Gregory R. J Thatcher · Pharmacology
Dr. Gregory R. J. Thatcher's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how certain genetic factors and metabolic diseases, like type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, are interconnected. They aim to develop new drugs that can treat Alzheimer's by enhancing cholesterol metabolism without causing weight gain or other side effects. The lab uses a variety of animal models to test these potential treatments and investigate their effects on brain health.
Tally Marie Milnes · Pharmacology
Dr. Tally Marie Milnes' research lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how the endocannabinoid system can be targeted to treat conditions related to opioid use and headaches. The lab explores innovative approaches to investigating opioid-induced respiratory depression and migraine symptoms, combining techniques from pharmacology and molecular biology. Their work aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could enhance current treatments for pain and opioid overdose management.
Roberta Eileen Brinton · Pharmacology
Dr. Roberta Brinton's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how estrogen affects brain health, particularly during the transition to menopause. The research investigates the impact of aging and hormonal changes on the brain's energy systems and their implications for diseases like Alzheimer's. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to find ways to prevent or delay cognitive decline in aging women due to hormonal changes.
Hongmin Li · Pharmacology
Dr. Hongmin Li's lab focuses on developing new antiviral drugs specifically targeting flaviviruses, which are viruses transmitted by insects like mosquitoes and are known to cause serious illnesses in humans. The lab investigates essential viral enzymes to find compounds that can inhibit the viruses' ability to replicate and evade the immune system. Through advanced techniques in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry, the lab aims to create effective treatments for infections such as dengue and Japanese encephalitis.
Jeannie Kim Lee · Pharmacology
Dr. Jeannie Kim Lee's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on improving medication adherence in diverse populations with hypertension. The lab employs a team of clinical pharmacists and community health workers to provide personalized support for patients, addressing cultural and structural barriers to care. Their research aims to develop and test innovative intervention strategies to reduce health disparities, especially in African-American, Latino, and Vietnamese immigrant communities.
Frank Porreca · Pharmacology
Dr. Frank Porreca's research lab focuses on understanding the brain circuits involved in migraine pain, a common and debilitating condition. The lab investigates how specific pathways and neuron types contribute to pain perception during migraine attacks, aiming to develop better treatments for patients who do not respond adequately to existing therapies. Through various advanced techniques, the lab explores both the genetic and physiological aspects of migraine to uncover new therapeutic targets.
Xinxin Ding · Pharmacology
Dr. Xinxin Ding's lab at the University of Arizona studies the harmful effects of naphthalene, a common pollutant found in smoke and vehicle exhaust, particularly focusing on how it can cause lung damage and cancer. The lab investigates how naphthalene is processed in the body, especially in the liver, and how these processes lead to toxic effects in the lungs. Their work aims to better understand the risk factors associated with exposure to this chemical and to find ways to monitor its effects on human health.
Abhijit A Date · Pharmacology
Dr. Abhijit A Date's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on developing more effective treatments for ocular herpes simplex virus infections, which are a major cause of blindness. The lab is particularly interested in repurposing an existing antiviral drug, adefovir dipivoxil, to create long-acting formulations that improve patient compliance. By using innovative strategies such as nanosuspensions, the lab aims to enhance how this medication is delivered to the eye, ensuring better outcomes for patients.
John Michael Streicher · Pharmacology
Dr. John Michael Streicher's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on developing innovative therapies to better manage chronic pain while minimizing the use of opioids. They investigate a protein called Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90), which plays a key role in how opioids work in the brain and spinal cord. By creating selective inhibitors of Hsp90, the lab aims to enhance the effectiveness of opioids for pain relief while reducing unwanted side effects like tolerance and addiction.
Qin M Chen · Pharmacology
Dr. Qin M. Chen's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how cells respond to oxidative stress, particularly in the context of heart failure. The research investigates the role of specific proteins in activating protective responses that could slow down or prevent heart damage. By exploring RNA methylation and protein translation mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for addressing heart failure, a severe and costly health issue.
Xinglong Wang · Pharmacology
Dr. Xinglong Wang's research lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how the TDP-43 protein contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's disease. By studying the interactions between TDP-43 and mitochondria, the lab investigates how changes in TDP-43 behavior might lead to neuron damage. This research aims to uncover critical mechanisms that could potentially reveal new therapies for these debilitating conditions.
Yin Chen · Pharmacology
Dr. Yin Chen's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how our immune system responds to Coccidioides, the fungus responsible for Valley Fever. With cases of this serious infection rising, the lab studies how special proteins in our lungs can fight off this pathogen, even in healthy individuals. By exploring these mechanisms, their research aims to find new ways to treat and prevent this disease, which poses a significant health risk.