Dr. Renu Sah's lab at the University of Cincinnati focuses on understanding how airway inflammation, particularly from asthma, affects fear regulation and may contribute to conditions like PTSD. By studying mouse models, the lab investigates the immune and neural mechanisms at play, aiming to uncover potential therapeutic targets for treating fear-related disorders. Their research is particularly relevant for understanding how asthma and other pulmonary pathologies can influence mental health.

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. Chen Gao's lab focuses on understanding how the degradation of RNA molecules influences the development of heart diseases, particularly heart hypertrophy. By studying the mechanisms of mRNA stability and degradation in heart cells, the lab aims to uncover new potential targets for treating cardiovascular diseases. Their research combines advanced sequencing technologies with mouse models to explore gene regulation in response to stress and other physiological changes.

Dr. Karthickeyan Chella Krishnan's lab at the University of Cincinnati focuses on understanding how a liver gene called L-PK influences cholesterol metabolism and the development of atherosclerosis, particularly in a sex-specific context. By using a range of advanced techniques, the lab investigates how variations in L-PK affect liver function and lipid levels, which are crucial for preventing metabolic diseases. The research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for managing cholesterol-related health issues.

Dr. Hong-Sheng Wang's research lab at the University of Cincinnati focuses on understanding how micro- and nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles) affect heart health. These particles are commonly found in the environment and can accumulate in the human body, potentially leading to serious heart problems. The lab conducts experiments using advanced models to explore how these plastics cause damage to heart cells and affect heart function. Their work aims to reveal critical information about the risks posed by these environmental contaminants to human cardiac health.

Dr. James P. Herman's lab at the University of Cincinnati focuses on understanding how traumatic stress affects the brain and behavior. The research aims to identify the underlying mechanisms in the brain that contribute to disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By exploring the specific brain circuits involved in stress responses, the lab hopes to develop new treatment strategies to help individuals exposed to severe stress manage their reactions and improve their well-being.