Dr. Purnima Dubey's research lab at Ohio State University focuses on developing advanced vaccines to combat respiratory infections, particularly those caused by SARS-CoV-2 and Bordetella pertussis. The lab aims to create mucosal vaccines that not only provide immediate protection against these pathogens but also induce long-lasting immune responses. By exploring innovative adjuvants and novel immunogenic proteins, the research seeks to improve vaccine efficacy significantly and reduce transmission of these diseases.

Dr. Aharon G Freud's lab at Ohio State University studies natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for the immune system's ability to fight cancer. They focus on understanding how these cells develop in healthy situations and how their function is altered during endometrial carcinoma, a common type of cancer affecting women. By investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind NK cell development, the lab aims to discover new ways to boost the immune response against cancer.

Dr. Karl H. Obrietan's lab focuses on understanding how circadian rhythms affect brain functions, particularly in areas related to mood, memory, and decision-making. They investigate how the brain's internal clock interacts with different brain circuits and how disruptions in this timing can lead to neurological disorders. By using innovative techniques, including advanced imaging and genetic models, the lab aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind these processes and their implications for treatment.

Dr. Yasuko Rikihisa's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding how the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, responsible for human granulocytic anaplasmosis, survive and replicate inside human cells. The lab studies how these bacteria hijack host cell machinery to acquire nutrients and evade the immune response. By investigating the molecular mechanisms involved, the research aims to uncover potential new treatments for this emerging tick-borne disease.

Dehua Pei's lab at Ohio State University focuses on creating new types of drugs capable of targeting previously untreatable human diseases caused by genetic mutations and problematic protein interactions. By developing cell-permeable peptides and proteins, the lab aims to improve drug delivery into cells, potentially opening new avenues in pharmacotherapy. Their research combines aspects of chemistry, biology, and medicine to innovate solutions that could help many people suffering from genetic diseases.

Dr. Macarius M. Donneyong's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding the risks associated with using multiple medications (polypharmacy) in older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over. The lab aims to identify specific combinations of three drugs that could lead to serious adverse drug events (ADEs) like gastrointestinal bleeding, hypoglycemia, and opioid-related complications, which are common reasons for emergency department visits. By using advanced data mining and pharmacoepidemiological methods, the lab works to improve drug safety recommendations for older patients.

Dr. Heather M. Powell's lab at Ohio State University focuses on innovative approaches to heal severe burn injuries. Her research aims to develop new methods for skin regeneration and improve the healing process by utilizing advanced technologies such as cell sprays and engineered scaffolds. This work is especially important for burn patients, as faster wound closure can significantly improve survival rates and reduce complications.

Dr. Benjamin Segal's lab focuses on understanding and treating progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (PMS) and promoting nerve regeneration in the optic nerve. His research investigates the role of specific immune cells in driving neuroinflammation and potential therapies to enhance recovery from nerve injuries. This work aims to reduce disability in older adults suffering from PMS and to develop new treatments for individuals facing vision loss due to optic nerve damage.

Dr. Sarah M Short's lab at Ohio State University studies how bacteria affect the life traits and mating success of male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are important for controlling mosquito populations and preventing diseases. The lab investigates how different bacterial communities can influence mosquito characteristics like longevity and mating success, as well as the role of vitamins in these interactions. This research aims to improve methods for mass rearing sterile males used in population control strategies.

Dr. Kristin I. Stanford's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding how certain lipids, called oxylipins, can help control metabolism and combat obesity and type 2 diabetes. They employ a novel technology called tissue nanotransfection to enhance the production of a specific oxylipin, 1213-diHOME, in the body, aiming to improve energy balance and metabolic health. By exploring these mechanisms, the lab hopes to develop new therapeutic strategies to address growing public health issues related to obesity and diabetes.

Dr. Sandor Gyorke's lab focuses on understanding how a calcium-binding protein called calmodulin regulates heart function. They study how calmodulin is produced from three different genes and how this complexity contributes to precise signaling in heart cells. This research has implications for developing targeted therapies for cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Ilaria Palmisano's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding how the structure of DNA, specifically its 3D organization, affects the ability of nerves to regenerate after injuries. This research is crucial because nerve injuries can lead to long-lasting health issues and disabilities. By manipulating the molecular mechanisms involved in gene expression, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to enhance nerve repair and recovery.

Dr. Jasmeet Pannu Hayes runs a research lab at Ohio State University focused on understanding how traumatic brain injuries, particularly concussions, can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. The lab investigates the connection between genetic and epigenetic factors and brain changes that occur after a TBI, with the aim of identifying pathways that could lead to improved detection and intervention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Erica R. Glasper's research lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding how social relationships impact mental and physical health. They study the effects of losing social connections, such as through loneliness, and explore the biological processes involved, particularly looking at inflammation and metabolic changes in the brain. By using California mice as a model, the lab aims to uncover potential interventions to improve health outcomes for individuals suffering from social isolation.

Dr. Nicholas C. Denko's lab focuses on improving treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by addressing the challenge of tumor hypoxia. They explore how reducing oxygen demand in tumors can enhance the effects of existing therapies like radiation and immunotherapy. The lab investigates novel derivatives of papaverine, an FDA-approved drug, to assess their potential in overcoming resistance to these treatments.

Dr. Amal O. Amer's research lab focuses on understanding the immune response and disease mechanisms related to viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases. The lab's major projects examine the role of specific immune pathways in COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease, as well as how immune cells respond to infections like Legionella. By investigating the underlying biological processes, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets for treating these complex diseases.

Dr. Giles Plant's research focuses on finding innovative ways to repair cervical spinal cord injuries using human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). His lab develops and tests transplantation strategies where these neurons are integrated into injured spinal cords, aiming to restore motor function and improve the quality of life for patients. By studying how these transplanted neurons form connections and integrate into existing neural circuits, the lab seeks to make significant advances in regenerative therapies for spinal injuries.

Dr. Christopher Jaroniec's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding how large protein and protein-nucleic acid complexes work in health and disease. They use cutting-edge techniques to look at the structures and dynamics of these complexes at an atomic level. Their research aims to uncover the roles of these complexes in gene regulation and the mechanisms behind various neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Hazem E. Ghoneim's lab focuses on improving cancer immunotherapies by studying how T cells, key players in the immune system, lose their effectiveness during chronic infections and cancer. The lab aims to understand the epigenetic changes that lead T cells to become exhausted and to develop strategies to rejuvenate these exhausted cells, enhancing their ability to respond to treatment. This innovative research combines advanced genetic engineering techniques with in-depth analyses of T cell function in both lab models and live subjects.

Dr. Murugesan Rajaram's lab at Ohio State University is focused on understanding how Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) interacts with the immune system, specifically macrophages, to survive and resist treatment. The lab aims to develop new therapies to combat tuberculosis by targeting the mechanisms that allow M.tb to evade the immune response. By studying the role of protein MDR1 and the host's innate immune response, the lab seeks to shorten treatment times and reduce drug resistance in TB.