Dr. Kari Nejak-Bowen's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding cholestatic liver diseases, which are conditions where bile flow is impaired, leading to serious liver damage. The team studies the role of the protein beta-catenin in these diseases, using mouse models that mimic human conditions like primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind liver injury and find potential new therapies.

Dr. Marco Fazzari's lab focuses on understanding how certain dietary components can help treat cardiovascular diseases. They study dietary nitrates and fatty acids to find new ways to reduce inflammation and promote heart health. Their research aims to develop safe therapies that can improve cardiovascular function and potentially lower the risk of heart disease.

Dr. Adam Carl Straub's research lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins in the body, specifically cytochrome b5 reductase 3, affect the cardiovascular system, especially during conditions like ischemic stroke. By investigating genetic variations and their impact on redox signaling, particularly in African American populations, the lab aims to develop better treatments for stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Students in this lab will learn about the underlying biological mechanisms of these conditions and how to translate this knowledge into potential new therapies.

Dr. Xiang-Qun Xie's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the structure and function of cannabinoid receptors, particularly the CB2 receptor. They aim to develop new drugs that can modulate this receptor to treat chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions, without the negative side effects associated with existing treatments. The lab combines advanced imaging techniques with computational methods to design and test new compounds that target these receptors.

Dr. Paul Johnston's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding and developing new treatments for B-cell malignancies, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). They investigate a protein called Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK), which plays a critical role in the functioning of B cells. The lab aims to identify new molecules that can inhibit BTK without causing drug resistance, ultimately enhancing treatment options for patients.

Dr. Francisco Jose Schopfer's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how dietary fats, specifically conjugated linoleic acids, can enhance skin health and combat inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis. The lab investigates how these dietary components interact with the body during phototherapy, a common treatment for psoriasis, to create beneficial compounds that reduce inflammation and protect skin tissues. Overall, this research aims to find nutritional strategies to improve treatments for autoimmune skin conditions.

Dr. Monga's lab at the University of Pittsburgh studies how the Wnt-Beta-catenin signaling pathway influences liver development and functions. Their research explores how this signaling regulates liver cell growth and the overall organization of liver cells in different zones. By understanding these processes, the team aims to uncover new insights that could inform treatments for liver diseases.

Dr. Michael Oertel's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding and improving liver health by studying cell competition, a process where certain cells outcompete others for space and resources. Their research aims to use this knowledge to develop new cell-based therapies that can help treat chronic liver diseases. By investigating how fetal liver cells behave differently compared to mature liver cells, the lab seeks to produce enhanced liver progenitor cells that can effectively regenerate damaged tissue.

Dr. Mark T. Miedel's lab focuses on improving treatment strategies for metabolic dysfunction associated with fatty liver disease (MAFLD). They use innovative technology to create a human-like liver model, allowing them to study how specific genetic variations affect the disease and test potential new medicines. By mimicking human liver function, the lab aims to understand the mechanisms that contribute to MAFLD and identify more effective therapeutic options.

The research lab led by Song Li at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on developing novel therapies for metastatic breast and colon cancers. They are working on advanced drug delivery systems using nanoparticles to combine RNA interference with classic chemotherapy, aiming to improve treatment effectiveness and overcome drug resistance in cancer patients. The lab's research has potential implications for enhancing immune responses against tumors.

Dr. Donald Defranco's lab focuses on finding safer treatment options for neonatal lung injury, specifically targeting bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. The lab investigates how a drug called ciclesonide can help prevent lung damage without causing harmful effects on the brain, unlike traditional glucocorticoids. Their research aims to ensure that treatments for neonatal conditions do not compromise brain development during critical early life stages.

Dr. Patricia L. Opresko's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how environmental factors, such as oxidative stress, impact telomeres—structures at the ends of chromosomes that are crucial for maintaining genome stability. The lab employs innovative techniques to induce specific DNA damage at telomeres in various models, including cell cultures and transgenic animals, to study the resulting effects on cellular and organismal health. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies that can either protect healthy cells from damage or inhibit tumor growth in cancerous cells.

Dr. Edwin S. Levitan's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how neuropeptides, which are small protein-like molecules, help regulate important behaviors such as sleep and circadian rhythms. The lab uses advanced imaging techniques to study how these neuropeptides are released in the brain and how their release is influenced by different signals. This research is critical for revealing how neuropeptides contribute to the functioning of the nervous system, especially during behavioral changes and plasticity.

Dr. Bennett Van Houten's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how DNA repair proteins work together to protect the genome from damage caused by environmental factors. Using advanced imaging techniques and biochemical methods, the team studies the interactions between various DNA repair proteins and their role in different cellular contexts. The ultimate goal is to uncover the mechanisms of DNA repair, which can have implications for diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.

Dr. Qiming Jane Wang's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer (aCRPC). The research combines targeted therapies that inhibit specific cancer cell regulators, using nanocarrier technology to deliver these drugs directly to tumors. The aim is to enhance treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes in aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Dr. Wen Xie's lab focuses on understanding how environmental chemicals affect human health through their interactions with xenobiotic receptors. These receptors help regulate the metabolism of harmful substances in the body, potentially preventing chronic illnesses such as liver disease and neurological disorders. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these interactions and find ways to mitigate their negative effects on health.