Richard F Keep · Biology
Dr. Richard F Keep's lab focuses on understanding how inflammation in the brain contributes to Alzheimer's disease. They are investigating the role of a specific protein, junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), in attracting immune cells called neutrophils to the brain, which may harm brain function. By studying these processes, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic approaches to slow down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
Charles A Parkos · Biology
Dr. Charles A Parkos at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how HIV infection disrupts the intestinal barrier, leading to inflammation and various health complications in people living with HIV. His lab investigates the interaction between HIV-infected cells and intestinal epithelial cells, aiming to uncover the molecular pathways that contribute to these diseases. By tackling these issues, the lab hopes to develop targeted therapies that can improve overall health for individuals affected by HIV.
Shigeki Iwase · Genetics
The lab led by Dr. Shigeki Iwase focuses on understanding how chromatin modifications, specifically histone methylation, influence brain function and development. The research aims to uncover the specific roles that various enzymes play in synaptic plasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and intellectual disabilities. By investigating the complex regulatory mechanisms in neurons, the lab hopes to develop new therapeutic strategies to address these disorders.
Ursula H. Jakob · Biochemistry
Dr. Ursula H. Jakob's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how cells maintain protein homeostasis, which is vital for preventing diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The lab studies two main areas: the role of inorganic polyphosphate in stress resistance and amyloid toxicity, and how epigenetic changes, specifically histone modifications, influence the aging process and healthspan. By exploring these mechanisms in model organisms, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for promoting longevity and combating neurodegenerative diseases.
Seoyoun Kim · Social Science
Dr. Seoyoun Kim's lab focuses on improving how aging data is managed and shared among researchers. By creating a structured data infrastructure, the lab aims to facilitate interdisciplinary studies that can lead to better understanding and interventions for aging-related health issues, particularly Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive conditions. The lab also provides training and resources to support researchers using this infrastructure.
Ioulia Kovelman · Psychology
Dr. Ioulia Kovelman's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how bilingualism affects literacy and language development in children, particularly those with dyslexia and developmental language disorders. They conduct research exploring the cognitive mechanisms behind literacy skills in bilingual children, aiming to improve educational practices and interventions. The lab uses advanced neuroimaging techniques to delve into how children's two languages interact and influence their reading and language abilities.
Chandramouli Krishnan · Engineering
Dr. Chandramouli Krishnan's lab focuses on understanding and improving walking difficulties faced by stroke survivors. The research investigates how joint stiffness and viscosity in the ankle affect mobility and explores the implications of Botulinum Neurotoxin injections that are commonly used to treat these issues. The lab aims to develop new assessment techniques that can be applied in clinical settings, helping to enhance treatment options and improve the quality of life for individuals recovering from strokes.
Robert D Gregg · Engineering
Dr. Robert D Gregg's lab focuses on improving the design and functionality of powered prosthetic legs for individuals with above-knee amputations. The lab aims to develop adaptive control systems that allow prosthetic limbs to respond dynamically to various activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. Their research combines biomechanics, machine learning, and engineering to make prostheses more responsive and intuitive, thereby enhancing mobility and quality of life for users.
Raymond C Trievel · Biochemistry
Professor Raymond Trievel's lab at the University of Michigan studies how the bacteria Legionella pneumophila causes Legionnaires Disease, a severe form of pneumonia. The lab focuses on understanding specific proteins called lysine methyltransferases that help the bacteria survive and multiply within host cells by modifying histones, proteins that control gene expression. By exploring these molecular mechanisms, the lab aims to discover new therapeutic strategies to combat this dangerous pathogen.
Ajit Joglekar · Biology
Ajit Joglekar's lab explores how cells regulate their division, specifically focusing on a mechanism called the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint. By studying this checkpoint, the lab aims to understand why certain cancer cells mismanage chromosome segregation during cell division. The work involves both experimental techniques and mathematical modeling to uncover the dynamics of cell signaling and its implications for genome stability in cancer.
Scott Pletcher · Physiology
Scott Pletcher's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how social interactions and environmental factors influence the aging process. Using fruit flies as a model organism, the lab develops advanced technologies to monitor behavior and analyze molecular changes over time. Their research aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind social behaviors and their impact on aging, creating a foundation for future studies in other species, including humans.
Andrew P Lieberman · Biology
Dr. Andrew P. Lieberman's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on developing therapies for Niemann-Pick Type C disease, a serious genetic disorder that causes neurodegeneration. The research aims to understand the mechanisms behind the disease, particularly the role of cholesterol in brain cells and how novel treatments can alleviate symptoms. Students in this lab will work on innovative approaches to drug development, studying both neuron and oligodendrocyte cell functions in the context of the disease.
Lei Yin · Physiology
Dr. Lei Yin's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how a protein called ChREBP protects the liver from fatty liver diseases, particularly non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By investigating the role of ChREBP in regulating fat metabolism and cell behavior in the liver, the lab aims to uncover new approaches to prevent and treat serious liver conditions. This research is vital since NASH is a significant health concern with limited treatment options.
Ormond A Macdougald · Physiology
Dr. Ormond A. Macdougald's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by the loss of fat tissue. They study how mutations in the LMNA gene affect fat cells and related metabolic health in both mice and humans. The research aims to uncover the biological processes that lead to fat loss, particularly during puberty, and could potentially reveal new strategies for treating related metabolic disorders.
Joshua A Buss · Chemistry
Dr. Joshua A Buss's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how different metal ions in enzymes influence their reactivity and efficiency. By creating synthetic models of enzyme active sites, the research aims to answer why some enzymes are highly specific in their metal requirements, while others can function with a variety of metals. This work could lead to the development of new catalysts for pharmaceutical applications.
Jiahe Li · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Jiahe Li's lab focuses on developing innovative microbial-based treatments for colorectal cancer, specifically targeting harmful metabolites produced by gut bacteria. They aim to understand how engineered non-pathogenic bacteria can neutralize a carcinogenic substance called colibactin, which is linked to cancer progression. The research combines microbiology with cancer biology to explore new therapeutic strategies for combating this disease.
Richard A Miech · Mathematics & Statistics
Dr. Richard A. Miech's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding drug use trends and behaviors in American youth and adults. The lab conducts a long-term survey called Monitoring the Future (MTF), which tracks drug use, attitudes, and related social factors over time. By studying different age groups, the lab aims to understand the changes in drug use across generations and the factors influencing these behaviors.
Richard A Miller · Biology
Dr. Richard A. Miller's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how certain interventions can extend the lifespan of mice, which may eventually lead to anti-aging treatments for humans. By testing different agents that affect aging processes, the lab hopes to discover new ways to promote health as we age. Their research uses a collaborative approach involving multiple institutions to test these interventions in a variety of settings, aiming to identify effective treatments that can delay age-related diseases.
James J. Moon · Pharmacology
Dr. James J. Moon's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for aggressive cancers, particularly head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The lab explores the use of engineered nanoparticles to activate the STING immune pathway, aiming to improve patient responses to immunotherapy. They are also investigating how to modulate the gut microbiome to enhance cancer treatments, creating formulations that can be administered orally to boost immune responses safely.
Bethany B. Moore · Microbiology & Immunology
Bethany B. Moore's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how the immune system interacts with lung cells during injury and fibrosis. They study the role of specific immune and structural cells in managing lung health, especially how these interactions can influence infections and fibrosis. The lab aims to develop targeted therapies for lung diseases that arise from chronic inflammation and to improve the immune responses in fibrotic lungs.