Dr. Susan Bullman's lab at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center focuses on understanding the interactions between specific bacteria, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum, and colorectal cancer. The team investigates how these bacteria alter the tumor environment and influence cancer progression and patient outcomes. Their research aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets that could improve cancer treatment and prevention.

Dr. Xiaodong Cheng's lab focuses on understanding how modifications to DNA and histones can affect gene expression. By studying the molecular mechanisms behind these epigenetic changes, the lab aims to uncover how transcription factors interact with DNA and how these processes can influence health and disease. This research is particularly relevant for developing new therapeutic strategies targeting gene regulation.

Dr. Laura Beretta's lab focuses on improving early detection methods for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a deadly form of liver cancer. By studying patients with cirrhosis, the lab aims to discover effective blood tests and modern imaging techniques to identify HCC earlier, which can greatly enhance treatment options and survival rates. Their work combines innovative biomarker analysis and advanced imaging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to better understand cancer risk and progression.

Dr. Honami Naora's lab investigates how age impacts the spread of ovarian cancer to the omentum, a fatty tissue that can be a site for cancer metastasis. By understanding how certain immune cells, like innate-like B cells, contribute to this process, the lab aims to develop strategies to reduce the risk of cancer spreading in older women. The research combines animal studies, human samples, and innovative techniques to uncover mechanisms driving these changes in metastasis.

Dr. Katy Rezvani's lab focuses on developing innovative therapies for patients with T cell malignancies, which are difficult to treat using traditional methods. They are pioneering the use of CAR-engineered natural killer (NK) cells as a safer and more effective alternative to CAR-T cell therapies. The lab is currently conducting clinical trials to evaluate these CAR-NK cells and uses advanced techniques like genome-wide CRISPR screening to understand how to overcome treatment resistance in these cancers.

Dr. Liuqing Yang's lab studies the intricate structures of DNA in T cells, particularly how they change in response to cancer, specifically renal medullary carcinoma (RMC). The lab uses advanced techniques to explore how genetic structures influence immune responses and the aggressive nature of cancer, especially in patients with sickle cell disease. Their research aims to improve cancer treatments by enhancing our understanding of the immune system's role in fighting tumors.

Dr. Matthew Gubin's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins, particularly Bhlhe40, affect the function of T cells in cancer immunotherapy. By exploring the role of Bhlhe40 in both CD4 and CD8 T cells, the lab seeks to enhance our knowledge of how these immune cells can effectively target and eliminate tumors. This research could lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments, especially for patients who do not respond well to existing therapies.

Dr. John A. Tainer's lab at the University of Texas MD Anderson focuses on understanding how DNA repair mechanisms work in cancer cells. They study the response of cancer cells to DNA damage and how different DNA repair pathways are activated during this process. Their work combines innovative technologies and data analysis to uncover the complex interactions between DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and cancer biology, ultimately aiming to improve cancer therapies and patient outcomes.

Dihua Yu's lab focuses on understanding brain metastasis, a serious complication for many cancer patients. The research examines how brain cancer cells interact with brain immune cells to improve treatment strategies. By studying these interactions, the lab aims to develop new therapies that can enhance immune responses and potentially improve survival rates for patients with brain metastases.