Dr. Chun-Yuh Huang's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding the causes of intervertebral disc degeneration, a key contributor to low back pain, which affects millions of people. The lab investigates how factors like aging and inflammation impact the metabolism of disc cells and the production of essential components like proteoglycans. By combining laboratory experiments, patient studies, and computational models, the team aims to identify new therapeutic targets and improve diagnostic methods for disc degeneration.

Dr. Shembade's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer associated with HIV/AIDS, and the complex interactions between HIV and the Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV). The lab develops innovative mouse and cell models that mimic disease conditions, allowing for the testing of new therapeutic strategies aimed at improving treatment for affected populations. By conducting research in these models, the lab aims to unravel the mechanisms of viral oncogenesis and to advance the development of immunological therapies against this malignancy.

Dr. Marcelo G. Kazanietz's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind lung and prostate cancers, particularly how certain proteins, like protein kinase C (PKC), influence cancer development and disparities in outcomes. By utilizing advanced genetic engineering and animal models, the lab investigates how PKC contributes to cancer growth, metastasis, and the differences in disease progression seen in different populations, especially in prostate cancer among African American men.

Dr. Jacob McCauley's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by investigating the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to this common condition. The lab utilizes innovative genomic techniques to study the diverse South Florida population, aiming to uncover new insights into how genetics and the environment interact to influence the onset and progression of IBD. By expanding their research to include underrepresented groups, especially Hispanic populations, the lab strives to improve prevention strategies and treatment outcomes for IBD across diverse communities.

Dr. Steven A. Safren’s lab focuses on improving mental health treatment for people living with HIV, particularly in South Africa where there is a significant number of individuals affected. The lab researches ways to implement evidence-based treatments for depression that enhance patient adherence to HIV care. They aim to develop scalable strategies that can be replicated in low-resource settings, ensuring that crucial mental health services reach more people in need.

Dr. Miguel A Perez-Pinzon's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding how ischemic preconditioning can protect the brain from stroke-related damage. They study the role of specific molecules like Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Resveratrol in improving brain function and synaptic health. The lab aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies to help patients recover cognitive function after a stroke and potentially benefit those with related conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Margaret A. Pericak-Vance leads a research lab focused on understanding the genetic causes of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in African American and Hispanic populations. The lab aims to include diverse groups in genetic studies to uncover patterns of risk associated with Alzheimer’s that have been overlooked in current research, which predominantly includes people of European ancestry. By enhancing representation in this field, the lab hopes to contribute to better prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease through precision medicine.

Dr. Alan Pollack's lab at the University of Miami focuses on improving treatment outcomes for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. They use advanced imaging techniques and liquid biopsies to identify early indicators of how well patients respond to treatment. This research aims to better tailor therapy for patients by integrating imaging data and circulating tumor cells into risk assessment models for more effective decision-making in cancer care.

David Benner Lombard's lab at the University of Miami focuses on researching Ewing sarcoma, a serious childhood cancer. The lab investigates a molecule called SIRT5 to see if it can be targeted to improve treatments, especially for patients who have the most aggressive forms of the disease. The aim is to create new drugs that can effectively kill Ewing sarcoma cells while minimizing side effects for patients.

Dr. Aaron Heller's research focuses on understanding how our brains react to emotionally significant events, particularly in individuals with anxiety and depression. By studying students receiving grades on challenging exams, his lab uses advanced brain imaging techniques to identify the neural processes linked to emotional responses. The aim is to uncover the underlying mechanisms of emotional dysregulation, which could lead to better treatments for these common mental health disorders.

Dr. Danny Reinberg's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding how proteins regulate the spatial organization of genes within the genome during cell differentiation. By studying how certain proteins, like CTCF and MAZ, create boundaries that separate repressed from active gene regions, the lab aims to reveal insights about gene expression and cell type identity. Their research has implications for understanding development and diseases related to gene regulation.

Dr. Erietta Stelekati's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding how certain immune cells, specifically CD8 T cells, become dysfunctional during chronic infections and cancer. The lab studies the role of microRNAs, particularly miR-29a, in regulating these cells' ability to react to cancer treatments. By exploring how miR-29a affects the genetic drivers of T cell exhaustion, the lab aims to uncover new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies.