The lab of Dr. Thomas P Burris focuses on developing new treatments for dementia and Alzheimer's disease using synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of exercise. By targeting specific nuclear receptors in the brain, these compounds aim to enhance cognitive function and reduce the characteristic amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's. The research is significant as it addresses a growing public health concern with over five million Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Joseph Mauro Calabrese's research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gene regulation. These specialized RNA molecules, which do not code for proteins, play important roles in silencing genes that can affect health and disease, including conditions like Angelman and Rett Syndromes. The lab aims to uncover how these lncRNAs work at the molecular level and how their functions can lead to potential therapeutic discoveries.

Dr. Bruno Calabretta's lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on developing innovative treatments for specific types of leukemia, particularly B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). They explore how to 'reprogram' leukemia cells to become less aggressive and more likely to undergo cell maturation and death. The lab uses cutting-edge techniques to inhibit proteins that help leukemia cells proliferate and survive, aiming to improve therapy for patients with resistant forms of leukemia.

Dr. Ivy E. Dick's lab focuses on understanding how certain calcium channel mutations contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder. By studying mutated calcium channels and their effects on neuronal function, the lab aims to identify new treatment strategies, particularly for conditions like Timothy syndrome. The research combines advanced cellular models and innovative genetic techniques to explore how calcium signaling influences brain function and disease pathology.

Dr. Sarah Christine Hopp's lab focuses on understanding the role of L-type calcium channels in Alzheimer's disease. They investigate how these channels contribute to calcium imbalance in brain cells, particularly in relation to amyloid plaques, a hallmark of the disease. By exploring the effects of calcium channel blockers, the lab aims to discover new ways to protect neurons and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.

Dr. Paula Bartlett's lab focuses on understanding how high fat diets disrupt calcium signaling in the liver, which is crucial for regulating metabolism. The research is primarily centered on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its links to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms and the effects of diet-induced changes, the lab aims to find potential solutions for managing these common health issues.

Dr. Johannes W. Hell's lab focuses on understanding how the Alzheimer’s disease-related protein beta amyloid affects calcium channels in the brain. By studying the Cav1.2 calcium channel, the lab investigates how its dysregulation can lead to neuronal damage and impair synaptic function, which are critical in Alzheimer’s disease. This research opens up new avenues for potential pharmacological interventions to combat the early effects of Alzheimer's.

Dr. Scott D. Zawieja's lab investigates how calcium signaling affects the function of lymphatic muscle cells, which are crucial for fluid transport in the body. They study a condition called lymphedema, where these cells fail to work properly, causing painful swelling. By understanding the mechanisms behind calcium handling, the lab aims to discover new treatments and improve patient outcomes for those suffering from lymphedema and related issues.

Dr. Matthew J Campen's lab focuses on understanding how exposure to wildfire smoke and metals contamination affects brain and vascular health, particularly from an aging perspective. The research aims to uncover the links between environmental pollutants and neuroinflammation, and how these factors may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The lab employs both field studies and laboratory experiments to analyze the health impacts of contaminated wood smoke and seeks potential therapeutic interventions.

Duxin Sun's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on innovative cancer therapies, specifically a new type of cancer vaccine known as VAM-B/CD4. This vaccine is designed to enhance the interactions between B cells and CD4 T cells, which is essential for generating a long-lasting immune response against various types of cancers. The lab aims to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy by incorporating B cell-targeted strategies into vaccine design, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients.

Dr. John Blenis's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding the intricate signaling pathways that regulate cancer cell growth, metabolism, and resistance to therapy. The lab investigates how tumor cells can exploit metabolic processes, like propionate metabolism, to enhance their invasive capabilities and respond to treatment. By delving into mechanisms like mTORC1 signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers to improve cancer intervention.

Dr. Mingfu Wu's lab at the University of Houston focuses on understanding how cells in the heart communicate during its development. They are particularly interested in a newly identified structure called signaling bridges, which may influence how heart cells behave and develop. By studying these interactions, the lab hopes to uncover new insights into heart diseases, particularly left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy, a condition that can be fatal.

Dr. Nathan R. Tucker's lab focuses on understanding how genetic variations contribute to cardiac arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats that can be life-threatening. His research aims to link these genetic variations to their biological mechanisms, potentially leading to new treatments. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR and single nucleus RNA sequencing, the lab investigates the genetic and molecular underpinnings of arrhythmias in heart tissue samples, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Masayuki Yazawa's lab focuses on developing new drugs to treat Timothy syndrome and other genetic heart conditions that cause dangerous heart rhythms. The research leverages innovative technologies and human-derived heart cells to create potential therapeutics. Through these efforts, the lab aims to better understand the molecular causes of these disorders and improve treatment options for affected patients.

Dr. Konstantinos Drosatos' lab at the University of Cincinnati focuses on understanding how diabetes affects heart function, particularly through a protein called GLUT1 that helps transport glucose into heart cells. The lab aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to heart failure in diabetic patients and explore potential therapies to prevent this condition. Their research could lead to new treatments that improve heart health for individuals suffering from diabetes.

Dr. Kerry S. McDonald’s lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that affect heart function, especially in patients with heart failure. They study how proteins involved in muscle contraction respond to pressure and load within the heart, aiming to identify new targets for therapy. Through a combination of biophysical experiments and computer modeling, the lab seeks to improve our understanding of heart mechanics and develop novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Marco Fazzari's lab focuses on understanding how certain dietary components can help treat cardiovascular diseases. They study dietary nitrates and fatty acids to find new ways to reduce inflammation and promote heart health. Their research aims to develop safe therapies that can improve cardiovascular function and potentially lower the risk of heart disease.

Dr. Raquibul Hasan's lab at Mercer University focuses on understanding how statins, widely used medications for heart disease, affect blood pressure. The research explores the mechanisms by which these drugs can lower blood pressure in some patients while having no effect in others. By studying different animal models, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic approaches that can help tailor treatments for individuals with both high blood pressure and cholesterol issues.

Dr. Adam Carl Straub's research lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins in the body, specifically cytochrome b5 reductase 3, affect the cardiovascular system, especially during conditions like ischemic stroke. By investigating genetic variations and their impact on redox signaling, particularly in African American populations, the lab aims to develop better treatments for stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Students in this lab will learn about the underlying biological mechanisms of these conditions and how to translate this knowledge into potential new therapies.

Dr. Benedek Erdos's lab at the University of Vermont focuses on understanding how stress affects blood pressure and heart health. The research investigates a specific signaling pathway in the brain that can lead to heightened sensitivity to stress, which contributes to the development of hypertension. By studying this mechanism, the lab aims to find new ways to treat high blood pressure that is aggravated by psychological stressors.