Dr. Michele A Battle's lab focuses on understanding how gastric parietal cells function in the stomach. These cells are crucial for secreting acid and assisting with digestion. The lab is particularly interested in a protein called GATA4, which helps regulate how these cells work. By studying the roles of GATA4 and its effects on gastric health, the research has the potential to inform treatments for conditions like ulcers and gastric cancer.

Dr. Amit Sharma's research lab focuses on understanding how HIV-1 adapts to macaques, as these animals are used to model HIV infection for vaccine studies. By studying chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIVs) and the immune responses in macaques, the lab aims to determine why existing models fail to replicate efficiently and how this can be improved. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of HIV infection and help design better vaccine strategies.

Dr. Nanette M Nascone-Yoder's lab focuses on understanding how the stomach develops its unique leftward curvature during embryonic growth. They study the processes that lead to left-right asymmetries in stomach anatomy, which are crucial for preventing birth defects known as heterotaxy. Using both frog embryos and computer simulations, the lab aims to uncover the tissue-level mechanisms behind normal and abnormal stomach formation.

Dr. Santosh K. Mishra's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind osteoarthritis (OA) pain, a condition that affects millions of adults. The lab investigates how the signaling pathways of artemin and its receptor relate to the pain experienced in OA, aiming to uncover new therapeutic targets. This research could pave the way for innovative and safer treatments for those suffering from chronic OA pain.

Dr. Cathrine Hoyo's lab at North Carolina State University focuses on understanding how prenatal stress and diet influence children's health, especially regarding obesity and metabolic disorders. By studying epigenetic changes that occur due to environmental factors, such as maternal stress and dietary habits, the lab aims to identify potential interventions that can mitigate negative health outcomes. Additionally, they investigate how exposure to environmental contaminants affects liver health, particularly in southern states where rates of liver cancer are rising.

Dr. Yogesh Saini's lab at North Carolina State University focuses on understanding how air pollution, particularly ozone, affects allergic asthma. They study the biological processes involved in the inflammation and healing of respiratory conditions. By investigating specific signaling pathways, the lab aims to find new ways to treat and manage respiratory diseases linked to air pollution and allergies.

Dr. Xiaoqiu Wang's lab studies how aging affects the uterus and its ability to support pregnancy. The team focuses on the molecular mechanisms that lead to reproductive challenges in women of advanced maternal age, particularly how certain proteins respond to hormones. By investigating these processes in mice and human cells, they aim to uncover ways to improve pregnancy outcomes for older women.