Dr. Yun Li's lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions of elderly individuals. By using advanced computational methods to analyze a variety of genomic data, the lab aims to uncover how certain genetic variants contribute to the disease. They validate their hypotheses by conducting experiments on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural cells and brain organoids, leveraging innovative techniques like CRISPR to explore potential therapeutic targets.

Dr. Charles M. Perou's lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how breast cancer cells spread to different organs in the body. By studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in this process, particularly in various subtypes of breast cancer, the lab aims to identify why certain tumors prefer to metastasize to certain organs. The research combines data from human samples and mouse models with advanced techniques to uncover potential new treatments for metastatic breast cancer.

Dr. Jeremy Purvis’s lab focuses on understanding the cell cycle and its role in cancer treatment resistance, especially in breast cancer. They use innovative computational models and experimental techniques to explore how tumor cells survive and evade therapies like CDK4/6 inhibitors. The lab aims to identify the molecular mechanisms behind drug resistance and how the cell cycle adapts under different conditions, potentially leading to better cancer therapies.

Dr. Robert J. Duronio's lab focuses on understanding how the organization and assembly of chromatin affects genome replication during animal development. The research investigates the roles of histone proteins and their modifications in regulating the fidelity of DNA replication, which is crucial for preventing diseases like cancer. By using Drosophila as a model organism, the lab employs advanced genetic and molecular techniques to uncover the mechanisms behind these processes.

Dr. Jonathan S Berg's lab focuses on advancing genomic medicine for children's health, particularly through age-based genetic screening programs. The lab works on two key projects: creating a novel framework for screening genetic disorders in newborns and children during routine wellness visits, and implementing eConsult networks to connect healthcare providers with genomic medicine experts. The goal is to improve early diagnosis and management of genetic conditions, ultimately enhancing public health.

Dr. Jeff Sekelsky's lab at UNC Chapel Hill studies how genetic information is exchanged in cells during processes like meiosis and mitosis. They aim to understand the balance between promoting accurate gene segregation, which is crucial for healthy reproduction, and preventing harmful genome changes that can lead to cancer. Using techniques from genetics to molecular biology, the lab explores the mechanisms that influence these processes and how they can be applied to gene editing technologies like CRISPR.

Dr. A. Gregory Matera's research lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how genes are regulated in multicellular organisms, specifically through studying the role of histone proteins and their modifications. By using fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model system, the lab investigates how specific changes in histones affect development and gene expression. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms that control gene activity, which could ultimately lead to insights into diseases like cancer.

Dr. Mohlke's lab focuses on understanding the genetic underpinnings of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related metabolic traits. By conducting extensive genetic analysis, they aim to identify the specific genes and variants that contribute to these conditions, particularly their effects at the cellular level in tissues such as the liver and adipose tissue. This research holds great potential for uncovering new therapeutic targets and improving disease prediction and treatment.

Dr. Samir Kelada's lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how genetic differences affect individual responses to environmental air pollutants, specifically ozone. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, which are exacerbated by ozone exposure. By studying human bronchial epithelial cells and using genetically diverse mouse models, the lab seeks to identify genetic variants and gene regulatory mechanisms that contribute to differences in disease susceptibility.

Dr. Jeremy R. Wang's lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill focuses on improving pediatric cancer diagnosis, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). By utilizing cost-effective nanopore sequencing technology, the lab aims to create affordable and robust diagnostic methods that can accurately classify a variety of childhood cancers. The goal is to ensure that all children, regardless of their location, have access to the appropriate and potentially life-saving treatment for their cancer.

Dr. Laura Raffield's lab focuses on understanding the factors that contribute to cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, particularly among Black American populations. The research investigates the role of inflammation and immune system functioning in these communities by studying biomarkers in blood samples and immune cells, aiming to identify biological mechanisms and risk factors for dementia. By analyzing large datasets, the lab hopes to uncover non-invasive methods for predicting Alzheimer's risk and improve our understanding of how social determinants of health affect cognitive function.

Dr. Hyejung Won's lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding the genetic factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease and other conditions through advanced genomic techniques. The lab investigates how specific regulatory elements in DNA influence gene expression in a variety of cell types, especially in the brain, using innovative methods such as single-cell analysis and massively parallel reporter assays. The goal is to unravel the complexities of gene regulation in relation to diseases, allowing for better diagnostics and treatment options.

Dr. Patrick F. Sullivan's lab at the University of North Carolina focuses on understanding the genetic basis of severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. The lab partners with various global institutions to analyze genetic data from patients with these disorders, aiming to uncover specific genetic variations that could lead to new treatments. Through large-scale genomic sequencing and analysis, the lab seeks to increase diversity in genetic research and improve mental health therapies.

Dr. Jenny Ting's lab focuses on understanding how innate immune receptors, which play a critical role in the body's defense against infections and cancer, function and interact with various biological processes. The lab investigates how these receptors recognize DNA, their unexpected roles in adaptive immune cells like T and B lymphocytes, and their implications in diseases such as colorectal cancer and COVID-19. By exploring these aspects, the research aims to enhance immunotherapy strategies and improve our understanding of immune responses during infections.

The Love Lab focuses on developing innovative computational tools for analyzing long-read RNA sequencing data. Their work aims to create user-friendly pipelines that enhance the accuracy and interpretability of RNA sequencing results, making it easier for researchers to study gene expression and its implications in human health and disease. They also provide workshops and tutorials to help biologists and analysts use these tools effectively.