Zhi Zhong's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how alcohol affects liver function, particularly through processes involving mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells. They are researching how the liver responds to alcohol consumption and the resulting harm, which can lead to serious conditions like fibrosis and cirrhosis. By studying how mitochondrial health is affected by alcohol, their goal is to develop new treatments for alcohol-related liver diseases.

Dr. Chenthamarakshan Vasu's lab focuses on understanding how the gut microbiota and its metabolites influence autoimmune diseases and gut health. They study the effects of beta-glucans, a type of dietary fiber, on the gut microbiome and aim to identify novel metabolites produced during its degradation that could have therapeutic benefits. This research may lead to innovative nutrition and medicine strategies to prevent and treat immune-related disorders.

The lab of Dr. Mark T Hamann focuses on the synthesis and optimization of unique natural products called aleutianamines, derived from deep-sea marine organisms. The research aims to develop effective methods for creating these alkaloids, which have potential therapeutic applications for diseases like malaria and cancer. By exploring innovative synthesis techniques, the lab seeks to address the scarcity of these natural compounds and harness their medicinal properties.

Dr. Wei Jiang's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how drug use affects the immune response in HIV-infected individuals. They study the role of specific antibodies in the immune system and how chronic drug abuse influences the recovery of immune cells after HIV treatment. Their aim is to uncover the mechanisms by which inflammation from drugs like cocaine and cannabis impact the immune system, particularly in relation to a type of antibody that can harm CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections.

Dr. Sophie Paczesny's research lab focuses on improving the prediction and understanding of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) through innovative machine learning techniques. By analyzing blood samples from transplant patients, the lab aims to identify specific biomarkers that can indicate who is at risk of developing cGVHD and enhance early treatment strategies. This work is vital for personalizing therapies and improving outcomes for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Dr. Anand S. Mehta's lab focuses on developing new biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma, a lethal form of liver cancer. The lab investigates changes in glycosylation patterns of proteins associated with cancer in order to improve diagnosis and prognosis for patients. They have developed an innovative method for analyzing these glycan changes using a streamlined antibody capture technique, aiming to enhance early detection and treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma.

Dr. Haizhen Wang's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on improving immunotherapy for solid tumors by studying the functions of cyclin D proteins in T cells. The lab investigates how these proteins impact T cell survival and their ability to infiltrate tumors, which are critical for effective cancer treatment. By manipulating cyclin D expression, the research aims to enhance the efficacy of T cell therapies against cancers like melanoma and colorectal cancer.