Dr. Qingguo Xu's lab is focused on developing innovative treatments for eye injuries caused by chemical exposure, specifically nitrogen mustard. The lab is working on a special eyedrop formulation that includes fenofibrate, a drug known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aiming to facilitate healing of corneal injuries. Their research includes testing the effectiveness of these eyedrops in animal models, as well as ensuring they are safe for use in humans.

Dr. M. Imad Damaj's research focuses on finding new ways to treat joint and muscle pain caused by aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer therapy. These side effects often lead patients to stop their treatment, which is concerning given the importance of these medications. The lab explores the role of a specific receptor in the brain that may contribute to these symptoms, aiming to develop new drug therapies to help alleviate the pain without affecting cancer treatment efficacy.

Dr. Jiong Li's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding how certain elements in cancer cells, called FOSL1-super-enhancers, drive cancer stem cell properties that contribute to resistance against chemotherapy in head and neck cancer. The lab is developing innovative techniques to target these super-enhancers to improve treatment outcomes. Their research aims to identify new strategies to combat chemotherapy resistance, providing hope for more effective cancer therapies.

Dr. Shijun Zhang's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding and combating Alzheimer's disease, particularly through the lens of neuroinflammation. The lab is exploring innovative PET imaging techniques to identify and measure the inflammatory responses associated with Alzheimer's, using a component of the immune system called the NLRP3 inflammasome. Additionally, they are developing new small molecule inhibitors that target NLRP3 to potentially halt or reverse the cognitive decline associated with this disease.

Dr. Kurt Hauser's research lab focuses on understanding how opioid and non-opioid drugs, particularly fentanyl, interact with the brain to exacerbate conditions like HIV-related neurocognitive disorders. The lab investigates the mechanisms through which these substances affect nerve cells and the supporting cells in the brain, aiming to identify new therapeutic strategies that could mitigate the harmful effects of drug use and improve neurological health in affected individuals.

Dr. Sammanda Ramamoorthy's lab conducts research to understand the neurobiology of cocaine use disorder, a condition affecting many individuals in the U.S. By investigating how certain proteins in the brain interact with cocaine and dopamine, the lab aims to uncover new ways to treat this serious addiction. The research explores the role of the dopamine transporter and its modification by kappa-opioid receptors in drug responses, which could lead to breakthrough therapies.

Dr. Lankupalle D Jayanthi's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding addiction, particularly in relation to amphetamines and the norepinephrine transporter (NET). The research aims to explore how modifications to the NET affect behaviors associated with substance use disorders, especially in the context of increasing psychostimulant use during the COVID-19 pandemic. By studying mutant mouse models and brain-specific mechanisms, the lab seeks to uncover new insights that could lead to more effective treatments for addiction.

Dr. Andrew Anthony George's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding how specific interactions in the brain lead to the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research primarily investigates the role of cholinergic neurons and a toxic form of amyloid-beta protein (oA42) that is implicated in neuron degeneration. By exploring these molecular mechanisms, the lab aims to develop targeted treatments that can prevent or reverse cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.

Edwin Van Den Oord's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding alcohol use disorder (AUD) by investigating gene expression differences in brain cells. Using advanced techniques like single nucleus RNA sequencing, the lab aims to uncover how specific brain cell types are affected by AUD. This research will help identify potential blood biomarkers and lead to better treatment options for individuals dealing with AUD.