Dr. Loren D. Erickson's lab explores how specific immune responses, particularly those involving IgE antibodies, affect cardiovascular health. Specifically, the research focuses on the connection between IgE sensitization to a mammalian sugar called alpha-gal and the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become clogged. Using both human studies and novel mouse models, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms by which IgE influences plaque formation and stability in the arteries, which could lead to new insights into coronary artery disease.

Jochen Zimmer's lab at the University of Virginia studies complex carbohydrates produced by bacteria, particularly focusing on how these essential molecules are synthesized and assembled on the bacterial surface. The lab's research is important for understanding bacterial behavior, especially in the context of infections caused by biofilms, which are sticky clusters of bacteria that can be difficult to treat. By using advanced techniques in structural biology and biochemistry, the team aims to unlock the mechanisms that enable these carbohydrates to provide protection and support to bacteria, which may lead to new strategies for developing drugs or biomaterials.

Barry M. Gumbiner's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how blood vessels regulate their permeability and maintain their structure. The lab studies a specific protein called VE-cadherin that is crucial for the junctions between endothelial cells, which line blood vessels. By investigating the mechanisms that control these junctions, especially during inflammation, the lab seeks to develop new approaches to prevent tissue damage in various diseases associated with excessive blood vessel leakiness.

Dr. Brady L Spencer's lab at the University of Virginia explores how certain bacteria can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, especially in newborns. Their research focuses on Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacterium that can lead to severe infections in infants. The lab studies how GBS uses specific proteins to damage the gut lining, alter immune responses, and potentially cause systemic infections. Understanding these mechanisms aims to improve our knowledge of treatment and prevention strategies for neonatal infections.

Professor Jung-Bum Shin's lab studies how specialized proteins in hair cells help us hear. They focus on a protein called Myosin 7a (MYO7A), which is crucial for detecting sounds. The lab explores the different versions of this protein and how they affect hearing, especially looking into ways they can be repaired and regulated. Their findings aim to improve gene therapy approaches for hearing loss caused by MYO7A mutations.

Dr. Thurl E. Harris's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how our body manages energy, particularly during the process of eating and fasting. The lab studies how different types of adenosine receptors in our fat tissues respond to food intake and how these responses can become dysfunctional in obesity. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover better ways to manage conditions like obesity and insulin resistance.

Dr. Tajie H. Harris's lab at the University of Virginia studies how the brain defends itself against infections, particularly from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. They explore how programmed cell death, particularly through the protein caspase-8, helps control these infections without harming vital neurons. By examining different cell types in the brain, they aim to uncover the mechanisms used by the immune system to manage intracellular pathogens and protect brain health.

Dr. Elise Cope's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how new neurons in the hippocampus contribute to social memory. This research is particularly important for addressing social memory deficits found in various neuropsychiatric disorders like autism and schizophrenia. By studying the connections between these new neurons and specific brain regions, the lab aims to develop strategies to improve social interactions in affected individuals.

Dr. Kevin A. Janes' research lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding viral infections and their impact on human health, specifically through innovative computational models and genetic analyses. They also explore the origins and progression of basal-like breast cancer, which is known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. By combining advanced modeling techniques with genetically engineered mouse models, the lab aims to uncover critical insights into both viral and cancer biology.

Anne K. Kenworthy's lab focuses on understanding caveolins, unique proteins that influence how cells function by shaping their membranes. The research investigates how these proteins contribute to cellular processes like metabolism and cardiovascular health, especially in contexts where they malfunction. By employing advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the lab aims to unravel the mysteries of caveolin structure and function, which may provide insights into various diseases such as cancer and muscular dystrophy.

Dr. Chia-Yi Kuan's lab focuses on understanding the causes and potential treatments for diseases that affect the brain, particularly Alzheimer's disease and neonatal brain injuries. The lab explores the role of specific proteins in neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment, as well as using advanced imaging techniques to monitor brain function in newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Through their research, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to mitigate these serious health issues.

Dr. Norbert Leitinger's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how metabolic processes influence inflammation, particularly through the enzyme Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACC). The research aims to uncover how ACC affects immune cell function during inflammation and how metabolic dysregulation can lead to improper immune responses, especially in individuals with obesity and diabetes. By exploring the connection between lipid metabolism and inflammation, the lab seeks to identify new therapeutic targets for managing inflammatory diseases.

Professor Ilya Levental's lab at the University of Virginia is focused on understanding the structure and function of cell membranes, specifically how the composition of lipids impacts cell signaling and behavior. The lab investigates the organization of proteins and lipids in T-cells, aiming to uncover how these structures influence immune responses. Overall, the research aims to shed light on how membrane organization affects cell physiology and may inform treatments for diseases related to membrane dysfunction, like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Hui Li's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding and treating rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft-tissue cancer in children. They have identified a novel oncogene called AVIL, which plays a critical role in the growth and spread of this cancer. The lab is working on developing targeted therapies against AVIL to potentially improve outcomes for patients suffering from advanced-stage rhabdomyosarcoma.

Dr. Jaime Mata's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on improving the diagnosis and management of acute cellular rejection in lung transplantation using innovative Hyperpolarized Gas MRI technology. This research aims to enhance the early detection of rejection, allowing for timely interventions and better outcomes for lung transplant patients. The lab integrates advanced imaging techniques with genomic profiling to create a comprehensive understanding of the immune responses involved in lung allograft health.

Dr. Craig H. Meyer's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on developing innovative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for assessing lung health. By utilizing a novel 0.55 Tesla MRI scanner, the lab aims to create more effective imaging methods that can visualize both lung structure and function concurrently, which is particularly important for diagnosing chronic lung diseases without exposing patients to harmful radiation. Their work not only seeks to enhance MRI technology but also strives to make advanced lung imaging more accessible, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Dr. Adam N. Goldfarb's lab focuses on understanding how certain anti-malarial drugs, like primaquine, interact with red blood cells in individuals who have a genetic deficiency known as G6PD deficiency. This condition affects millions and can lead to severe anemia when taking medications that are otherwise effective against malaria. By studying specific enzymes involved in this process using genetically modified mice, the lab aims to identify better treatment strategies that could reduce harmful side effects in affected patients.

Jessica J. Connelly's research lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how interventions during childbirth, specifically the use of exogenous oxytocin, can affect maternal health and behavior. The lab studies the changes in the oxytocin system during and after birth, including how genetics and epigenetics might influence outcomes like postpartum depression and hemorrhage. By using animal models, the lab aims to uncover key mechanisms that could lead to improved maternal care and interventions.

Dr. Jiang He's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on developing new imaging and treatment methods for mesothelioma, a challenging form of cancer. The lab is working on a human monoclonal antibody that targets a specific tumor marker found in various mesothelioma subtypes. By using advanced imaging techniques, such as SPECT, and targeted alpha therapy, they aim to improve treatment outcomes for patients, especially for those suffering from difficult-to-treat forms of the disease.

Dr. Bimal N. Desai's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how immune cells, particularly phagocytes, utilize mitochondrial calcium signaling to quickly respond to infections. By exploring the interactions between mitochondria and phagosomes, this research aims to uncover the mechanisms that enable these cells to efficiently fight off pathogens and clear away cellular debris. This innovative work could lead to new therapies that enhance immune function and improve public health.