Dr. Murali Prakriya's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding calcium signaling in the brain, particularly through specialized channels that allow calcium to enter cells. By studying store-operated calcium entry and CRAC channels, the team explores how these channels work at the molecular and structural levels and what roles they play in neuronal functions like memory and synaptic communication. The work is aimed at uncovering insights that could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders involving calcium signaling dysfunction.

Dr. Thomas L. Kukar's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding the role of a protein called progranulin in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab studies how loss of this protein leads to problems in the lysosomes, which are cell structures responsible for breaking down waste, and how this dysfunction contributes to diseases. By exploring potential therapies using components of progranulin, the lab aims to develop treatments that could help those suffering from these conditions.

Dr. Marja T Nevalainen's lab focuses on understanding and overcoming treatment resistance in advanced prostate cancer. The research specifically investigates how the Jak2 signaling pathway contributes to the persistent expression of androgen receptors in prostate cancer cells, which leads to disease progression despite existing therapies. By targeting Jak2 with new inhibitors, the lab aims to develop more effective treatments for patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer.

The lab led by Paul Matthew Seidler at USC focuses on understanding how proteins aggregate and how certain molecules, known as disaggregases, can control this process. By studying how proteins can be both catalyzed to aggregate and disaggregated back to their functional forms, the lab aims to uncover new ways to address diseases related to protein misfolding. Their research could lead to better diagnostics and therapies for these serious conditions.

Dr. Tanja Kortemme's lab at UCSF focuses on designing and engineering proteins to enhance their biological functions and correct errors in cellular processes. They use computational methods to create new proteins that can respond to signals within cells and investigate how existing proteins operate within cellular networks. This research not only aims to improve our understanding of biology but also to develop new strategies for therapeutic applications in medicine and biotechnology.

Dr. Christine Fillmore Brainson's lab focuses on understanding and treating pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease characterized by the buildup of scar tissue that impairs breathing. The lab is exploring how epigenetic therapies, particularly involving the EZH2 enzyme, can help revert or prevent this fibrosis. Their research combines cell culture techniques with animal models to innovate possible treatments that target cellular behavior and gene expression in the lungs.

Dr. Lahouaria Hadri's lab focuses on understanding the genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious and often fatal lung disease. Through research on proteins involved in chromatin remodeling, the lab aims to uncover how these factors alter gene regulation in lung cells, leading to vascular dysfunction. The ultimate goal is to identify potential new therapies targeting these mechanisms to help treat PAH.

Dr. Rupak Pathak's lab focuses on understanding how platelets interact with the immune system, especially after exposure to harmful radiation. This research is vital for developing new therapies to protect individuals from immune disorders caused by nuclear events. The lab aims to find ways to improve immune response and protect against organ damage by examining platelet behaviors and their interactions with immune cells.

Dr. Sammanda Ramamoorthy's lab conducts research to understand the neurobiology of cocaine use disorder, a condition affecting many individuals in the U.S. By investigating how certain proteins in the brain interact with cocaine and dopamine, the lab aims to uncover new ways to treat this serious addiction. The research explores the role of the dopamine transporter and its modification by kappa-opioid receptors in drug responses, which could lead to breakthrough therapies.

Dr. Gauri G. Rao's lab at USC focuses on developing new antibiotics to combat serious lung infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, also known as superbugs. They are specifically working on a promising new drug that combines teixobactin with lipopeptides, which may prove effective against bacteria that resist all existing antibiotics. This research aims to address a critical health crisis by finding innovative treatments for infections that are currently very difficult to treat.

Dr. James E. Polli leads a collaborative research laboratory at the University of Maryland Baltimore focused on regulatory science, which is essential for the development and assessment of FDA-regulated products. His lab engages in cutting-edge research that enhances public health by improving regulatory practices and tools. Through a partnership with the FDA, the lab conducts studies that help modernize product evaluation, ensuring safety and efficacy for consumers.

Dr. Lee Zou's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding the challenges cancer cells face during DNA replication, known as replication stress. By investigating how different oncogenic events cause distinct replication problems, the lab aims to uncover the vulnerabilities in cancer cells that can be targeted for therapy. The research also explores how RNA influences DNA replication and the broader effects of replication stress on tumor microenvironments, which could lead to novel treatments for cancer.

Dr. Thomas C. Rich's lab at the University of South Alabama focuses on understanding how cells communicate internally to regulate their functions. Specifically, the lab studies airway smooth muscle cells and how different receptors within these cells manage signals that are crucial for controlling muscle contraction and relaxation. This research is vital for developing new treatments for asthma, a common respiratory condition affecting many people.

Dr. Amanda Garner's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how RNA-binding proteins interact with RNA molecules in the cell. These interactions are crucial for various biological processes and are involved in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. The lab develops new tools to explore these RNA-protein interactions, with the goal of discovering new drug therapies for human health issues.

Dr. Cheryl Rockwell's lab focuses on understanding how dietary additives, specifically tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), affect the immune response to influenza. They aim to uncover the mechanisms behind how tBHQ impairs T cell function, which is crucial for fighting viral infections and achieving effective vaccinations. This research could lead to better predictions about how certain substances in our diets might influence our immunity to diseases.

Dr. Roeben Munji's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how blood-brain barrier functions impact the health of the central nervous system (CNS). They specifically investigate how the metabolism of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin by endothelial cells can influence behavior and neuronal function. Through their research, they aim to uncover novel genes involved in these processes, which may lead to new insights for treating neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Richard J. Roman's lab at the University of Mississippi Medical Center focuses on understanding how blood vessel health affects Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The research explores how inhibiting specific enzymes can protect brain function and improve cognition by enhancing blood flow in the brain. This work aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies to combat these debilitating diseases.

Dr. Elias Rosen's lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how antiretroviral drugs penetrate tissues during HIV treatment. By using advanced imaging techniques, the lab investigates how the structure of tissues may affect drug delivery and how this impacts the efficacy of HIV therapies. The goal is to optimize treatment strategies to improve clinical outcomes for individuals with HIV.

Dr. Monica J. Roth's lab focuses on understanding how retroviruses interact with host cell receptors, which is crucial for developing new antiviral drugs. By utilizing advanced computational modeling and protein structure prediction techniques, the lab aims to identify novel viral proteins and their binding partners in host cells. This research has significant implications for tackling viral diseases and cancer by exploring new strategies for drug design and therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Gabrielle Rudenko's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch focuses on studying synaptic organizers, which are important proteins that help strengthen connections between neurons in the brain. The lab investigates how these proteins, especially a group called neurexins, function and regulate their interactions, which can lead to better understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism. By exploring the mechanisms behind these interactions, the lab aims to find new therapeutic approaches to treat severe mental illnesses that affect millions.