Dr. James S. Malter's lab focuses on understanding how calcium signaling affects neuron health in Alzheimer's disease. The team is studying the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus to identify mechanisms that contribute to memory deficits. By investigating specific proteins involved in calcium regulation, they aim to find potential treatments to improve cognitive function in early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Qing Zhang's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a highly aggressive form of kidney cancer that often metastasizes to the lungs. The lab uses advanced techniques like CRISPR screening and RNA sequencing to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind this cancer's progression and treatment resistance. Their research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve survival outcomes for patients with metastatic kidney cancer.

Dr. Mike Henne's lab focuses on understanding how our bodies store and utilize fats, specifically through tiny organelles called lipid droplets. The research primarily explores how different organs like the liver and kidneys balance lipid storage and signaling, which is crucial for maintaining health and preventing diseases such as fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. By using genetic tools in fruit flies and mice, the lab investigates the pathways that regulate these processes, aiming to uncover new ways to treat metabolic disorders.

Dr. Beatriz Ma Fontoura's lab focuses on understanding the nuclear export of influenza virus mRNA and how various proteins facilitate this process. By investigating specific RNA-binding proteins and their roles in the export pathways, the lab aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms of viral replication. This knowledge could lead to new antiviral strategies against influenza virus infections.

Dr. Daniela Nicastro's research lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding how cilia, tiny hair-like structures, move and function in various biological processes. The lab aims to uncover how certain protein complexes regulate ciliary movement, which is crucial for the proper functioning of many organs. By studying defects in ciliary function, the research has implications for understanding genetic disorders linked to ciliary dysfunction, such as respiratory and developmental diseases.

Dr. Srinivas Malladi's lab focuses on understanding how certain types of breast cancer cells survive and metastasize to the brain. The research aims to uncover mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade the immune system and resist therapy. By exploring the roles of specific proteins and immune interactions, the lab seeks to develop strategies that may enhance treatment responses and combat metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Dr. Jeffrey Sorelle's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding disorders related to glycosylation, specifically those that affect the intestines. The team uses a special mouse model to study how defects in the production of specific sugars impact gut health and functionality, which is particularly relevant for patients with a condition called MPI deficiency. By exploring how these sugars affect the function of mucus in the intestines, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders.

Dr. Diego H. Castrillon's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind endometrial cancer and developing advanced mouse models for studying intestinal cancer. By investigating the role of the PAX2 gene in endometrial carcinogenesis and creating new models that reflect the genetic complexities of human tumors, the lab aims to improve early detection and treatment strategies for these prevalent cancers.

Dr. Yingfei Wang's lab focuses on understanding the role of epigenetics in Alzheimer’s disease, especially how certain proteins influence cognitive deficits and neuronal activity. By studying the KDM6B protein's impact in mice, the lab aims to uncover underlying mechanisms that lead to changes in synaptic function and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's. The research could pave the way for new treatments to improve cognitive functions in patients suffering from this disease.

Dr. Wen-Hong Li's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center studies the role of a protein called ZnT8 in pancreatic islet cells, which are crucial for insulin production. The research aims to understand how ZnT8 functions in relation to diabetes, particularly in preserving the health of insulin-producing beta cells. By exploring the mechanisms of ZnT8, the lab aims to develop new treatments that could prevent or reverse diabetes.