Dr. Wonhwa Cho's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on how lipids regulate the interactions between proteins in cells. Their research investigates the role of membrane lipids, like cholesterol, in controlling cellular signaling pathways, which are essential for normal health and can lead to diseases like cancer when disrupted. By understanding these lipid-protein interactions better, the lab aims to develop innovative strategies for drug discovery that could significantly impact treatment options for various human diseases.

Dr. Kejia Cai's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By using a novel pig model that imitates human cancer characteristics, the lab explores advanced imaging techniques that can help determine tumor aggressiveness and guide better patient care. Their work has the potential to refine how we diagnose and manage liver cancer through noninvasive methods.

Dr. Beatriz Penalver Bernabe's lab focuses on understanding how maternal gut microorganisms affect perinatal depression, a condition that can impact mothers and infants significantly. By studying the interactions between maternal biological systems and gut bacteria, the lab aims to uncover predictive markers for depression during and after pregnancy. This research not only seeks to enhance knowledge about mental health but also aims to improve treatment and prevention strategies for affected women, particularly from marginalized groups.

Dr. Yulia Komarova's lab studies how white blood cells, called neutrophils, respond to their environment while migrating to infected tissues. The research focuses on how mechanical forces during this migration can activate neutrophils to effectively kill pathogens, such as bacteria. This work aims to better understand the pathways involved in this process, which could lead to new therapies for bacterial infections.

Dr. Natalia Nieto's lab focuses on understanding the role of specific macrophages in combating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common liver disease. They are investigating a unique subset of macrophages that produce high levels of osteopontin and their potential protective effects against liver damage. This research could lead to new strategies for treating NASH, an area with few effective therapies at present.

Dr. Joanna Burdette's lab studies ovarian cancer, specifically the interactions between the ovaries and fallopian tubes and how ovulation influences cancer development. They use advanced models to examine how hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can impact tumor growth and migration. By developing innovative technologies, they aim to uncover ways to prevent and treat high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which is among the most deadly types of ovarian cancer.

Dr. Alexander S. Mankin's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding and enhancing antibacterial peptides produced by honeybees and fruit flies. These peptides, known for their ability to inhibit bacterial growth by stopping protein synthesis, hold potential for developing new antibiotics. The lab employs various techniques to explore how these peptides work and to create more effective derivatives.

Dr. Jalees Rehman's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding the interactions between pathogens and the immune system, particularly in the context of diseases like Alzheimer's and lung injuries. The lab investigates how infections can lead to cellular aging and inflammation, impacts on the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's patients, and utilizes advanced human organoid models to study lung disease and repair mechanisms. Their work aims to find new therapeutic targets for preventing and treating these conditions.

The lab led by Dr. Lijun Rong at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on developing new antiviral therapies for Ebola viruses. They are working on optimizing small molecule inhibitors that could potentially treat or prevent infections caused by these highly dangerous viruses. Through innovative drug design and rigorous testing in animal models, the lab aims to provide effective options for combating Ebola virus disease.

Dr. Susan R. Ross's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding how mammals' immune responses can limit retroviral infections, such as those caused by murine leukemia virus (MLV). The research explores the mechanisms by which host proteins, particularly the APOBEC3 family, interact with viral processes like reverse transcription, to help inform potential therapies for curing or preventing diseases caused by HIV and other retroviruses. This is achieved through innovative mouse models and advanced molecular techniques.

Dr. Pavel A. Petukhov's lab focuses on developing new drugs to treat schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms affecting over 200 million people worldwide. The research centers around a unique enzyme, thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR), which is crucial for the worm's survival but not present in humans. By inhibiting this enzyme, the lab aims to create effective treatments while avoiding drug resistance, a significant issue with the current medication.

Dr. Francis Alonzo's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago studies how Staphylococcus aureus, a dangerous bacterium that causes many infections, survives in our bodies. They explore how the bacterium uses certain nutrients and lipids to evade the immune system and persist during infections. By understanding these processes, the lab aims to discover new ways to combat bacterial infections and improve treatment options.

Dr. Leon Maing Tai's research lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding how specific genetic factors impact the health of blood vessels in the brain, particularly in the context of diseases like Alzheimer's. By studying the role of a protein called APOE, which comes in different forms that affect brain function, the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of neurovascular dysfunction that leads to cognitive decline. This research is significant as it may lead to new insights and therapies for neurodegenerative diseases related to aging.

Dr. Scott Brady's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding and developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those related to tau protein dysfunction like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab is exploring how misfolded tau proteins disrupt normal brain functions and contributes to disease. By using chemical compounds to target specific mechanisms of tau toxicity, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could help restore neuronal function.

Dr. Andrew Riley's lab focuses on developing new treatments for drug addiction and chronic pain. One of their key projects aims to create medications targeting specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptors involved in substance use disorders like cocaine addiction. Another project investigates receptors linked to neuropathic pain, seeking effective, non-opioid solutions for patients suffering from chronic pain. Through these studies, the lab hopes to address significant public health issues related to drug addiction and pain management.

Dr. Yuwei Jiang's research lab focuses on understanding beige adipocytes, a type of fat cell that helps burn energy and could be key in tackling obesity and diabetes. They explore how these cells can be maintained over time, particularly in aging or obese states, and assess their effects on metabolism. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind beige adipocyte stability, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases.

Dr. Shilpa Sant's lab focuses on understanding how specific components within the breast cancer microenvironment can influence tumor growth and metastasis. By using engineered mineralized hydrogels that mimic the soft tissue environment of the breast, the research aims to explore the role of microcalcifications in the development and progression of breast cancer. The findings may help identify new treatment strategies and biomarkers that could improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Yuru Liu's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding how certain cells in the lungs, specifically Type II alveolar epithelial cells, help repair lung injuries and maintain healthy lung function. By studying the signaling pathways that regulate these cells, the lab aims to uncover new ways to treat chronic lung diseases like emphysema and fibrosis. The research combines molecular and cellular biology techniques to explore how these cells behave during normal conditions and after injury, striving to discover potential therapeutic targets.

Dr. Almudena Veiga-Lopez's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago studies how exposure to environmental chemicals affects placental health and pregnancy outcomes. The lab focuses on the placental molecular clock, a system that regulates various biological functions and may play a crucial role in fetal development. By examining how chemicals disrupt this clock, the lab aims to uncover the links between environmental toxins and adverse reproductive health issues.

Dr. Judith Behnsen's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago studies the interactions between bacteria and fungi in the gut. They focus specifically on how the yeast Candida albicans affects infections caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhimurium. Their research aims to understand the biological mechanisms that increase disease severity when these two pathogens coexist, which could lead to better treatments for polymicrobial infections.