Dr. Richard T. Marconi's lab studies Lyme disease, which is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted by ticks. The lab focuses on understanding specific proteins that play key roles in the infection process, including a protein called PlzA that interacts with cyclic-di-GMP, and another called OspC that affects how well the bacteria can spread. By uncovering these molecular mechanisms, the research aims to advance the development of better vaccines and diagnostic tools for Lyme disease.

Dr. Jason Carlyon's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University studies serious diseases caused by two bacterial pathogens: Orientia tsutsugamushi, which leads to scrub typhus, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. By understanding how these pathogens interact with host immune systems and cells, the lab aims to develop new treatment strategies and enhance our knowledge of microbial infections.

Dr. Huiping Zhou's lab focuses on understanding alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is a serious condition with no FDA-approved treatments. The lab investigates the role of certain lipids, specifically sphingolipids, in liver inflammation and damage caused by alcohol consumption. By exploring how these lipids affect liver and gut health, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for preventing or treating ALD.