Dr. Christopher States' lab at the University of Louisville focuses on understanding how exposure to arsenic leads to cancer, particularly skin cancer. They investigate the role of specific microRNAs in modifying gene expression and causing chromosomal instability, which is a significant factor in tumor development. The lab develops new models to study these effects and aims to fill critical knowledge gaps in cancer etiology related to environmental exposures.

Dr. Kenneth E. Palmer's lab at the University of Louisville focuses on developing strategies and tools to respond to public health emergencies, particularly for infectious diseases. The lab operates a specialized facility for biocontainment research, working on vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. They emphasize training a skilled workforce to support research in high-level containment settings, particularly in the wake of pandemics like COVID-19.

Dr. Prakash Radhakrishnan's lab focuses on understanding the role of specific carbohydrate antigens in pancreatic cancer, which is a highly aggressive form of cancer. They aim to develop new treatments that target a molecule called Tn antigen, which is present in high levels in pancreatic cancer cells. By using a combination of advanced antibody therapies and traditional cancer drugs, the lab hopes to improve survival rates for patients with this fatal disease.

Dr. John Pierce Wise's lab at the University of Louisville focuses on understanding how certain metals, particularly hexavalent chromium, contribute to the development of lung cancer through a process called chromosomal instability. The lab investigates the biological mechanisms by which these metals induce cancerous changes in lung cells, employing a range of models including human cell lines, 3D cultures, and animal studies. The ultimate goal is to uncover new strategies for prevention and treatment of lung cancer, addressing a critical public health issue related to environmental exposures.