Dr. Scott D. Zawieja's lab investigates how calcium signaling affects the function of lymphatic muscle cells, which are crucial for fluid transport in the body. They study a condition called lymphedema, where these cells fail to work properly, causing painful swelling. By understanding the mechanisms behind calcium handling, the lab aims to discover new treatments and improve patient outcomes for those suffering from lymphedema and related issues.

Dr. Kerry S. McDonald’s lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that affect heart function, especially in patients with heart failure. They study how proteins involved in muscle contraction respond to pressure and load within the heart, aiming to identify new targets for therapy. Through a combination of biophysical experiments and computer modeling, the lab seeks to improve our understanding of heart mechanics and develop novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Luis A Martinez-Lemus leads a research lab focused on understanding how obesity contributes to cardiovascular disease, particularly through arterial stiffening and hypertension. The lab investigates the role of tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme that may be targeted to develop new therapies to improve vascular health and reduce heart disease risks in obese patients. By exploring the underlying mechanisms and testing pharmacological interventions, the lab aims to find innovative approaches to treat these conditions.

Dr. Adebowale Adebiyi's lab focuses on understanding the role of specific sodium channels in kidney function, especially during neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI). The research aims to uncover how these channels influence blood flow in the kidneys and contribute to the severity of kidney damage after events such as hypoxia. By studying these mechanisms, the lab seeks to identify potential new therapies to mitigate kidney injury in newborns.