Dr. John Joshua Lawrence's lab focuses on understanding how oxidative stress and gene regulation affect learning and memory, particularly in the context of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. By examining the hippocampal dentate gyrus, a key brain region for these functions, the lab investigates how vitamin A supplementation and histone deacetylase inhibitors can potentially mitigate cognitive decline. Their interdisciplinary approach combines behavioral studies with advanced multi-omic analyses to identify new strategies for maintaining brain health.

Dr. Howard C. Crawford's lab investigates how collagen proteins contribute to the progression of pancreatic cancer. By studying a specific receptor that interacts with collagen, the lab aims to uncover new insights into how these proteins influence cancer behavior and identify potential targets for treatment. The ultimate goal is to improve survival rates for patients suffering from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Dr. Carla P. Concepcion's lab focuses on developing innovative therapies for a specific type of lung cancer that lacks effective treatments. Her research targets the SMARCA2 gene, which plays a critical role in the growth of tumors that have lost another important gene called SMARCA4. By studying genetically engineered mice, her team is investigating how to effectively degrade SMARCA2 to inhibit cancer development and exploring how the immune system can help in these treatments. This work aims to provide new hope for patients with this aggressive form of lung cancer.

Dr. P Jeffrey Conn's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how two specific proteins in the brain, mGlu3 and mGlu5, work together to improve learning and memory. By studying these interactions in rodent models, the lab aims to find new ways to enhance cognitive function and address cognitive deficits related to disorders like schizophrenia. Their research combines advanced techniques in genetics, pharmacology, and neurobiology to explore new treatments for these challenges.

Dr. David R. Corey’s lab focuses on understanding how nucleic acids interact with cells to regulate gene expression. The research aims to develop nucleic acid-based therapies for diseases, exploring mechanisms of RNA-mediated recognition, particularly in the cell nucleus. The lab's work has the potential to lead to innovative treatments for genetic disorders by manipulating gene expression at the molecular level.

Dr. Yao-Ying Ma's lab at Indiana University Indianapolis focuses on understanding how certain brain cells contribute to cocaine addiction and relapse. By studying the excitability of specific neurons in the motor cortex, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms behind drug-seeking behavior, especially after withdrawal. The ultimate goal is to identify new targets for preventing relapse in individuals dealing with substance use disorders.

Dr. John D. Scott's lab at the University of Washington studies how specific proteins can control the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, from our adrenal glands. They focus on a condition called Cushing's syndrome, which causes the body to produce too much cortisol, leading to serious health issues. The lab's goal is to understand the mutations in a protein called PKA that contribute to this syndrome and to develop more effective treatments using precision medicine.

Dr. James Christopher Costello's lab at the University of Colorado Denver focuses on understanding Down syndrome by examining how the genes on chromosome 21 influence various co-occurring health conditions. The lab uses innovative computational techniques, particularly in 'omics' data analysis, to find specific signals related to these diseases. Their work aims to improve care not only for individuals with Down syndrome but also for the broader community.

Dr. David Crich's lab focuses on developing next-generation aminoglycoside antibiotics that are effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria while minimizing side effects like hearing loss and kidney damage. By synthesizing and optimizing new compounds, the lab aims to create more effective treatments with improved safety profiles. Research includes a combination of laboratory assays and animal models to test efficacy and toxicity.

Dr. Vincent Davisson's lab at Purdue University is focused on developing new treatments to counteract toxic cyanide exposure. The research aims to improve existing countermeasures and explore combinations of agents that can efficiently help individuals affected by chemical threats. By using various animal models, the lab works to ensure that these interventions are both safe and effective in emergency situations, ultimately aiming to protect human health from chemical hazards.

Dr. James E. Ferrell's lab at Stanford University focuses on exploring the organization and function of cytoplasm in biological systems, particularly using cell-free extracts from Xenopus eggs. The research aims to uncover how cellular components self-organize, how chemical signals propagate through cells, and how these processes affect fundamental aspects of cell physiology. This work combines experimental and theoretical methods, making it a vital area of study for understanding complex biochemical processes in living organisms.

Dr. Richard Daneman's lab investigates how blood vessels in the brain function, specifically in the context of Alzheimer's disease. They focus on a protein called SOX18, which appears to play a crucial role in maintaining the health of these blood vessels and preventing problems that may contribute to Alzheimer's. By studying both mouse models and human cell systems, the lab aims to understand the mechanisms behind blood vessel dysfunction in Alzheimer's and explore potential therapies targeting SOX18.

Dr. Carston R. Wagner's research lab focuses on developing new antiviral drugs specifically targeting the Dengue and Zika viruses, which pose significant public health threats worldwide. The lab is innovating a unique class of prodrugs known as AHA-ProTides, which promise better stability and oral bioavailability compared to current treatments. This work aims to provide effective therapy for these viral infections, which currently lack effective treatments.

Dr. Lakshmi A. Devi’s lab at the Icahn School of Medicine focuses on understanding how the body's natural opioid system interacts with ketamine, a medication that can treat depression and chronic pain. By studying how ketamine affects opioid receptors and their signaling pathways, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind ketamine's rapid and lasting effects. This research has the potential to lead to better treatments for conditions like opioid use disorder and pain management.

Dr. Yunmeng Liu's lab is focused on understanding how diabetes and hypertension are connected through the immune system, particularly looking at T cells. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind T cell activation and its impact on these diseases using mouse models. By exploring how certain signaling pathways involving ATP and insulin contribute to this connection, the lab hopes to identify new therapeutic targets to help reduce the risks associated with metabolic syndrome.

Dr. Henrik G. Dohlman's lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on the intricacies of cell signaling mediated by G protein-coupled receptors. The lab's research aims to uncover the unique behaviors of different G protein subtypes and how they interact with hormones, neurotransmitters, and drugs. Their work is significant for understanding human diseases and could lead to the development of better pharmaceutical treatments.

Dr. Qing-Song Liu's lab focuses on understanding how a protein called mTOR affects the behavior and function of dopamine neurons in the brain. They investigate how changes in mTOR signaling can lead to problems like hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are seen in disorders such as ADHD. Using specially designed mice, the lab seeks to uncover the cellular and circuit-level mechanisms behind these behaviors, aiming to inform future treatments for related psychiatric conditions.

Dr. Loukia Parisiadou's lab focuses on understanding the early mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease, specifically how genetic mutations affect the health of dopamine neurons. By using advanced genetic models, the lab investigates disruptions caused by the LRRK2 gene, which has been linked to this disorder. The ultimate goal is to develop early therapeutic interventions that can slow disease progression and improve outcomes for patients.

Dr. Ole Valente Mortensen's lab at Drexel University focuses on understanding how dopamine transporters in the brain work, particularly regarding their regulation and modulation. The lab explores novel compounds that target specific sites on these transporters to develop new treatments for mental health disorders, such as ADHD and depression. By studying the mechanisms of these compounds, the lab seeks to identify new therapeutic options for disorders driven by imbalances in neurotransmitter signaling.

Dr. Michael Dorsch's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on using technology to help people reduce their sodium intake and lower blood pressure, particularly in those with hypertension. They are testing a mobile app that sends personalized reminders and information about sodium content in foods when users are shopping or dining out. The goal is to see if this approach works over time and leads to improved health outcomes by making it easier for patients to manage their diets and blood pressure.