Dr. Kelly L Jordan-Sciutto's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) impact brain health, particularly looking at oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for creating myelin. They study how these factors disrupt the development of myelin, potentially leading to cognitive disorders in people living with HIV. The lab also investigates the effects of cannabinoids on inflammation and neuroprotection in the context of HIV and ART treatments.

Dr. Anna Kashina's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how cells move, which is crucial for processes like tissue development, immune responses, and cancer spread. The lab studies how the structure and modification of a protein called actin influence cell migration. They are particularly interested in how specific changes in the genetic code and a process called arginylation affect the behavior of actin in cells, aiming to develop new treatments for diseases related to improper cell migration.

Dr. Beatriz M. Carreno's lab focuses on developing advanced T cell therapies for solid tumors that have mutations in the KRAS gene, which are common in many cancers. The team works on engineering T cells to specifically target and attack these cancer cells while overcoming hurdles posed by the tumor environment that typically dampen T cell activity. Their ultimate goal is to create a new therapy that can significantly improve outcomes for patients with these difficult-to-treat tumors.

Dr. Virginia M. Lee's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding tauopathies, a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormal tau protein aggregation. The lab aims to uncover how different forms of tau can spread and affect neuron function, ultimately seeking targeted therapeutic strategies to treat conditions like Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal degeneration. Through innovative models and advanced techniques, the team investigates the mechanisms behind tau transmission, which could lead to more effective drug therapies.

Dr. Erfei Bi's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how liver cells (hepatocytes) organize themselves and how they divide. The research aims to explore the formation of bile canaliculi, which are essential for liver function and can impact liver diseases. Additionally, the lab investigates the cytoskeleton's role in cell division, which has implications for various diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Damaris N Lorenzo's lab focuses on understanding how II-spectrin, a crucial protein in the neuronal cytoskeleton, contributes to brain development and function, particularly in the cerebellum. Their research investigates the mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental disorders linked to mutations in the SPTBN1 gene, which can lead to developmental delays and other cognitive challenges. By employing a range of techniques from microscopy to behavioral analysis, the lab aims to uncover the cellular pathways affected by II-spectrin and how these relate to various neurological conditions.

Dr. Nicola J. Mason's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on developing advanced immunotherapy treatments for solid tumors using a unique type of immune cell called invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. These cells have the potential to effectively target and attack tumors while minimizing harmful side effects. The lab is particularly interested in creating and testing allogeneic CAR-engineered iNKTs in dogs with osteosarcoma, which is similar to a type of childhood cancer seen in humans. This research aims to enhance cancer treatment options and improve patient outcomes through innovative cell therapy approaches.

Dr. Hydar Ali's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on studying mast cells, which are important immune cells involved in allergic reactions and inflammation. They are investigating how a newly discovered receptor, MRGPRX2, regulates mast cell responses in various diseases such as drug allergies, psoriasis, and rosacea. By understanding the signaling pathways and molecular interactions in mast cells, the lab aims to develop new treatments for these conditions.

Dr. Mary C. Mullins' lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how specific proteins influence the growth and organization of cells during embryonic development, specifically using zebrafish as a model organism. The research examines the roles of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) in signaling pathways that dictate the formation of organs and tissues, as well as investigating the establishment of cell polarity in oocytes which is crucial for proper embryonic development. The findings could be significant for improving therapeutic approaches in tissue engineering and addressing congenital diseases.

David M Allman's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding the survival mechanisms of plasma cells, which are crucial for producing antibodies in the immune system. They study how these cells adapt to their environments and resist therapies, particularly in diseases like multiple myeloma and during organ transplantation. The lab utilizes advanced techniques to explore the molecular pathways involved in plasma cell longevity and how they can be targeted for therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Daniel J. Powell's lab focuses on developing advanced CAR T cell therapies for treating solid tumors, particularly ovarian cancer. Their innovative approach combines gene-engineered T cells with imaging techniques to monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust therapies as needed. This multidisciplinary effort aims to leverage the body's immune system to effectively target cancer cells while minimizing toxic side effects.

Dr. Patrick Seale's lab focuses on understanding how fat tissue changes during obesity and the impact this has on health. They study specific cells in fat tissue called mesenchymal progenitor cells, which can switch their roles and promote inflammation when the body is under stress from excess weight. This research is crucial for finding new ways to treat obesity-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

The lab led by Dr. Phillip Scott at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on the relationship between the skin microbiome and cutaneous leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease that results in severe skin lesions. They investigate how specific bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus, contribute to disease severity, aiming to develop new therapies that target host immune responses. Additionally, the lab studies resident memory T cells in the skin to better understand how to enhance immunity against leishmaniasis and other diseases transmitted by vectors.

Dr. Taku Kambayashi's lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies how the skin microbiome interacts with immune cells to regulate the secretion of sebum, an oily substance that helps maintain skin barrier functions. The lab investigates the immune-sebum axis, focusing on communication between immune cells and skin microorganisms. They aim to understand how these interactions influence skin health and protect against infections.

Dr. Nancy Speck's lab focuses on understanding how a gene called RUNX1 influences inflammation in blood cells, particularly in patients who have mutations that can lead to blood cancers. Her research aims to uncover how these mutations affect immune responses, potentially contributing to cancer development. By studying both human patients and mouse models, the lab seeks to find ways to reduce harmful inflammation linked to these genetic changes.

Dr. Boris Striepen’s lab focuses on the Cryptosporidium parasite, a significant cause of severe diarrhea that affects many vulnerable populations, particularly children and immunocompromised individuals. The lab investigates how the parasite undergoes sexual development, which is crucial for its lifecycle and transmission. By understanding the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in this process, the research aims to contribute to the development of effective treatments and vaccines against cryptosporidiosis.

Dr. Silvia Porta Antolinez's lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies the role of a protein called TDP-43 in brain diseases, particularly in age-related dementias like frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and Alzheimer's disease. They focus on understanding the differences and behaviors of TDP-43 across various brain conditions and how these differences might help in developing better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for dementia.

Dr. Wan-Ping Lee's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a major public health concern. The research emphasizes the role of genetic factors, particularly copy number variations (CNVs), in the disease's etiology and progression. By analyzing whole genome sequencing data from a large and diverse population, the lab aims to identify new genetic risk factors and improve strategies for the treatment and prevention of AD.

Dr. Malek Kamoun's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on improving kidney transplant outcomes by studying HLA immunogenetics. They investigate how variations in HLA proteins affect the body’s immune response to transplanted kidneys. By utilizing advanced machine learning techniques and extensive genetic data, the lab aims to refine donor-recipient matching and optimize immunosuppressive therapies, ultimately enhancing the success rates of kidney transplants.

Dr. Andrew Vaughan's research lab focuses on understanding how the lungs repair themselves after injury from respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. They investigate the regeneration of both the epithelial and endothelial layers of lung tissue, aiming to uncover the molecular pathways that support recovery and prevent severe complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The lab's work is crucial for developing therapies to improve lung function and reduce mortality rates associated with viral pneumonia.