Dr. Marc-Jan Gubbels' lab focuses on understanding how certain parasites, like those causing malaria and toxoplasmosis, divide and replicate within host cells. They explore the diverse mechanisms of cell division in these parasites using cutting-edge techniques, including single-cell sequencing. The goal is to not only uncover the complexities behind apicomplexan biology but also to aid in developing new treatments for these significant human health threats.

Dr. Xiaojiang S Chen's lab at USC focuses on studying a family of proteins called APOBEC, which have critical roles in the immune response against viruses like HIV. The lab explores how these proteins interact with nucleic acids and how viruses can evade these defenses, with the goal of developing new therapeutic strategies for treating viral infections and related cancers. Their work combines structural biology with molecular dynamics to understand these complex interactions.

Dr. Suzanne M. Appleyard's lab at Washington State University researches how specific neurons in the brainstem manage food intake, particularly in the context of obesity. They study how certain neurotransmitters influence eating behavior and how these mechanisms are affected by factors such as fasting and diet. Their work aims to uncover intricate neuronal circuits that could lead to better solutions for obesity and related health issues.

Dr. Yan Dong's lab at Tulane University focuses on understanding how prostate cancer develops resistance to hormone therapies by studying the role of RNA-binding proteins, particularly the androgen receptor (AR). The lab explores innovative approaches to target AR's RNA interactions, which could lead to new treatment strategies for prostate cancer patients. By shedding light on the mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression, this research aims to improve therapeutic outcomes for those affected by prostate cancer.

Dr. Elizabeth Archie’s lab focuses on understanding how social and environmental stressors throughout life affect health, particularly as we age. By using nonhuman primates, specifically baboons, the lab develops innovative tools to measure stress responses and their impacts on heart health. The findings have implications for better understanding health outcomes related to stress and aging in humans.

Dr. Yuying Liang's research lab focuses on developing vaccines for new world arenaviruses, which can cause severe diseases like hemorrhagic fever in humans. Currently, there are no FDA-approved vaccines for these viruses, making this research critical for public health. By utilizing a non-pathogenic virus as a vector, the lab aims to create safe and effective vaccines that could provide broad protection against various arenaviruses found in South America.

Dr. Antonis Rokas' lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding why some species of the Aspergillus fungus cause disease while closely related species do not. They explore the genetic traits that contribute to the pathogenicity of Aspergillus fumigatus, a major human pathogen, by examining both the environmental and biological factors that influence fungal virulence. This research aims to shed light on the evolution of fungal pathogens and improve strategies for combating infections.

Dr. Sophie Astrof’s lab focuses on understanding congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common birth defect that affects about 1% of newborns. Her research investigates how certain proteins, particularly fibronectin, contribute to the normal development of the heart's outflow tract. By studying the mechanisms of heart formation and the impact of abnormal cell behavior, the lab aims to identify new approaches for better prenatal screening and treatment options for CHD.

Dr. Joan M Taylor's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind atherosclerosis, which is a serious cardiovascular disease. The research investigates how smooth muscle cells contribute to plaque formation and stability in blood vessels, as well as the relationships between hypertension and vascular stiffness. By studying specific genetic factors and their effects, the lab aims to develop new treatments to combat hypertension and atherosclerosis, ultimately reducing their impact on public health.

Dr. Steven Van Dyken's research lab focuses on understanding the immune responses involved in atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition characterized by allergic inflammation and intense itching. The lab investigates the role of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in activating specific immune cells called basophils and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), which produce key inflammatory cytokines. By using mouse models and advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics, the lab aims to uncover how IL-18 influences skin inflammation and itch, with the ultimate goal of identifying new therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Jeffrey Wenstrup's lab focuses on understanding how the amygdala processes auditory information and influences emotional responses to sounds. Their research examines how this brain region helps us interpret vocal communication by evaluating the emotional significance of vocal signals and how various factors such as sex and past experiences impact this processing. The ultimate goal is to inform therapeutic approaches for disorders like anxiety and autism that affect emotional reactions to auditory stimuli.

Dr. Elizabeth Mccullagh's lab at Oklahoma State University focuses on understanding how Fragile X Syndrome affects myelination in the auditory brainstem, which is responsible for sound processing. By examining the role of oligodendrocytes, the cells that create myelin, the lab aims to uncover the biological basis of auditory symptoms in individuals with Fragile X Syndrome. The research also explores potential therapeutic interventions to improve auditory function and promotes inclusivity in scientific research for the autism community.

Lisa Goodrich's lab at Harvard Medical School studies how specialized cells in the cochlea, particularly glia and neurons, interact to support hearing throughout life. Her team investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind these interactions and how they may be disrupted in conditions leading to hearing loss. By exploring these relationships, they aim to uncover methods to promote recovery from cochlear damage and better understand auditory function.

Dr. Robert Liu's research focuses on understanding how the brain processes sounds that carry social meanings, like those used in communication among animals and humans. His lab examines learning mechanisms in the auditory cortex of mice, particularly how they learn to recognize and respond to new sounds in noisy environments. This research is not only important for basic science but also has implications for helping to understand auditory processing disorders and communication challenges in humans.

Dr. Thomas M. Coate's lab at Georgetown University focuses on understanding how important connections form between nerve cells and hair cells in the inner ear, which are crucial for hearing. The team investigates neural signaling and the role of specific genes in developing these connections, especially in the context of hearing loss and potential therapies for cochlear damage. By studying the molecular mechanisms involved, the lab aims to find new ways to restore hearing capabilities.

Dr. Danillo Augusto's lab focuses on understanding pemphigus, an autoimmune disease that causes severe skin blistering. By using advanced genetic and immunological techniques, the lab aims to uncover the genetic factors that make certain individuals susceptible to this disease, especially in areas where environmental triggers are present. This research could lead to new insights into autoimmune diseases and potential treatments.

Dr. Steven Gene Friedenberg's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a serious blood disorder that affects both dogs and humans. By studying the genetic and immunological factors in dogs, the lab aims to create a model system that can provide insights into the disease and help in developing new treatments that may benefit human patients as well.

Dr. Peter Aidan Savage's lab at the University of Chicago focuses on understanding the interactions between regulatory T cells and B cells, particularly in the context of autoimmune diseases. The lab investigates how specific subtypes of regulatory T cells can regulate self-reactive B cells, which are implicated in the development of autoimmune conditions. By exploring these immunological relationships, the lab aims to unveil mechanisms that maintain immune tolerance and prevent autoimmunity.

Dr. M. Firoze Khan's lab focuses on understanding how exposure to a chemical called trichloroethene (TCE), which is found in many environments, can lead to autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The lab studies how changes in the gut microbiome, the diverse community of microorganisms in our intestines, might play a role in this process. By investigating the relationship between TCE exposure and gut health, the lab aims to uncover new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.

Dr. Diane J Mathis's lab at Harvard Medical School studies the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, which affect a significant portion of the population. The lab focuses on understanding how certain cells in the thymus, called medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), help T cells learn to tolerate the body's own antigens, preventing autoimmune reactions. They recently discovered a new type of thymic cell that could play a crucial role in this tolerance process. This research aims to uncover the molecular interactions that help generate these cells and understand their significance in preventing autoimmune diseases.