Dr. Kensuke Futai's lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on understanding how serotonin signaling differs between males and females, particularly in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The lab studies the molecular mechanisms involving Neurexins, which are proteins that play a vital role in the formation and regulation of synapses in the brain. Through their research, the lab aims to uncover how these mechanisms contribute to the gender bias observed in ASD diagnoses and could help identify new treatment targets for cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dr. Sudha Seshadri's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding dementia, especially in individuals over 85 years old. The lab studies how various factors like health, lifestyle, and genetics can influence cognitive health and the risk of developing dementia. They combine data from multiple long-term studies to uncover insights into why some people stay cognitively healthy into their nineties while others don't.

Dr. Nenad Sestan's lab at Yale University focuses on understanding how the brain's cellular diversity affects aging and Alzheimer's disease. They study how specific cells in the hippocampal and entorhinal regions of the brain respond to Alzheimer's pathology and explore the molecular mechanisms behind this process. By employing advanced sequencing techniques, the lab aims to uncover patterns that may lead to better insights and treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Nathan Shaner’s lab at UC San Diego focuses on developing innovative tools to study CAR T-cell therapies for cancer treatment. They aim to create new bioluminescent and fluorescent sensors that can record calcium signaling in T-cells non-invasively to help researchers understand T-cell function and exhaustion. Through their work, they hope to enhance the safety and effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapies in treating various cancers, especially solid tumors.

Dr. David W. Shattuck's research lab at UCLA focuses on developing software tools for analyzing and visualizing neuroimaging data from rodent models. These tools help scientists study brain diseases and disorders by enabling detailed examination of brain imaging data, including MRI and microscopy. By creating open-source software, the lab aims to enhance research capabilities for preclinical studies and understanding neurological conditions better.

Dr. Oleksandr Shcheglovitov's lab focuses on creating and studying human brain organoids that mimic the connections in the cortico-striatal network, which is affected in various brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease and autism. The lab aims to develop a reliable method for generating these organoids from stem cells to investigate how these neural networks mature and function, as well as the cellular mechanisms at play. This research may lead to new insights and therapies for brain disorders impacting connectivity.

Dr. Kazim Sheikh's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding and treating Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune condition that affects peripheral nerves. The lab investigates how to modulate immune responses, specifically targeting macrophages which contribute to nerve injury. Using animal models, they explore new therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for GBS patients who currently face limited treatment options.

Dr. Tristan Shuman's lab focuses on understanding brain activity related to memory and cognitive impairments in disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. By studying how brain regions communicate and synchronize, especially during episodes of abnormal firing, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms driving cognitive deficits. The research combines advanced techniques such as optogenetics and electrophysiology to manipulate and monitor brain activity in mouse models of these neurological conditions.

Dr. Yuval Silberman's lab at Penn State Hershey focuses on understanding the complex relationship between the brain and body in the context of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The lab explores how disruptions in vagus nerve signaling can influence alcohol consumption behaviors through specific brain circuits, especially the hypothalamus. By investigating these mechanisms, the lab aims to develop new treatment strategies for AUD, which continues to be a major public health concern.

Dr. Paul J Shaw's lab focuses on understanding how sleep disruption and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are interconnected. They study the brain's molecular mechanisms that play a role in both conditions using innovative techniques in humans and fruit flies. By analyzing gene expression patterns, they aim to identify potential targets for new treatments that could help improve sleep and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Ying-Hui Fu's lab at UCSF focuses on understanding how sleep quality and efficiency are regulated by the brain and nervous system. The lab studies individuals with genetic traits for natural short sleep, identifying specific genes that may lead to better sleep efficiency without negative health impacts. Using mouse models, the research explores the protective effects of quality sleep against neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could promote healthier aging and cognitive function.

Dr. Paul Slesinger's lab at the Icahn School of Medicine focuses on understanding how alcohol affects brain function and identifying new treatments for alcohol use disorders. The lab studies specific potassium channels that are involved in neuronal excitability, particularly in how mutations in these channels can lead to neurological diseases. By exploring the structure and function of these channels, the lab aims to develop new drugs that can effectively target and modulate their activity.

Dr. Xiaoting Wu's lab at the Icahn School of Medicine focuses on understanding how the brain processes social information and forms memories related to social interactions, especially in relation to neuropsychiatric disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The research uses advanced techniques to explore the neural circuits involved in positive and negative social memories, aiming to uncover potential therapeutic approaches for these conditions.

Dr. Steven Siegelbaum's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how the brain processes social memories, specifically through the hippocampus and its CA2 region. The research explores how the brain distinguishes between rewarding and threatening social interactions, which is crucial for social functioning. By using animal models, the lab aims to uncover the neural circuits involved in memory and social behavior, and how alterations in these circuits may be linked to conditions like anxiety and schizophrenia.

Dr. Moriel Zelikowsky's lab focuses on understanding how social isolation impacts aggression through brain mechanisms. By studying the medial prefrontal cortex and specific neuron types, the lab aims to uncover how these brain circuits can lead to increased aggression and insight into potential treatments for related mental health issues. This research is particularly relevant in light of growing societal concerns about aggression and violence driven by social isolation.

Dr. Harald W Sontheimer's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how changes in the brain's extracellular matrix contribute to memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, the lab studies a structure called perineuronal nets (PNNs), which are believed to stabilize synapses in neurons. By investigating how amyloid and tau protein pathology affects these structures, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms underlying social recognition memory impairments in Alzheimer's patients and mouse models.

Dr. Farzaneh Sorond's lab focuses on understanding how changes in the brain's white matter may affect mobility and cognitive function in older adults, especially those at higher risk like African Americans and women. By analyzing brain imaging data, the lab aims to identify characteristics that help some older individuals maintain their mobility and mental sharpness despite potential brain health challenges. Their research seeks to contribute to better treatment strategies and enhance brain health in aging populations.

Dr. Payam Mohassel's research lab focuses on understanding how disruptions in lipid metabolism, particularly involving sphingolipids, contribute to motor neuron diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By using cellular and animal models, the lab investigates the effects of specific genetic mutations on neuronal health and explores potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects. Their work aims to reveal new insights into neurodegeneration and develop targeted treatments for ALS.

Dr. Helen Lai's lab at UT Southwestern is focused on understanding how spinal cord cells develop and function by creating detailed atlases that map cell types from embryonic stages to adulthood. By exploring the lineage and molecular characteristics of these cells, the research aims to connect the dots between developmental processes and the adult spinal cord, particularly in relation to senses such as touch and pain. This work will not only enhance our understanding of spinal cell types but also potentially guide regenerative medicine efforts.

Dr. Jeremy S. Dasen's lab at New York University School of Medicine studies how neurons in the spinal cord assemble the networks necessary for controlling movement. They focus on understanding the genetic factors that shape these neurons during development, particularly the role of Hox transcription factors in creating different types of motor neurons. The lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind motor circuit formation, which could lead to therapies for spinal cord injuries and diseases.