Dr. Jie Jiang's lab at Emory University studies the effects of genetic mutations linked to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), focusing specifically on the KIF5A gene. They investigate how a mutation in this gene leads to nerve cell degeneration. The lab uses various models to explore how altered protein functions and transport mechanisms contribute to the disease, aiming to discover new treatment avenues for ALS.

Dr. Robert Liu's research focuses on understanding how the brain processes sounds that carry social meanings, like those used in communication among animals and humans. His lab examines learning mechanisms in the auditory cortex of mice, particularly how they learn to recognize and respond to new sounds in noisy environments. This research is not only important for basic science but also has implications for helping to understand auditory processing disorders and communication challenges in humans.

Dr. Sunil S. Badve's lab at Emory University focuses on innovative approaches to improve the prediction and treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). By utilizing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and deep learning, the lab aims to develop a comprehensive risk assessment tool known as the CaPRI score, which will help identify patients at high risk of lethal outcomes and optimize their therapy accordingly.

Dr. Max Dale Cooper's lab at Emory University studies a unique group of jawless fish called lampreys to better understand how our immune system evolved. The lab focuses on characterizing special immune cells and antibodies found in lampreys that might help us learn more about human diseases, including various cancers. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR and sequencing, they aim to uncover the complexities of adaptive immunity and develop novel diagnostic tools from lamprey antibodies.

Dr. Michael R Deans' lab at Emory University investigates how specific proteins influence the development of hair cells in the inner ear, which are crucial for balance and motion detection. The team focuses on a protein called STK32A, studying how it helps shape the orientation of hair cell structures that detect movement. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind hair cell organization and how disruptions in these processes could lead to balance disorders.

Dr. Farzad Fereidouni's lab focuses on developing a new microscopy technique to improve the evaluation of kidney fibrosis, a condition that affects many patients with chronic kidney disease. The lab aims to create a rapid and accurate tool for detecting fibrosis directly from commonly used tissue slides, ultimately enhancing patient diagnosis and treatment outcomes. This research blends advanced imaging technology with practical applications in renal pathology.

Christina Gavegnano's lab at Emory University researches how to reduce HIV infection specifically within the central nervous system (CNS), which is a major barrier to curing the virus. By studying the drug baricitinib, the lab aims to see if it can effectively decrease HIV levels in the brain and improve the health of individuals living with HIV. The lab combines clinical studies with animal models to explore innovative treatments that might one day lead to a cure for HIV, improving the lives of those affected by the virus.

Dr. Mirko Paiardini's lab focuses on understanding how the body's immune system, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, can be optimized to fight HIV infections. The research aims to identify new treatments that enhance NK cell activity and the effectiveness of broadly neutralizing antibodies to control HIV without the need for continuous antiretroviral therapy. By studying viral control mechanisms in animal models, the lab seeks to develop innovative strategies that could lead to the eradication of HIV in humans.

Dr. Una T. O'Doherty's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding HIV, particularly why HIV reservoirs behave differently in various patients. The lab studies the role of different types of T cells, especially naive CD4+ T cells, which were previously thought to be less significant in HIV persistence. The team uses advanced techniques like machine learning and sequencing to reveal insights that could lead to new ways of reducing the size of the HIV reservoir and improving treatment strategies.

Dr. Rafick Pierre Sekaly's lab focuses on understanding and overcoming HIV infection. They study the immune system's role in maintaining the virus and explore therapeutic strategies, such as the use of IL-10 inhibitors, to restore immune function aiming for an HIV cure. By combining advanced techniques from different research fields, the lab aims to identify mechanisms that contribute to the HIV reservoir and develop innovative interventions for lasting solutions.

Dr. Eric Hunter's lab focuses on understanding the immune system's response to HIV infections, particularly how these responses differ between men and women. They seek to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better vaccines and treatments. The lab conducts research involving both human cohorts and nonhuman primate models to explore effective responses to HIV and factors that affect viral loads and immune activation.

Dr. Susan Pereira Ribeiro's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how immune system alterations contribute to HIV persistence, especially in individuals who use methamphetamine. The lab investigates specific molecular pathways that lead to immune dysfunction and viral reservoirs in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART). By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve clinical outcomes for people living with HIV.

Dr. Matthew J.M. Rowan's lab at Emory University focuses on the intricate biology of Alzheimer's disease, particularly how specific brain cells called parvalbumin-expressing interneurons malfunction as the disease progresses. Using advanced robotic technology, his team examines how these cellular changes correlate with cognitive decline and the early indicators of Alzheimer's. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative therapeutic strategies to address circuit dysfunction and improve outcomes for patients with dementia.

Dr. Carlos Sanchez Moreno's lab focuses on understanding the racial disparities in prostate cancer, particularly how the disease affects African-American men compared to European-American men. The research investigates the roles of specific genes and metabolic pathways in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer. By uncovering the biological mechanisms behind these health disparities, the lab aims to develop targeted therapies that could help reduce cancer mortality rates in diverse populations.

Dr. Seong Su Kang's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how gender differences and specific genes contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly in women. The team investigates the roles of the APOE4 gene, a known risk factor for AD, and the hormone follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in influencing AD pathology, especially regarding cognitive decline in postmenopausal women. By exploring these connections, the lab aims to uncover new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Souheil Younes's research lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how the gut microbiome affects CD4 T cells in HIV-1 infected individuals who do not respond to treatment. The lab investigates the role of specific bacterial toxins produced in the gut that may hinder the recovery of CD4 T cells and contribute to health complications in these patients. By exploring the connections between bacteria, toxins, and immune response, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets to improve health outcomes for these individuals.

Dr. Daniel Kalman’s lab at Emory University studies how natural compounds produced by gut bacteria, called indoles, can help maintain muscle function and mobility as animals age. The lab investigates how indoles can protect muscle proteins and mitochondrial function, helping to combat age-related decline in mobility and associated health issues in elderly populations. Their research may lead to new therapies to support healthy aging.

Dr. Vijayakumar Velu's lab focuses on innovative approaches to combat HIV, aiming to achieve sustained remission without lifelong treatments. The research combines immunotherapy with a new vaccination strategy to enhance the body's immune response against HIV. Using a monkey model, the lab investigates how different therapies can improve the function of immune cells that target the virus, potentially leading to a cure.

Dr. James Q Zheng's lab at Emory University investigates how the actin cytoskeleton affects the structure and function of synapses in the brain. By studying the dynamic changes in dendritic spines, which are crucial for learning and memory, the lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. This research is essential for understanding brain development and potential connections to brain disorders.