Paul B Fisher's lab focuses on developing new treatments for metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). They are studying a gene called MDA-9 that plays a key role in cancer spread and testing a new drug, PDZ1i, which may help prevent tumor growth and improve responses to existing therapies. This innovative research could lead to better cancer treatments and clinical trials, ultimately benefiting patients with advanced breast cancer.

Dr. Hermine H. Maes leads a research lab focusing on how different factors influence substance use behaviors in adolescents. The lab studies both genetic and environmental influences on youth as they transition from experimenting with substances to potentially becoming regular users. By leveraging large longitudinal studies, including twin samples, the lab aims to understand when and how certain protective and risk factors influence these trajectories, thus informing prevention strategies that could help at-risk adolescents during crucial developmental periods.

Dr. Devanand Sarkar's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that arises from obesity-related conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The lab aims to develop new treatment strategies by exploring the molecular mechanisms involved in HCC and testing these strategies using mouse models. Their work seeks to improve the current therapeutic options and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.