Dr. Denise Jade Cai's lab at the Icahn School of Medicine focuses on understanding how our memories are linked together, especially how strong negative experiences can change the way we recall past neutral events. They study the brain circuits involved in memory using advanced techniques like imaging and optogenetics in mice. The research aims to shed light on how these memory processes might influence behavior, particularly in the context of anxiety and trauma.

The Maze lab conducts innovative research to understand how specific molecular mechanisms in the brain contribute to mental health disorders, particularly mood disorders like depression and conditions such as Down syndrome. By studying post-translational modifications of proteins that affect gene expression, the lab seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets and insights into the regulation of brain function and dysfunction. Their work combines advanced techniques in molecular biology, genetics, and behavioral analysis to address complex neurological challenges.

Dr. Yasmin L. Hurd's lab focuses on understanding opioid use disorder, particularly how heroin affects the brain at a molecular level. The team combines human and animal studies to explore the neurobiological changes caused by opioids, aiming to identify new treatment options for addiction that avoid the risks of traditional opioid-based medications. By investigating specific pathways involved in addiction, they hope to develop targeted therapies that can better aid individuals struggling with opioid dependence.

Dr. Stuart C. Sealfon's lab at the Icahn School of Medicine focuses on understanding the pituitary gland's role in the endocrine system by studying the molecular changes occurring in its different cell types. Using cutting-edge single cell technologies, the lab investigates how these cells adapt during normal physiological processes and diseases like hypothyroidism. Their research aims to reveal insights into gene regulation and cell behavior, contributing to our understanding of overall health and disease dynamics.

Dr. Jun Wang's lab at the Icahn School of Medicine is dedicated to understanding Alzheimer’s disease, especially its social behavior and neuropsychiatric symptoms. They explore how individual vulnerability to stress can affect these symptoms in mouse models, investigating ways to promote stress-resilience as a potential preventive strategy against Alzheimer's-related issues. The lab combines approaches from neuroscience to study the biological mechanisms behind stress and behavioral changes in the context of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Nan Yang's research lab focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. By studying non-coding regions of the human genome, which are often overlooked, the lab aims to uncover how genetic variants affect neuronal function and contribute to disease risk. The goal is to develop new biological hypotheses that could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for these complex conditions.

Dr. Zheng Herbert Wu's lab at the Icahn School of Medicine focuses on understanding how specific brain circuits support decision making and how the malfunctioning of these circuits can lead to psychiatric disorders like depression and addiction. By studying the premotor cortex in mice, the lab combines advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and in vivo imaging to identify the roles of different neuron types and their connectivity in decision-making processes. The aim is to unveil connections between genetic factors, neural behavior, and cognitive functions.