Dr. Eliseo A. Eugenin's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston focuses on understanding how HIV persists in the central nervous system (CNS) despite antiretroviral therapy. By studying cells like astrocytes and microglia, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms behind viral reservoirs and cellular damage that causes cognitive and motor impairments in individuals living with HIV. Their research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies to eliminate these viral reservoirs and minimize damage to healthy brain cells.

Dr. Anna Fracassi's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston focuses on understanding the complex relationship between microglia and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease. They are particularly interested in how certain brain-derived tau oligomers can promote cognitive resilience in individuals who show signs of Alzheimer's pathology but remain cognitively intact. By investigating the unique characteristics of these oligomers and the role of microglia, they aim to uncover novel therapeutic targets to combat this devastating disease.

Dr. Partha S. Sarkar's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston focuses on understanding how the huntingtin protein impacts DNA damage repair in neurons, especially in the context of Huntington's disease. They investigate the role of various proteins and complexes involved in repairing DNA double-strand breaks, which are critical for the health of neurons. Through their research, they aim to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new strategies for slowing down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Andres F. Oberhauser's lab studies how aging affects muscle proteins, particularly focusing on myosin and its chaperone UNC-45. As people age, they can lose muscle mass and strength, a condition known as sarcopenia, which impacts their quality of life. His research aims to understand the molecular changes to myosin and UNC-45 that contribute to sarcopenia using advanced techniques in both lab and animal models.

Dr. Ping Wu's lab focuses on understanding how prenatal exposures, specifically to opioids and Zika virus, affect brain development and behavior in offspring. They employ animal models to study cellular mechanisms that lead to developmental defects, aiming to find new strategies to prevent these effects. The research blends genetic, biochemical, and behavioral analyses to explore how maternal health impacts fetal brain health and function.

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. Giulio Taglialatela's research lab focuses on understanding the early molecular events that cause Alzheimer's Disease (AD), specifically how different forms of toxic tau protein impact synapses in the brain. The lab investigates why some individuals can remain cognitively healthy despite having signs of AD pathology, aiming to develop new therapies that protect synapses from tau-induced damage. Through this work, the lab seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind synaptic resilience and vulnerability in neurological diseases.