Dr. Xuefeng Liu's lab focuses on understanding prostate and bladder cancer, particularly the differences between African-American and European-American men. They develop innovative human cell models to study cancer progression and create non-invasive methods for monitoring bladder cancer. Their research aims to improve cancer detection and treatment outcomes by exploring the biological basis of cancer disparities and enhancing cancer cell culture techniques.

Dr. Jie Gao's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease and the regulatory mechanisms of a protein called IDOL, which affects the functioning of key receptors in the brain. By exploring how IDOL influences the metabolism of lipoproteins like ApoE and their role in brain health, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for combating Alzheimer's. This research is essential in the search for effective treatments for this debilitating condition.

Dr. Harrison Kim's lab at Ohio State University focuses on improving treatment strategies for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. They utilize advanced imaging techniques, specifically dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), to evaluate how well patients respond to chemotherapy before surgical intervention. This innovative approach aims to enhance surgical outcomes and ensure patients receive the most effective therapy early in the treatment process.

Dr. Christine A Petersen's research lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding how skin immune responses influence the transmission of Leishmania, a parasite that causes serious illness in both dogs and humans. By studying the interactions between the parasite, sand flies that spread the infection, and the immune system in the skin, her work aims to develop better strategies for controlling Visceral Leishmaniasis, a disease that poses significant health risks. The lab explores innovative therapeutic approaches to modify immune responses and curb the disease's spread.

Dr. Amy H Andreotti's lab focuses on understanding the signaling pathways that control T cell activation and differentiation, which are crucial for immune responses to infections and cancer. The lab aims to uncover how variations in T cell receptor (TCR) signaling strength affect gene expression and ultimately influence the behavior of T cells. By exploring the role of the ITK kinase, the lab seeks to improve therapeutic strategies related to autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Jacob Yount's lab focuses on understanding how the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes severe damage to the lungs and heart, particularly in individuals with certain immune deficiencies. By studying specific immune responses and inflammatory pathways, they aim to find new ways to prevent and treat COVID-19 complications. Their research involves looking at how different proteins and immune cells contribute to disease severity, which could lead to tailored therapies for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Megan Meuti's lab focuses on understanding the seasonal patterns of West Nile virus transmission, particularly how urban and rural environments affect the spread of the virus. By combining field data from mosquitoes and birds with advanced mathematical modeling, the lab aims to uncover the factors that drive WNV outbreaks each year. This research not only helps predict when and where outbreaks may occur but also informs public health interventions to protect both human and animal populations.