James Walter Kazura's lab focuses on understanding how the immune system manages subclinical malaria infections in children in sub-Saharan Africa. They investigate the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses of innate immune cells in children who have malaria without showing symptoms. This research aims to identify mechanisms that could aid in malaria control and eradication efforts, especially in school-age children, who play a key role in malaria transmission.

Dr. Marisa McGinley's research lab focuses on improving the care and quality of life for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) by exploring the effectiveness of telehealth compared to traditional in-clinic visits. The lab is conducting a study to evaluate the clinical and economic outcomes of telehealth care for newly diagnosed MS patients, with aims to enhance accessibility and reduce costs associated with MS treatment.

Dr. Adam Burgener's lab at Case Western Reserve University studies how the microbiome—the community of microbes living in our bodies—affects cervical cancer disparities, particularly among African American women. The lab investigates the relationship between vaginal microbiota and mucosal immunity to understand why African American women face higher rates of cervical cancer and explore new therapeutic approaches. Through advanced techniques, they aim to uncover mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression and identify potential new treatment targets.

Dr. Michael Moffitt's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on using light to treat chronic pain through a technique called photobiomodulation (PBM). The lab investigates how specific wavelengths of light can temporarily block pain signals in nerves, exploring the underlying biological mechanisms and working towards developing implantable devices for clinical use. Their research aims to enhance understanding of nerve function and pain relief, ultimately contributing to better pain management therapies.

Dr. Efstathios Karathanasis's lab focuses on developing innovative nanoparticle-based therapies to improve cancer treatment, particularly for aggressive forms of the disease. The lab's research aims to reprogram the tumor microenvironment to enhance the immune response against tumors, using a combination of advanced nanoparticle techniques and immune system manipulation. By targeting specific immune checkpoints and using novel delivery methods, their work seeks to transform cancer immunotherapy and prevent tumor recurrence.

Dr. Susann Brady-Kalnay's lab focuses on understanding how cancer cells invade and metastasize along nerves. By investigating a specific biomarker found in cancer that is linked to this nerve growth, they are developing nanoparticles that can be used for both imaging and treatment of metastatic breast cancer. This research aims to improve early detection and provide better therapeutic outcomes through targeted therapies and enhanced radiation treatment.

David Escobar Sanabria's research lab focuses on understanding Parkinson's disease by exploring how neural circuits in the brain affect movement control. By developing advanced tools that can modulate brain activity in real-time, the lab aims to improve treatments for Parkinson's and other neurological conditions. Specifically, they are investigating how certain brainwave patterns relate to motor symptoms and developing personalized therapeutic devices based on their findings.

Dr. Xin Qi's lab focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). The lab investigates proteins that influence neuronal health, mitochondrial function, and lipid metabolism, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to effective treatments. Overall, their research strives to uncover how disruptions in these processes contribute to disease progression and cognitive deficits.

Dr. David E. Kang's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The lab studies the role of specific proteins, including TDP-43 and Nrf2, in regulating cellular responses to stress and their impacts on neurodegeneration. By utilizing animal models and advanced biochemical techniques, the lab aims to find potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the detrimental effects caused by these proteins.

Dr. Michael W. Jenkins' lab focuses on understanding how the nervous system controls the ocular surface, which is essential for maintaining eye health and function. The research involves studying the complex interactions between nerves, immune responses, and the structures of the eye, particularly in conditions that affect eye lubrication and sensation. By using advanced imaging techniques and animal models, the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of eye disorders and explore potential treatment options.

Dr. Jay L. Alberts and his research team study how different forms of aerobic exercise can help people with Parkinson's disease (PD). They investigate the effects of high-intensity exercise, particularly in community settings, and how genetics influence the effectiveness of these interventions. They also explore the neural mechanisms behind improvements from exercise, especially for advanced Parkinson's patients using deep brain stimulation. Their work aims to create personalized exercise recommendations to slow disease progression and improve the quality of life for those living with PD.

Dr. Leonardo Kayat Bittencourt's lab focuses on improving the detection of prostate cancer through advanced imaging techniques. Their key project involves developing a new MRI method called Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting, which aims to provide faster and more accurate imaging of the prostate. This technology is designed to help avoid unnecessary biopsies for patients who are not at high risk of prostate cancer, ultimately improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs.

Dr. Parameswaran Ramakrishnan's lab focuses on understanding the role of a protein called Sam68 in inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis. The lab investigates how Sam68 signaling affects immune responses in the intestinal epithelial cells, aiming to identify new therapeutic approaches to treat this chronic condition. By exploring both human and mouse models, including advanced techniques such as organoids, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that contribute to inflammation and potential treatment targets.

Dr. Ashleigh Schaffer's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on understanding the genetic causes of neurodegenerative diseases, especially those that affect children. They study the role of RNA-binding proteins in neuron health and how mutations in these proteins can lead to severe brain disorders. By using innovative models like human stem cells and animal studies, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic approaches for treating these devastating diseases.

Dr. Aaron Burberry's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on understanding the role of T cells in Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The research aims to uncover how genetic mutations, particularly in the C9ORF72 gene, and environmental factors such as gut bacteria impact T cell behavior and contribute to disease progression. By exploring these mechanisms, the lab hopes to identify new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for these neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Allison Kraus leads a research lab focused on understanding tau misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and other dementias. The lab investigates how tau aggregates form and interact at the cellular level, aiming to identify biomarkers for early diagnosis and to find novel therapeutic targets. Their work combines advanced protein detection techniques with innovative approaches to study brain and skin samples.

Dr. Margot S. Damaser’s lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition that affects many women and can significantly impact their quality of life. The lab's main project investigates a novel drug delivery system using biodegradable nanomaterials to restore the elasticity of pelvic tissues, potentially preventing the progression of POP without invasive surgery. By combining advanced biomaterials with therapeutic agents, the lab aims to create effective and minimally invasive solutions for better women's health outcomes.

Dr. Zhong Irene Wang's lab focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, particularly for patients who have not had success with traditional therapies. The lab uses advanced MR Fingerprinting technology to detect subtle brain abnormalities that are often missed in standard MRI scans. This cutting-edge approach aims to enhance surgical outcomes for patients suffering from resistant forms of epilepsy by combining imaging data with machine learning to develop personalized treatment plans.

Dr. Christina Farr Zuend's lab at Case Western Reserve University focuses on understanding infertility in couples, particularly in the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The lab investigates the role of the microbiome and immune factors in both female and male reproductive systems to identify potential causes of infertility and improve IVF outcomes. By analyzing samples and interactions between partners, the research aims to discover new therapeutic strategies and predictive models for increasing the chances of successful pregnancies.

Dr. Yong Chen's lab focuses on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring using advanced MRI techniques, specifically Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF). The lab aims to develop non-invasive methods for predicting treatment responses in breast cancer and characterizing renal cell carcinoma. By utilizing innovative imaging biomarkers, the research seeks to personalize and enhance patient care while reducing unnecessary procedures and associated healthcare costs.