Dr. Kyung Bo Kim's research lab at Florida International University is focused on developing new treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). They are specifically exploring a novel class of drugs that inhibit the immunoproteasome, which may help improve cognitive deficits associated with AD without relying on the traditional targets of amyloid-beta and tau proteins. The lab aims to identify and characterize macrocyclic peptide compounds that can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and demonstrate prolonged activity in the brain.

Dr. Stephen M. Black's lab focuses on the mechanisms of pulmonary vascular disease, especially related to pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease. They investigate how metabolic changes in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells contribute to these diseases, aiming to identify novel therapeutic strategies. The research combines molecular biology techniques with preclinical models to explore mitochondrial function, cell growth, and signaling pathways involved in vascular remodeling.

Dr. Charles J Dimitroff’s lab at Florida International University focuses on understanding how certain sugars on melanoma cells affect the progression of the disease. The team investigates specific proteins called galectins that interact with these sugars, which may help in predicting which melanoma cases will worsen. Ultimately, their research aims to identify new biomarkers to enhance treatment options for patients suffering from metastatic melanoma.

Dr. Jun Li's research lab at Florida International University focuses on understanding how malaria parasites interact with the midgut of their mosquito hosts. By exploring these interactions, the lab aims to identify potential targets for vaccines that could block the transmission of malaria. The long-term goal is to contribute to efforts to reduce malaria cases and deaths worldwide by developing new strategies to disrupt the life cycle of the Plasmodium parasite.