Deborah J Andrew · Biology
Dr. Deborah J Andrew's research lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins influence the formation and function of organs using the Drosophila salivary gland as a model. By investigating the roles of transcription factors in organ development, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms that guide tissue morphogenesis and physiological specialization. This research has implications for understanding human organ development and diseases such as cancer.
Gira Bhabha · Biology
Dr. Gira Bhabha's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how certain pathogens, like the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and specialized parasitic fungi, invade human cells and transport essential nutrients. By studying the structures and mechanisms of these transport systems, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for combating diseases such as tuberculosis and microsporidiosis, which affect vulnerable populations. Through innovative techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the lab investigates the intricate biology of these pathogens and their interactions with host cells.
Takanari Inoue · Biology
Dr. Takanari Inoue's lab at Johns Hopkins University studies how cells move and migrate, which is vital for processes like wound healing and how diseases like cancer spread. They focus on the physical characteristics of cell membranes and their interactions with signaling molecules that guide cell movement. By developing specialized molecular tools, the lab aims to understand the complex relationship between cell migration, signaling, and the properties of membranes.
Peter N Devreotes · Biology
Dr. Peter Devreotes' lab at Johns Hopkins University studies how cells move and change shape in response to their environment, which is important for both healthy and diseased conditions such as cancer. The research focuses on how cells coordinate their internal signals and structures to migrate effectively, exploring the molecular interactions that control this motility. By investigating these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for diseases where cell movement goes awry.
Tzyy-Choou Wu · Biology
Dr. Tzyy-Choou Wu's lab focuses on developing effective cancer vaccines specifically for cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). They are investigating how different genetic variants of HPV can evade the immune system and impact cancer growth. The lab aims to create a therapeutic vaccine that works for diverse populations, addressing disparities in cervical cancer outcomes around the world.
Mikala Egeblad · Biology
Dr. Mikala Egeblad's lab at Johns Hopkins University studies how chronic psychological stress influences cancer metastasis. The research focuses on understanding the biological pathways between the brain and the body that contribute to the spread of cancer, particularly through the activation of stress-related hormones and immune responses. By using mouse models, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could eventually lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for metastatic cancers.
Mary Glenn Fowler · Biology
Dr. Mary Glenn Fowler's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on HIV research in Uganda, particularly aiming to prevent mother-to-child transmission and improve treatment options for at-risk populations. The lab conducts clinical trials that explore new therapies and vaccines for HIV, while also training the next generation of researchers in these vital areas. Their work addresses a critical public health issue by identifying effective strategies to combat the global HIV pandemic.
Sharon A Nachman · Biology
Dr. Sharon A Nachman's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on improving health outcomes for infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant women affected by HIV and tuberculosis. The lab conducts research through the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Network, exploring safe, effective treatments and strategies to combat HIV and TB in vulnerable populations. Their efforts aim to establish better health interventions and inform public health policies that can help eliminate these epidemics.
Michael G. Goggins · Biology
Dr. Michael G. Goggins' lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on improving the early detection and screening of pancreatic cancer, particularly for individuals at high genetic risk. The lab conducts multi-center studies to investigate the efficacy of novel blood tests and imaging techniques in identifying pancreatic cancer at an early stage. Their research aims to enhance patient outcomes through timely diagnosis and surveillance methods.
Karen Sandell Sfanos · Biology
Dr. Karen Sandell Sfanos and her lab focus on understanding how gut bacteria produce androgen hormones that can affect cancer treatment effectiveness, particularly in metastatic prostate cancer. They explore the role of the microbiome in shaping how patients respond to immunotherapies and hormone therapies. Their goal is to identify bacterial genes and metabolites that contribute to resistance against cancer treatments, with the hope of finding new therapeutic approaches.
Robert John Johnston · Biology
Dr. Robert Johnston's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how cells determine their fates in a stochastic (random) manner during eye development, particularly in fruit flies. The research aims to uncover the genetic and signaling mechanisms that lead to proper development of different cell types, which is essential for functions like vision and smell. By using the fly eye as a model, the lab studies how genes turn on and off randomly in some cells, and how this process is influenced by both internal (like transcription factors) and external (like signaling pathways) cues.
Aaron A Tobian · Biology
Dr. Aaron A. Tobian's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how HIV-1 persists in the body despite treatment. They study the latent viral reservoir found in certain immune cells and how it is maintained or reactivated, especially in people undergoing kidney transplants. By examining the effects of different treatments on these reservoirs, the lab aims to develop strategies for potentially curing HIV.
Chan-Hyun Na · Biology
Dr. Chan-Hyun Na's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to cognitive and motor function decline. The lab investigates how different brain regions are affected by LBD and how specific cell types contribute to the disease. By using a mouse model that mimics human disease, the research aims to identify key cellular and molecular pathways involved in the vulnerability to LBD and similar neurodegenerative disorders.
Xiaobo Mao · Biology
Dr. Xiaobo Mao's lab at Johns Hopkins University investigates how environmental pollutants, specifically air pollution, may contribute to the development of dementia, including Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. The lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms through which these pollutants affect the brain and lead to cognitive decline. They explore the role of proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Mark A Marzinke · Biology
Dr. Mark A. Marzinke's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on HIV prevention through innovative laboratory research and support for clinical trials. The lab plays a crucial role in the HIV Prevention Trials Network, leading efforts to evaluate and implement new strategies for preventing HIV infection, including drug development and testing methodologies. With an emphasis on quality assurance and collaboration across various stakeholders, the lab aims to identify effective and scalable interventions to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Alan Keith Meeker · Biology
Dr. Alan Keith Meeker's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding prostate cancer treatment responses by investigating a telomere biomarker. This research aims to determine which patients might benefit from additional therapies after prostate surgery, helping to personalize and improve treatment decisions. By using advanced analysis of tumor biology, the lab seeks to identify patients who would either not benefit from aggressive treatments or who may need them to prevent disease progression.
Andrew Josef Ewald · Biology
Dr. Andrew Josef Ewald's lab at Johns Hopkins University studies how cancer cells change and behave as they spread from one part of the body to another. They use cutting-edge techniques, including single-cell sequencing and machine learning, to map these changes and understand the processes driving metastasis in breast cancer. The lab aims to identify potential new targets for treatments that could stop cancer from spreading and improve patient outcomes.
Hiromi Sesaki · Biology
Hiromi Sesaki's research lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, maintain their shape and function. The lab explores how mitochondrial dynamics—such as their growth, division, and fusion—are regulated and how these processes are linked to various diseases including neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders. By investigating the molecular mechanisms involved, the lab aims to uncover new treatment strategies for diseases caused by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Daniela Cihakova · Biology
Dr. Daniela Cihakova's lab focuses on understanding a serious side effect of cancer treatments known as immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis, which can lead to severe heart inflammation and even death in cancer patients. The research explores how certain immune cells in the heart contribute to this condition, particularly after heart injury. By studying these immune responses in mouse models, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new prevention strategies for patients undergoing cancer therapy.
Valina L. Dawson · Biology
Dr. Valina L. Dawson's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. By studying the roles of specific proteins and metabolic changes in brain cells, the lab seeks to uncover the causes of cognitive dysfunction and develop potential therapies to protect neurons. Their research uses innovative techniques, including imaging mass spectrometry and genetic models, to explore how changes in brain metabolism affect neurodegeneration.