Dr. John H. Byrne's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how different training intervals affect long-term memory and synaptic plasticity. The research seeks to uncover the biochemical mechanisms behind learning processes, specifically analyzing how various signaling molecules and transcription factors contribute to memory formation and retention. By improving these learning protocols, the lab aims to enhance methods for both animals and humans to achieve better memory outcomes.

Dr. Fabricio Hoffmann Do Monte's lab studies how the brain responds when expected rewards are suddenly taken away. They investigate specific brain circuits involved in changing behavior under these conditions, focusing on how different neuron types in the thalamus signal changes in reward availability. This research could enhance our understanding of disorders like anxiety and depression that can arise from such reward omissions.

Dr. Paul E. Schulz's lab focuses on understanding how COVID-19 affects the brain, specifically investigating the long-term cognitive dysfunction that some patients experience after their recovery. They explore factors such as patient demographics and underlying inflammation that might influence cognitive decline. The lab collects data from a diverse group of individuals who were hospitalized with COVID-19, aiming to develop better treatments for those suffering from neurocognitive issues post-infection.

Dr. Nuria Lacuey Lecumberri's research focuses on understanding and preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Her lab specifically investigates the role of forebrain networks in regulating breathing and how neuromodulation can enhance respiratory function during critical moments after seizures. By studying patients undergoing epilepsy surgery, the lab aims to develop targeted interventions that could potentially save lives.

Dr. Pramod K Dash's research lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how inflammation affects brain injuries, particularly traumatic brain injury (TBI). The lab investigates the role of a neuropeptide called CART in controlling inflammation and its potential to enhance recovery after a TBI. By examining both central and peripheral inflammation processes, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve cognitive outcomes for individuals affected by brain injuries.

Dr. Bharti Manwani's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how atrial fibrillation, a heart condition, disproportionately affects elderly women and leads to dementia. Through innovative animal models, the lab investigates the influence of sex chromosomes and hormones on disease development and seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for prevention. The research integrates advanced techniques in electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology to unravel complex sex-specific mechanisms involved in these conditions.

Dr. Sean Marrelli's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how certain proteins affect blood flow in the brain and their roles in diseases like Alzheimer's. They are investigating how von Willebrand factor (VWF) contributes to blood vessel problems in amyloidosis and how the Piezo1 ion channel helps regulate cerebral blood flow. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could help treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases by improving blood circulation in the brain.

Dr. Louise D. Mccullough's lab focuses on understanding how sex and age affect the body's response to neurological conditions like stroke and COVID-19. The research aims to uncover biological differences that lead to varying outcomes in men and women, especially regarding inflammation and recovery. By investigating these differences, the lab hopes to develop targeted therapies to improve treatment for all patients affected by neurological diseases.

Dr. Gab Seok Kim's research lab focuses on understanding how microglia, the brain's immune cells, respond to strokes, particularly in older adults. The lab investigates a specific gene called Ifi27l2a that may heighten inflammation in the brain after a stroke, examining its role in both worsening brain injury and potential recovery. Through various experimental approaches, they aim to discover how manipulating this gene could lead to better treatment strategies for stroke and related neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. John Compton Mosher's lab focuses on developing a new digital biomarker for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. They aim to create a noninvasive, low-cost testing method using advanced EEG technology to identify key brain signals associated with Alzheimer's. This innovative approach could revolutionize how the disease is screened, making it easier to catch in its early stages before severe symptoms appear.

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. Anjali Chauhan's lab explores how biological and immune factors, particularly the IL6 signaling pathway, affect stroke recovery in older women. The research aims to uncover differences in recovery outcomes between sexes, specifically focusing on how inflammation and microglial signaling influence brain injury and cognitive decline following strokes. The goal is to provide insights that could lead to better, sex-specific treatments for stroke survivors.

Dr. Joo Eun Jung's lab focuses on understanding how aging affects brain injuries, specifically intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The research aims to identify how immune responses in the lungs, influenced by an age-related factor called CCL11, contribute to brain damage after a stroke. By exploring the role of immune cells in both the lung and brain, the lab hopes to find new treatment methods for elderly patients suffering from these conditions.

Dr. Jun Li's lab focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein called EZH2 in diseases like Alzheimer's and Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. By studying the interactions between EZH2, a notable epigenetic modifier, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), the lab aims to uncover mechanisms of blood flow regulation, blood-brain barrier integrity, and cognitive function related to these diseases. The research uses mouse models to explore potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate cognitive decline and vascular dysfunction in dementia.

Dr. Juneyoung Lee's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding the connection between the gut microbiome and brain health, particularly in disorders like Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The lab investigates how B cells, a type of immune cell, can influence neuroinflammation and cognitive decline as we age. Their research aims to uncover new ways to target these cells to improve outcomes for patients suffering from age-related brain diseases.

Dr. Anjail Z. Sharrief's research focuses on improving health outcomes for individuals affected by neurologic diseases, particularly among Black and Hispanic communities who face significant disparities. Her lab works on community-engaged research to develop effective interventions aimed at reducing these disparities in conditions such as stroke, vascular cognitive impairment, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. They employ innovative strategies like telehealth and community partnerships to enhance healthcare access and promote better health management post-stroke.

Dr. Rodrigo Morales' lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how infections can influence neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and how prion diseases, particularly Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), spread in the environment. They explore the interactions between pathogens and plants, animals, and the immune system, examining how these factors contribute to disease pathology and transmission. The lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these diseases to inform better control and prevention strategies.

Dr. Fudong Liu's lab focuses on understanding the intricate mechanisms behind stroke and neuroinflammation, particularly how gender differences and aging influence these processes. They investigate how factors like the X chromosome and hormonal changes after menopause affect stroke outcomes in women. Additionally, the lab explores the role of immune signaling pathways, specifically CD200-CD200R interactions, in modulating neuroinflammation and improving recovery from stroke.

Dr. Hung Wen (Kevin) Lin's lab focuses on understanding the roles of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) in Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's-related vascular cognitive impairment. The lab investigates how modifications in PRMTs influence brain metabolism, blood flow, and cognitive functions, particularly in female mouse models. They are also exploring innovative treatments using photobiomodulation, a non-invasive therapy, to mitigate cognitive decline associated with these conditions.

Dr. Sunil Sheth and his lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston focus on improving outcomes for stroke patients who have received endovascular therapy. Despite high rates of successful blood vessel recanalization, many patients still experience significant disability. The lab aims to understand why these outcomes occur by categorizing patients based on the underlying reasons for their ongoing struggles and developing machine learning tools to identify those at risk for poor recovery. This work seeks to ensure that more targeted treatments can be developed for those who need them the most.