Dr. Chengcheng Jin's lab focuses on understanding how neutrophils, a type of immune cell, behave in the context of cancer. They investigate how these cells change their function in the tumor microenvironment and how to selectively target the cancer-promoting activities of neutrophils while preserving their protective roles. Through advanced techniques, the lab aims to uncover new targets for cancer therapies that can effectively modulate neutrophil function without compromising immune health.

Dr. Alyssa Johnson's lab studies how cells maintain their health and functionality as they age, particularly focusing on a cellular system known as autophagy. Her research investigates how lysosomes—the cell's waste disposal units—can change their structure to become more efficient at recycling and maintaining cellular health. By exploring these processes in simple organisms like worms and fruit flies, the lab aims to find new ways to support healthy aging and prevent diseases associated with aging.

Dr. Welkin E Johnson's lab at Boston College studies how certain viruses, specifically lentiviruses like HIV-1 and HIV-2, interact with proteins in their host cells to invade them. They focus on a protein called Nup358, which plays a critical role in the virus's ability to enter the cell nucleus and replicate. By examining these interactions through various scientific techniques, the lab aims to uncover how these viruses have evolved to overcome host defenses and what this means for understanding and treating viral infections.

Dr. Robert Johnston's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how cells determine their fates in a stochastic (random) manner during eye development, particularly in fruit flies. The research aims to uncover the genetic and signaling mechanisms that lead to proper development of different cell types, which is essential for functions like vision and smell. By using the fly eye as a model, the lab studies how genes turn on and off randomly in some cells, and how this process is influenced by both internal (like transcription factors) and external (like signaling pathways) cues.

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. Sebastian Kadener's lab at Brandeis University focuses on understanding the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the aging process, particularly how they affect brain function and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The research combines biochemical and genetic techniques to explore how circRNAs influence lifespan and healthspan, helping to uncover the complex relationship between RNA metabolism and aging-related changes in the nervous system.

Dr. Raghu Kalluri's lab focuses on understanding exosomes, tiny particles that cells release into the bloodstream, and their roles in cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer. They investigate how these exosomes contribute to cancer progression and explore innovative ways to use engineered exosomes as potential therapies. The lab aims to uncover the mysteries of exosome biology and harness their properties for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Joonsoo Kang's lab explores how cholesterol metabolites affect the immune system, particularly in the skin of children. They study a specific type of immune cell called type 3 lymphocytes, which are important for skin health and barrier function. By analyzing how these cells develop and respond to dietary influences, the lab aims to uncover links between nutrition, immune response, and common skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema.

Craig Kaplan's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the mechanisms of gene transcription in eukaryotic cells, particularly how RNA Polymerase II initiates and elongates transcription. Using yeast as a model organism, his team investigates how transcription start sites are selected and how transcription interacts with processes like RNA splicing and chromatin remodeling. Their research has broader implications for understanding gene expression and its links to diseases caused by transcription errors.

Dr. Xantha Karp's lab at Central Michigan University is focused on understanding how stem cells maintain their ability to become different cell types while they are not actively dividing. They use the tiny worm C. elegans to study a specific protein complex that influences cell behavior, particularly during a resting state. The research aims to uncover the genetic and molecular mechanisms that help control stem cell fate, which could have important implications for medicine in the future.

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.

The lab led by Dr. Narayanan Kasthuri at the University of Chicago focuses on advancing microscopy techniques to better understand brain connectivity. Their innovative research involves developing a new type of electron microscope that utilizes photonic technology to enable high-resolution imaging of the brain's neural connections. This technology aims to make connectomics more accessible and efficient, paving the way for detailed studies of brain structure in various organisms.

Dr. Paul S Katz's lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst focuses on understanding how the brain develops by constructing detailed wiring diagrams, called connectomes, of the brain in a mollusk model called Berghia stephanieae. The lab investigates how new neurons are integrated into existing neural circuits and how these connections evolve over time. This research aims to shed light on the fundamental processes of neurogenesis and help us understand neurological diseases related to improper brain development.

Dr. Barbara Kee's lab studies natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for our body’s defense against viral infections and cancer. The group focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein called BATF in regulating NK cell behavior during infections and tumor responses. By exploring how NK cells can be enhanced or altered, the lab aims to develop potential therapies that can leverage NK cells to better fight diseases like tumors and viral infections.

Dr. Andrew D. Kern's lab at the University of Oregon focuses on using deep learning techniques to analyze population genetics data. Their research aims to develop cutting-edge software tools that can handle large genetic datasets and improve predictions regarding genetic variation. By integrating advanced computational methods, the lab seeks to enhance our understanding of genetic structure and evolution in diverse populations.

Dr. Megerditch Kiledjian's lab focuses on understanding how the unique structures at the ends of messenger RNA (mRNA) affect gene expression and RNA stability. By studying both well-known and newly discovered RNA caps, the lab seeks to uncover their roles in cellular metabolism and how they might relate to diseases. This research could lead to new ways of controlling gene expression for therapeutic purposes.

Dr. Hyeong-Reh Choi Kim's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for castrate-resistant prostate cancer. The research aims to create and test new therapeutic agents that target and degrade androgen receptors, helping to overcome resistance to current therapies. Using advanced animal models and molecular techniques, the lab seeks to enhance our understanding of prostate cancer progression and identify effective alternatives to existing treatments.

Dr. Laurie King's lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on improving balance and mobility in older adults, particularly those suffering from Parkinson's disease. The team explores innovative rehabilitation methods using wearable technology for remote assessments and tele-rehabilitation to maximize independence and reduce fall risks. They aim to assess how effective these strategies are in the homes of patients while addressing challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. David Kline's research lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on understanding how the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in the brainstem affects breathing and cardiovascular responses, especially during episodes of low oxygen (hypoxia). The lab investigates the role of GABA, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter, in regulating these responses after chronic low-oxygen exposure. By using various advanced techniques, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for breathing-related disorders associated with unstable oxygen levels.

Dr. Artyom Kopp's lab at the University of California, Davis studies how entirely new biological traits originate and evolve over time, focusing on the Drosophila model system. The research investigates the genetic changes underlying new traits, how these affect the development and function of cells, and how new regulatory elements in the genome contribute to evolution. By exploring these processes, the lab aims to deepen our understanding of evolutionary innovations and their implications for human health.