Professor Ehud Isacoff's lab focuses on understanding how information is stored in the brain by manipulating synapses, the connections between neurons. They use advanced techniques like optogenetics and chemical optogenetics to control synaptic activity in real-time, allowing for precise studies of memory and learning in living animals. Their research aims to enhance how we analyze and interpret the roles of synapses in neural circuits.

Dr. Shyam S Krishnakumar's lab focuses on understanding the complex mechanisms of synaptic transmission, particularly the roles of proteins like Complexin and Synaptotagmin in neurotransmitter release. They use a variety of experimental approaches, including studies in model organisms such as worms and mice, to explore how these proteins interact and regulate synapse function. Their research may provide insights into neurological disorders by enhancing our understanding of synaptic exocytosis.

Dr. Richard L Huganir's lab at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how the brain encodes memories through the study of AMPA receptors, which are crucial for synaptic transmission and plasticity. The lab uses innovative techniques such as two-photon microscopy and biotinylation to visualize and analyze the interactions of synaptic proteins during learning and memory processes in live mice. Their research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying various brain disorders and to identify potential therapeutic targets for conditions like Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and autism.

Dr. Charles Anderson's lab at West Virginia University focuses on the role of synaptic zinc in brain function and its impact on cognitive and sensory processing. The team investigates how zinc is released, cleared, and utilized at synapses, as well as how it influences neuronal communication and structure. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for neurological disorders like schizophrenia and autism.

Dr. Lauren Ilyse Richie Ehrlich's lab studies how T cells develop in the thymus and learn to distinguish between harmful pathogens and the body's own cells to prevent autoimmune diseases. The team focuses on understanding the roles of specific receptors, CCR4 and CCR7, in promoting T cell tolerance to various self-antigens. This research has important implications for improving immune responses and preventing autoimmunity.

Dr. Joseph S. Takahashi's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding how the timing of food intake affects aging and lifespan. Their research explores the concept of caloric restriction and its interactions with circadian rhythms, studying how these factors can promote healthier aging. The lab's work seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these processes, particularly the role of inflammation and specific genes in regulating longevity.

Dr. Alfredo Fontanini's lab focuses on understanding how the brain processes taste and hunger signals to influence feeding behavior. His research investigates how circuits in the gustatory cortex, particularly neurons that release gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), integrate sensory information with internal body states like hunger. By studying these neural dynamics, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind decision-making in taste and eating behaviors.

Dr. Arianna Maffei's lab studies how the brain processes taste and how we learn to like or dislike certain flavors. They focus on specific brain circuits and chemicals that influence our perception of taste, especially when it comes to experiences like food aversions caused by illness. This research not only enhances our understanding of taste but also has important implications for improving nutrition in patients undergoing treatment for illnesses like cancer.

Dr. Catarina M. Quinzii's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind frontotemporal dementia (FTD) caused by abnormal Tau protein. The lab investigates how a process called SUMOylation influences Tau behavior and its impact on brain function, specifically regarding mitochondria and synapses. By using animal models and cell lines derived from patients, the team aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies to improve cognitive functions in FTD.

Dr. Chihiro Sato's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding primary tauopathies, a group of brain disorders that include conditions like progressive supranuclear palsy and frontotemporal degeneration. The lab is investigating specific forms of tau proteins in cerebrospinal fluid that could serve as biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. By identifying changes in tau proteoforms during disease progression, their work aims to improve clinical trials and personalize medicine for patients suffering from these disorders.

Dr. Jeffrey S Phillips's lab at the University of Pennsylvania is focused on understanding Alzheimer's disease, particularly how tau proteins spread in the brain and impact different cognitive functions. By using advanced imaging techniques and postmortem validation, the lab aims to uncover how changes in white matter may be connected to the progression of tau pathology. This research will help inform better diagnostic methods and therapies for Alzheimer's disease and its various forms.

Dr. Rakez Kayed's lab focuses on understanding the role of tau protein aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative disorders. The team investigates how tau forms toxic oligomers that contribute to cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. By exploring the mechanisms behind tau aggregation and its modification through ubiquitination, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to halt or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Dezhi Liao's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how tau proteins misbehave in diseases like Alzheimer's. They explore how modifications to tau proteins impact brain function and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. By using a novel mouse model and studying mild traumatic brain injury, they aim to identify the mechanisms that lead to tau-related dysfunction, ultimately seeking to develop new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Li Gan's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding the mechanisms that lead to Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, mainly by studying misfolded tau proteins in human neurons. The lab employs innovative techniques to explore how different proteins and genetic factors influence the development of tau pathology. By investigating these complex interactions, the lab aims to identify potential new treatments for these debilitating diseases.

The lab led by Chao Peng at UCLA focuses on understanding how certain chemical changes to tau proteins, called post-translational modifications, can influence the spread of tau-related diseases such as Alzheimer's. Their research is crucial for developing new therapies to slow down the progression of these neurodegenerative conditions. By studying tau from different disease states and using advanced techniques, they aim to uncover novel ways to interfere with tau transmission in the brain.

Dr. Sami Barmada's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein called TDP43 in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia. They investigate how certain shortened forms of TDP43 accumulate in neurons and contribute to disease. By studying these proteins in human tissues and using advanced techniques, the lab aims to uncover the origins of TDP43-related diseases and explore potential new treatments.

Dr. Andrea Tedeschi's lab at Ohio State University researches how spinal cord injuries (SCI) affect fat tissue and metabolism. They aim to understand the mechanisms behind fat tissue dysfunction and how it contributes to weight gain and metabolic problems, like insulin resistance, after SCI. The lab studies the roles of nerves that interact with fat cells and seeks to find ways to improve health outcomes for individuals with SCI.

Dr. Jonathan Terman's research lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding how neurons connect with each other during development and how these connections are maintained into adulthood. Their work primarily investigates the molecular mechanisms of axon guidance using the fruit fly as a model organism. By studying these processes, the lab aims to uncover insights that could lead to new treatments for mental illnesses and other brain disorders caused by disrupted neural connections.

Dr. Amantha Thathiah's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease, particularly how specific cell types in the brain react to the disease. They study a protein called GPR3, which might influence brain inflammation and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. By investigating how GPR3 affects brain cells like microglia and neurons, the lab hopes to find new, safer treatments for Alzheimer's.

Dr. Kevin Navin Sheth's lab focuses on improving the accessibility and effectiveness of brain imaging and treatment for stroke patients. They are developing a portable low-field MRI to allow for real-time imaging in acute care settings, which can enhance clinical decision making. Additionally, the lab is investigating the use of anticoagulant therapy in patients who have experienced an intracerebral hemorrhage, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of subsequent strokes.