Dr. Ling Cai's lab focuses on understanding how prostate cancer evades the immune system, particularly through epigenetic regulation. They investigate a specific epigenetic factor, TNRC18, that plays a crucial role in silencing immune-related genes, which contributes to the disease's immune resistance. By targeting this factor, the lab aims to develop new strategies to make prostate cancer more responsive to immunotherapies.

Dr. Soman N Abraham's lab at Duke University focuses on developing innovative immunotherapies for bladder infections. They aim to improve the effectiveness of existing bladder cancer therapies, specifically the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, to combat recurrent urinary tract infections caused by bacteria. By combining BCG with specific peptides and antigens, they hope to enhance the immune response and provide long-lasting protection against bladder infections.

Dr. Stefano Di Talia's lab at Duke University studies how cells and tissues develop and regenerate. They focus on understanding the signaling mechanisms that guide the formation of structures like the spine in zebrafish and how these processes relate to bone healing. Their research combines genetics, cell biology, and advanced imaging techniques to explore these biological phenomena, potentially leading to new insights into regeneration and tissue development in humans.

Dr. David McClay's lab at Duke University studies how cells transform during development, particularly focusing on a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This process is key in forming the tissues of embryos and, when dysregulated, can contribute to cancer metastasis and birth defects. Using sea urchins as a model, the lab investigates the molecular mechanisms behind EMT to identify which factors drive these changes in cell behavior and how they can be manipulated to improve health outcomes.

Dr. Jiaoti Huang's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding the complex mechanisms behind prostate cancer progression, particularly two aspects: the role of alternative polyadenylation in cancer development and the targeting of hard-to-reach transcription factors to hinder metastasis. The lab aims to uncover how specific genetic and molecular changes fuel prostate cancer's progression to more aggressive forms and develop innovative therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Herman F. Staats' lab at Duke University focuses on creating a safe and effective environment for research on infectious diseases. The lab is part of a specialized center that helps scientists study pathogens and develop strategies for pandemic preparedness. This includes maintaining advanced biocontainment facilities and providing essential training for researchers working with dangerous microbes.

Dr. Hui-Kuan Lin's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and prostate cancer. The research aims to identify cancer stem cells and their roles in cancer progression and treatment resistance. By developing novel therapeutic strategies that target these unique cell populations, the lab aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced-stage cancers.

Dr. Aleksandra Tata's lab at Duke University studies how the cells in the lungs repair themselves and how aging affects this process. By focusing on a protein called Tau, which is important for cell structure and function, the lab aims to understand the mechanisms behind lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and COPD. This research could lead to new treatments that help restore lung health in aging populations.

Dr. Purushothama Rao Tata's lab at Duke University studies how cells in the lungs communicate and repair themselves after injury, focusing on understanding lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. The research explores how balance in cellular responses and specific molecular signals can influence the healing process in lung tissue. By uncovering these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential new treatments to enhance lung repair and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Everardo Macias's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding and combating neuroendocrine prostate cancer, a severe form of prostate cancer that often emerges in patients who have become resistant to standard treatments. His research aims to explore a specific target, a protein known as TTK, which is crucial in cell division and is overexpressed in this type of cancer. Through a combination of lab studies and animal models, the team investigates how targeting TTK can slow cancer growth and improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Dr. Christopher V. Nicchitta's research lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are localized and regulated for translation on the endoplasmic reticulum. The lab investigates the role of RNA-binding proteins and the signal recognition particle pathway in mRNA transport processes. Their work aims to uncover how these mechanisms contribute to protein synthesis in different cellular contexts, with implications for developmental biology and diseases.

Gustavo M Silva's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how cells regulate the production of proteins during times of stress. By studying the role of ubiquitin, a small protein that marks others for degradation, the lab aims to unravel mechanisms that lead to diseases like neurodegeneration and cancer. Their research could help develop new strategies to improve health and combat stress-related conditions.

Dr. Scott H. Soderling's lab at Duke University investigates how specific proteins called kinases regulate neuronal function and contribute to brain disorders. The lab employs advanced techniques like AI algorithms and CRISPR to explore the molecular mechanics underlying neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, and developmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder. They aim to deepen our understanding of these conditions and identify potential therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Michel Bagnat's lab studies the biological mechanisms behind vertebrate spine formation and gut nutrient absorption. The team focuses on specialized cells in the notochord and enterocytes, using models like zebrafish and mice. Their research aims to uncover how these cells regulate crucial processes that could inform treatments for spinal dysfunction and improve understanding of digestive health, particularly in infants.

Dr. David Sherwood's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how cells invade through the basement membrane, a crucial structure surrounding tissues. This research is significant because cell invasion plays a role in both healthy processes like tissue development and in diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. By using the model organism C. elegans, the lab explores how cells manage energy and create structures necessary for breaching these membranes, which could lead to better treatments for diseases involving abnormal cell invasion.