Dr. Meghan E. McGee-Lawrence's lab focuses on understanding how HIV infection, aging, and antiretroviral therapy contribute to muscle and bone loss. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these changes at the cellular level, particularly the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This knowledge could lead to improved treatments for older HIV patients suffering from related health issues.

Dr. Paul Langridge's lab at Augusta University explores how mechanical forces activate the Notch signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell communication during development and disease. By studying Drosophila models, the lab examines the role of specific proteins, like Epsin, in the endocytosis process of Notch ligands. The research aims to uncover new insights into how disruptions in this process can lead to various human health issues, including cancers and other disorders.

Dr. Yao Liang Tang's lab studies how specific enzymes affect heart cells after injury. They focus on transforming problematic heart cells into those that can help repair heart damage. This research is important because it could lead to new treatments for heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.

Dr. Jian-Kang Chen's research lab focuses on understanding how diabetes affects kidney function, particularly how it increases the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). The lab investigates the cellular and molecular changes that lead to kidney hypertrophy and susceptibility to damage in diabetic patients. Their work aims to find new therapeutic targets for preventing kidney damage in these patients, ultimately improving health outcomes for those with diabetes-related kidney issues.

Dr. Balveen Kaur's lab at Augusta University focuses on developing innovative therapies to treat glioblastoma (GBM), a deadly brain cancer. The lab's primary research investigates the use of oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) in combination with strategies to block NOTCH signaling, which can enhance the virus's effectiveness against tumors while ensuring safety for brain function. By understanding how these pathways interact, the lab aims to improve treatment options for patients suffering from this challenging disease.

Dr. Stephen Tymanskyj's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding how intracellular transport works in neurons, especially in relation to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. The team is developing a novel optogenetic method that uses artificially created cargo to study motor proteins and their role in transporting materials within neurons. This research aims to uncover the fundamental mechanisms of transport processes and how they are affected by genetic mutations linked to disorders like autism and Parkinson's disease.