Dr. Jolanta Grembecka's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on developing new therapies for acute leukemia, particularly targeting proteins involved in the disease's development. Their research aims to create small molecule inhibitors that can disrupt key interactions, helping to halt the progression of leukemias characterized by specific genetic mutations. This work is vital in improving survival rates for leukemia patients who currently have limited treatment options.

Dr. Pierre Coulombe's lab at the University of Michigan studies how skin cells called keratinocytes influence the immune response during skin inflammation. Their research focuses on understanding how signals produced by these cells can affect immune cells like neutrophils, which play a critical role in skin disorders such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. By exploring how different proteins in keratinocytes interact with immune pathways, the lab aims to uncover new ways to diagnose and treat chronic skin diseases.

Dr. Nicholas Lukacs's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how the immune system reacts to viruses and allergens in chronic lung diseases like severe asthma. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind changes in lung function and structure, which can lead to better therapies. The lab studies the roles of different immune cells and molecules, particularly during early disease stages, and how they might influence long-term health outcomes.

Dr. Sriram Venneti's lab focuses on understanding childhood ependymomas, a type of brain tumor that often leads to poor outcomes due to limited treatment options. The research investigates how epigenetic factors and changes in cellular metabolism drive these tumors, aiming to develop effective therapies that target both aspects simultaneously. By exploring the mechanisms behind tumor growth and behavior, the lab seeks to improve prognoses for affected children.

Dr. Tomasz Cierpicki's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding the role of epigenetic changes in cancer, specifically breast cancer and leukemia. The laboratory investigates small molecule inhibitors that target specific proteins involved in gene regulation, aiming to develop new treatments that can inhibit cancer cell growth and promote differentiation of stem cells. Researchers will gain insights into molecular biology and drug development processes relevant for cancer therapy.

Dr. Simon Patrick Hogan's lab focuses on understanding food allergies, particularly in children, and aims to find new ways to treat them. The lab studies how certain immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract interact with food antigens and how this may lead to allergic reactions. By investigating the roles of specific signaling pathways and cell types, the team seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve treatments for food allergies.

Dr. Jianping Fu's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on developing innovative models to better understand human brain and spinal cord development. Using cutting-edge microfluidics technology, the lab aims to create a human neural tube model that accurately replicates the architecture and patterning of the central nervous system. This research could help decode the complexities of neurodevelopmental disorders and aid in the advancement of regenerative therapies.

Dr. Bing Ye's lab focuses on understanding the neurological features associated with Down syndrome, particularly the roles of GABAergic systems in conditions like cognitive deficits and epilepsy. The research investigates molecular regulators that may contribute to these comorbidities, using mouse models to explore the impact of specific genes, such as DSCAM. This work aims to identify therapeutic targets that could improve outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome and similar neurological disorders.

Dr. Richard F Keep's lab focuses on understanding how inflammation in the brain contributes to Alzheimer's disease. They are investigating the role of a specific protein, junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), in attracting immune cells called neutrophils to the brain, which may harm brain function. By studying these processes, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic approaches to slow down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.

Dr. Charles A Parkos at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how HIV infection disrupts the intestinal barrier, leading to inflammation and various health complications in people living with HIV. His lab investigates the interaction between HIV-infected cells and intestinal epithelial cells, aiming to uncover the molecular pathways that contribute to these diseases. By tackling these issues, the lab hopes to develop targeted therapies that can improve overall health for individuals affected by HIV.

Ajit Joglekar's lab explores how cells regulate their division, specifically focusing on a mechanism called the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint. By studying this checkpoint, the lab aims to understand why certain cancer cells mismanage chromosome segregation during cell division. The work involves both experimental techniques and mathematical modeling to uncover the dynamics of cell signaling and its implications for genome stability in cancer.

Dr. Andrew P. Lieberman's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on developing therapies for Niemann-Pick Type C disease, a serious genetic disorder that causes neurodegeneration. The research aims to understand the mechanisms behind the disease, particularly the role of cholesterol in brain cells and how novel treatments can alleviate symptoms. Students in this lab will work on innovative approaches to drug development, studying both neuron and oligodendrocyte cell functions in the context of the disease.

Dr. Richard A. Miller's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how certain interventions can extend the lifespan of mice, which may eventually lead to anti-aging treatments for humans. By testing different agents that affect aging processes, the lab hopes to discover new ways to promote health as we age. Their research uses a collaborative approach involving multiple institutions to test these interventions in a variety of settings, aiming to identify effective treatments that can delay age-related diseases.

Dr. Jiandie D Lin's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding metabolic liver diseases, especially nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is a serious condition that can lead to liver damage and other health issues. The lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to liver disease, how certain cell types like macrophages are involved, and explores innovative pathways that could lead to new treatments. Their research aims to uncover insights that could help in developing effective therapies for liver diseases related to obesity.

Dr. Jennifer C. Brazil's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, behave during intestinal inflammation, particularly in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The lab studies the role of a protein called CD45 in regulating the function and activation of neutrophils, with the aim of developing new therapies to reduce harmful inflammation in the gut. This research has the potential to improve treatment options and enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from IBD.

Dr. Billy Tsai's lab focuses on understanding how the human papillomavirus (HPV) infects cells and leads to cancer. They study the transport mechanisms that HPV uses to enter the cell nucleus after it is taken up by the host cell, aiming to identify new ways to prevent or treat HPV infections. This research is crucial as HPV is responsible for various cancers, and new antiviral strategies are desperately needed.

Dr. Kristen J. Verhey leads a research lab at the University of Michigan focusing on how microtubules and kinesin motor proteins help cells transport materials. By studying the mechanics of these molecular motors, the lab aims to learn how defects in this transport system can lead to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. The research combines various techniques to better understand the proteins and transport processes critical for cell function.

The research lab led by Dr. Jianzhi Zhang at the University of Michigan explores how evolutionary processes work at the genetic and molecular levels. By studying various organisms, primarily yeast and mammals, the lab investigates the interactions between genes and the environment and how these interactions influence adaptation and evolution. The ultimate goal is to uncover the principles that govern evolution and relate them to biological systems, which could have implications for understanding human disease.