Dr. Cheryl Louise Stucky's lab focuses on understanding the complex pain mechanisms associated with sickle cell disease. The research aims to identify how certain molecules, like free heme and the cytokine TNF, contribute to both acute and chronic pain in sickle cell patients. By investigating these pain pathways, the lab hopes to develop better pain management strategies that could help reduce reliance on opioids, leading to safer treatments.

Dr. Vera L. Tarakanova's lab focuses on understanding how gammaherpesviruses manipulate host immune responses for their own benefit during chronic infections. They study a specific viral protein kinase that is important for the virus's ability to persist in the body and contribute to B cell lymphomas. By exploring the mechanisms of this viral protein, the lab aims to identify potential new therapies to prevent or treat related cancers, as no vaccines or effective antiviral treatments currently exist.

Dr. Justin Grobe's lab explores how specific neurons in the brain regulate blood pressure and metabolism, particularly how these functions change when someone becomes obese. The research focuses on the role of angiotensin receptors in neurons that respond to hunger signals and how their signaling pathways are altered during obesity. By understanding these changes, the lab aims to find new insights that could help manage obesity and hypertension in the population.

Dr. Xue-Zhong Yu's lab focuses on understanding the immune responses in the context of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and cancer immunotherapy. They investigate the role of cytokines like IL-39 in GVHD and explore how manipulating certain kinases can improve anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, they look into the effects of the gut microbiome and probiotics on GVHD, aiming to enhance patient outcomes after hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Dr. Aaron David Mickle's lab explores how bladder cells, called urothelial cells, communicate with nerve cells to contribute to sensations like pain and fullness in the bladder. By creating new models, they aim to understand how these cells and their signaling pathways may lead to conditions like overactive bladder and bladder pain syndrome. Their work could help develop better treatments for these common and painful bladder disorders.

Dr. Brian Volkman’s lab at the Medical College of Wisconsin focuses on understanding the protein interactions and signaling mechanisms involved in chronic pancreatitis and the evolution of metamorphic proteins. His team investigates how specific chemokines like CCL28 influence inflammation in the pancreas, potentially leading to cancer, and develops new proteins that can switch their structure to perform different functions. The ultimate goal is to identify novel therapies that could mitigate chronic inflammation and improve treatments for pancreatic diseases.