Dr. Mark A. Atkinson's lab focuses on understanding how the pancreas changes during the progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The research explores how both immune responses and changes within pancreas cells lead to the disease. By studying human pancreas samples, the lab aims to identify specific molecular pathways and potential treatments to improve pancreatic function and prevent T1D progression.

Dr. David Parichy's lab at the University of Virginia studies how adult traits originate and are maintained, particularly through the development of pigment cells in zebrafish. By examining the genetic and cellular mechanisms of these processes, the lab aims to understand how variations in cell types contribute to different patterns and structures. This research has implications for understanding human genetic diseases, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Christopher Y Park's lab focuses on improving diagnosis and treatment for patients with follicular lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting B-cells. The lab combines advanced genomic studies and innovative mouse models to understand how changes in the tumor microenvironment influence disease progression and response to therapy. By identifying reliable biomarkers, they aim to enhance patient stratification and treatment outcomes for those at high risk of early disease progression.

Dr. John S. Parker's lab at Cornell University focuses on understanding viral myocarditis, a heart condition often linked to viral infections, particularly in infants and neonates. The research uses advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatially resolved transcriptomics to investigate how different cell types in the heart respond to viral infections. This work aims to identify new diagnostic tools and potential treatments for this complex disease.

Dr. Susan M. Paskewitz's lab focuses on fighting diseases transmitted by insects, particularly in the Midwest, where tick and mosquito-borne illnesses are common. The lab is part of a regional center that brings together experts to improve how we prevent and control these diseases, especially as climate change alters insect behavior. Students in the lab will gain valuable experience in public health entomology and have opportunities to engage in community health education.

Dr. Anitha Pasupathy's research lab focuses on understanding how the primate brain perceives and recognizes visual objects, especially during natural movements like saccades. By examining the interactions between different brain areas in awake macaque monkeys, the lab aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that support stable visual perception despite constantly changing retinal inputs. Their work has implications for understanding visual disorders and improving treatment strategies.

Dr. Michael C. Golding's lab focuses on understanding how paternal alcohol use can influence the health and development of offspring. Specifically, they explore how alcohol consumption by fathers can lead to epigenetic changes that affect mitochondrial function and contribute to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). By studying these changes in transgenic mouse models, the lab aims to uncover the genetic and biological mechanisms behind these effects and how they can impact long-term health outcomes for children.

Dr. Shailja Pathania's lab at the University of Massachusetts Boston focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that lead to cancer in individuals with BRCA2 mutations, which significantly increase the risk for breast and ovarian cancer. The research investigates how the absence of the BRCA2 protein causes genomic instability, focusing on early cellular changes that transform normal cells into cancerous ones. This work not only aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating BRCA2-deficient tumors but also seeks to develop effective strategies for cancer prevention.

Dr. Yasuko Rikihisa's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding how the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, responsible for human granulocytic anaplasmosis, survive and replicate inside human cells. The lab studies how these bacteria hijack host cell machinery to acquire nutrients and evade the immune response. By investigating the molecular mechanisms involved, the research aims to uncover potential new treatments for this emerging tick-borne disease.

Dr. Soumen Paul's lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern placental development, particularly how certain transcription factors like GATA2 and GATA3 influence the function of trophoblast cells. Their research aims to uncover the roles of these factors in healthy pregnancies and how their dysfunction contributes to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. By studying both human and rodent models, the lab is addressing critical questions about early pregnancy loss and the long-term impact of placental health on maternal and infant outcomes.

Dr. Margaret Panning Pearce's research lab at Rowan University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Huntington's disease. The lab investigates how certain brain cells, known as glia, interact with misfolded proteins that accumulate in the brain. By studying the roles of specific proteins and cellular pathways, the lab aims to uncover new insights that could lead to treatments for these challenging conditions that affect the aging population.

Dr. Chad G. Pearson's lab explores how centrioles and centrosomes function as crucial controllers of cellular organization, particularly their roles in cell division and cilia formation. Their research focuses on understanding how disruptions in these structures can lead to diseases like cancer and Down syndrome. This work has broad implications for our understanding of cell behavior and potential therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Livio Pellizzoni's lab focuses on understanding spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease that leads to motor neuron deterioration and muscle atrophy. The research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of SMA and identify new therapeutic approaches to improve treatment outcomes for affected individuals. By studying RNA-mediated processes and developing potential drug combinations, the lab seeks to address significant challenges in the management of SMA.

Dr. Christopher A. Pennell's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding neurotoxicity, a serious side effect associated with CAR T-cell therapy used in treating certain blood cancers. By developing a specialized mouse model, the lab investigates how these engineered immune cells can cause neurological adverse effects, aiming to reveal the underlying mechanisms and improve patient outcomes. Their work bridges basic research on CNS pathobiology with practical applications in cancer treatment, potentially leading to safer immunotherapy options.

Dr. Avital Adah Rodal's lab at Brandeis University focuses on understanding how neurons communicate through specialized structures called periactive zones. These structures play critical roles in neuronal functions such as synaptic transmission and are linked to various neurological disorders. The lab uses advanced imaging techniques and genetic models to investigate the assembly and function of periactive zones in both simple and complex nervous systems, hoping to uncover insights that can help develop therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Hongkuan Fan's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how a specific type of brain cell, called pericytes, is involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease. They study how disruptions in blood flow and the blood-brain barrier affect brain function and contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's. The lab is exploring a molecule called Fli-1 that may play a crucial role in these processes, with the hope of developing new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Tatyana Pestova's lab at SUNY Downstate Medical Center studies how proteins are made in cells, specifically focusing on how ribosomes, the cell's protein factories, handle errors and interruptions during this process. They explore both normal and abnormal translation mechanisms to understand how these processes can lead to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. Their research has practical implications for developing therapies that can improve protein synthesis and utilize oncolytic viruses in cancer treatments.

Dr. Craig L Peterson's lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on understanding how the structure of chromosomes influences important cellular processes like gene expression, DNA replication, and repair. The lab investigates chromatin remodeling machines that play a critical role in maintaining genome stability and preventing diseases, including cancer. By using various experimental techniques, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind chromatin dynamics and their implications for cellular function.

Dr. Dmitri Petrov's research lab at Stanford University focuses on understanding how organisms adapt rapidly to changing environments. By studying various experimental systems, such as yeast and fruit flies, along with cancer models in mice, the lab aims to build a comprehensive theory of adaptation that accounts for both short-term evolution and patterns seen in long-term genomic data.

Dr. Lauren Petrullo's lab at the University of Arizona studies how stress affects the gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms living in our digestive system. They use free-living red squirrels to explore how stress influences these microbes and their role in the body’s health, particularly the immune system and metabolism. By understanding these interactions, the lab aims to provide insights that could improve human health and lead to better treatments for conditions linked to microbial imbalance.