Dr. John Nelson Campbell's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the neural circuits that control body weight and heart rate. By using advanced techniques like viral tracing and molecular profiling, the team investigates how specific types of neurons influence appetite and metabolism, as well as heart function. This research aims to identify new targets for treating obesity and heart disease by unraveling the complex connections between these neural pathways and their effects on health.

Dr. Jianhua Cang's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how the brain processes three-dimensional vision through a study of stereopsis. Using tree shrews, the lab explores how neuronal circuits in the visual cortex react to different visual stimuli. The work aims to clarify the connections between neurons that contribute to depth perception and inform treatments for vision disorders like amblyopia and strabismus.

Barry M. Gumbiner's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how blood vessels regulate their permeability and maintain their structure. The lab studies a specific protein called VE-cadherin that is crucial for the junctions between endothelial cells, which line blood vessels. By investigating the mechanisms that control these junctions, especially during inflammation, the lab seeks to develop new approaches to prevent tissue damage in various diseases associated with excessive blood vessel leakiness.

Dr. Hui Li's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding and treating rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft-tissue cancer in children. They have identified a novel oncogene called AVIL, which plays a critical role in the growth and spread of this cancer. The lab is working on developing targeted therapies against AVIL to potentially improve outcomes for patients suffering from advanced-stage rhabdomyosarcoma.

Dr. Adam N. Goldfarb's lab focuses on understanding how certain anti-malarial drugs, like primaquine, interact with red blood cells in individuals who have a genetic deficiency known as G6PD deficiency. This condition affects millions and can lead to severe anemia when taking medications that are otherwise effective against malaria. By studying specific enzymes involved in this process using genetically modified mice, the lab aims to identify better treatment strategies that could reduce harmful side effects in affected patients.

Dr. Noelle D Dwyer's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how neural stem cells develop into the brain and how disruptions in this process can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. They utilize mouse genetics to study lethal mutations that affect brain development and other related organs. The team's research combines various phenotyping techniques to analyze these mutations, providing insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying brain malformations and developmental disorders.

Dr. David Parichy's lab at the University of Virginia studies how adult traits originate and are maintained, particularly through the development of pigment cells in zebrafish. By examining the genetic and cellular mechanisms of these processes, the lab aims to understand how variations in cell types contribute to different patterns and structures. This research has implications for understanding human genetic diseases, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Xiaowei Lu's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how specific cell structures, particularly in the auditory system and during early development, contribute to health and disease. Their research explores how hair cells in the ear process sound and how defects in these cells can lead to hearing loss. The lab also investigates mechanisms that drive the formation of the neural tube, which, when disrupted, can result in severe birth defects.

The Kucenas lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how myelination, the process that insulates nerve fibers in the central nervous system, is regulated. Specifically, the research investigates the roles of certain proteins in targeting axons for myelination and how myelination can be both initiated and controlled during the development of the nervous system. By studying these mechanisms in zebrafish, the lab aims to uncover critical insights that could contribute to our understanding of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis.

Elias T Spiliotis’ lab at the University of Virginia studies how membrane transport within cells is regulated, particularly in polar cells like neurons and epithelial cells. Their research aims to uncover the roles of septins, a unique family of proteins, in controlling the direction and movement of cell components. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab hopes to find new insights that can lead to better therapies for diseases linked to cellular transport dysfunctions, such as neurodegeneration and cancer.

Dr. Joshua D. Wythe's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs), which are dangerous blood vessel abnormalities that can lead to stroke, especially in children and young adults. The lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these conditions, particularly looking at genetic mutations and endothelial cell behavior. By using animal models, the team aims to find safer, drug-based treatments for these serious vascular issues.