Dr. Todd J. Farchione's lab at Boston University focuses on improving digital mental health interventions through the use of machine learning. By developing precision treatment rules, the lab aims to personalize treatment options for patients and enhance user engagement, ultimately leading to better clinical outcomes. The research is conducted in collaboration with primary care physicians, utilizing a large-scale clinical trial to test various digital intervention strategies.

Dr. Hui Feng's lab studies neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that affects children, particularly focusing on how certain proteins influence immune responses in tumors. They investigate how MYCN, a gene often associated with cancer aggressiveness, contributes to a hostile tumor microenvironment that suppresses the immune system. By understanding these mechanisms, the team aims to develop better immunotherapy strategies to fight neuroblastoma and possibly other cancers.

Dr. Mikel Garcia-Marcos leads a research lab at Boston University Medical Campus that focuses on understanding how G proteins, which are important for cellular signaling, operate and can be regulated. His team investigates novel regulatory components that influence G protein pathways, particularly in relation to neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. The lab employs innovative techniques to explore the flexibility and complexity of these signaling mechanisms, aiming to find new ways to treat cognitive decline and related disorders.

Dr. Joseph Zaia's lab focuses on improving influenza vaccines by studying how the virus's surface proteins, specifically hemagglutinin (HA), are modified with sugars (glycosylation). By understanding the relationship between these sugar modifications and the immune response they provoke, the team aims to design better vaccines that can be more effective against the ever-evolving virus. This research could lead to the development of a universal vaccine that protects against various strains of the virus.

Dr. Mark W. Grinstaff's lab at Boston University focuses on developing innovative therapeutic strategies to treat cancer and metabolic diseases. Their research is at the intersection of chemistry and biology, utilizing novel biomaterials and RNA technologies to improve drug delivery and efficacy. Key projects include addressing lung cancer through self-amplifying RNA therapies and proposing new treatments for liver disease by restoring lysosome function.

Dr. Nobuyuki Ishibashi's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on improving neurological outcomes for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) using innovative cell therapy approaches. The lab is investigating how bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) can be delivered via cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgeries to repair brain tissue and enhance recovery. Their research includes understanding the molecular mechanisms of these therapies and identifying bioactive molecules that could lead to new treatments.

Dr. Zhen Yue Jiang's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how neutrophils contribute to vascular aging and related diseases. They explore the role of neutrophil elastase, a key protein involved in inflammation, and how it influences arterial stiffness and cardiovascular health as we age. The research aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind these processes and develop potential new treatments to combat age-related vascular issues.

The Lau Lab at Boston University Medical Campus studies how transposable elements, which are pieces of DNA that can move around in the genome, affect aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They focus on the natural RNA interference (RNAi) system that helps to silence these elements and maintain genomic stability, particularly when they're activated during aging. The lab conducts research using genetic and genomic techniques, particularly in the Drosophila model, to explore the mechanisms by which transposable element RNAs are regulated in humans and their potential impact on diseases.

Dr. Sandor Vajda's lab at Boston University specializes in the analysis and prediction of molecular interactions, particularly focusing on proteins. The team works on methodologies that combine machine learning with physics-based techniques to improve the accuracy of predicting how proteins and ligands interact. They have achieved notable success in established competitions by enhancing traditional docking methods to better address the challenges posed by limited data.

Dr. Tara Moore's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on using extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells to understand and potentially treat age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases in primates. The research explores how these vesicles can enhance brain health by improving memory, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair. A key aspect is studying the differences between male and female extracellular vesicles and their impact on brain recovery from injuries and age-related conditions.

Dr. John A. Porco's lab at Boston University focuses on developing new antiviral drugs to combat mosquito-borne viruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. By creating and optimizing small molecules called aglains that interact with specific host targets, the lab aims to improve treatment options for these diseases, which pose significant public health threats worldwide. The research combines medicinal chemistry with biology to better understand how these compounds work against viral infections.

Dr. Irving J. Bigio's lab at Boston University focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to study myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers, in the brain. By optimizing a method called quantitative birefringence microscopy (qBRM), the lab aims to enhance our understanding of myelin breakdown and its relation to cognitive and motor impairments in aging monkeys. The research ultimately seeks to provide new insights into neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Valentina Sabino's lab focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms behind heavy alcohol consumption and its effects on anxiety and pain sensitivity. By studying a neuropeptide called PACAP in the brain's extended amygdala, the lab aims to uncover how chronic alcohol use alters stress responses and contributes to alcohol use disorders. This research has the potential to lead to new treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol dependency.

Dr. Ann C. McKee's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts, such as those experienced in sports and military service. The research aims to reveal how these impacts contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) over a person's lifespan, particularly emphasizing early-life changes. By studying brain tissue from various age groups, the lab seeks to identify early biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for these conditions.

Dr. Anna Devor's lab focuses on understanding the complex interactions within the pial neurovascular circuit, which helps manage blood flow in the brain. Using advanced imaging techniques on both mice and humans, the lab studies how these blood vessels oscillate and respond to neuronal activity. Their research combines experimental techniques with mathematical modeling to explore how these systems function and maintain brain health.

Dr. Michael W. Otto's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding how anxiety disorders respond to exposure-based therapy—a common treatment method. The lab is investigating the potential of measuring carbon dioxide reactivity as a biomarker to predict whether patients will benefit from this therapy. This research aims to improve treatment selection for patients suffering from anxiety-related disorders and enhance the overall effectiveness of mental health interventions.

David A Harris's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind inherited prion diseases—neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded proteins. By using advanced techniques like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the lab studies how mutations in prion proteins lead to neuronal damage and other cellular dysfunctions. This research aims to uncover potential therapies not only for prion diseases but also for related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Benjamin Wolozin's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding the role of RNA modifications in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. They study how changes in specific RNA molecules can contribute to disease progression and aim to identify novel therapeutic targets that could potentially delay or alter the course of Alzheimer's. Through various experimental approaches, the lab investigates the interplay between RNA biology and the pathophysiological processes underlying neurodegeneration.

Dr. Jose Rafael Romero's lab at Boston University focuses on understanding how vascular risk factors influence cognitive decline and dementia after a stroke. The lab analyzes large datasets to create predictive tools that can help assess the risk of post-stroke cognitive impairment, aiming to improve prevention and treatment strategies for stroke survivors. Their work emphasizes the importance of addressing obesity and dyslipidemia as significant factors in post-stroke cognitive health.

Dr. Michael L. Wallace's lab at Boston University Medical Campus focuses on understanding how serotonin influences brain circuitry, especially within the lateral habenula, a region involved in evaluating emotional outcomes. Their research aims to identify specific neuron types affected by serotonin and how these interactions may contribute to conditions like depression, particularly after chronic stress. By exploring these neuron-type specific responses, the lab seeks to uncover insights that could lead to improved treatments for depression and related disorders.