Dr. Brady Atwood's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how prenatal exposure to opioids, specifically methadone, affects brain circuits involved in alcohol behaviors. The research primarily uses a mouse model to investigate the differences between male and female offspring regarding their susceptibility to alcohol consumption. The lab aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that explain why males may be more affected by prenatal opioid exposure when it comes to drinking behaviors.

Dr. Carston R. Wagner's research lab focuses on developing new antiviral drugs specifically targeting the Dengue and Zika viruses, which pose significant public health threats worldwide. The lab is innovating a unique class of prodrugs known as AHA-ProTides, which promise better stability and oral bioavailability compared to current treatments. This work aims to provide effective therapy for these viral infections, which currently lack effective treatments.

Dr. Tanya S. Freedman's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the roles of two isoforms of the Lyn kinase, LynA and LynB, in immune signaling and their implications in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The research highlights how these isoforms interact differently in myeloid cells, which are crucial in the immune response. By studying these isoforms, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for managing autoimmune conditions, particularly their effects in males and females.

Dr. Kevin D. Wickman's lab studies how certain proteins in the brain help control the signals that influence mood and behavior. They focus on understanding the mechanisms by which G protein-coupled receptors, specifically GABAB receptors, regulate brain cell signaling. By using advanced techniques, they aim to uncover new ways to treat neurological disorders that result from dysfunctional signaling pathways.

Dr. Angela K. Birnbaum's lab focuses on understanding how antiseizure medications affect pregnant women and their breastfeeding infants. By using advanced modeling techniques, the lab aims to determine the best drug dosages that are both safe for the developing fetus and effective for the mother's epilepsy treatment. Their research is critical for improving health outcomes for women with epilepsy during pregnancy and lactation.

Dr. Nicholas Levinson's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on developing innovative drug discovery technologies, specifically for creating new cancer therapies. The lab is working on a cutting-edge platform that identifies allosteric kinase inhibitors, which can help overcome resistance to current treatments. Their research aims to provide novel therapeutic strategies for cancer patients, particularly targeting proteins involved in tumor growth.

The lab led by Dr. Zhengqiang Wang at the University of Minnesota focuses on developing new antiviral drugs specifically targeting the monkeypox virus (mpox). The current need for effective treatments arises from a global outbreak and the limitations of existing smallpox medications against this virus. The team employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining various fields to optimize drug candidates and understand their mechanisms of action.

Dr. Swati More's research lab focuses on understanding the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the brain and its implications for opioid signaling. The lab aims to identify small molecules that can selectively inhibit ACE, potentially leading to new treatments for opioid use disorders without the adverse cardiovascular effects. The research involves innovative screening methods and behavioral assessments related to opioid rewards and addiction.

Dr. Lauren M Slosky's lab focuses on finding new ways to treat opioid use disorder by investigating a brain receptor called neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1). They aim to develop small molecules that can help prevent relapse in individuals recovering from opioid addiction. The research explores how these molecules work in the brain, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatments for opioid dependency.

The Nguyen lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which are disorders that affect blood cell production and lead to serious health issues. Their research explores how specific mutations related to RNA splicing can lead to genomic instability in these conditions, and they are investigating the role of PARP1—a protein involved in DNA repair—through the lens of R-loops, a type of genetic material interplay. The ultimate goal is to develop targeted therapies using existing FDA-approved PARP inhibitors for patients with specific genetic mutations related to MDS.

Dr. Michael J. Sheedlo's lab focuses on understanding how the Clostridioides difficile Transferase (CDT) toxin works to infect host cells. They use advanced imaging techniques and biochemical methods to investigate the structure and function of CDT, aiming to find new ways to develop treatments for infections caused by this bacterium. By exploring how CDT interacts with cells, the lab seeks to uncover important details that could lead to better therapies for combating C. difficile infections.

Dr. Ling Li's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the biochemical changes that lead to Alzheimer's disease and the effects of COVID-19 on the brain. The lab investigates how variations of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and mitochondrial lipids interact to influence brain aging and cognitive function. They utilize advanced techniques to study brain pathology in aging and how infections like SARS-CoV-2 may exacerbate cognitive impairments.