Dr. Dolly Mehta's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding and treating acute lung injuries, which are often caused by infections. The research examines how certain cells in the lungs, particularly macrophages and endothelial cells, behave during inflammation and injury. By studying these cells' mechanisms, the lab aims to develop targeted therapies that protect lung function and promote healing during acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Dr. Paul R Carlier's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on developing new drugs to fight malaria, a disease that affects millions worldwide. The lab is optimizing new antimalarial compounds that can target different life stages of the malaria parasite, with the goal of overcoming drug resistance. Students in the lab will learn important laboratory techniques while helping to create treatments that could save lives.

Dr. Zaijie Jim Wang's research lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) to develop effective treatments. The lab uses advanced techniques like studying epigenetics and gut microbiota to uncover the biological processes behind this pain. Ultimately, the goal is to improve therapies that help the thousands of patients suffering from chronic pain linked to SCD.

Dr. Nancy Elizabeth Freitag's lab studies the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause serious infections, especially in pregnant women. The research focuses on understanding how certain strains of this bacterium invade the placenta and affect fetal development. By uncovering the mechanisms behind this infection, the lab aims to improve infection management and maternal-fetal health outcomes.

Dr. Yulia Komarova's lab studies how white blood cells, called neutrophils, respond to their environment while migrating to infected tissues. The research focuses on how mechanical forces during this migration can activate neutrophils to effectively kill pathogens, such as bacteria. This work aims to better understand the pathways involved in this process, which could lead to new therapies for bacterial infections.

Dr. Joanna Burdette's lab studies ovarian cancer, specifically the interactions between the ovaries and fallopian tubes and how ovulation influences cancer development. They use advanced models to examine how hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can impact tumor growth and migration. By developing innovative technologies, they aim to uncover ways to prevent and treat high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which is among the most deadly types of ovarian cancer.

Dr. Alexander S. Mankin's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding and enhancing antibacterial peptides produced by honeybees and fruit flies. These peptides, known for their ability to inhibit bacterial growth by stopping protein synthesis, hold potential for developing new antibiotics. The lab employs various techniques to explore how these peptides work and to create more effective derivatives.

Dr. Pavel A. Petukhov's lab focuses on developing new drugs to treat schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms affecting over 200 million people worldwide. The research centers around a unique enzyme, thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR), which is crucial for the worm's survival but not present in humans. By inhibiting this enzyme, the lab aims to create effective treatments while avoiding drug resistance, a significant issue with the current medication.

Dr. Andrew Riley's lab focuses on developing new treatments for drug addiction and chronic pain. One of their key projects aims to create medications targeting specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptors involved in substance use disorders like cocaine addiction. Another project investigates receptors linked to neuropathic pain, seeking effective, non-opioid solutions for patients suffering from chronic pain. Through these studies, the lab hopes to address significant public health issues related to drug addiction and pain management.

Dr. Shilpa Sant's lab focuses on understanding how specific components within the breast cancer microenvironment can influence tumor growth and metastasis. By using engineered mineralized hydrogels that mimic the soft tissue environment of the breast, the research aims to explore the role of microcalcifications in the development and progression of breast cancer. The findings may help identify new treatment strategies and biomarkers that could improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Yuru Liu's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding how certain cells in the lungs, specifically Type II alveolar epithelial cells, help repair lung injuries and maintain healthy lung function. By studying the signaling pathways that regulate these cells, the lab aims to uncover new ways to treat chronic lung diseases like emphysema and fibrosis. The research combines molecular and cellular biology techniques to explore how these cells behave during normal conditions and after injury, striving to discover potential therapeutic targets.

Dr. Xiaoping Du's lab at the University of Illinois At Chicago focuses on understanding how specific proteins called integrins signal cells to trigger blood clotting and inflammation. The research aims to develop new medications that can prevent harmful blood clots without causing serious bleeding, addressing a critical need in treating conditions like heart attacks and strokes. By investigating these mechanisms, the lab seeks to create safer dual-action therapies for thrombotic and inflammatory diseases.

Dr. Sang Ging Ong's lab focuses on understanding how cancer treatment, specifically sunitinib, affects the health of blood vessels. They study the regulation of protein production in endothelial cells, which are critical for maintaining vascular health. Through their research, they aim to uncover mechanisms that could reduce harmful side effects of cancer therapies, helping to improve patients' overall quality of life.