Dr. Kiho Lee's lab focuses on improving pigs as important models for both agriculture and human medicine by using advanced genome editing techniques like CRISPR. The research aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of creating genetically engineered pigs, which can help us better understand diseases and improve livestock traits. By developing new methods to quickly analyze these pigs after genetic modifications, the lab strives to make genetically edited pigs more accessible for scientific and agricultural purposes.

Kenneth C. Williams' lab at Boston College focuses on understanding how HIV and SIV can persist in the brain despite effective treatment. The research investigates specific immune cells in the brain called perivascular macrophages, which may serve as reservoirs for these viruses. By studying how these cells migrate out of the brain and contribute to viral rebound after treatment stops, the lab aims to develop new strategies for eradicating these persistent infections.

Dr. Pierre Coulombe's lab at the University of Michigan studies how skin cells called keratinocytes influence the immune response during skin inflammation. Their research focuses on understanding how signals produced by these cells can affect immune cells like neutrophils, which play a critical role in skin disorders such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. By exploring how different proteins in keratinocytes interact with immune pathways, the lab aims to uncover new ways to diagnose and treat chronic skin diseases.

Dr. Jonathan R. Pollack's lab at Stanford University focuses on studying the role of the immune system in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that can cause urinary problems as men age. The lab investigates how specific T-cells contribute to the development of BPH and the factors that trigger these immune responses. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to develop better prevention and treatment strategies for this common condition.

Dr. Gregory Charles Rogers' research lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding the structure and function of centrosomes, which are essential organelles in cells that organize microtubules. The lab investigates how centrioles, the core components of centrosomes, duplicate and elongate, and how this process is regulated. This work is crucial as misregulated centriole duplication can lead to serious health issues such as birth defects and cancer.

Dr. Chin Chiang's research lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how granule cells in the cerebellum develop and how their improper formation can lead to conditions like cerebellar hypoplasia, which is particularly common in premature infants. The lab investigates the genetic and epigenetic factors that control the progression and differentiation of granule cell precursors, linking basic developmental biology to potential health implications in neurological disorders.

Dr. Indira M Raman's research lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how the cerebellum helps us coordinate movements and learn new motor skills. The lab investigates how synaptic input impacts the firing patterns of neurons that play a crucial role in movement control. Using both mice and zebrafish, the team studies how these neurons respond to expected and unexpected sensory inputs during different behaviors, such as learning new tasks or adapting to changes. Insights from this research may help unravel the mechanisms behind movement disorders like ataxia and autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Tzyy-Choou Wu's lab focuses on developing effective cancer vaccines specifically for cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). They are investigating how different genetic variants of HPV can evade the immune system and impact cancer growth. The lab aims to create a therapeutic vaccine that works for diverse populations, addressing disparities in cervical cancer outcomes around the world.

Dr. Ethel Cesarman's lab focuses on understanding how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) interacts with B cells, particularly in the context of cancers associated with HIV infection. By exploring how the virus affects B cell biology and the mechanisms that control viral protein expression, the lab aims to find new therapeutic approaches for lymphomas. This research is crucial, as people living with HIV are at significantly higher risk for developing certain types of B cell lymphomas linked to EBV.

Dr. Rick L Tarleton's lab focuses on improving diagnostics and treatment strategies for Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. By developing more sensitive detection methods using advanced PCR techniques, the lab aims to enhance understanding of the parasite's lifecycle and effectively monitor treatment outcomes in both humans and animals, particularly dogs. This research addresses a major health challenge in Latin America and aims to improve public health interventions.

Dr. Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno's research lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding the relationship between specialized brain cells called Chandelier (Ch) cells and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By studying how these cells function and their numbers in various brain regions, the lab aims to uncover new insights into the biological basis of autism symptoms. This research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with ASD.

Dr. Kyeong-Ok Chang's lab focuses on developing antiviral drugs targeting coronaviruses, including those responsible for SARS and MERS, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Their research involves creating small molecule inhibitors that prevent the virus from replicating by blocking a key enzyme essential for its growth. This work is particularly critical given the lack of approved treatments for these dangerous viruses, and aims to improve public health by advancing preclinical drug candidates.

Dr. Ivan Rusyn's lab at Texas A&M focuses on improving how we assess the safety of chemicals without relying on animal testing. Their work involves creating advanced laboratory models and computer simulations, which can predict the effects of chemicals more accurately. By developing these new methodologies, the lab aims to enhance regulatory decision-making and promote public health.

Dr. John S. Parkinson's lab focuses on how bacteria sense and respond to their chemical environments, specifically through their chemoreceptors. By studying the mechanisms of chemotaxis in bacteria like E. coli, the lab aims to uncover the molecular details that enable bacteria to move toward beneficial chemicals and away from harmful substances. This research could lead to innovative treatments for bacterial infections and insights into microbial community behavior.

Dr. Shu G. Chen's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is focused on finding accurate ways to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. They are developing innovative tests using skin samples to detect biomarkers associated with these conditions before symptoms become severe. The goal is to improve patient care through early diagnosis, which can lead to better treatment options.

Jerry L Chen's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding how the brain processes tactile information through circuits in the sensorimotor cortex. They study the connections between local and long-range neural circuits and how these circuits influence behavior, particularly in relation to tactile perception using a mouse model. Their innovative research combines advanced imaging techniques and molecular analysis to develop a comprehensive model of sensory processing in the brain.

Xiaoke Chen's lab at Stanford University focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms of opioid addiction, particularly how certain brain pathways influence withdrawal symptoms and relapse. By studying specific neuron groups in the brain, the lab aims to identify potential new targets for addiction treatment. Their work combines advanced technologies to visualize and analyze cells, which could lead to significant improvements in drug addiction therapies.

Dr. Xiaodong Cheng's laboratory focuses on understanding and treating diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of vision loss among diabetics. The lab investigates the role of a protein called Epac1 in the development of DR and explores new therapeutic strategies that could improve patient outcomes. By combining genetic and pharmacological methods, the team aims to create innovative drugs targeting the underlying mechanisms of this condition.

Dr. Kyunghee Choi's lab focuses on understanding how a specific protein called Myct1 influences both blood vessel formation and the immune response to tumors. By studying endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels, the lab aims to uncover how Myct1 can either promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) or enhance the immune attack on tumors. The ultimate goal is to leverage these insights to develop new cancer therapies that improve immune responses while inhibiting abnormal blood vessel growth.

The research lab led by Dr. Sungjin Ko focuses on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a challenging cancer with low survival rates. They investigate how certain receptors in the liver, specifically the Farnesoid X-Activated Receptor (FXR) and Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR), contribute to the development of CCA, especially in patients with cholestatic diseases. The lab aims to find biomarkers for early detection and develop new therapies to improve treatment outcomes for patients with this aggressive form of cancer.