Dr. Michael Niederweis' lab investigates how the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis survives within the human host. They focus on the secretion of toxins and siderophores, which help the bacteria evade the immune system and acquire essential nutrients like iron. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential targets for new tuberculosis treatments and improve our understanding of how this pathogen causes disease.

Dr. Jamie Peters' lab focuses on developing new treatments for opioid use disorder, a serious addiction problem. They are studying a novel compound called tabernanthalog, which helps reduce drug-seeking behavior without the side effects seen in similar drugs. The lab investigates how this compound works in the brain to promote healing and reduce relapse in addiction.

Dr. Carlos Orihuela's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding how the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae invades organs during infections. By exploring the molecular mechanisms behind its attachment to cells and its ability to evade the immune response, the lab aims to improve strategies for vaccine design. Their research is crucial for developing better approaches to prevent severe illnesses caused by this pathogen.

Dr. Nita A Limdi's lab focuses on improving healthcare through genomic medicine by implementing population genomic screening and a regional eConsult service to help identify genetic risks in patients. The lab seeks to integrate genomic testing into primary care, enabling better diagnosis and treatment of preventable conditions. By collaborating with community stakeholders, they aim to empower healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes across the Southeast region of the U.S.

Dr. Yuhua Song's lab focuses on discovering new ways to treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting a specific protein called TREM2. By using both computational and experimental approaches, the lab aims to find existing FDA-approved drugs that can enhance TREM2's function and improve immune responses affected by Alzheimer's. This research could lead to more effective drug treatments for the disease.

Dr. Robert Sorge's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding how diet can help relieve pain in people suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The lab investigates the effects of different dietary interventions, especially low-carbohydrate diets, on pain and quality of life. By exploring the relationship between diet, inflammation, and mental health, the lab aims to find alternative treatments for chronic pain that are safe and effective.

Dr. Allan Zajac's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding how immune cells, particularly T cells, become exhausted during chronic viral infections like HIV, HBV, and HCV. The research aims to discover the roles of specific immune signals, such as IL-2, in shaping the T cell response, which is crucial for improving treatments and immune responses in chronic infections. This work has significant implications for enhancing public health strategies against viral diseases by restoring effective immune function.

Jan Novak's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a leading cause of kidney failure. The research aims to identify the characteristics and biological activities of IgA1-containing immune complexes in patients with this disease. By studying these complexes, the lab seeks to uncover the factors that influence disease progression and develop targeted therapies.

Dr. Jerzy Szaflarski's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham specializes in understanding how neuroinflammation relates to temporal lobe epilepsy using advanced imaging techniques. The lab focuses on a new method known as magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and thermometry (MRSI-t) to visualize brain temperature changes, which can indicate underlying inflammation. By studying these processes, the lab aims to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for individuals with epilepsy.

Dr. Laura A. Volpicelli-Daley's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the cognitive impairments associated with Lewy body dementias, such as Parkinson's Disease Dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The research investigates how genetic mutations in the GBA1 gene and lipid metabolites like glucosylsphingosine contribute to cognitive decline and aims to identify new therapeutic strategies. By using mouse models and brain tissue analysis, the lab explores the molecular mechanisms underlying these neurodegenerative diseases and their effects on brain function.

Dr. Craig M Powell's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and intellectual disability. They use mouse models to investigate specific genes and their effects on brain function and behavior. By combining advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and MRI, the lab aims to identify potential therapies for these conditions in the future.

Dr. Masakazu Kamata's lab focuses on developing advanced therapies for cancer treatment through innovative drug delivery systems. By engineering a special polymer called PMPC, they enhance the effectiveness of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), ensuring these drugs can target tumors more accurately and penetrate areas like the brain. This research aims to create safer, more efficient cancer treatments that can improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Ming He's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on how certain modifications to histone proteins in endothelial cells (the cells lining blood vessels) contribute to cardiovascular diseases, particularly under conditions of diabetes and abnormal blood flow. By exploring these novel histone modifications, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis. The research combines cell culture techniques with mouse models to investigate the impacts of these modifications on health and disease.

Dr. Vivek Nanda's research lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind peripheral artery disease (PAD), a serious cardiovascular condition. The lab investigates a specific gene, Leiomodin 1, to explore its role in the formation of mature blood vessels, which is crucial for restoring blood flow in patients with PAD. By studying the effects of this gene on smooth muscle cells, the lab aims to develop strategies and therapies that could improve treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from PAD.

Dr. Terje Dokland's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham studies the structure and assembly mechanisms of the HIV-1 virus. Specifically, the lab is focused on how the virus's proteins are structured and interact during its lifecycle, which is critical for developing new therapies against HIV. The aim is to understand how the HIV virus assembles and matures, which could lead to innovative antiviral strategies.

Dr. Erin Eun-Young Ahn's lab focuses on understanding a rare genetic disorder known as Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim (ZTTK) syndrome, which affects children and leads to serious hematopoietic and immune system disorders. The lab uses mouse models to explore the molecular mechanisms and genetic factors that contribute to these abnormalities, ultimately aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment for affected families. Their research highlights the importance of recognizing and studying rare diseases that often go unnoticed in the broader medical community.

Dr. Frances E. Lund's research lab focuses on understanding the memory B and T cells of the human immune system, particularly in the context of organ transplantation. They investigate how these cells evolve and persist over time, especially in tissues vital for transplant success. Their work aims to uncover insights that could lead to improved treatments for transplant patients by balancing protective and damaging immune responses.

Dr. Sixto Manuel Leal's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the interactions between viral infections, like SARS-CoV-2, and subsequent fungal infections, particularly COVID Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA). The lab employs advanced techniques to analyze how immune dysregulation during viral infections affects antifungal immunity, with the goal of informing new therapeutic strategies. They also enhance research capabilities in a high-containment biolab environment to prepare for future health threats.

Dr. Angela Raquel Wahl's lab focuses on understanding the role of myeloid cells, particularly microglia, in the persistence of HIV in the brain. By studying these cells in a humanized mouse model, her research aims to uncover how HIV might hide in the brain, avoid eradication strategies, and lead to complications in patients even when treated with antiretroviral therapy. Ultimately, this work seeks to contribute to the development of more effective HIV cure strategies that can target the central nervous system.

Dr. Deeann Wallis-Schultz's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding how a gene called NF1 contributes to breast cancer development, particularly in hormone-sensitive cases. The lab utilizes innovative rat models that mimic human breast cancer to study how loss of this gene affects tumor growth and response to treatments. The ultimate goal is to improve cancer prognosis and develop new therapies for patients with specific NF1 mutations.