The lab led by Liou Sun at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the role of ceramide signaling in aging and age-related diseases. By using mouse models, the lab investigates how growth hormone deficiency impacts longevity and healthspan. Their work aims to uncover potential therapeutic interventions that could improve health during aging and combat diseases associated with aging, like tauopathies.

Dr. Shu G. Chen's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is focused on finding accurate ways to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. They are developing innovative tests using skin samples to detect biomarkers associated with these conditions before symptoms become severe. The goal is to improve patient care through early diagnosis, which can lead to better treatment options.

Dr. Elizabeth E. Brown's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding how epigenetic changes in DNA influence the risk of developing certain blood disorders, particularly Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Multiple Myeloma (MM). By studying the DNA methylome, the lab aims to uncover biological markers linked to these conditions, which disproportionately affect African Americans. This research has the potential to improve clinical strategies for monitoring and managing these diseases.

The Miller Lab focuses on developing new human glioma models to enhance precision treatment for brain tumors. They use advanced techniques to understand how these tumors function and resist therapies, helping to create targeted drug strategies. By collaborating with experts in various fields, the lab aims to improve options for patients suffering from gliomas, which are the most common and deadly brain cancer.

Dr. Casey T. Weaver's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding how the immune system protects the intestines, particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel disease and neonatal health. The lab investigates the roles of specialized immune cells and cytokines in defending against harmful bacteria, maintaining intestinal health, and preventing infections in early life. Their research aims to uncover new treatment strategies for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and late-onset sepsis in neonates.

Dr. Zdenek Hel's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding how specific types of immune cells called neutrophils contribute to liver and gastrointestinal diseases in individuals infected with HIV-1. Their research primarily investigates the role of dysregulated neutrophil populations and their activation in disease progression, aiming to uncover potential therapeutic targets for treatment.

Dr. Ming He's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on how certain modifications to histone proteins in endothelial cells (the cells lining blood vessels) contribute to cardiovascular diseases, particularly under conditions of diabetes and abnormal blood flow. By exploring these novel histone modifications, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis. The research combines cell culture techniques with mouse models to investigate the impacts of these modifications on health and disease.

Dr. Vivek Nanda's research lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind peripheral artery disease (PAD), a serious cardiovascular condition. The lab investigates a specific gene, Leiomodin 1, to explore its role in the formation of mature blood vessels, which is crucial for restoring blood flow in patients with PAD. By studying the effects of this gene on smooth muscle cells, the lab aims to develop strategies and therapies that could improve treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from PAD.

Dr. Erin Eun-Young Ahn's lab focuses on understanding a rare genetic disorder known as Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim (ZTTK) syndrome, which affects children and leads to serious hematopoietic and immune system disorders. The lab uses mouse models to explore the molecular mechanisms and genetic factors that contribute to these abnormalities, ultimately aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment for affected families. Their research highlights the importance of recognizing and studying rare diseases that often go unnoticed in the broader medical community.

Dr. Sixto Manuel Leal's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the interactions between viral infections, like SARS-CoV-2, and subsequent fungal infections, particularly COVID Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA). The lab employs advanced techniques to analyze how immune dysregulation during viral infections affects antifungal immunity, with the goal of informing new therapeutic strategies. They also enhance research capabilities in a high-containment biolab environment to prepare for future health threats.

Dr. Jianbo Wang's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding how a specific signaling molecule, Wnt5a, contributes to skeletal development and its associated disorders. They explore the molecular mechanisms of skeletal formation, particularly how mutations in the WNT5A gene lead to congenital skeletal diseases like Robinow syndrome. The lab uses various biochemical and genetic techniques to develop insights that could ultimately aid in regenerative medicine and therapies for skeletal disorders.

Dr. Bradley K. Yoder's research lab focuses on understanding the role of cilia and their associated proteins in kidney health and disease. Their work investigates how mutations in certain genes cause kidney cysts and how these cysts are influenced by injury and cellular repair processes. By using mouse models, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cyst formation and identify potential therapeutic strategies to better manage polycystic kidney disease (PKD).