Dr. Ernesto Roque Bongarzone's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago is focused on developing new therapies for Krabbe disease, a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. The lab studies various treatment strategies including gene therapy and small molecule inhibitors that could help reduce toxic levels of psychosine, a harmful substance that accumulates in patients with this condition. By improving treatment options, this research aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by Krabbe disease and potentially other related disorders.

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. Pamela Kreeger's lab focuses on understanding how certain changes in the ovarian cancer environment can lead to the rapid spread of cancer cells. They study the extracellular matrix of the omentum, a fatty tissue in the abdomen, to see how it can become a supportive environment for tumors before they metastasize. The lab aims to identify factors that contribute to these changes and hopes to discover new treatment strategies for ovarian cancer patients.

Dr. Mira Krendel's lab at Upstate Medical University focuses on understanding how the protein myosin 1e affects kidney health, particularly in a type of cell called podocytes. By studying how mutations in this protein lead to kidney disease, the lab aims to develop potential strategies for protecting kidney functions and treating chronic kidney conditions. Overall, the research contributes to our understanding of kidney filtration and health.

Dr. Marija Kundakovic's lab at Fordham University focuses on understanding how hormonal changes during the menopausal transition affect brain structure and function. By studying postmortem brain tissue, the lab aims to uncover the cellular and molecular traits that can heighten the risk for depression and other psychiatric disorders in women. The research integrates advanced genomics techniques to explore these changes, potentially paving the way for improved mental health strategies for women in this life stage.

Dr. Jonathan D. Kurtis leads a research lab focused on developing new treatments for severe malaria, specifically targeting a protein called PfGARP found on the surface of malaria-infected red blood cells. The lab's work aims to create a novel class of antimalarial drugs that could effectively combat the rising issue of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for malaria. Through high-throughput drug screening and testing in humanized mouse models, the lab seeks to discover and refine new drugs to improve health outcomes in affected populations.

Dr. Lawrence Kwong's lab studies cholangiocarcinoma, a serious form of bile duct cancer. The lab focuses on understanding how cancer cells change their identities, a process known as lineage plasticity, which can affect how aggressive the cancer is and how well it responds to treatment. By exploring the genetic and molecular underpinnings of this plasticity, the lab aims to identify new biomarkers and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Albert R. La Spada's lab at UC Irvine focuses on understanding neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those caused by abnormal protein expansions known as polyglutamines, such as spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy and Huntington's disease. The research aims to uncover cellular mechanisms that lead to motor neuron degeneration and explore potential therapeutic strategies to restore cellular balance in neurodegenerative conditions. By investigating the roles of specific proteins and pathways, the lab seeks to develop drugs to mitigate neurotoxicity and promote neuronal health.

Jose E. Garcia-Arraras's lab explores how certain animals regenerate their intestines, especially focusing on the sea cucumber, which has extraordinary regenerative abilities. The research aims to understand the cellular dynamics and genetic changes needed for the sea cucumber to form a functional organ after injury. This work not only enhances our knowledge of regeneration but also has implications for developing regenerative medicine strategies in humans. The lab offers training opportunities for students in modern research techniques as they tackle questions around tissue regeneration.

The Makova Lab focuses on studying how unique DNA structures, which differ from the standard double helix, influence genome evolution and function. By examining these non-canonical DNA forms, the lab aims to uncover their roles in genetic variation, disease, and genome architecture. The research combines experimental techniques with computational analysis to deepen our understanding of human genetics and contribute to advancements in personalized medicine.

Dr. Niraj Lodhi's lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on how early life lead exposure affects brain development and memory through changes in RNA methylation. The research explores the role of a specific RNA modification, m6A, in cognitive functions, particularly its influence on memory-related genes. By investigating these mechanisms, the lab aims to understand the long-term consequences of lead exposure on learning and behavior.

Dr. Jing Yang's lab at the University of Illinois is focused on understanding the critical processes that occur during the transition from oocyte to embryo, specifically in vertebrates like frogs and zebrafish. They investigate how the cellular components and maternal RNA are reorganized to support successful reproduction. Their research aims to uncover new mechanisms that could explain unexplained infertility in humans, enhancing reproductive health.

Dr. Tamar Carter's lab at Baylor University focuses on understanding how the invasive mosquito Anopheles stephensi adapts to its environment in Africa and how this affects the spread of malaria. By studying the genetic features of these mosquitoes and their interactions with local Plasmodium species, the lab aims to develop improved ways to monitor and control malaria outbreaks. This research has significant implications for public health, especially in regions where malaria transmission is becoming more prevalent due to invasive species.

Dr. Natalia Shylo's lab focuses on understanding how our internal organs develop asymmetrically, even when our bodies appear symmetrical on the outside. The research primarily involves studying veiled chameleons to uncover the evolutionary mechanisms behind left-right patterning of organs, which is crucial for proper organ placement and has significant implications for understanding congenital heart malformations. By examining cellular behaviors and genetic pathways involved in these processes, the lab aims to advance knowledge in developmental biology and evolutionary medicine.

Ajit Joglekar's lab explores how cells regulate their division, specifically focusing on a mechanism called the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint. By studying this checkpoint, the lab aims to understand why certain cancer cells mismanage chromosome segregation during cell division. The work involves both experimental techniques and mathematical modeling to uncover the dynamics of cell signaling and its implications for genome stability in cancer.

Dr. Sergei Mirkin's lab at Tufts University investigates how certain DNA structures, specifically repeating sequences, can lead to genetic disorders and cancers. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind repeat expansions that cause over fifty hereditary diseases, including various neurodegenerative disorders. By uncovering these mechanisms, the lab aims to contribute valuable insights into both basic biology and potential medical treatments.

Dr. John Pollock's research lab at Duquesne University focuses on understanding how pain is processed differently in male and female rats at a molecular level. By studying specific genes and their variations, the lab aims to uncover why treatments for pain relief can vary based on sex, which could lead to more effective therapies for chronic pain and reduce reliance on opioids. Undergraduates will engage in hands-on research using advanced techniques to explore this topic further.

Dr. Juan Lafaille's lab at New York University focuses on understanding how specific types of immune cells, called border-associated macrophages (BAMs), maintain healthy blood vessels in the brain. This research is particularly relevant to diseases like Alzheimer's, where the buildup of amyloid proteins can disrupt vascular function. By studying unique mouse models, the lab aims to uncover the role of BAMs in preventing these complications and advancing our knowledge of brain health, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.

The lab led by Galit Lahav at Harvard Medical School focuses on understanding how the p53 protein, a crucial tumor suppressor, responds to cellular stressors like DNA damage. By studying single cells and their response dynamics, the team aims to uncover the mechanisms that influence cell survival and death. This research is significant for cancer treatment as it may lead to new strategies that enhance the elimination of cancer cells while protecting healthy cells.

Dr. Shailesh Lal's research focuses on understanding a protein called RBM48, which plays a crucial role in the splicing of certain RNA segments called U12 introns. These introns are important for normal cell growth and differentiation, especially in blood cells. By investigating how RBM48 affects the splicing process and the various forms this protein can take, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that may lead to new treatments for diseases such as leukemia and other conditions linked to splicing errors.