Dr. Nicolas Berbari's lab at Indiana University Indianapolis explores how a specific signaling pathway, known as Hedgehog signaling, affects energy balance in the brain. By studying neurons in the hypothalamus, the lab aims to understand how these signals can influence feeding behavior and contribute to obesity. Their research could provide insights into potential treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders.

Dr. Il-Man Kim's lab focuses on understanding how to protect heart cells after a heart attack, which is crucial since the heart doesn't heal itself well. By studying specific molecules called microRNAs and their targets in heart cells and blood vessel cells, the lab aims to develop new therapies to improve heart healing and function. Their work combines laboratory models and human studies to explore how these molecules can be used to enhance recovery after heart damage.

Dr. Miguel Moutinho's lab at Indiana University Indianapolis focuses on developing innovative therapies for Alzheimer's Disease and tauopathies using existing FDA-approved drugs. By activating a specific receptor in the brain, they aim to enhance neuroprotection and mitigate the pathological effects associated with these neurodegenerative diseases. Their research utilizes various mouse models to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments and understand the underlying biological mechanisms.

Dr. Kathy L Newell's research lab at Indiana University Indianapolis focuses on understanding the role of TDP-43 protein in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). By investigating the molecular changes and mislocalization of TDP-43, her team aims to uncover the mechanisms behind different clinical presentations of these diseases. Their innovative approach combines advanced imaging and molecular techniques to study the structure and modifications of TDP-43, which could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Steven S Welc's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind cardiac disease in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). They investigate how fibroblasts, which are cells that help maintain the structure of heart tissue, produce specific signals that can worsen heart problems associated with DMD. The goal is to find new ways to target these signals for potential therapies to improve heart function and overall health for affected individuals.

The lab led by Dr. Randall J. Roper focuses on understanding the genetic factors that influence Down syndrome (DS) traits. They specifically look at how different genes, including those not directly associated with DS, can affect physical and cognitive characteristics in individuals with Down syndrome. Their work involves creating advanced mouse models to better represent the variety of symptoms seen in humans with trisomy 21, particularly investigating how factors like sex and skeletal development might modify these traits.

Dr. Ruben Vidal's lab investigates brain disorders related to tau proteins, particularly tauopathies, which are associated with neurodegeneration. Using advanced imaging techniques, the team studies the structures of tau aggregates and how they influence diseases like progressive supranuclear palsy and new forms of tauopathies. Their research aims to improve understanding of these conditions, which can lead to better diagnoses and treatments.