Dr. Dane Parker's lab focuses on understanding how the immune system interacts with Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of pneumonia and antibiotic-resistant infections. The research aims to explore how a specific immune signaling pathway, known as type III interferon, affects the body's ability to clear this pathogen. By studying the role of immune cells called alveolar macrophages and the mechanisms by which Staphylococcus aureus activates immune responses, the lab hopes to discover new therapeutic strategies to combat infections caused by this dangerous bacterium.

Kelvin Y. Kwan's lab at Rutgers University focuses on investigating the epigenetic factors that contribute to hearing loss, particularly through the study of the CHD4 protein in the cochlea. The team explores how alterations in CHD4 affect hair cell identity and function, with the goal of uncovering mechanisms for hair cell maintenance and potential regeneration. This research could lead to novel therapies for treating various forms of hearing impairment.

Dr. Yosuke Kumamoto's lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding a specific type of immune cell called conventional dendritic cells (cDC2s) and their role in allergic responses and autoimmune diseases. The team is investigating how different subsets of these cells are formed in various organs and how they contribute to immune responses to allergens and parasites. Their work aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the differentiation of these immune cells, which could lead to new treatments for allergies and related health issues.

Dr. Debra L Laskin's research lab focuses on understanding how inflammation in the lungs can lead to chronic diseases like asthma and COPD, particularly due to exposure to ozone, a common air pollutant. The lab studies macrophages, which are immune cells that can either promote inflammation or help resolve it. They are investigating ways to encourage these cells to shift from a pro-inflammatory state to a healing state, hoping to find new strategies to prevent lung injury and improve public health outcomes.

Dr. Stephanie Shiau's lab focuses on understanding how maternal inflammation during pregnancy impacts the neurodevelopment of offspring. By studying the relationship between maternal health and the biological aging of children, the lab aims to identify biomarkers that can predict neurocognitive outcomes in early childhood. The research combines expertise from various fields such as child health, immunology, and biostatistics to explore these critical developmental connections.

Dr. Nicole M. Cain's lab at Rutgers University focuses on understanding the links between social disconnection and suicidal thoughts in older adults. The research aims to explore how negative life events contribute to these thoughts and how certain personal vulnerabilities can influence this relationship. Through various assessments and longitudinal studies, her team seeks to provide insights that can improve suicide risk assessments and develop personalized treatments for older adults experiencing these issues.

Dr. Igor Shmarakov's lab studies how vitamin A is processed in the lungs and its role in lung health. They focus on the mechanisms through which lung cells acquire, store, and utilize vitamin A from the bloodstream, particularly through lipoproteins. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the lab aims to uncover how vitamin A influences lung cell behavior and may help address lung injuries related to vitamin A metabolism.

Dr. Sylvia S. Christakos' lab at Rutgers focuses on how vitamin D influences intestinal health, especially as we age. They study the mechanisms behind vitamin D's role in calcium absorption and its protective effects against inflammation and cancer in the gut. The lab aims to uncover why older adults often experience a reduced response to vitamin D and how targeted therapies can enhance its beneficial effects.

Dr. Tania Wong Fok Lung's lab at Rutgers focuses on how the body's metabolism affects immune responses during bacterial infections. The research explores how different metabolic pathways can either enhance or suppress the immune system's ability to fight infections. By using various techniques including dietary changes and drug treatments, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for efficiently managing infections and understanding broader implications for metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

Dr. Chaoyang Xue's lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding how the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans causes severe brain infections, especially in immunocompromised patients like those with AIDS. The lab is exploring how this fungus uses inositol, a sugar found in the brain, to cross the blood-brain barrier and evade the immune system. They are also working on developing new vaccines and treatments to combat this life-threatening infection.

Dr. Greta Bushnell's lab at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences focuses on understanding the safety and effects of sleep medications in youth, particularly those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The research aims to evaluate how commonly prescribed sleep medications may interact with ADHD treatments and their potential adverse effects. The lab's work is essential in informing care and improving health outcomes for young people suffering from sleep issues.