Dr. Mark A. Peifer's lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how cells develop and maintain their structure during embryonic development and how these processes can go awry in diseases like cancer. By studying the fruit fly Drosophila and mammalian cells, the team investigates the role of specific proteins and cell signaling pathways in shaping tissues and organs. The research could shed light on fundamental developmental processes and their implications for congenital anomalies and cancer.

Dr. Takaki Komiyama's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how the brain's motor cortex helps us learn and execute movements. They study the interactions between different types of brain cells and how these interactions change when we learn new motor skills. By using mouse models and advanced techniques, the lab aims to find out how neurons in the motor cortex communicate and adapt, particularly in relation to motor disorders like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Margaret Scull's lab at the University of Maryland investigates how the mucus lining of the lungs defends against respiratory viruses. They focus on the role of glycans—sugar molecules attached to proteins—in the structure of mucus and how these affect the mucus's ability to trap and clear viruses like influenza and rhinovirus. By manipulating mucus properties in lab models, they aim to uncover important mechanisms that impact lung health and disease prevention.

Dr. Jeffrey Sorelle's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding disorders related to glycosylation, specifically those that affect the intestines. The team uses a special mouse model to study how defects in the production of specific sugars impact gut health and functionality, which is particularly relevant for patients with a condition called MPI deficiency. By exploring how these sugars affect the function of mucus in the intestines, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders.

The Kucenas lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how myelination, the process that insulates nerve fibers in the central nervous system, is regulated. Specifically, the research investigates the roles of certain proteins in targeting axons for myelination and how myelination can be both initiated and controlled during the development of the nervous system. By studying these mechanisms in zebrafish, the lab aims to uncover critical insights that could contribute to our understanding of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Amy C Engevik's lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins in our intestines influence gut health, particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The team studies a protein called Myosin 5b, which helps transport key enzymes that protect our intestines from inflammation. By exploring the relationship between Myosin 5b and intestinal alkaline phosphatase, they aim to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for IBD.

Dr. Raffi V Aroian's lab focuses on developing new treatments for parasitic nematodes, which are significant contributors to disease and malnutrition globally. The lab uses proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that are effective against these parasites, particularly when combined with current anthelmintic drugs. The goal is to find synergistic combinations of these proteins with small-molecule drugs to enhance efficacy and reduce the likelihood of drug resistance.

Dr. Tarik Haydar's lab at Boston University Medical Campus studies the complex processes involved in the development of the neocortex, the brain region responsible for sensory perception and higher cognitive functions. The lab focuses on understanding how neural precursor cells give rise to diverse neuron types and how these neurons integrate into functional circuits. By using advanced techniques like genetic labeling and in vivo studies, the team aims to uncover how the lineage of these precursor cells influences brain circuit formation and contributes to various neurodevelopmental conditions.

Dr. Nicholas G. Hatsopoulos leads a research lab at the University of Chicago focused on enhancing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to enable more dexterous control of robotic prosthetic limbs. The lab investigates how the brain encodes both hand movements and the forces exerted during tasks like grasping and transporting objects. By studying neural signals in the motor and somatosensory cortices, the team aims to develop advanced algorithms that improve the performance and feedback of brain-controlled prosthetics.

The lab of Dr. Ronald J. Parchem at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding how certain microRNAs influence brain development, particularly in relation to congenital hydrocephalus. By studying the MIR302 family of microRNAs, the lab investigates the timing and regulation of neural stem cell differentiation, which is crucial for proper brain structure formation. This research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders and could lead to new therapeutic approaches for brain malformations.

Dr. Qiangjun Zhou's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding the tiny structures in the brain that help neurons communicate efficiently. By studying the molecular building blocks of synapses, particularly in relation to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and schizophrenia, the lab aims to uncover how genetic mutations disrupt brain function. This research is not only crucial for gaining insight into these disorders but also for developing potential new treatments.

Dr. Jennifer C. Brazil's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, behave during intestinal inflammation, particularly in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The lab studies the role of a protein called CD45 in regulating the function and activation of neutrophils, with the aim of developing new therapies to reduce harmful inflammation in the gut. This research has the potential to improve treatment options and enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from IBD.

Dr. Samithamby Jeyaseelan's lab focuses on understanding how pneumonia-derived sepsis affects the body, particularly its impact on organ function. By investigating the role of a protein called Nrf2 in immune responses, the lab aims to find new ways to enhance the body's defense against severe infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Their work could lead to better treatments that reduce tissue damage and improve patient outcomes during pneumonia and sepsis.

Dr. U Thomas Meier's lab focuses on how the nucleolus, a crucial part of the cell that produces ribosomes, works and how its dysfunction can lead to diseases like dyskeratosis congenita. The team investigates the processes involved in ribosomal RNA modification, aiming to understand how these processes contribute to diseases and finding potential therapeutic interventions. This research could unveil new treatment strategies for patients with blood cell production disorders.

Dr. Fuwen Zhou's lab focuses on understanding how certain channels in the brain, known as HCN channels, affect the sense of smell, especially as we age or in diseases like Alzheimer's. They study how these channels influence brain activity and behavior through a series of experiments that connect genetics and brain circuits to olfactory performance. The goal is to identify potential treatments that can help improve or restore the sense of smell in aging and disease.

Dr. Meg Younger's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding how mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti, detect human odors to find their hosts for biting. This research is critical because mosquitoes are vectors for dangerous diseases like dengue and Zika. By examining the neural circuits in the mosquito brain, the lab aims to uncover how these insects interpret various sensory cues, which may lead to novel strategies for controlling mosquito populations and preventing disease transmission.

Dr. William S Talbot's lab at Stanford University studies glial cells in the central nervous system, particularly focusing on oligodendrocytes and microglia. Using zebrafish as a model organism, the lab investigates how these cells develop, function, and respond to various signals. The ultimate aim is to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying brain health and disease, which could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.

Dr. Diego H. Castrillon's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind endometrial cancer and developing advanced mouse models for studying intestinal cancer. By investigating the role of the PAX2 gene in endometrial carcinogenesis and creating new models that reflect the genetic complexities of human tumors, the lab aims to improve early detection and treatment strategies for these prevalent cancers.

Dr. Sean Edward Lawler's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding how cytomegalovirus (CMV) influences glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain cancer. By using a special mouse model where the virus is present, the lab aims to uncover the interactions between CMV and tumor growth, which could lead to new treatments for patients. The research highlights the potential of CMV as a therapeutic target and seeks to improve therapy effectiveness in glioblastoma patients.

Prashanth Rangan's lab focuses on understanding the important transition from germ cells to mature egg cells (oocytes), which is crucial for fertility. They use Drosophila, a type of fruit fly, as a model organism to explore how specific genes are silenced during this process to ensure the proper development of embryos. This research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new insights into human infertility.