Dr. Neera Tewari-Singh's lab focuses on understanding the harmful effects of certain chemical agents known as vesicants, like mustard gas and phosgene oxime, specifically how they damage the lungs after skin contact. The lab aims to uncover the role of mast cells in this process, which could lead to new treatment strategies for those affected by these toxic agents. Their research is important for developing therapies for acute and long-term lung injuries caused by chemical exposure.

Dr. Ganesh A. Thakur's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for chronic neuropathic pain without the addiction risks associated with opioids. The team investigates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and cannabinoid receptors to create new non-addictive analgesics. By exploring small-molecule probes and their effects on pain pathways, the lab aims to improve pain management for millions suffering from chronic conditions.

Dr. Andrew Riley's lab focuses on developing new treatments for drug addiction and chronic pain. One of their key projects aims to create medications targeting specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptors involved in substance use disorders like cocaine addiction. Another project investigates receptors linked to neuropathic pain, seeking effective, non-opioid solutions for patients suffering from chronic pain. Through these studies, the lab hopes to address significant public health issues related to drug addiction and pain management.

Dr. Ben Shen's lab at the University of Florida focuses on discovering and developing new natural products and cancer therapies. They study actinobacteria, microorganisms known for producing diverse chemical compounds, to identify and produce novel drugs that can potentially treat various diseases, including cancer. The lab also works on improving antibody-drug conjugates, which are treatments that deliver toxins directly to cancer cells, thereby increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects.

Dr. Lankupalle D Jayanthi's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding addiction, particularly in relation to amphetamines and the norepinephrine transporter (NET). The research aims to explore how modifications to the NET affect behaviors associated with substance use disorders, especially in the context of increasing psychostimulant use during the COVID-19 pandemic. By studying mutant mouse models and brain-specific mechanisms, the lab seeks to uncover new insights that could lead to more effective treatments for addiction.

Dr. Lai Wen's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins regulate the adhesion of immune cells, specifically neutrophils, to blood vessel walls during inflammation. This research is crucial for tackling cardiovascular diseases, as inflammation plays a major role in heart-related issues. By exploring the interactions between proteins like kindlin-3 and talin-1, the lab aims to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to innovative therapies to reduce tissue damage during inflammatory responses.

Dr. Nephi Stella's lab at the University of Washington studies how consuming cannabis, particularly THC, during adolescence affects brain development and behavior in adulthood. The team's research focuses on the impact of oral THC consumption through innovative gel formulations and aims to understand the long-term consequences on neural systems and behaviors, particularly in relation to reward and motivation. Their work highlights the need for more information on how adolescent cannabis use can lead to changes in the brain that may impair functioning later in life.

Dr. Raghavan Pillai Raju's lab focuses on understanding how factors derived from juvenile animals can help improve health outcomes in older individuals who suffer from injuries. The research particularly examines how juvenile plasma factors can aid recovery and reduce damage after traumatic events such as hemorrhagic shock, which is a leading cause of death among the elderly. By investigating the mechanisms behind these protective factors, the lab aims to develop strategies to counteract the negative effects of aging and promote healthier aging.

Dr. Masayo Koide's lab studies how high levels of the hormone aldosterone can negatively affect small blood vessels in the brain, potentially leading to cognitive issues or dementia. The research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which this hormone impacts blood flow in very small brain vessels and aims to identify new ways to protect brain health. This work is important for developing strategies to mitigate cognitive decline associated with small vessel diseases.

Dr. Todd E Golde's lab at Emory University studies Alzheimer's Disease (AD) to understand how amyloid proteins impact brain health and function. They investigate the interactions between amyloid and other proteins to figure out new ways to treat AD by potentially harnessing the immune system. The lab aims to discover optimal immune treatments that could benefit patients while minimizing harm, contributing valuable insights to our understanding of dementia and broader neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. William P. Clarke's lab focuses on developing new pain relief medications that are safer than current opioid drugs. By studying the combination of specific opioid receptors in pain-sensing neurons, the lab aims to create drugs that effectively reduce pain without the dangerous side effects associated with traditional opioids. Their research combines chemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology to discover and test novel drug candidates.

Dr. Guizhen Zhao's lab focuses on understanding the complex interplay between metabolism and epigenetics in the context of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. The lab investigates how certain proteins, specifically the BAF60c protein, influence vascular cell function and disease progression. By learning how to manipulate these molecules, the lab aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies to combat cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Anika M.S. Hartz leads research focused on understanding the blood-brain barrier's role in Alzheimer's disease. Her lab investigates how the proteins amyloid and tau disrupt this barrier, contributing to cognitive decline. Additionally, the lab explores the impact of environmental chemicals like bisphenols on Alzheimer’s, aiming to uncover new treatment strategies to protect brain health and slow the disease's progression.

Dr. Shilpa Sant's lab focuses on understanding how specific components within the breast cancer microenvironment can influence tumor growth and metastasis. By using engineered mineralized hydrogels that mimic the soft tissue environment of the breast, the research aims to explore the role of microcalcifications in the development and progression of breast cancer. The findings may help identify new treatment strategies and biomarkers that could improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Jian Jin's lab focuses on developing new therapeutic strategies for certain types of cancers and Alzheimer's disease. They specifically research targeted treatments for MLL-rearranged leukemias, multiple myeloma, and Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting key enzymes involved in gene regulation. The lab's innovative work aims to create drug candidates that can be used in clinical trials for patients who currently have limited treatment options.

Dr. Alexandros Makriyannis's lab at Northeastern University focuses on understanding the roles of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in treating various health conditions, particularly pain and inflammation. They design and develop innovative drug candidates that selectively modulate these receptors to create therapies with fewer side effects. The research not only explores the structure and function of these receptors but also aims to use this knowledge to identify new treatment options for diseases such as addiction and fibrotic disorders.

Dr. John Pierce Wise's lab at the University of Louisville focuses on understanding how certain metals, particularly hexavalent chromium, contribute to the development of lung cancer through a process called chromosomal instability. The lab investigates the biological mechanisms by which these metals induce cancerous changes in lung cells, employing a range of models including human cell lines, 3D cultures, and animal studies. The ultimate goal is to uncover new strategies for prevention and treatment of lung cancer, addressing a critical public health issue related to environmental exposures.

Dr. William J. Sullivan's lab focuses on understanding how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite persists in the brain as a latent form, which can reactivate in immunocompromised individuals. The lab is investigating the role of translation initiation factors in the formation of these latent cysts, aiming to discover new therapeutic targets that could help prevent serious infections caused by this parasite. By using innovative cell models and advanced techniques, the lab seeks to uncover the complex mechanisms involved in protein synthesis during the cyst formation process.

Dr. Fang Zheng's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on developing new treatments for poisoning caused by the highly toxic pesticide aldicarb. The lab is working to create a bioscavenger enzyme that can effectively detoxify aldicarb faster than it can poison the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in the body. Their research aims to provide better medical countermeasures against potential threats from cholinergic agents used in chemical warfare.

The lab of Min Yu at the University of Maryland Baltimore focuses on understanding how estrogen receptor mutations in breast cancer cells contribute to the disease's progression and metastasis. They study the role of androgen receptors, particularly how they help cancer cells survive during stressful conditions like treatment with aromatase inhibitors. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies for metastatic breast cancer, which is a major challenge for patients.