Dr. Rosalie C. Sears' lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on improving early detection methods for pancreatic cancer. The research aims to develop sensitive blood tests and advanced imaging techniques that can identify cancer in its early stages, particularly for high-risk populations. Additionally, the lab is dedicated to addressing community engagement and increasing screening participation among underrepresented groups.

Dr. Elinor L. Sullivan's research focuses on how a child's development is influenced by their environment and genetic factors. Her lab is part of the Healthy Brain and Child Development Consortium, which studies 7200 mothers and their children across the United States from before birth until they are 10 years old. The goal is to identify which environmental factors, like substance exposure during pregnancy, can affect children's brain development and overall wellbeing, ultimately informing better public health policies.

Dr. Mathew J. Thayer's lab focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie Down syndrome and its link to early-onset Alzheimer's disease. By investigating the role of epigenetic regulation at critical genes on chromosome 21, the lab aims to elucidate how variations in gene expression may contribute to the symptoms associated with these conditions. This research not only advances our understanding of these diseases but also holds potential for developing new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Michael Mooney's lab focuses on understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by exploring how both genetics and environmental factors impact its development from childhood to adolescence. The lab uses innovative methods, such as combining genetic risk scores with geospatial analysis of environmental exposures, to identify influences on ADHD trajectories and outcomes. This research aims to better target interventions that could help reduce negative outcomes associated with ADHD, such as mood disorders and substance use.

Dr. Scott M. Landfear's lab at Oregon Health & Science University studies the biology of Leishmania parasites, which cause significant infectious diseases in humans. The lab focuses on understanding the flagellum, a whip-like structure that plays critical roles in the parasite's movement and ability to infect hosts. By investigating how specific proteins traffic to the flagellar membrane and their functions, the research aims to uncover new strategies for controlling these deadly parasites.

Dr. Bahareh Ajami's lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein, alpha5 integrin, in the development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a serious neurodegenerative condition. The research investigates how immune cells, particularly myeloid cells, influence the disease and how targeting alpha5 integrin could be a new approach for treatment. By using genetic models and advanced cellular systems, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that may lead to better therapies for ALS patients.

Dr. Andrew Adey's lab at Oregon Health & Science University studies how DNA methylation affects the development of mammalian cells. By using advanced techniques, they create detailed maps of how this modification changes during the growth of embryos. Their research aims to understand the roles of DNA methylation in cell fate decisions and connections to developmental diseases, making their findings important for both biology research and medical applications.

Dr. Xiangshu Xiao's lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on developing new drugs for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is a particularly aggressive subtype of breast cancer. The lab is working on small molecules that can inhibit the RuvBL1/L2 complex, which is important for repairing DNA damage in cancer cells. This research aims to create therapies that selectively target cancer cells without harming healthy cells, improving treatment options for patients with this challenging disease.

David C. Johnson's lab focuses on understanding how the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) enters host cells, particularly epithelial and endothelial cells. Their research aims to identify and characterize specific cell surface proteins that HCMV uses to infect these cells, which is crucial for developing effective vaccines against the virus. With implications for transplant patients and neonates, this work seeks to uncover new strategies for preventing HCMV-related diseases.

Dr. Jonathan N Pruneda’s lab focuses on understanding how bacteria interact with the immune system by manipulating a protein signaling system known as ubiquitin. The lab specifically investigates a less-studied form of ubiquitin signaling called Lys6 polyubiquitin, looking at how bacterial pathogens use this to evade immune responses and affect protein degradation in host cells. This research could reveal new strategies for combating bacterial infections and developing therapeutics.

The Unni lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on understanding Lewy body dementia, a type of neurodegenerative disease. Their research explores how different protein pathologies, particularly alpha-synuclein and beta-amyloid, interact and spread in the brain, which may help in developing new treatments. The lab uses advanced imaging techniques to study changes in neurons over time and how immune cells contribute to these diseases.

Dr. Yabing Chen's research lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on understanding the links between vascular health and cognitive function, particularly in age-related conditions like vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The lab investigates how specific proteins influence the behavior of vascular cells and how these changes can lead to broader implications for cardiovascular disease and dementia. By exploring genetic and molecular mechanisms, the research aims to develop better treatment strategies for these conditions.

Dr. Henrique Prado Von Gersdorff's lab studies how hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease affect the auditory brainstem. By investigating the changes in neural signals and behavior through advanced techniques, the lab aims to understand how these two conditions interact and potentially lead to cognitive decline. They work with mouse models to explore the fundamental mechanisms of sound processing and develop early tools for predicting Alzheimer's disease outcomes.

Dr. Melissa H. Wong's lab focuses on understanding how certain cancer cells spread from primary tumors to other parts of the body, which is a major challenge in treating cancer. They study a specific type of cancer cell, known as circulating hybrid cells, that may play a critical role in metastasis. Through advanced analyses and techniques, the lab aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that allow these cells to disseminate, which could lead to improved treatments for patients with colorectal cancer and other metastatic diseases.