Dr. John G. Albeck's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how individual cells manage their metabolism, particularly through glycolysis, the process by which glucose is broken down for energy. They use advanced live-cell measurements to explore how different cells in tissues like muscle and liver can vary in their metabolic activities. This research aims to unveil the links between metabolism and other cell functions, such as growth and death, which could lead to new insights into diseases like diabetes and cancer.

Dr. Robert B Rebhun's lab at UC Davis focuses on studying osteosarcoma in dogs, aiming to improve the understanding of this cancer to eventually enhance treatment for both dogs and humans. By investigating the tumor microenvironment and immune responses in naturally occurring cases, the lab seeks to establish better clinical outcomes for dogs and provide valuable insights for human cancer therapies. This work integrates veterinary science with comparative oncology to bridge gaps in translational research.

Dr. Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno's research lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding the relationship between specialized brain cells called Chandelier (Ch) cells and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By studying how these cells function and their numbers in various brain regions, the lab aims to uncover new insights into the biological basis of autism symptoms. This research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with ASD.

Dr. Karen Shapiro's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how environmental conditions impact the spread of diseases in coastal ecosystems, particularly among marine mammals like sea otters. By studying pathogens that transition from land to sea, the lab aims to reveal how different habitats affect these parasites' transmission and survival. This research is essential for developing strategies to protect wildlife and manage public health threats posed by these infectious diseases.

Dr. Lark Coffey's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding and controlling mosquito-borne viruses, particularly Chikungunya and St. Louis Encephalitis viruses. They investigate how vaccines can protect against these viruses and how viruses interact with their mosquito and bird hosts. By exploring these dynamics, their research aims to inform public health strategies and improve vaccine efficacy in different populations.

Dr. Pamela J. Lein's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how environmental toxins, specifically polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and traffic-related air pollution, affect brain development and contribute to diseases like Alzheimer's. By using advanced animal models, the lab investigates the mechanisms by which these pollutants disrupt normal neurological processes, aiming to inform public health strategies for minimizing risks associated with environmental exposures.

Dr. Alice F. Tarantal's research focuses on improving safety in gene editing therapies by developing precise immunoassays that can evaluate immune responses to these treatments. Her work aims to validate sensitive tests that assess the interaction of the immune system with gene editing tools used in clinical trials. Ultimately, her lab strives to ensure that these innovative therapies are safe and effective for human use.

Dr. Qizhi Gong's lab at UC Davis is focused on understanding how the COVID-19 virus affects the sense of smell, particularly through its impact on specific cells in the olfactory epithelium. The lab investigates the role of sustentacular cells in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, seeking to unravel why some people experience a loss of smell as a symptom of COVID-19. By exploring these cellular interactions and inflammatory responses, the research aims to provide deeper insights into olfactory dysfunction caused by viral infections.

Dr. Peter Havel's research lab focuses on understanding how metabolic disorders like insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Using a nonhuman primate model, the lab studies the impact of a high-sugar diet on brain health, particularly examining hormones, inflammation, and neural circuits involved in memory and behavior. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that link metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration to inform better treatments for these interconnected health issues.

Dr. Hong Ji's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how air pollution affects lung health, particularly through the study of specific molecular mechanisms in airway cells. The team's research investigates how TET1, a protein involved in modifying DNA, interacts with RNA modifications that impact inflammation caused by particulate matter. Their work aims to uncover the details of these interactions to help find new ways to treat lung diseases triggered by pollution.

Dr. Artyom Kopp's lab at the University of California, Davis studies how entirely new biological traits originate and evolve over time, focusing on the Drosophila model system. The research investigates the genetic changes underlying new traits, how these affect the development and function of cells, and how new regulatory elements in the genome contribute to evolution. By exploring these processes, the lab aims to deepen our understanding of evolutionary innovations and their implications for human health.

Dr. Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan's lab at UC Davis focuses on creating and testing a novel nanodrug aimed at improving metabolic health and preventing related cancers like liver and colorectal cancer. The lab studies how changes in gut bacteria affect the development of metabolic diseases and aims to design drugs that can effectively target these alterations. Their innovative approaches include developing compounds that can deliver specific biological signals to help combat conditions like insulin resistance and fatty liver disease.

Dr. Blake C. Meyers' lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding small RNAs in plant reproduction, particularly in maize. The research explores how specific classes of small RNAs contribute to the development of male reproductive organs and their roles in male fertility. By using advanced imaging and genetic techniques, the lab aims to uncover the production, localization, and functions of these critical molecules in plants.

Dr. Jeroen Saeij's lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite survives and grows in human cells, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. The lab investigates how human immune responses, including certain cytokines like interferon and tumor necrosis factor, can inhibit Toxoplasma growth, and how the parasite counters these defenses. Through advanced techniques like CRISPR screens, the research aims to identify potential new treatments for toxoplasmosis and to better predict which Toxoplasma strains may be more virulent in humans.

Dr. Neil Hunter's lab at UC Davis explores the critical role of the BRCA2 protein in the process of meiosis, which is how sperm and eggs are formed. The research focuses on understanding how BRCA2 functions in ensuring accurate chromosome segregation and maintaining gamete quality. His lab combines advanced genetic, genomic, and biochemical techniques to uncover the mechanisms of BRCA2 during reproductive cell division, with implications for addressing infertility and genetic disorders.

Dr. Xinbin Chen's lab at UC Davis focuses on developing new treatments for triple negative breast cancer by targeting a mutated form of the p53 protein, which is involved in many cancers. The lab studies how certain proteins interact to promote the expression of this mutant p53 and explores how blocking these interactions can inhibit tumor growth. They are also investigating whether a small molecule can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy in cancers reliant on mutant p53.

Dr. Richard M. Levenson's lab at UC Davis focuses on improving breast cancer diagnostics, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Ghana. By combining advanced technologies such as millifluidics and digital imaging, the lab aims to create cost-effective, automated instruments that can provide high-quality diagnostic images from breast cancer biopsies. This project not only aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities but also seeks to integrate real-time therapy guidance and AI tools to better support local healthcare providers.

Dr. Konstantinos Zarbalis's lab focuses on understanding how imbalances in essential nutrients, specifically folate and vitamin B12, can impact brain development during pregnancy. By using engineered human brain-like structures known as cerebral organoids, the lab studies the effects of these nutrients on the growth and function of neurons. Their goal is to uncover potential links between dietary factors and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and developmental delays.