Dr. Sarah Christine Hopp's lab focuses on understanding the role of L-type calcium channels in Alzheimer's disease. They investigate how these channels contribute to calcium imbalance in brain cells, particularly in relation to amyloid plaques, a hallmark of the disease. By exploring the effects of calcium channel blockers, the lab aims to discover new ways to protect neurons and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.

Dr. Xiaoli Sun's lab focuses on understanding the complex relationship between metabolic dysfunction and liver diseases, specifically metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and its progression to liver cancer. The research investigates how oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) contribute to oxidative stress and impact liver health. By exploring the mechanisms of OxPLs and their role in liver injury, the lab aims to uncover new potential therapeutic strategies for these serious health conditions.

Dr. Robert Clinton Barber's research focuses on understanding how epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation patterns, affect the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in different populations, particularly Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites. By analyzing data from a large cohort study, his lab aims to uncover significant biological markers related to cognitive decline and health disparities in Alzheimer's disease. This work not only seeks to advance our scientific understanding of AD but also aims to improve health outcomes in diverse communities.

Dr. Sid E. O'Bryant's research lab focuses on understanding Alzheimer's Disease, particularly how it affects different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The lab's primary project, the Health & Aging Brain Study - Health Disparities (HABS-HD), collects and analyzes a variety of data to investigate how biological, social, and environmental factors contribute to health disparities in Alzheimer's. Through this work, they aim to improve prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's Disease that are tailored to diverse populations.

Dr. Hong-Yu Li's research at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on developing new drugs to target a protein called Skp2, which plays a significant role in cancer progression, particularly in prostate cancer. His lab is working on innovative drug candidates known as PROTACs that can effectively degrade Skp2 in cancer cells, potentially leading to improved treatments for patients with aggressive prostate cancer. By leveraging novel methods for drug development, the lab aims to bring new therapeutic options to clinical trials.

Dr. Rebecca Cunningham's lab focuses on understanding why women are at a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease compared to men, especially after menopause. They investigate how sex hormones and specific genes influence brain health, particularly examining the role of a hormone called angiotensin II in Alzheimer's pathology. Through their research, they aim to uncover new insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for this disease in women.