The research lab led by Dr. Andrew Robert Marks focuses on understanding the muscle symptoms that can arise from statin medications, which are commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases. They investigate the biological mechanisms behind these symptoms, particularly how alterations in specific calcium channels in muscle tissue may contribute to muscle weakness. The lab also explores potential therapeutic options to reduce these side effects and enhance patient adherence to statin therapy.

Dr. Henry M. Colecraft's lab focuses on understanding the role of a specific calcium channel gene (CACNA1A) in various neurological disorders. The research aims to develop innovative therapies by examining how different mutations in this gene lead to conditions like migraines, epilepsy, and ataxia. The lab combines molecular biology, biophysics, and advanced neuroscience techniques to create potential treatments tailored to these mutations.

Dr. Sabrina Diano's lab studies how certain neurons in the brain control metabolism and eating behavior, focusing on lipid signaling and energy balance. The research looks specifically at how different neuronal populations affect hunger and how their activity changes based on metabolic conditions like fasting or diet-induced obesity. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for addressing metabolic disorders.

Manu Ben Johny's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding the function and regulation of ion channels in neurons and cardiomyocytes. Their research aims to explore novel mechanisms, such as the role of palmitoylation in calcium channels and the regulation of sodium channels by fibroblast growth factor homologous factor (FHF), to develop new therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases and cardiac arrhythmias.

The research lab led by Filippo Mancia at Columbia University focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in malaria and the transport of signaling molecules known as Wnts. By employing advanced techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy, gene editing, and imaging, the lab explores how specific proteins interact with drugs and each other, aiming to develop better treatments for malaria and uncover the factors that influence cell signaling. Their work combines structural biology, computational modeling, and biochemical assays to shed light on these critical processes.

Dr. Haikel Dridi's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms behind skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue, particularly in the context of heart failure. The lab investigates how calcium signaling, specifically through ryanodine receptor type 1 channels, impacts muscle contraction in failing hearts. By studying these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve muscle function and quality of life for individuals suffering from heart failure.

Dr. Sergei Doulatov's lab focuses on understanding how mutations in the SF3B1 gene affect hematopoietic stem cells, which are crucial for blood production. By exploring how these mutations alter RNA splicing, the lab aims to uncover their role in diseases like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Ultimately, the research seeks to develop new treatment strategies targeting these mutations to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Stavroula Kousteni's lab at Columbia University Health Sciences focuses on understanding the molecular and epigenetic changes in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that contribute to diseases like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as patients age. They investigate how factors such as mutations, inflammation, and changes in the bone marrow microenvironment influence the evolution of these blood disorders. The lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving treatments or preventing the progression of these conditions.

Dr. X. Shawn Liu's lab at Columbia University focuses on developing innovative therapies for Rett syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder primarily affecting girls. The lab's research aims to reactivate the MECP2 gene from a silenced X chromosome, which offers a potential treatment by restoring function in neurons. They utilize advanced mouse models and genetic editing tools to explore this groundbreaking approach, with hopes of leading to future clinical trials.