Jessica R Cohen's lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how brain development and executive function (EF) relate to mental health outcomes from birth to early adulthood. The research aims to identify how changes in brain networks influence executive function and can predict the risk for psychopathology. By using advanced imaging techniques and a unique longitudinal study, the lab aims to uncover critical periods for intervention that may improve life outcomes for at-risk youth.

Dr. Brian Conlon's lab at the University of North Carolina focuses on understanding how diabetes affects antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The team is investigating the role of glucose in fostering antibiotic tolerance and resistance in these bacteria, as well as exploring the immune protein calprotectin's surprising ability to inactivate key antibiotics. Their research holds important implications for improving treatments for infections in diabetic patients.

The lab led by Dr. Jeanette Gowen Cook at the University of North Carolina focuses on understanding the mechanisms that control cell division and how certain cancer cells can enter a dormant state called quiescence. This research is critical, as quiescent cancer cells often resist treatment, leading to cancer relapse. Using innovative biosensors, the lab aims to study the different states of cell quiescence and their impact on tumor behaviors. Ultimately, the team's work will contribute to improved cancer therapies and provide insights into how cells maintain their genetic integrity during division.

Dr. Aravinda M. Desilva's lab focuses on developing improved vaccines for dengue virus, which is a major mosquito-borne disease. The lab employs innovative structural design techniques to create safe and effective vaccine candidates that can generate strong immune responses without causing adverse effects. By utilizing mouse models and advanced computational methods, the research aims to better target the immune system against dengue, contributing to public health efforts against this significant viral threat.

Dr. Dale Ramsden's lab at the University of North Carolina focuses on understanding how DNA polymerase theta contributes to genome stability and its role in cancer. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the lab looks into the mechanisms of DNA damage repair, particularly in BRCA-deficient cancers, and seeks to identify ways to selectively target these vulnerabilities to develop more effective cancer therapies. Their research combines molecular biology with structural biology and biophysics to inform clinical applications.

Dr. Henrik G. Dohlman's lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on the intricacies of cell signaling mediated by G protein-coupled receptors. The lab's research aims to uncover the unique behaviors of different G protein subtypes and how they interact with hormones, neurotransmitters, and drugs. Their work is significant for understanding human diseases and could lead to the development of better pharmaceutical treatments.

Dr. Gianpietro Dotti's lab at UNC Chapel Hill focuses on developing innovative therapies for ovarian cancer using modified immune cells. The research explores using CAR-T cells that target a specific protein called B7-H3 found on cancer cells. By reprogramming the tumor microenvironment and enhancing the immune response against solid tumors, the lab aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.

Dr. Robert J. Duronio's lab focuses on understanding how the organization and assembly of chromatin affects genome replication during animal development. The research investigates the roles of histone proteins and their modifications in regulating the fidelity of DNA replication, which is crucial for preventing diseases like cancer. By using Drosophila as a model organism, the lab employs advanced genetic and molecular techniques to uncover the mechanisms behind these processes.

Dr. Sylvia Fitting's research lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how cannabis use affects cognitive function in individuals with HIV. The lab studies the oral microbiome, particularly certain bacteria, and their relationship with cognitive performance in both clinical patients and experimental mouse models. This work aims to uncover the potential therapeutic implications of cannabis for patients with HIV-related cognitive impairments.

Dr. Matthew J. Flick's lab investigates how blood clots form and how to prevent excessive clotting, which can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes. The team studies an important protein called fibrinogen, aiming to develop new therapies that reduce the risk of thrombosis while keeping the body’s ability to stop bleeding intact. Their research is crucial for improving public health outcomes related to blood clotting disorders.

Dr. Jonathan S Berg's lab focuses on advancing genomic medicine for children's health, particularly through age-based genetic screening programs. The lab works on two key projects: creating a novel framework for screening genetic disorders in newborns and children during routine wellness visits, and implementing eConsult networks to connect healthcare providers with genomic medicine experts. The goal is to improve early diagnosis and management of genetic conditions, ultimately enhancing public health.

Dr. Jeff Sekelsky's lab at UNC Chapel Hill studies how genetic information is exchanged in cells during processes like meiosis and mitosis. They aim to understand the balance between promoting accurate gene segregation, which is crucial for healthy reproduction, and preventing harmful genome changes that can lead to cancer. Using techniques from genetics to molecular biology, the lab explores the mechanisms that influence these processes and how they can be applied to gene editing technologies like CRISPR.

Dr. Paul B. Watkins' lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how genetic differences influence the effectiveness and safety of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies, particularly related to liver toxicity. By studying a diverse population of genetically different mice, the lab aims to uncover the underlying genetic factors that contribute to variability in how patients respond to AAV treatments. This research is intended to improve the design of safer and more effective gene therapies for genetic disorders that require liver targeting.

Dr. Jeremy N. Rich's lab focuses on understanding and treating glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer. The lab investigates how the metabolism of tumor cells affects their growth and survival, exploring the role of dietary interventions and aging in tumor development. Researchers use cutting-edge techniques to analyze the unique cellular behaviors within glioblastoma and aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies based on their findings.

Dr. Klaus M. Hahn's lab focuses on understanding how cells communicate and behave by developing advanced imaging techniques to visualize and control protein activity in real time. They study the dynamics of signaling in various contexts, like immune cells and cancer progression, to uncover fundamental principles of cell biology. The aim is to create tools that can help researchers explore diverse biological questions, especially related to how cells react to their environment.

Dr. Jiandong Liu's lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding the cellular dynamics and molecular mechanisms involved in heart regeneration and disease. The lab investigates how different types of cells in the heart, including macrophages and fibroblasts, contribute to heart function and tissue repair. Their research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for treating heart diseases by exploring how these cells interact and influence heart cell maturation.

Dr. A. Gregory Matera's research lab at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how genes are regulated in multicellular organisms, specifically through studying the role of histone proteins and their modifications. By using fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model system, the lab investigates how specific changes in histones affect development and gene expression. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms that control gene activity, which could ultimately lead to insights into diseases like cancer.

Dr. Kristina De Paris's lab at UNC Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how to induce effective antibodies against HIV, particularly in infants. Their research investigates the roles of vaccine components and the host’s microbiota in the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), which are essential for preventing HIV infections. By exploring these mechanisms, the lab aims to enhance vaccine strategies for better immune responses.

Dr. Sarah Beth Joseph's lab focuses on understanding how certain HIV-infected cells manage to survive in the body despite the immune system's efforts to eliminate them. By examining the differences between 'early' and 'late' infection reservoir cells, they aim to discover why some cells resist clearance and how to enhance the immune response against them. Their work could lead to better strategies for curing HIV infections through improved identification and targeting of these resilient cells.

Dr. Dirk Dittmer's lab focuses on studying Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), a common cancer in people living with HIV. The research aims to understand how antiretroviral therapy (ART) affects the development of KS, particularly in the oral cavity. By investigating the interactions between HIV, KS, and the immune system, the lab seeks to identify new biomarkers that can help determine the best treatment options for patients.