Dr. Gregory Charles Rogers' research lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding the structure and function of centrosomes, which are essential organelles in cells that organize microtubules. The lab investigates how centrioles, the core components of centrosomes, duplicate and elongate, and how this process is regulated. This work is crucial as misregulated centriole duplication can lead to serious health issues such as birth defects and cancer.

Dr. Henk Granzier's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on the giant protein titin and its role in muscle function and stiffness regulation. They investigate how titin interacts with muscle filaments during contraction and how mutations in this protein can lead to muscle diseases. By using mouse models and various experimental techniques, the lab aims to deepen our understanding of muscle mechanics, which could pave the way for new therapies for muscle-related conditions.

Dr. Julie Gunnells Ledford’s lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how a protein called CC16 influences lung health, especially in the context of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research aims to uncover how CC16 helps defend against respiratory infections and how deficiencies in this protein during early life can affect long-term lung function. The lab investigates both the immune response to viruses like Rhinovirus and how early life infections can lead to changes in lung development and disease progression.

Dr. Luciano Matzkin's lab at the University of Arizona explores the role of male ejaculate RNA in fertility and reproductive processes. The lab primarily studies how RNA transferred from males during mating affects female reproductive responses, leveraging innovative techniques to understand these complex interactions. This research has important implications for understanding fertility in various species, including humans, and could lead to new treatments for infertility.

Dr. Lauren Petrullo's lab at the University of Arizona studies how stress affects the gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms living in our digestive system. They use free-living red squirrels to explore how stress influences these microbes and their role in the body’s health, particularly the immune system and metabolism. By understanding these interactions, the lab aims to provide insights that could improve human health and lead to better treatments for conditions linked to microbial imbalance.

Dr. Coen Ottenheijm's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how the diaphragm muscle functions in health and in conditions like mechanical ventilation. By studying the interactions between key proteins in the diaphragm, particularly titin and myosin, the lab aims to uncover the reasons behind diaphragm weakness, especially in ICU patients. This research has implications for improving the management of patients requiring prolonged ventilation.

Dr. Jean M. Wilson's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection affects the cells of the colon. The team investigates how CMV alters the barrier function of the colonic epithelium, which is critical for maintaining gut health and preventing diseases like colitis. By studying the interactions between the virus and the colon cells, they aim to uncover new ways to treat and prevent CMV-related complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.