Dr. Douglas A. Bayliss leads a research lab at the University of Virginia focusing on how specific neurons in the brainstem regulate breathing and arousal responses to carbon dioxide levels in the body. His work has implications for understanding disorders like congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which are linked to dysfunction in these neuronal pathways. The lab studies the molecular mechanisms and cellular functions of these neurons to gain insights into their role in respiratory health.

Dr. Mark Beenhakker's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the link between breathing and epilepsy, particularly the types of seizures that often affect children. The lab uses innovative rodent models to study how changes in breathing, like hyperventilation, can trigger seizures. By looking at how blood chemistry, particularly carbon dioxide levels, influences brain activity, they aim to uncover new ways to treat generalized epilepsy more effectively.

Dr. Thurl E. Harris's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how our body manages energy, particularly during the process of eating and fasting. The lab studies how different types of adenosine receptors in our fat tissues respond to food intake and how these responses can become dysfunctional in obesity. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover better ways to manage conditions like obesity and insulin resistance.

Dr. Norbert Leitinger's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how metabolic processes influence inflammation, particularly through the enzyme Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACC). The research aims to uncover how ACC affects immune cell function during inflammation and how metabolic dysregulation can lead to improper immune responses, especially in individuals with obesity and diabetes. By exploring the connection between lipid metabolism and inflammation, the lab seeks to identify new therapeutic targets for managing inflammatory diseases.

Dr. Bimal N. Desai's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how immune cells, particularly phagocytes, utilize mitochondrial calcium signaling to quickly respond to infections. By exploring the interactions between mitochondria and phagosomes, this research aims to uncover the mechanisms that enable these cells to efficiently fight off pathogens and clear away cellular debris. This innovative work could lead to new therapies that enhance immune function and improve public health.