Dr. Erika L Holzbaur's lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies how organelles and proteins are transported within neurons. This transport is crucial for neuron health and function since defects in this process can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. The lab uses advanced imaging techniques to understand the mechanisms involved, especially the roles of different molecular motors and the cytoskeleton in moving organelles like mitochondria and synaptic vesicles along axons.

Dr. Joseph A. Baur's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how the metabolism of NAD+, a crucial molecule in cellular processes, can be manipulated to enhance health, especially in contexts of aging, obesity, and heart failure. The lab investigates the effects of NAD+ on glucose metabolism, muscle mass preservation during weight loss therapies, and the benefits of NAD+ precursor supplements. They aim to uncover the biological mechanisms that can lead to better therapeutic options for metabolic disorders.

The lab focuses on understanding the role of calcium transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria in the development and spread of pancreatic cancer. By using advanced cell and animal models, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for this aggressive cancer. The lab employs various techniques to investigate metabolic processes and how they relate to cancer cell survival and metastasis.

Roberto Dominguez's lab focuses on understanding the actin cytoskeleton, which is crucial for various cellular processes such as movement, shape, and organization. The research investigates how specific proteins help regulate the dynamics of actin filaments, which has implications for cell motility and disease progression, particularly in cancer. The lab also aims to develop innovative tools that can precisely manipulate these proteins in order to enhance research and therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Ekaterina L. Grishchuk’s research lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how molecular machines, particularly kinetochores, operate during cell division. The lab studies the mechanics of how chromosomes are segregated, which is crucial for maintaining genetic stability in cells. Through innovative laboratory techniques, they investigate the forces involved in these processes at a molecular level, providing insights that could impact our understanding of various health issues, including cancer and other genomic disorders.

Dr. Paul A. Janmey's lab at the University of Pennsylvania examines how the physical properties of cells and tissues influence their function and contribute to various diseases. The research focuses on the mechanical aspects of biopolymer networks, such as those found in the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix, and their role in cell behavior. The lab also investigates the dynamics of the cell nucleus and how it responds to mechanical stress, which could provide insights into conditions like cancer and fibrotic diseases.

Melike Lakadamyali's lab at the University of Pennsylvania explores how cells organize themselves at a microscopic level and how these structures are critical for cell function. By using cutting-edge imaging technologies, the lab studies how organelles and proteins are spatially arranged and how this organization influences health and disease. Their research aims to uncover the links between cellular organization, gene activity, and the overall functionality of cells.