Dr. Dandan Sun's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the role of the choroid plexus in brain health, especially in relation to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The lab studies how the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier can become dysfunctional, allowing harmful immune cells into the brain, which may contribute to cognitive decline. By investigating the mechanisms behind these changes, the lab aims to identify potential new therapies for treating these conditions.

Dr. H. Richard Koerber's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms of chronic pain and the effects of neuromodulation therapies, particularly spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion stimulation. The lab investigates how different populations of spinal neurons process painful and non-painful stimuli, aiming to provide insights that could lead to better treatment options for chronic pain sufferers. They utilize advanced imaging and electrophysiological techniques to study neuronal activity before and after injury and the effectiveness of neuromodulatory devices.

Dr. Karl Kandler's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how specific neural circuits in the inferior colliculus, a critical part of the auditory system, are developed and function. The lab investigates how these circuits affect sound processing and contribute to hearing disorders, such as tinnitus and problems with speech perception, particularly when there are abnormalities in early-life auditory experiences. By exploring the synaptic connections and properties in these circuits, the research aims to provide insights that could lead to better interventions for auditory impairments in children.

Dr. Afonso C Silva's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease by creating and studying marmoset models. These small primates offer a unique opportunity to explore the biological mechanisms behind Alzheimer's, and the lab aims to discover how the disease develops from its earliest stages. Through advanced imaging and genetic techniques, the research aims to enhance knowledge about both early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's, potentially leading to new treatments.

Dr. Sarah B. Berman's lab focuses on understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction affects energy metabolism in the brain, particularly in the context of Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). They employ advanced brain imaging techniques to analyze the role of energy system failures in the progression of this neurodegenerative disease. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive decline in DLB and identify potential therapeutic targets for neuroprotection.

Dr. Rebecca P Seal's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the neural circuits that contribute to mechanical allodynia, a painful condition resulting from nerve and tissue damage. The lab investigates how different types of injuries shape the neural pathways involved in this heightened sensitivity to touch. By identifying the excitatory and inhibitory neurons involved, the goal is to uncover new therapeutic targets for pain management.

Dr. Jun Chen's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affect brain function and structure, particularly through the lens of neurovascular damage and inflammation. The lab is exploring the potential use of adiponectin, a hormone that may help protect the brain and restore function after such injuries. By studying the effects of this adipokine, the team aims to find new therapeutic strategies to reduce the impact of brain injuries on cognitive health.

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. Yan Dong's lab focuses on understanding how specific brain cells, called astrocytes, influence behaviors related to cocaine addiction. They examine how cocaine changes the connectivity in certain brain regions, particularly how these changes can lead to cravings and relapse. By studying these processes, the lab aims to uncover potential new treatment strategies for dealing with addiction.

Dr. Eliza C. Miller's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or preterm birth, relate to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in mothers later in life. By using data from a large study of pregnant women and advanced brain imaging techniques, the lab aims to uncover biological pathways that link these pregnancy outcomes to brain health.

Dr. Anthony A Grace's lab at the University of Pittsburgh explores how early stress impacts brain function differently in males and females. By studying rats, the lab examines how stress during critical developmental periods can lead to long-lasting changes in brain circuitry and behavior. The research aims to understand the mechanisms behind these differences to improve early interventions for psychiatric disorders that can develop later in life.

Dr. Michael S Gold's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind pain caused by injuries to the trigeminal nerve, which is a critical nerve responsible for sensation in the face. They investigate how this type of nerve injury differs from others in terms of its response and treatment. The lab's ultimate goal is to identify more effective therapies for alleviating pain associated with trigeminal nerve injuries by exploring changes at the molecular level, particularly with certain proteins that could be targeted for treatment.

Dr. Kejie Yin's research lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on better understanding vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), which is a significant cause of dementia following Alzheimer's disease. The lab studies how certain proteins and long non-coding RNAs (like KLF11 and Malat1) influence brain health, particularly in relation to blood flow to the brain and the integrity of brain structures. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop new therapies to improve cognitive function and protect against brain injuries associated with VCID.

Dr. Zongqi Xia's research lab focuses on improving treatment strategies for multiple sclerosis by utilizing electronic health records (EHR). They aim to tailor treatments to individual patients based on real-world data and computational methods. This innovative approach will help identify the most effective therapies and optimize treatment sequences for better patient outcomes.