Dr. Ansgar Siemer's lab focuses on the role of intrinsically disordered regions in alpha-synuclein fibrils, proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's. By studying how these disordered regions interact with other cellular components, the lab aims to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of toxicity and develop potential biomarkers and therapies for these conditions.

Dr. Li I Zhang's lab at the University of Southern California studies how different parts of the brain process sound. They investigate the inferior colliculus, a key area for hearing, to uncover how various types of brain cells contribute to our ability to perceive and localize sounds. Their research could improve our understanding of hearing disorders and help develop better treatments.

Dr. Ralf Langen's lab at the University of Southern California focuses on understanding Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the misfolding of the huntingtin protein. The lab studies how these misfolded proteins form aggregates and explores potential therapies to inhibit their formation and reduce toxicity in cells. A key part of their research involves using advanced imaging techniques to identify the structure of early misfolded protein species and developing peptides that could serve as both biomarkers and therapeutic agents.

Dr. Ali Khoshnan's lab focuses on understanding Huntington's disease by studying a specific protein called mutant huntingtin. The lab investigates how this protein misfolds and forms toxic aggregates in the brain, leading to neurodegeneration. They use advanced techniques to analyze these protein structures, develop antibodies to target them, and explore potential therapies to prevent or treat Huntington's disease.

Dr. Janos Peti-Peterdi's research lab at the University of Southern California focuses on understanding the roles of specific kidney cells known as macula densa cells. These cells contribute to kidney health and disease, particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The lab employs advanced imaging techniques and experimental models to investigate how these cells communicate with glomerular endothelial cells and regulate kidney functions, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for kidney diseases.

Dr. Alicia A. Mcdonough's lab focuses on the differences in kidney functioning between males and females throughout their lives. By studying how hormones and other factors affect kidney and muscle responses, the lab aims to understand issues like high blood pressure and heart disease. Essentially, they're trying to learn how gender and life stages like pregnancy and menopause influence kidney health and salt management in the body.

Dr. Jeannie Chen's lab at the University of Southern California studies how phototransduction works in healthy and diseased states, particularly focusing on the balance of calcium and cyclic GMP within photoreceptor cells in the retina. By using advanced imaging techniques and mouse models, the lab investigates how disruptions in calcium homeostasis can lead to cell death and retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa. This research is important for developing treatments for various forms of blindness associated with phototransduction failures.

Dr. Huizhong Whit Tao's lab at the University of Southern California focuses on understanding the brain mechanisms underlying behavior in neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). The research aims to uncover how alterations in brain signaling can lead to symptoms like apathy and aggression in mice, modeling aspects of AD. Additionally, the lab investigates the processing of visual information in the brain, particularly how different neural pathways contribute to visually guided behaviors, providing insights into both normal brain function and potential disruptions in disease states.

Dr. Robert Rissman's lab focuses on Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals with Down syndrome and diverse ethnic backgrounds. The research aims to develop personalized treatment strategies by using plasma biomarkers to understand the disease's progression and different responses to therapies. By analyzing these biomarkers, the lab hopes to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for Alzheimer's disease, especially within underrepresented populations.

Dr. Karen T. Chang's lab at USC investigates the role of a specific kinase, DYRK1A/MNB, in regulating brain cell communication and function. They use fruit flies as a model organism to explore how this kinase impacts synaptic growth, neurotransmitter release, and cognitive disorders. Through their research, they aim to uncover the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and autism by identifying how proteins involved in cellular processes are influenced by DYRK1A.

Dr. Michael Bonaguidi's lab focuses on understanding how aging affects neural stem cells (NSCs), which are crucial for brain health and memory. They investigate ways to rejuvenate these cells to improve cognitive function, especially in the context of aging and Alzheimer's disease. The lab combines advanced techniques like pharmacogenomics and computational biology to uncover the mechanisms behind NSC aging and neurogenesis, aiming to develop therapeutic strategies for age-related cognitive decline.