Dr. Jaideep Kapur's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the brain circuits involved in a dangerous type of seizure called secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The lab aims to unravel the complex pathways in the brain that contribute to these seizures, which can lead to serious health risks, including sudden death in epilepsy patients. Through a combination of imaging techniques and advanced mouse models, the team seeks to identify new therapeutic targets to improve treatment options for patients who suffer from these seizures.

Professor Jung-Bum Shin's lab studies how specialized proteins in hair cells help us hear. They focus on a protein called Myosin 7a (MYO7A), which is crucial for detecting sounds. The lab explores the different versions of this protein and how they affect hearing, especially looking into ways they can be repaired and regulated. Their findings aim to improve gene therapy approaches for hearing loss caused by MYO7A mutations.

Dr. Tajie H. Harris's lab at the University of Virginia studies how the brain defends itself against infections, particularly from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. They explore how programmed cell death, particularly through the protein caspase-8, helps control these infections without harming vital neurons. By examining different cell types in the brain, they aim to uncover the mechanisms used by the immune system to manage intracellular pathogens and protect brain health.

Dr. Elise Cope's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how new neurons in the hippocampus contribute to social memory. This research is particularly important for addressing social memory deficits found in various neuropsychiatric disorders like autism and schizophrenia. By studying the connections between these new neurons and specific brain regions, the lab aims to develop strategies to improve social interactions in affected individuals.

Dr. Chia-Yi Kuan's lab focuses on understanding the causes and potential treatments for diseases that affect the brain, particularly Alzheimer's disease and neonatal brain injuries. The lab explores the role of specific proteins in neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment, as well as using advanced imaging techniques to monitor brain function in newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Through their research, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to mitigate these serious health issues.

Dr. Kevin Pelphrey's research lab at the University of Virginia focuses on improving the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly for individuals who are diagnosed later in life. By combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, along with artificial intelligence, the lab aims to identify behavioral markers that can predict late diagnoses. Their work will lead to the creation of a new screening tool that can help provide timely support for individuals at risk of being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.

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. John R Lukens leads research focused on understanding the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, in Alzheimer's disease. His lab investigates how proteins like CLEC7A and CASS4 influence microglial behavior and their impact on brain health as we age. By using advanced mouse models and genetic tools, the team aims to uncover new therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Lulu Jiang's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease, particularly how RNA modifications affect the disease's progression. They study how tau protein aggregates can alter RNA methylation, leading to neuronal dysfunction. The lab employs innovative techniques to explore new therapeutic strategies that could help in treating Alzheimer's and related disorders.