Dr. Jie Zheng's research lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how specific ion channels in cells, known as calcium-activated nonselective cation channels (CAN channels), work to regulate important physiological functions. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms behind the activation and inhibition of these channels, especially how mutations can lead to serious health conditions like cardiac disorders and skin diseases. By using both experimental and computational techniques, the team aims to uncover the rules that govern these channels and potentially develop new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Rose Ellen Dixon's lab focuses on understanding how aging affects heart function and the mechanisms behind cardiovascular diseases. The research investigates how cellular structures in heart cells malfunction as people age, leading to problems like diastolic dysfunction. By finding out how certain proteins and lipids behave in aging heart cells, the lab aims to uncover new ways to maintain heart health and improve the quality of life for older adults.

Dr. Laura Noemi Borodinsky's lab at UC Davis studies how folate, a vital vitamin, influences the development of the nervous system. Her research particularly focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind neural tube defects, which occur when the neural tube, a critical structure in early fetal development, fails to close properly. By examining how folate interacts with specific proteins during this developmental process, her team aims to uncover insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for these serious birth defects.

Dr. Luis F. Santana's lab focuses on understanding how the heart’s natural pacemakers function and are influenced by their blood supply and metabolic activity. They explore how the cells in the sino-atrial node generate electrical signals to control heartbeats, especially during heart failure. The lab combines experimental techniques and computer models to uncover the complexities of cardiac excitability and rhythm regulation, aiming to develop new treatment strategies for heart rhythm disorders.

Dr. Jennifer L. Whistler's lab focuses on understanding how opioid drugs work in the brain, particularly how they can lead to addiction and other long-term behavioral changes. By studying genetically modified mice, the lab investigates the differences in brain responses to opioids that may contribute to substance use disorders, aiming to separate harmful effects from beneficial ones like pain relief. This research is crucial for finding better treatments for those struggling with opioid dependence.