Dr. Michael Koob's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on developing advanced mouse models to better understand Alzheimer's Disease. By replacing mouse genes with their human counterparts, the lab aims to recreate the genetic and physiological aspects of Alzheimer's in a controllable laboratory setting. This research is important for identifying how specific genetic variations influence the disease and for developing new therapeutics.

Dr. Yuying Liang's research lab focuses on developing vaccines for new world arenaviruses, which can cause severe diseases like hemorrhagic fever in humans. Currently, there are no FDA-approved vaccines for these viruses, making this research critical for public health. By utilizing a non-pathogenic virus as a vector, the lab aims to create safe and effective vaccines that could provide broad protection against various arenaviruses found in South America.

Dr. Steven Gene Friedenberg's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a serious blood disorder that affects both dogs and humans. By studying the genetic and immunological factors in dogs, the lab aims to create a model system that can provide insights into the disease and help in developing new treatments that may benefit human patients as well.

Dr. Carla Rothlin's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how to combat cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). By studying specific molecules in immune cells of the brain called microglia, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that can enhance microglial function and potentially preserve cognitive health in mice models of AD. The research includes detailed examinations of genetic factors and molecular pathways that influence memory and learning in the context of the disease, with the hope of translating these findings into meaningful treatments for human patients.

Dr. Stephen S. Hecht's lab focuses on understanding how cigarette smoking contributes to different types of cancer, particularly lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The lab investigates the biochemical and genetic mechanisms behind these cancers, exploring why incidence rates vary among different ethnic and racial groups. Their research combines molecular biology, epidemiology, and innovative mass spectrometry techniques to profile DNA damage caused by tobacco smoke, which helps identify individuals at higher risk for cancer, thus promoting more effective prevention strategies.

Dr. Stephen C. Jameson's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how aging affects the immune system, particularly the role of senescent cells in reducing the body's ability to respond to infections like COVID-19. The lab explores how these senescent cells can create a hostile environment for immune responses and investigates potential therapies to eliminate them. Additionally, the lab studies how certain CD8+ T cells can lose function without being deleted, which is crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Noelle Noyes' lab focuses on understanding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria and how these bacteria share resistance genes within their communities. The lab is developing innovative metagenomic sequencing techniques to better analyze microbial populations related to healthcare and public health. By improving our understanding of AMR dynamics, the lab aims to inform better clinical decisions and improve health outcomes.

Dr. Christopher A. Pennell's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding neurotoxicity, a serious side effect associated with CAR T-cell therapy used in treating certain blood cancers. By developing a specialized mouse model, the lab investigates how these engineered immune cells can cause neurological adverse effects, aiming to reveal the underlying mechanisms and improve patient outcomes. Their work bridges basic research on CNS pathobiology with practical applications in cancer treatment, potentially leading to safer immunotherapy options.

Dr. Kathryn Schwertfeger's research lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on breast cancer, specifically how immune cells, particularly macrophages, interact with tumors. The lab investigates signaling pathways that affect macrophage behavior, aiming to enhance the body’s anti-tumor immune response. By understanding how these pathways work, the research hopes to develop new treatments that can improve cancer outcomes for patients.

Dr. Pamela J Skinner's lab focuses on understanding how HIV persists in the body, particularly in secretive reservoirs like the gut and brain. They are developing innovative therapies that use genetically engineered immune cells to seek out and eliminate these hidden viral reservoirs, aiming for a potential cure for HIV. This research is crucial for improving treatment strategies and possibly eradicating the virus in infected individuals.

Dr. Kathleen A. Boris-Lawrie's lab focuses on understanding how HIV-1 persistently impacts the immune system even when viral loads are controlled through medication. They investigate the role of RNA modifications in HIV-1's ability to replicate and evade immune response. The lab aims to uncover new mechanisms behind HIV behavior, with the hope of informing future treatments to better address chronic HIV infections.

Dr. Kristin A. Hogquist's research lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how the thymus develops T cells that can tolerate self-antigens to prevent autoimmune diseases. The lab investigates how innate immune activation affects the selection processes of T cells in the thymus, particularly looking at the roles of cytokines like interferons. By studying the interactions between various immune cells, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better understanding and treatment of autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Matthew T Aliota's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on the Powassan virus, a tick-borne pathogen that poses a growing public health threat. The research aims to investigate how the genetics of both the Powassan virus and its tick vector contribute to disease transmission and severity across different regions in the Northeast and Midwest U.S. This work is vital for understanding how such viruses may evolve and spread, ultimately aiding in disease prediction and prevention efforts.