The lab led by Dr. Mustafa Tekin focuses on understanding the genetic causes of hearing loss and other undiagnosed medical conditions. They work with a large collection of biological samples from families impacted by hearing loss to discover new genetic variants that can help explain these conditions. By combining genomic research with clinical evaluations, they aim to improve diagnosis and treatment options for affected individuals.

Dr. Anthony John Griswold's lab focuses on understanding the genetic factors that influence Alzheimer's disease (AD) in diverse populations, particularly those of African and African American descent. The research aims to identify genetic and epigenetic variations that contribute to AD risk and develop biomarkers for early diagnosis. By studying a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, the lab aims to improve our understanding of AD and ultimately inform better prevention and treatment strategies tailored to all communities.

Dr. Stephan Zuchner's lab at the University of Miami School of Medicine focuses on understanding hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a genetic disorder affecting the long axons of nerve cells. By utilizing advanced techniques like whole genome sequencing, the lab aims to identify missing disease-causing genes in families affected by HSP, which conventional methods have struggled to detect. The lab also conducts studies to explore potential treatments and therapeutic targets for this rare disease.

Dr. Jacob McCauley's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by investigating the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to this common condition. The lab utilizes innovative genomic techniques to study the diverse South Florida population, aiming to uncover new insights into how genetics and the environment interact to influence the onset and progression of IBD. By expanding their research to include underrepresented groups, especially Hispanic populations, the lab strives to improve prevention strategies and treatment outcomes for IBD across diverse communities.

Dr. Margaret A. Pericak-Vance leads a research lab focused on understanding the genetic causes of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in African American and Hispanic populations. The lab aims to include diverse groups in genetic studies to uncover patterns of risk associated with Alzheimer’s that have been overlooked in current research, which predominantly includes people of European ancestry. By enhancing representation in this field, the lab hopes to contribute to better prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease through precision medicine.

Dr. Danny Reinberg's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding how proteins regulate the spatial organization of genes within the genome during cell differentiation. By studying how certain proteins, like CTCF and MAZ, create boundaries that separate repressed from active gene regions, the lab aims to reveal insights about gene expression and cell type identity. Their research has implications for understanding development and diseases related to gene regulation.