Dr. Krishnan Padmanabhan's lab at the University of Rochester studies how the brain processes smells and the role of neural circuits in behavior and memory. One focus is on how feedback from the hippocampus influences the main olfactory bulb, which is essential for detecting odors. The lab also researches stem cell therapies to understand how transplanted neural cells integrate into the brain, aiming to improve treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Dr. Cesare Orlandi's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding orphan G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), particularly GPR156, which is important for hearing and balance. The lab aims to identify both synthetic and naturally occurring compounds that can activate these receptors. This research could lead to new treatments for hearing disorders by exploring the underlying biology of these receptors and their interactions in the nervous system.

The research lab led by Dr. Benzi M Kluger focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals affected by Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) through innovative palliative care methods. The lab is exploring community-based interventions that combine palliative care with neurology to address both medical and psychosocial needs of patients and their caregivers. Their goal is to enhance care delivery in the community and provide better support mechanisms through online learning communities and social support networks.

Dr. Christie Lynn Mcgee Petrenko's lab focuses on improving the quality of life for adolescents and adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). They are developing a new intervention called Thrive, which uses a person-centered planning approach to support individuals during their transition to adulthood. The lab combines evidence-based practices with innovative strategies to address barriers to care and enhance social support networks.

Dmitri Ermolenko's lab at the University of Rochester explores how messenger RNA (mRNA) is translated into proteins by the ribosome, a complex molecular machine essential for life. They investigate the structural dynamics of the ribosome and how the shape of mRNA affects its translation efficiency, which is crucial for understanding diseases like cancer and viral infections. Utilizing advanced microscopy and biochemical techniques, the lab aims to uncover the intricacies of protein synthesis and contribute to therapies for viral infections and cancer.

The Mathews lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding RNA molecules, which play crucial roles in biology and can be used in pharmaceuticals. They work on developing software and algorithms to predict RNA structures, which are vital for their functions. By studying these structures, the lab aims to contribute to our understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of RNA-based drugs.

Dr. David Yule's research lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind saliva secretion in order to address conditions like dry mouth, which can severely affect quality of life. The lab employs a combination of experimental techniques and computer modeling to explore how salivary glands function normally and how these processes are disrupted in diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome. By investigating the cellular activities involved in saliva production, the lab hopes to develop new therapies for patients suffering from reduced saliva flow.

Dr. Giovanni Schifitto's lab focuses on understanding how conditions like HIV and SARS-CoV-2 affect the brain, particularly how they influence small blood vessels and cognitive health. The research explores the role of immune cells and specific proteins in causing or exacerbating cognitive decline and vascular diseases. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential interventions to protect brain health in affected populations.

Dr. Douglas S. Portman's lab focuses on how biological sex influences the development and function of the nervous system using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, a type of roundworm. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which sex impacts neuronal circuits and behavior, which could help us understand how these differences manifest in humans and contribute to various neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. By investigating these pathways, the lab hopes to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating sex-specific neurological conditions.

Dr. Melissa L Sturge-Apple's research focuses on how external stressors, like domestic violence and parenting challenges, affect family dynamics and the relationships within families. She investigates how these stressors impact parent-child interactions and overall family functioning over time. By examining these issues through a longitudinal study design, her work aims to uncover protective factors and improve evidence-based interventions to support families in distress.

Dr. Juilee Thakar's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how HIV infection influences cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. They study the role of platelet-monocyte interactions and how these contribute to chronic inflammation and the acceleration of atherosclerosis in HIV-infected individuals. By using advanced techniques like single-cell sequencing and molecular modeling, their research aims to uncover mechanisms behind these processes and identify potential biomarkers for early detection and new therapeutic targets.

Dr. Lynne Maquat's lab at the University of Rochester explores how cells manage their RNA molecules, particularly focusing on a process called nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). This process helps eliminate faulty RNA that could result from genetic errors and is crucial for maintaining healthy gene expression. The lab's research aims to understand how disruptions in these RNA processes could relate to diseases like fragile X syndrome and various muscle disorders.

Dr. Hengwei Zhang's research lab focuses on understanding how cellular aging affects bone healing, especially in elderly patients who suffer from fractures. His work investigates a specific type of aging-related cell known as detrimental senescent cells that hinder the healing process. By exploring the mechanisms behind these cells, the lab aims to develop novel therapies to improve recovery from bone fractures in older adults.

Dr. Samuel V Norman-Haignere's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on how the human brain processes and understands speech over time. The research explores how the brain integrates speech sounds, like phonemes and words, whether the integration is more linked to the timing of sounds or to their structural components. This work aims to bridge the gap between auditory science and language processing, contributing to understanding speech perception and communication deficits in various population groups.

Dr. Md Nasir Uddin's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how liver diseases, specifically non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affect brain health in individuals living with HIV. The research uses advanced imaging technologies, including MRI, to explore brain dysfunction and cognitive performance in these patients. By investigating the links between liver health, brain injury, and cognitive outcomes, the lab aims to improve our understanding of these complex interactions and develop better diagnostic tools.

Dr. Houhui Xia's lab at the University of Rochester studies how different forms of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) affect brain functions related to memory and learning. They use special mouse models to explore how these proteins impact synapses—the connections between neurons—by examining their roles in processes like synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation. Their findings could lead to new treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Professor Felix Yarovinsky's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how the immune system fights off infections from protozoan parasites like Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma gondii. The lab investigates how our innate immune responses, particularly through the action of a molecule called interferon gamma (IFN-γ), help protect against these pathogens, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children and immunocompromised individuals. By studying immune responses and developing mouse models, the lab aims to discover new ways to tackle these infections and improve public health outcomes.

Dr. Yiping Zhu's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how HIV-1 manipulates cellular processes to enhance its replication and cause neurotoxicity. They study a specific mechanism known as ribosomal frameshifting, which is crucial for producing proteins that support the virus. By investigating how HIV-1 influences modifications of cellular components, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for treating HIV-1 infection and preventing associated cognitive disorders.