dr. Riccardo Dalla-Favera's lab focuses on understanding diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a common and challenging type of blood cancer. The research team is uncovering genetic mutations within the non-coding regions of DNA that play a critical role in DLBCL. By analyzing super-enhancers—regulatory regions of the genome—they aim to identify new therapeutic targets and improve treatment options for patients who currently have limited options.

Dr. John Danias's lab at SUNY Downstate Medical Center studies how changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) affect eye pressure and contribute to conditions like glaucoma. They focus on understanding how steroids can alter the ECM in the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure, and aim to identify potential therapeutic strategies to reverse these effects. The lab combines advanced models and experimental techniques to explore these critical interactions, ultimately striving to improve treatments for glaucoma and related ocular conditions.

Dr. W Sean Davidson's lab at the University of Cincinnati focuses on understanding high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), often referred to as 'good cholesterol.' The lab aims to explore how different HDL forms function in protecting against heart disease and diabetes. Through a combination of laboratory experiments and computational modeling, the team investigates the molecular mechanisms of cholesterol transport and the role of specific HDL particles in cardiovascular health.

Dr. Roger J. Davis's lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on understanding how obesity impacts metabolic health. The research specifically investigates the role of JNK signaling pathways in fat tissue, aiming to uncover how these pathways contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance associated with obesity. By identifying molecular mechanisms involved in these processes, the lab seeks to inform new treatment strategies for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Michael R Deans' lab at Emory University investigates how specific proteins influence the development of hair cells in the inner ear, which are crucial for balance and motion detection. The team focuses on a protein called STK32A, studying how it helps shape the orientation of hair cell structures that detect movement. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind hair cell organization and how disruptions in these processes could lead to balance disorders.

Dr. Waldemar Debinski's lab focuses on innovative treatments for glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive brain cancer. They are pioneering the use of drug conjugates that target specific receptors over-expressed in GBM cells, aiming to improve patient outcomes by combining direct tumor killing with immune system activation. The lab's research involves testing these therapies in preclinical models, which may pave the way for new clinical treatments.

Dr. Jennifer I. Luebke's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how specific neurons in the brain's prefrontal and premotor areas contribute to decision-making processes. Using advanced techniques, the lab investigates how these neurons work together to influence our choices and actions, especially in the context of brain disorders. The insights gained from this research aim to inform future treatments for mental health conditions and recovery methods following brain injuries.

Dr. Alexander Friedman's lab focuses on understanding how costs influence drug-seeking behavior and consumption. They develop computational and experimental models to explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these behaviors, particularly within specific brain regions associated with decision-making and craving. Their ultimate aim is to identify individuals at risk for relapse and to create interventions to help prevent it, especially in the context of the current substance use crisis in the U.S.

Dr. Gagan Deep's lab focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease and related dementias through innovative methods like 'liquid biopsies'. They investigate how a special diet known as the Modified Mediterranean-Ketogenic Diet impacts brain function and biomarkers in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Their research also looks at how different types of brain cells communicate and contribute to the progression of dementia, especially considering diverse populations.

Dr. Xintong Dong's lab at the University of Texas Dallas focuses on understanding how the body defends against urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria. The lab works on a type of immune molecule called defensins to see how they protect the urinary tract and potentially cause discomfort. By using advanced genetic techniques and mouse models, the lab aims to develop new therapies to improve outcomes for patients suffering from UTIs and the pain they may cause.

Dr. Dominic P Del Re's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind heart failure, particularly how metabolic dysfunction contributes to the disease. The lab investigates the role of the tumor suppressor Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) and its interaction with specific transcription factors to promote heart health under stress. By establishing new potential therapeutic targets, the research aims to improve treatment strategies for heart failure, thereby addressing a major global health issue.

Dr. Ivana Delalle's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding the role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias. The lab aims to identify and validate specific RNA signatures as biomarkers for early diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets. By utilizing advanced techniques and large-scale study samples, the research bridges the gap between genetic and environmental factors contributing to AD.

Dr. Elizabeth Delorme-Axford's lab at Oakland University explores the mechanisms of cell survival under stress conditions, particularly through a process called autophagy. They focus on understanding how specific enzymes, known as pseudouridine synthases, influence cell health by regulating this vital process. By using yeast as a model system, the lab engages undergraduate students in hands-on research that has implications for human health, including diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.

Dr. Yanxiang Deng's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on studying the human hippocampus and its role in aging and Alzheimer's Disease. The lab is developing innovative technologies to analyze the complex cellular environments in brain tissue, aiming to uncover how different cell types contribute to memory impairment and disease progression. By combining multiple molecular profiling techniques, the lab hopes to identify potential new strategies for treatment and deepen our understanding of brain health.

Dr. Jianhua Cang's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how the brain processes three-dimensional vision through a study of stereopsis. Using tree shrews, the lab explores how neuronal circuits in the visual cortex react to different visual stimuli. The work aims to clarify the connections between neurons that contribute to depth perception and inform treatments for vision disorders like amblyopia and strabismus.

Dr. Robert S. Krauss's lab conducts innovative research focused on understanding complex developmental disorders and muscle regeneration. One area of study examines holoprosencephaly, a brain malformation influenced by genetic and environmental factors, particularly looking at how prenatal alcohol exposure affects embryonic development. The lab also investigates the mechanisms of muscle stem cell quiescence and activation, seeking to leverage insights into muscle regeneration for therapeutic applications.

Dr. Walter Patrick Devine's lab at UCSF focuses on improving clinical testing methods for patients with advanced cancers, particularly those suffering from malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). The research aims to optimize the analysis of cell-free DNA found in the fluid collected during thoracentesis, which is often the only specimen available for diagnosing cancer. By developing standardized protocols for processing this DNA, the team hopes to enhance testing accuracy and efficiency, ultimately benefiting patient care.

Dr. Bruno Di Stefano's lab focuses on understanding how certain RNA processing mechanisms contribute to the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The research primarily investigates a protein called DDX6, which plays a critical role in regulating RNA within cells, particularly in leukemia. By dissecting these processes, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets and improve treatment strategies for patients with AML.

Dr. Stefano Di Talia's lab at Duke University studies how cells and tissues develop and regenerate. They focus on understanding the signaling mechanisms that guide the formation of structures like the spine in zebrafish and how these processes relate to bone healing. Their research combines genetics, cell biology, and advanced imaging techniques to explore these biological phenomena, potentially leading to new insights into regeneration and tissue development in humans.