Dr. Jason T. Kaelber's lab at Rutgers focuses on improving gene therapies that use adeno-associated viruses (AAV). They are exploring the detailed mechanisms of how these viruses infect cells and package their genetic material, which could lead to more effective therapies with fewer side effects. By applying advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to directly visualize viral interactions at the molecular level to address the challenges associated with AAV gene therapy.

Dr. Sophie Astrof’s lab focuses on understanding congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common birth defect that affects about 1% of newborns. Her research investigates how certain proteins, particularly fibronectin, contribute to the normal development of the heart's outflow tract. By studying the mechanisms of heart formation and the impact of abnormal cell behavior, the lab aims to identify new approaches for better prenatal screening and treatment options for CHD.

Dr. Tessa Bergsbaken's lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding how the immune system interacts with epithelial cells in the intestines to regulate immune responses. They investigate a specific molecule called CD103 that plays a significant role in the activity of lymphocytes, which are critical for defending against intestinal infections. This research aims to uncover how these immune responses can maintain a healthy gut barrier while preventing diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.

Dr. Diego Fraidenraich's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins in heart cells, particularly Connexin 43, are affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic disorder. The research explores how these changes contribute to heart problems associated with DMD and aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to protect heart function in affected patients. By utilizing advanced molecular techniques, the lab seeks to identify and manipulate the pathways that lead to cardiac complications in DMD.

Dr. Dongfang Liu's lab at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences focuses on how a small protein called Crk regulates immune cell functions, particularly in natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. The lab uses innovative techniques like live imaging and genetic models to study how Crk's phosphorylation acts as a switch that can either turn immune responses on or off. Their work has important implications for understanding and potentially treating immune deficiencies and cancers such as triple negative breast cancer.

Dr. Dominic P Del Re's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind heart failure, particularly how metabolic dysfunction contributes to the disease. The lab investigates the role of the tumor suppressor Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) and its interaction with specific transcription factors to promote heart health under stress. By establishing new potential therapeutic targets, the research aims to improve treatment strategies for heart failure, thereby addressing a major global health issue.

Dr. Bonnie L. Firestein's lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding how the brain recovers from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), like concussions. They investigate how specific proteins and metabolic processes can help protect brain function and promote recovery. The lab looks for new ways to treat and potentially reduce the long-lasting effects of these injuries on individuals' cognitive abilities and overall brain health.

Dr. Max Tischfield's lab at Rutgers University studies how the brain clears out harmful waste and proteins that accumulate due to aging and diseases like Alzheimer's. They focus on understanding the glymphatic system, which uses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flush out toxins. By exploring a specific ion channel called Piezo1, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies to improve brain health and cognitive function, especially in older adults.

Dr. Megerditch Kiledjian's lab focuses on understanding how the unique structures at the ends of messenger RNA (mRNA) affect gene expression and RNA stability. By studying both well-known and newly discovered RNA caps, the lab seeks to uncover their roles in cellular metabolism and how they might relate to diseases. This research could lead to new ways of controlling gene expression for therapeutic purposes.

Brian Daniels' lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding how the immune system interacts with the nervous system, particularly during viral infections like West Nile and Zika viruses. The research aims to discover how a specific protein, RIPK3, can protect neurons from damage caused by these viruses. By exploring the mechanisms of immune signaling within neurons, the lab seeks to identify potential new treatments for viral infections that affect the brain.

Dr. Stephen K. Burley's lab at Rutgers University focuses on managing and enhancing the Protein Data Bank (PDB), which stores important information about the 3D structures of proteins and nucleic acids. Their work ensures that scientists around the world have free access to this crucial data, helping them understand biological processes and diseases. The lab is committed to improving data quality and making new structure determination methods available to the research community.

Dr. Qian Cai's lab at Rutgers University focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind tauopathies, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. They investigate how communication between cellular organelles, like mitochondria and autophagosomes, impacts the buildup of toxic tau protein and neuronal health. This research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Junichi Sadoshima's lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding the cellular processes that contribute to heart aging and failure. The research emphasizes how aging affects heart cells, particularly through mechanisms like cellular senescence and oxidative stress, leading to heart disease. By studying the roles of autophagy and cysteine oxidation in cardiac cells, the lab aims to uncover potential strategies to improve heart health and longevity.

Dr. Dane Parker's lab focuses on understanding how the immune system interacts with Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of pneumonia and antibiotic-resistant infections. The research aims to explore how a specific immune signaling pathway, known as type III interferon, affects the body's ability to clear this pathogen. By studying the role of immune cells called alveolar macrophages and the mechanisms by which Staphylococcus aureus activates immune responses, the lab hopes to discover new therapeutic strategies to combat infections caused by this dangerous bacterium.

Dr. Yosuke Kumamoto's lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding a specific type of immune cell called conventional dendritic cells (cDC2s) and their role in allergic responses and autoimmune diseases. The team is investigating how different subsets of these cells are formed in various organs and how they contribute to immune responses to allergens and parasites. Their work aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the differentiation of these immune cells, which could lead to new treatments for allergies and related health issues.

Dr. Igor Shmarakov's lab studies how vitamin A is processed in the lungs and its role in lung health. They focus on the mechanisms through which lung cells acquire, store, and utilize vitamin A from the bloodstream, particularly through lipoproteins. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the lab aims to uncover how vitamin A influences lung cell behavior and may help address lung injuries related to vitamin A metabolism.