Duxin Sun's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on innovative cancer therapies, specifically a new type of cancer vaccine known as VAM-B/CD4. This vaccine is designed to enhance the interactions between B cells and CD4 T cells, which is essential for generating a long-lasting immune response against various types of cancers. The lab aims to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy by incorporating B cell-targeted strategies into vaccine design, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients.

Dr. Wei Cheng's lab at the University of Michigan studies how B cells, a type of immune cell, recognize and respond to viruses and viral-like particles. By using advanced techniques to create model antigens, the lab explores the intricate mechanisms through which B cells are activated, leading to stronger immune responses. This research not only enhances our understanding of the immune system but also aids in the development of better vaccines against viral infections.

Dr. Michael Dorsch's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on using technology to help people reduce their sodium intake and lower blood pressure, particularly in those with hypertension. They are testing a mobile app that sends personalized reminders and information about sodium content in foods when users are shopping or dining out. The goal is to see if this approach works over time and leads to improved health outcomes by making it easier for patients to manage their diets and blood pressure.

Dr. Carrie Ferrario's research lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how food-related cues influence cravings and eating behavior, particularly in the context of obesity. The lab studies the brain's reward systems and how junk food can alter neural circuits, contributing to an enhanced craving for food in obese individuals. By using preclinical models, the lab aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that drive obesity and develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Dr. James J. Moon's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for aggressive cancers, particularly head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The lab explores the use of engineered nanoparticles to activate the STING immune pathway, aiming to improve patient responses to immunotherapy. They are also investigating how to modulate the gut microbiome to enhance cancer treatments, creating formulations that can be administered orally to boost immune responses safely.

Dr. Corey A. Lester's lab focuses on improving pharmacy practices by utilizing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent medication dispensing errors. This research aims to enhance patient safety by designing AI systems that can efficiently catch potential errors in real-time while also assessing the risk involved with different medications. The lab conducts studies to ensure that pharmacy staff can trust these AI technologies, ultimately leading to better decision-making and improved healthcare outcomes.

Dr. Amanda Garner's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how RNA-binding proteins interact with RNA molecules in the cell. These interactions are crucial for various biological processes and are involved in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. The lab develops new tools to explore these RNA-protein interactions, with the goal of discovering new drug therapies for human health issues.

Dr. Emily E. Scott's lab focuses on understanding human cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play a crucial role in drug metabolism and are also potential targets for treating various diseases. By using advanced structural and biochemical techniques, the lab aims to uncover the structure and function of these enzymes, providing insights that could lead to better drug design and therapies for both common and rare diseases. The research not only seeks to improve drug therapy but also to identify how mutations in these enzymes can lead to health issues.

Dr. Smrcka's lab studies how signals from G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) influence various cellular functions, particularly in heart cells. By exploring the complex interactions and pathways of GPCR signaling, the lab aims to uncover new ways that these receptors can control gene expression and heart growth, which could lead to better treatments for heart disease.

Dr. Peter Tessier's lab focuses on innovative strategies to deliver therapeutic antibodies across the blood-brain barrier for treating Alzheimer's disease. The lab researches the use of bispecific antibodies to improve the delivery of neuroprotective agents and gene silencing methodologies in microglia, the immune cells of the brain, without invasive procedures. By optimizing these antibody-based delivery systems, they aim to enhance treatment efficacy and develop new therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Nouri Neamati's lab focuses on developing new drugs targeting a specific protein called GSTO1, which plays a crucial role in colorectal cancer and drug resistance. They use advanced techniques like gene editing and bioinformatics to understand how GSTO1 contributes to cancer progression and to find ways to inhibit it effectively. The lab's research aims not only to improve cancer therapies but also to provide insights into the immune response against tumors, making it relevant for advancing cancer treatment options.

Dr. Julien Albert Sebag's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how the protein Unc119b affects glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity. By exploring new compounds that boost insulin effectiveness while avoiding significant side effects, the lab seeks to develop better treatments for type II diabetes. Their innovative research combines live cell imaging and genetic models to uncover the mechanisms behind insulin resistance.

The Birdsong lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how opioid receptors in the brain affect pain and reward behaviors. By studying specific neurons in the medial thalamus, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind both pain relief and heightened sensitivity to pain after opioid withdrawal. This research has important implications for improving pain management strategies and reducing the risk of opioid misuse.

Dr. Lori L. Isom's lab focuses on understanding how certain genetic conditions, specifically linked to epilepsy, can lead to serious complications like Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The lab studies the relationship between heart and brain function, using cutting-edge models such as transgenic rabbits that closely mimic human physiology. By exploring how specific gene changes affect both cardiac rhythms and breathing regulation during seizures, the lab aims to uncover new insights that could help prevent SUDEP and improve the lives of patients with epilepsy.

Dr. Guizhi Zhu's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on developing advanced vaccines for treating melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. The lab is innovating small circular mRNA vaccines that enhance immune responses against tumors. Their aim is to improve the effectiveness of existing melanoma immunotherapies by providing a longer-lasting and more robust immune reaction to cancer cells.