Dr. Tanya S. Freedman's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the roles of two isoforms of the Lyn kinase, LynA and LynB, in immune signaling and their implications in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The research highlights how these isoforms interact differently in myeloid cells, which are crucial in the immune response. By studying these isoforms, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for managing autoimmune conditions, particularly their effects in males and females.

Dr. Kevin D. Wickman's lab studies how certain proteins in the brain help control the signals that influence mood and behavior. They focus on understanding the mechanisms by which G protein-coupled receptors, specifically GABAB receptors, regulate brain cell signaling. By using advanced techniques, they aim to uncover new ways to treat neurological disorders that result from dysfunctional signaling pathways.

Dr. Stephen S. Hecht's lab focuses on understanding how cigarette smoking contributes to different types of cancer, particularly lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The lab investigates the biochemical and genetic mechanisms behind these cancers, exploring why incidence rates vary among different ethnic and racial groups. Their research combines molecular biology, epidemiology, and innovative mass spectrometry techniques to profile DNA damage caused by tobacco smoke, which helps identify individuals at higher risk for cancer, thus promoting more effective prevention strategies.

Dr. Erika S. Helgeson's lab focuses on understanding how Type 1 diabetes affects brain function in young children, particularly in areas such as attention and memory. The lab aims to identify factors that influence neurodevelopment and to develop strategies to prevent complications. By conducting large, coordinated studies, the team strives to enhance the quality of research related to diabetes and neurocognition.

Dr. Michael J. Howell's research lab focuses on understanding a sleep disorder that can predict the onset of serious neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. The lab studies how certain antidepressants can uncover early signs of brain deterioration in patients with a condition called REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. Through advanced imaging techniques and skin biopsies, the team aims to identify early markers of neurodegeneration, which can help in developing therapies to slow down disease progression.

Dr. Sommer Huffmaster's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease. The research explores how transitions in movement—like starting to walk or turning—become impaired in some individuals, leading to freezing episodes. By investigating the brain systems involved, the lab aims to uncover treatments that can improve mobility and quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Stephen C. Jameson's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how aging affects the immune system, particularly the role of senescent cells in reducing the body's ability to respond to infections like COVID-19. The lab explores how these senescent cells can create a hostile environment for immune responses and investigates potential therapies to eliminate them. Additionally, the lab studies how certain CD8+ T cells can lose function without being deleted, which is crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Angela K. Birnbaum's lab focuses on understanding how antiseizure medications affect pregnant women and their breastfeeding infants. By using advanced modeling techniques, the lab aims to determine the best drug dosages that are both safe for the developing fetus and effective for the mother's epilepsy treatment. Their research is critical for improving health outcomes for women with epilepsy during pregnancy and lactation.

Dr. Ryan Langlois's lab at the University of Minnesota studies how viruses transmit between different species, particularly using models with rodents. They focus on understanding the factors that influence virus transmission dynamics, including immune responses and the evolutionary distance between hosts. The lab aims to develop new tools for studying zoonotic viruses, which are crucial for improving public health responses against emerging viral threats.

Dr. Michael K Lee's research lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the relationship between alpha-synuclein and tau proteins in various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab uses genetic techniques to manipulate these proteins in mouse models to explore their roles in cognitive function and disease progression. This research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to mitigate cognitive deficits associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Nicholas Levinson's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on developing innovative drug discovery technologies, specifically for creating new cancer therapies. The lab is working on a cutting-edge platform that identifies allosteric kinase inhibitors, which can help overcome resistance to current treatments. Their research aims to provide novel therapeutic strategies for cancer patients, particularly targeting proteins involved in tumor growth.

Dr. David Masopust's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how certain T cells, called resident memory T cells, contribute to both immunity and disease. The lab explores how these cells function in response to infections, their longevity, and their potential roles in autoimmunity and cancer therapy. Through innovative mouse models and experimental techniques, the research aims to develop new strategies for vaccines and immune therapies that can effectively combat various diseases.

Dr. Emilyn Alejandro's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how maternal insulin levels during pregnancy affect the metabolic health of offspring. By studying the role of placental insulin signaling, they aim to uncover the mechanisms behind increased risks of type 2 diabetes in children born to mothers with high insulin levels. Their research emphasizes the significance of maintaining healthy insulin levels during pregnancy to promote better health outcomes for both mothers and their children.

The lab led by Dr. Zhengqiang Wang at the University of Minnesota focuses on developing new antiviral drugs specifically targeting the monkeypox virus (mpox). The current need for effective treatments arises from a global outbreak and the limitations of existing smallpox medications against this virus. The team employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining various fields to optimize drug candidates and understand their mechanisms of action.

Dr. Swati More's research lab focuses on understanding the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the brain and its implications for opioid signaling. The lab aims to identify small molecules that can selectively inhibit ACE, potentially leading to new treatments for opioid use disorders without the adverse cardiovascular effects. The research involves innovative screening methods and behavioral assessments related to opioid rewards and addiction.

Dr. Joshua E. Aman’s lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the brain mechanisms involved in movement disorders, particularly bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease. By studying neural activity in specific brain pathways, they aim to develop personalized deep brain stimulation therapies that enhance motor function and reduce symptoms. Their research utilizes advanced imaging techniques and real-time data collection during surgical procedures to unravel complex brain interactions that contribute to motor control.

Dr. William G Mantyh's lab focuses on understanding dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, in Native American communities. The lab is conducting important research to determine how genetic factors, like the APOE gene, affect dementia risk among Native Americans, an area that has been largely overlooked. By identifying the unique types of dementia that exist in these populations and how genetic ancestry influences risk, the lab aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for underserved communities.

Dr. Lauren M Slosky's lab focuses on finding new ways to treat opioid use disorder by investigating a brain receptor called neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1). They aim to develop small molecules that can help prevent relapse in individuals recovering from opioid addiction. The research explores how these molecules work in the brain, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatments for opioid dependency.

The Nguyen lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which are disorders that affect blood cell production and lead to serious health issues. Their research explores how specific mutations related to RNA splicing can lead to genomic instability in these conditions, and they are investigating the role of PARP1—a protein involved in DNA repair—through the lens of R-loops, a type of genetic material interplay. The ultimate goal is to develop targeted therapies using existing FDA-approved PARP inhibitors for patients with specific genetic mutations related to MDS.

Dr. Noelle Noyes' lab focuses on understanding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria and how these bacteria share resistance genes within their communities. The lab is developing innovative metagenomic sequencing techniques to better analyze microbial populations related to healthcare and public health. By improving our understanding of AMR dynamics, the lab aims to inform better clinical decisions and improve health outcomes.