Dr. Patrick Rothwell's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how certain brain cells interact with opioid signaling, particularly in a region called the nucleus accumbens. They aim to develop new therapies for opioid use disorders by targeting the degradation of specific peptides involved in opioid signals. The research not only seeks to inform potential treatments but also uncovers how opioid exposure alters the brain's wiring, potentially leading to addiction and relapse.

Dr. Catherine M Kotz's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how the brain regulates energy balance, particularly after weight loss. They study a neuropeptide called orexin, which is involved in stimulating energy expenditure and physical activity. The lab uses animal models to explore potential therapies that could help people maintain weight loss by minimizing the inherent challenges of sticking to lower body weights.

Dr. Gulin Oz's research lab focuses on understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain, particularly how the disease impacts the central nervous system (CNS). By employing advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and spectroscopy, the lab aims to investigate the underlying biology of prolonged neurological symptoms experienced by COVID-19 survivors. This work seeks to provide insights that may lead to better care and treatment strategies for those affected by these lasting health issues.

Dr. Wei Pan's research lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on using advanced statistical methods, particularly machine learning, to understand the genetic factors behind Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing large datasets from genomic studies and integrating various types of biological data, the lab aims to identify genes and proteins that could play a role in the disease. Their work not only seeks to uncover causal relationships in Alzheimer's but also develops tools that other researchers can use in their studies.

Dr. Christopher A. Pennell's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding neurotoxicity, a serious side effect associated with CAR T-cell therapy used in treating certain blood cancers. By developing a specialized mouse model, the lab investigates how these engineered immune cells can cause neurological adverse effects, aiming to reveal the underlying mechanisms and improve patient outcomes. Their work bridges basic research on CNS pathobiology with practical applications in cancer treatment, potentially leading to safer immunotherapy options.

Dr. Sarah M. Flood's lab focuses on improving access to a vital data resource that examines the well-being of families and individuals in the U.S. Through the Integrated Current Population Survey, the lab aims to enhance research on population dynamics, health, and social equity. The team's work provides crucial insights that inform public policy aimed at alleviating health disparities and supporting children and families.

Elizabeth H Boyle's research lab focuses on utilizing extensive data from demographic and health surveys to enhance understanding of population health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The lab aims to integrate various health and demographic data sources, allowing for in-depth analysis of health issues affecting women and children, such as nutrition, maternal health, and the impacts of environmental factors. This work is crucial for informing public health initiatives and improving health outcomes globally.

Dr. Gianluigi Veglia's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the molecular basis of diseases linked to mutations in the PRKACA gene, which is crucial for regulating various cellular processes. By studying how specific mutations affect the function of protein kinase A (PKA-C), the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that may lead to conditions like Cushing's syndrome and certain types of cancer. They employ advanced techniques to analyze protein behavior in hopes of finding targeted therapies to correct these dysfunctions.

Dr. Jonathan N Sachs' lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on innovative cell therapies to tackle neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. By engineering macrophages from human stem cells, they aim to enhance the body’s ability to clear out damaging proteins and reduce inflammation in the brain. Their research integrates advanced genetic engineering techniques to create immune cells that can effectively target and manage Alzheimer's pathology.

Dr. Kathryn Schwertfeger's research lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on breast cancer, specifically how immune cells, particularly macrophages, interact with tumors. The lab investigates signaling pathways that affect macrophage behavior, aiming to enhance the body’s anti-tumor immune response. By understanding how these pathways work, the research hopes to develop new treatments that can improve cancer outcomes for patients.

Dr. Michael J. Sheedlo's lab focuses on understanding how the Clostridioides difficile Transferase (CDT) toxin works to infect host cells. They use advanced imaging techniques and biochemical methods to investigate the structure and function of CDT, aiming to find new ways to develop treatments for infections caused by this bacterium. By exploring how CDT interacts with cells, the lab seeks to uncover important details that could lead to better therapies for combating C. difficile infections.

Dr. Pamela J Skinner's lab focuses on understanding how HIV persists in the body, particularly in secretive reservoirs like the gut and brain. They are developing innovative therapies that use genetically engineered immune cells to seek out and eliminate these hidden viral reservoirs, aiming for a potential cure for HIV. This research is crucial for improving treatment strategies and possibly eradicating the virus in infected individuals.

Dr. Xiaoran Sun's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how adolescents manage their social media use and its impact on their mental health. The lab conducts innovative research using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including objective tracking of social media interactions, to uncover the links between social media behaviors and mental health outcomes. Their work aims to create effective strategies that help adolescents use social media in healthier ways.

Dr. Dezhi Liao's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how tau proteins misbehave in diseases like Alzheimer's. They explore how modifications to tau proteins impact brain function and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. By using a novel mouse model and studying mild traumatic brain injury, they aim to identify the mechanisms that lead to tau-related dysfunction, ultimately seeking to develop new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Jonathan P. Schroeder's lab focuses on enhancing access to vast population data to better understand health and demographic changes. By utilizing advanced geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical methods, the lab creates resources that support researchers in analyzing important health disparities and trends across different communities. Their work is crucial for developing effective public health strategies and ensuring equitable health outcomes.

Dr. Rocio Gomez-Pastor's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how cognitive decline occurs in Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative condition that affects movement as well as cognition. The lab studies the molecular mechanisms behind synaptic dysfunction in the brain's striatum region, particularly how disruptions in certain proteins impact cognitive performance in early stages of the disease. Insights gained may help identify therapeutic targets that can improve the quality of life for those affected.

Dr. Matthew Douglas Johnson's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on improving deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for Parkinson's disease. The research aims to optimize stimulation settings in order to enhance motor control and address specific symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability. By using advanced technologies like microelectrode arrays and adaptive control algorithms, the lab seeks to develop personalized and responsive therapies for patients.

Dr. Ling Li's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the biochemical changes that lead to Alzheimer's disease and the effects of COVID-19 on the brain. The lab investigates how variations of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and mitochondrial lipids interact to influence brain aging and cognitive function. They utilize advanced techniques to study brain pathology in aging and how infections like SARS-CoV-2 may exacerbate cognitive impairments.

Dr. Alexander Opitz's lab focuses on advancing techniques for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to better treat psychiatric disorders. Using non-human primate models, the lab explores how real-time brain recordings can optimize TMS settings for individual patients. Their research aims to make TMS more effective through the identification of brain response markers and the development of closed-loop stimulation protocols.

Dr. Hai-Bin Ruan's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on how diabetes affects bone health, particularly exploring the role of a specific protein modification known as O-GlcNAc in bone marrow stromal cells. Their research aims to understand the mechanisms behind increased fracture risk in diabetic patients and to identify new targets for therapeutic interventions that could prevent bone loss associated with diabetes. By studying the cellular interactions and metabolic pathways involved in bone remodeling, the lab seeks to provide insights that could improve treatments for osteoporosis in individuals suffering from diabetes.