Dr. Igor Shmarakov's lab studies how vitamin A is processed in the lungs and its role in lung health. They focus on the mechanisms through which lung cells acquire, store, and utilize vitamin A from the bloodstream, particularly through lipoproteins. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the lab aims to uncover how vitamin A influences lung cell behavior and may help address lung injuries related to vitamin A metabolism.

Dr. Derek Alan Wainwright's research lab at Loyola University Chicago focuses on understanding glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor that evades the body's immune response. His team investigates a protein called indoleamine 23 dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), which plays a crucial role in suppressing the immune system in glioblastoma cases. They aim to develop innovative therapies that can enhance the immune response against this challenging cancer.

Dr. Amy Karol Walker's lab explores how cellular metabolism influences aging and stress responses. By investigating a specific molecule, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the lab aims to understand its role in gene regulation during stress and the aging process. They focus on how different enzymes related to SAM production affect these biological pathways, potentially revealing new insights into aging mechanisms.

Dr. Xiaoxiao Wan's lab at Washington University explores how certain molecules in pancreatic beta cells can trigger autoimmunity, specifically in type 1 diabetes. The lab focuses on understanding neoepitopes—modified pieces of proteins that can provoke harmful immune responses. By studying how these neoepitopes are formed and their role in autoimmune diseases, particularly type 1 diabetes, the lab aims to identify new targets for potential therapies and improve our understanding of disease mechanisms.

Dr. Yingfei Wang's lab focuses on understanding the role of epigenetics in Alzheimer’s disease, especially how certain proteins influence cognitive deficits and neuronal activity. By studying the KDM6B protein's impact in mice, the lab aims to uncover underlying mechanisms that lead to changes in synaptic function and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's. The research could pave the way for new treatments to improve cognitive functions in patients suffering from this disease.

Dr. Li-San Wang's lab at the University of Pennsylvania is focused on understanding Alzheimer's Disease (AD), particularly in Asian American populations that have been historically underrepresented in genetic research. The lab is conducting the Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease (ACAD) study, which aims to recruit over 5,000 participants of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese descent to explore genetic factors affecting AD risk and to develop targeted screening methods. Through this research, the lab hopes to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease for these communities.

Dr. Zhongde Wang's lab at Utah State University focuses on developing a new hamster model for studying hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This research aims to create an immunocompetent animal model that closely mimics human HBV infections, which is vital for testing potential cures for chronic HBV. By using advanced genetic techniques, the lab hopes to enhance our understanding of HBV pathogenesis and evaluate innovative therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Xiaoqiu Wang's lab studies how aging affects the uterus and its ability to support pregnancy. The team focuses on the molecular mechanisms that lead to reproductive challenges in women of advanced maternal age, particularly how certain proteins respond to hormones. By investigating these processes in mice and human cells, they aim to uncover ways to improve pregnancy outcomes for older women.

Dr. Peijing Jeremy Wang's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding meiosis, the process that reduces the chromosome number in cells to produce gametes. The lab investigates how certain proteins and factors influence this process and contribute to genetic diversity and overall reproductive health. By tackling the molecular mechanisms behind meiosis, the research aims to shed light on issues related to infertility and birth defects.

Dr. Ning Wang's lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center studies how changes in mitochondria can affect brain functions related to Alzheimer's disease. They are particularly interested in how an increase in lactate production can modify proteins in ways that may harm brain cells and contribute to the disease. By understanding these processes, the lab aims to identify new ways to diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Wang-Xia Wang’s lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how microRNAs influence neuroinflammation and the role they play in Alzheimer's disease. The lab is particularly interested in a specific microRNA, miR-223, which affects the ApoE pathway, a critical component linked to neuroinflammation and sex-related differences in disease response. Through various experimental techniques, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment outcomes for Alzheimer's disease, especially in female patients who may be disproportionately affected by these conditions.

Dr. Monika A Ward's lab at the University of Hawaii at Manoa focuses on understanding how certain genes on the Y chromosome, specifically Zfy1 and Zfy2, influence male reproduction in mice. By investigating these genes and their roles in spermatogenesis, the lab aims to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying male fertility, which could shed light on similar processes in humans and contribute to understanding male infertility.

Dr. Gideon Wasserberg's lab at the University of North Carolina Greensboro focuses on understanding how sand flies choose their breeding sites. These insects are important vectors for diseases like leishmaniasis, and the lab explores the chemical and microbial signals that attract them to specific environments, particularly burrows used by their rodent hosts. By unraveling these ecological interactions, the lab aims to create effective traps to help control sand fly populations and reduce disease transmission.

Dr. R Clinton Webb's lab at the University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how diabetes can lead to erectile dysfunction by looking at the role of specific ion channels in blood vessel constriction. The team studies how reactive oxygen species, particularly superoxide, influence vascular signaling and how a particular protein family (LRRC8) might contribute to this process. By uncovering these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify new treatment strategies for erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes, addressing a significant health challenge.

Dr. Louis M. Weiss's research lab focuses on understanding Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that causes severe brain infections in individuals with HIV/AIDS. The lab investigates the cyst wall of this parasite, which is crucial for its ability to persist and reactivate in the central nervous system. By identifying proteins that comprise this cyst wall and exploring their roles, the lab aims to develop new strategies for preventing opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients.

Dr. Deneen Wellik's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studies how different types of muscle cells contribute to muscle growth and repair. They focus on unique interstitial cells in muscles that may play a critical role beyond what was previously understood. This research could help us find better ways to treat muscle loss diseases, especially as people age.

Dr. Megan Meuti's lab focuses on understanding the seasonal patterns of West Nile virus transmission, particularly how urban and rural environments affect the spread of the virus. By combining field data from mosquitoes and birds with advanced mathematical modeling, the lab aims to uncover the factors that drive WNV outbreaks each year. This research not only helps predict when and where outbreaks may occur but also informs public health interventions to protect both human and animal populations.

Dr. Marvin Whiteley's lab at Georgia Tech studies the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes hard-to-treat infections, especially in chronic wounds. They focus on understanding how specific small RNA molecules influence the bacteria's ability to survive and thrive in human infections. By uncovering these mechanisms, the lab aims to find better diagnostics and treatments for serious infections.

Dr. Yi-Pin Lin's lab focuses on understanding how wild birds help maintain Lyme disease bacteria, which is a significant health concern in the U.S. The research aims to uncover the immune responses of birds that allow these bacteria to persist without causing the birds harm. By studying this interaction, the lab hopes to inform public health strategies to reduce the risk of Lyme disease in humans.

Dr. Jianbo Wang's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding how a specific signaling molecule, Wnt5a, contributes to skeletal development and its associated disorders. They explore the molecular mechanisms of skeletal formation, particularly how mutations in the WNT5A gene lead to congenital skeletal diseases like Robinow syndrome. The lab uses various biochemical and genetic techniques to develop insights that could ultimately aid in regenerative medicine and therapies for skeletal disorders.