Dr. Olga Boudker's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding the role of glutamate transporters in neurotransmission, which is crucial for brain functions like cognition and memory. They study how these transporters interact with ions, which is essential for their operation and regulation, especially in the context of neurological disorders. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, the lab aims to uncover the detailed mechanisms driving these transport processes.

Dr. Xin-Yun Huang's lab focuses on understanding the structural and regulatory mechanisms of the atrial natriuretic peptide receptor (ANPR), crucial for cardiovascular health. The research explores how this receptor regulates blood pressure and maintains cardiovascular balance, aiming to uncover insights that can lead to new therapies for heart diseases. By studying the interactions and conformational changes of the receptor, the lab is poised to contribute significantly to both basic science and clinical applications.

Dr. Ekta Khurana's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding how specific regions of the genome that do not code for proteins can influence the initiation and growth of breast cancer. Using a combination of computational techniques and experimental approaches, the lab aims to identify and manipulate these non-coding genomic elements, particularly in the context of treatment resistance. This research is significant because it may lead to new strategies for cancer treatment by targeting non-coding regions that affect tumor growth.

The lab led by Dr. Ashley Marie Laughney investigates how certain proteins influence cancer development and progression, particularly focusing on the STING protein and chromosomal instability in tumor cells. By developing a new technology called SatSeq, the research aims to map how changes in these proteins affect cancer behavior and responses to therapy. The lab also strives to understand the interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding environment, which can impact the progression and spread of different cancer types.

Dr. Emre Aksay's lab focuses on the neural circuits that support short-term memory, using the larval zebrafish's eye movement system as a model. The research investigates how various types of neurons interact to maintain persistent activity, which is crucial for memory and decision-making. By employing advanced imaging techniques and theoretical modeling, the lab aims to reveal the complexity and importance of neuronal diversity in cognitive functions.