Dr. Laura Wingler's research focuses on understanding how different drugs affect the angiotensin receptor, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. The lab investigates specific types of drug interactions with this receptor to improve treatments for cardiovascular diseases like hypertension. The ultimate goal is to design safer and more effective drugs that can target not only angiotensin receptors but also related receptors in the body.

Dr. G Greg Wang's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding the complex mechanisms driving aggressive forms of leukemia. The lab is particularly interested in how specific proteins, like EZH2 and NUP98, contribute to cancer development and how these proteins can be targeted for better treatment strategies. Current research explores innovative techniques like PROTACs to degrade oncogenic proteins and investigates the role of phase separation in chromatin organization and gene activation that leads to leukemia.

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. Donald McDonnell's lab at Duke University focuses on how hormones like estrogens and androgens influence cancer biology. They investigate the mechanisms by which these hormones affect tumor growth, immune responses, and treatment outcomes in various cancers. The lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that improve how we use hormone-targeting drugs to treat both reproductive and non-reproductive cancers.

Dr. Andrew B. West's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding the role of a protein called LRRK2 in Parkinson's disease and related dementias. LRRK2 mutations are linked to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, and the lab is investigating how these mutations affect neuronal health and inflammation in the brain. Through advanced techniques and patient studies, they aim to uncover new therapeutic targets that could lead to improved treatments for these devastating conditions.

Dr. Zhao Zhang's lab at Duke University focuses on understanding how transposons, which make up a significant portion of our DNA, can influence our health and development. They use advanced techniques to investigate the regulation of these genetic elements and their interactions with our biological systems. The lab's work not only seeks to uncover fundamental mechanisms but also aims to find ways to control transposon activity for health benefits.