Oleh Pochynyuk's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how the kidneys regulate sodium levels and blood pressure, especially in the context of hypertension. They study a specific signaling pathway involving proteins called Epac1 and Epac2, which play important roles in sodium transport within the kidneys. By exploring how to effectively target these proteins with new drugs, the lab aims to develop better treatments for hypertension, a major health issue.

Dr. Irina Serysheva's lab focuses on understanding how calcium signaling in cells is regulated, particularly through a protein called inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). By studying how this receptor works at a molecular level, the lab aims to uncover its role in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. The research combines advanced techniques in structural biology and biophysics to develop insights that could lead to new treatments for conditions caused by calcium signaling dysfunction.

Dr. Kazim Sheikh's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding and treating Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune condition that affects peripheral nerves. The lab investigates how to modulate immune responses, specifically targeting macrophages which contribute to nerve injury. Using animal models, they explore new therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for GBS patients who currently face limited treatment options.

Dr. Anjali Chauhan's lab explores how biological and immune factors, particularly the IL6 signaling pathway, affect stroke recovery in older women. The research aims to uncover differences in recovery outcomes between sexes, specifically focusing on how inflammation and microglial signaling influence brain injury and cognitive decline following strokes. The goal is to provide insights that could lead to better, sex-specific treatments for stroke survivors.

Dr. Joo Eun Jung's lab focuses on understanding how aging affects brain injuries, specifically intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The research aims to identify how immune responses in the lungs, influenced by an age-related factor called CCL11, contribute to brain damage after a stroke. By exploring the role of immune cells in both the lung and brain, the lab hopes to find new treatment methods for elderly patients suffering from these conditions.

Dr. Jun Li's lab focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein called EZH2 in diseases like Alzheimer's and Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. By studying the interactions between EZH2, a notable epigenetic modifier, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), the lab aims to uncover mechanisms of blood flow regulation, blood-brain barrier integrity, and cognitive function related to these diseases. The research uses mouse models to explore potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate cognitive decline and vascular dysfunction in dementia.

Dr. Tingting Weng Mills' lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a role in lung injuries like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). They explore the function of a specific protein called NUDT21 that influences RNA processing in these cells, potentially leading to new treatments for ARDS. By studying how NUDT21 is regulated under conditions like low oxygen, the lab aims to find innovative ways to control inflammation and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Juneyoung Lee's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding the connection between the gut microbiome and brain health, particularly in disorders like Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The lab investigates how B cells, a type of immune cell, can influence neuroinflammation and cognitive decline as we age. Their research aims to uncover new ways to target these cells to improve outcomes for patients suffering from age-related brain diseases.

Dr. Anjail Z. Sharrief's research focuses on improving health outcomes for individuals affected by neurologic diseases, particularly among Black and Hispanic communities who face significant disparities. Her lab works on community-engaged research to develop effective interventions aimed at reducing these disparities in conditions such as stroke, vascular cognitive impairment, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. They employ innovative strategies like telehealth and community partnerships to enhance healthcare access and promote better health management post-stroke.

Dr. Rodrigo Morales' lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how infections can influence neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and how prion diseases, particularly Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), spread in the environment. They explore the interactions between pathogens and plants, animals, and the immune system, examining how these factors contribute to disease pathology and transmission. The lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these diseases to inform better control and prevention strategies.

Dr. Fudong Liu's lab focuses on understanding the intricate mechanisms behind stroke and neuroinflammation, particularly how gender differences and aging influence these processes. They investigate how factors like the X chromosome and hormonal changes after menopause affect stroke outcomes in women. Additionally, the lab explores the role of immune signaling pathways, specifically CD200-CD200R interactions, in modulating neuroinflammation and improving recovery from stroke.

Dr. Hung Wen (Kevin) Lin's lab focuses on understanding the roles of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) in Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's-related vascular cognitive impairment. The lab investigates how modifications in PRMTs influence brain metabolism, blood flow, and cognitive functions, particularly in female mouse models. They are also exploring innovative treatments using photobiomodulation, a non-invasive therapy, to mitigate cognitive decline associated with these conditions.

Dr. Sunil Sheth and his lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston focus on improving outcomes for stroke patients who have received endovascular therapy. Despite high rates of successful blood vessel recanalization, many patients still experience significant disability. The lab aims to understand why these outcomes occur by categorizing patients based on the underlying reasons for their ongoing struggles and developing machine learning tools to identify those at risk for poor recovery. This work seeks to ensure that more targeted treatments can be developed for those who need them the most.

Dr. Catherine Denicourt's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston focuses on understanding how modifications to transfer RNA (tRNA) influence the process of mRNA translation, especially under stress conditions. They study a specific enzyme involved in tRNA modification and its role in cellular responses to stress, aiming to uncover how these mechanisms affect gene expression and cellular health. This research may have significant implications for understanding diseases linked to tRNA dysfunction.

Dr. Ziyin Li's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston focuses on understanding how a specific protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma brucei, divides and grows. This research is significant because it could lead to new treatments for human African Trypanosomiasis, a disease that currently has limited and toxic medications. By studying the unique process of cell division in this parasite, the lab aims to identify new drug targets that could help fight this serious disease.

Dr. Akihiko Urayama's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston focuses on understanding the safety and effectiveness of immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease. They study how certain antibodies can clear harmful amyloid-beta proteins from the brain while avoiding dangerous side effects like inflammation and bleeding. The lab aims to develop strategies that maximize treatment benefits while minimizing risks for patients.

Dr. Venugopal Reddy Venna's lab focuses on understanding how strokes affect the brain, particularly in older adults. They explore the relationship between post-stroke depression and changes in specific brain chemicals, like taurine and oxytocin, that are vital for mood and recovery. By investigating these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential treatments to improve recovery and quality of life for stroke survivors.