Dr. Kenichiro Taniguchi's lab studies the formation of the amniotic membrane, which is crucial for human pregnancy. They use advanced models to explore how certain molecular signals influence the development of amniotic cells. By examining both human stem cells and primate embryos, their research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control early embryonic development and improve our understanding of fertility issues.

Dr. Allison D Ebert's lab studies how the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) affects brain development, especially in cases where the virus is transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy. By exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this condition, the lab aims to find new antiviral treatments and better understand the impacts of HCMV infection on the brain and nervous system. Their research combines advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and organoid culture to unravel these complex interactions.

Dr. Rashmi Sood's lab studies placental abruption, a serious pregnancy complication that occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery. The lab focuses on understanding the interplay between blood clotting and inflammation in this condition, using mouse models to investigate how specific immune cells and molecular processes contribute to placental damage. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could help prevent this dangerous complication in pregnancy.

Dr. John D Mccorvy's lab focuses on exploring the pharmacological potential of psychedelics, particularly their effects on mental health disorders like depression. By designing and developing new chemical probes specifically targeting serotonin receptors, the lab aims to differentiate between the therapeutic effects and the psychedelic experiences, paving the way for innovative treatments in psychiatry. Their research combines both structure-based drug design and an in-depth understanding of signaling pathways related to serotonin receptors.

Dr. Brian A Link's lab at the Medical College of Wisconsin focuses on the cellular mechanisms involved in retinal health, particularly related to Usher syndrome type 1B. The lab investigates the MYO7A gene and its variants, which are linked to progressive retinal degeneration and other sensory deficits. By using various models including zebrafish and mutant mice, the research aims to understand how MYO7A mutations affect cell junctions in the retina, with the goal of informing future gene therapies.

Dr. Cheryl Louise Stucky's lab focuses on understanding the complex pain mechanisms associated with sickle cell disease. The research aims to identify how certain molecules, like free heme and the cytokine TNF, contribute to both acute and chronic pain in sickle cell patients. By investigating these pain pathways, the lab hopes to develop better pain management strategies that could help reduce reliance on opioids, leading to safer treatments.