Dr. Tal Nuriel's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how long-term infections with herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition (APOE4 allele). The research aims to reveal the complex interactions between viral infection and brain function, which may lead to new treatments for preventing or slowing Alzheimer's disease in at-risk populations.

Dr. Andrew Teich's lab focuses on understanding how Alzheimer's Disease affects brain structure and function, particularly in elderly patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus. By examining brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid from surgical patients, the lab investigates the role of immune responses in the brain and how they relate to cognitive decline. This research aims to identify biomarkers that could help predict outcomes in Alzheimer's patients, thereby improving clinical care.

Dr. Minah Kim's lab focuses on understanding how the Angiopoietin-2/Tie2 signaling pathway affects liver metastasis in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET). By investigating the mechanisms of tumor growth and immune evasion, the lab aims to improve treatment strategies for patients suffering from this aggressive cancer. Ultimately, the research seeks to identify potential biomarkers that could help guide clinical decisions for better management of metastatic disease.

The lab of Dr. Andres Bendesky at Columbia University focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that influence parental behavior, particularly in relation to the neurosteroid allopregnanediol. By studying different species of mice, the research aims to uncover how hormones affect the motivation for parental care, which is crucial for healthy child development. The lab's work has implications for understanding postpartum depression and child neglect.

Dr. Kevin L. Gardner's lab focuses on understanding breast cancer, particularly in women of African ancestry and those in the African diaspora, who face higher mortality rates from this disease. The lab investigates a protein called Kaiso, exploring its potential as a biomarker for predicting breast cancer outcomes and how it interacts with the tumor microenvironment. By combining advanced genetic analysis techniques, the research aims to develop better prognostic models and therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.

Iva S. Greenwald's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how cells communicate and decide their roles during development using the model organism C. elegans, a tiny roundworm. By investigating the Notch signaling pathway and its interactions with other key signaling systems, the lab aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms that can impact human health, particularly in relation to cancer and congenital disorders. The research combines traditional genetic techniques with modern genome engineering tools, enabling detailed study of cellular processes and signaling dynamics.

Dr. Riccardo Dalla-Favera's lab focuses on understanding diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a common and challenging type of blood cancer. The research team is uncovering genetic mutations within the non-coding regions of DNA that play a critical role in DLBCL. By analyzing super-enhancers—regulatory regions of the genome—they aim to identify new therapeutic targets and improve treatment options for patients who currently have limited options.

Lars Dietrich's lab at Columbia University studies the opportunistic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known for causing serious infections, particularly in vulnerable populations. They focus on understanding how these bacteria survive and thrive in challenging environments, such as during infections, by examining unique structures like R-bodies that help protect the bacteria and contribute to their virulence. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these survival tactics to identify new treatment strategies against bacterial infections.

Dr. Ulrich Hengst's lab at Columbia University focuses on how neurons respond to stress, particularly through a newly discovered secreted protein that helps protect them during stressful situations. This protein, originating from an important transcription factor, has the potential to improve cell survival and mitochondrial function in receiving neurons. The lab investigates how stress triggers the production of this protective factor, its mechanisms of action, and its broader implications for understanding neuroprotection in the brain.

Dr. Krystalyn Hudson's research focuses on understanding autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a condition where the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys red blood cells. The lab investigates how the immune system achieves tolerance to red blood cell antigens and what goes wrong in AIHA. They use innovative mouse models to explore the interplay between different T cell populations and signaling molecules involved in immune responses, aiming to develop better strategies for prevention and treatment.

Dr. George Z Mentis's lab focuses on understanding how neuronal circuits control movement and how their dysfunction can lead to diseases like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The research explores the mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction and the roles of specific neurons in locomotion, aiming to reveal insights into the underlying causes of motor deficits. By using mouse models, the lab seeks to uncover crucial cellular and molecular interactions that contribute to motility disorders, potentially illuminating new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Hynek Wichterle's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how human spinal motor neurons develop and mature, particularly in comparison to mouse motor neurons. The research aims to identify key molecular mechanisms that contribute to the formation of motor neurons and their susceptibility to diseases like ALS. By engineering specific proteins that could enhance neuron maturation from stem cells, the lab hopes to develop better models of neurodegenerative diseases and explore potential therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Martin Chalfie's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how nerve cells differentiate and function using the model organism, the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. His research explores genetic mechanisms behind neuronal development, particularly in touch receptor neurons, and how these insights could relate to human health and disease. The lab employs advanced techniques to analyze gene functions that may enhance our understanding of mechanosensation and the cellular processes involved in nervous system disorders.

Dr. Natura Myeku's lab at Columbia University Health Sciences investigates how specific proteins degrade in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The research focuses on understanding the roles of specialized proteins called immunoproteasomes, especially during inflammation, and how their dysfunction might contribute to disease progression. The lab combines advanced techniques to unravel the mechanisms behind protein accumulation that characterizes diseases of aging.

Dr. Francesca Bartolini's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). By studying how microtubule stability and tubulin modifications impact neuronal health, the lab aims to uncover new pathways that could lead to effective treatments for these conditions.

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. Osama Al Dalahmah's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in Alzheimer's disease. They are particularly interested in a protein called CD44 that is expressed in these cells and how it may influence the progression of the disease. The lab uses various experimental techniques to study astrocytes in both lab settings and animal models to identify potential new treatments for Alzheimer's.

Dr. Wei Gu's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how the p53 tumor suppressor protein regulates metabolism to inhibit tumor growth. By investigating the metabolic pathways influenced by p53, the lab aims to find new therapeutic targets that can effectively suppress cancer while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This research is particularly important as it explores unconventional mechanisms of tumor suppression, which may open up new avenues for cancer treatment.

Dr. Liza A Pon's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how proteins are properly synthesized, folded, and degraded within cells, particularly in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. They investigate the processes that maintain protein quality control, which is crucial for preventing diseases related to protein misfolding, such as neurodegenerative disorders and muscular dystrophy. Through their research, they aim to uncover new mechanisms that might help in treating these serious health conditions.

Dr. James L. Manley's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding the intricate processes involved in mRNA processing and how these processes impact diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The team investigates how mutations in splicing factors contribute to diseases like acute myeloid leukemia and explores the roles of specific proteins associated with conditions like ALS. Through their research, they aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these changes and their consequences in human health.