Dr. Michael Oertel's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding and improving liver health by studying cell competition, a process where certain cells outcompete others for space and resources. Their research aims to use this knowledge to develop new cell-based therapies that can help treat chronic liver diseases. By investigating how fetal liver cells behave differently compared to mature liver cells, the lab seeks to produce enhanced liver progenitor cells that can effectively regenerate damaged tissue.

Dr. Afonso C Silva's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease by creating and studying marmoset models. These small primates offer a unique opportunity to explore the biological mechanisms behind Alzheimer's, and the lab aims to discover how the disease develops from its earliest stages. Through advanced imaging and genetic techniques, the research aims to enhance knowledge about both early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's, potentially leading to new treatments.

Dr. Yuan Chang's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) persists in the human body and the mechanisms that can lead it to cause cancer. Their research delves into the virus's ability to control its replication and achieve a state of latency, which allows it to evade the immune system over long periods. By utilizing advanced techniques, they aim to unravel the intricate relationship between MCPyV and host cellular factors, shedding light on the development of targeted therapies for skin cancers caused by this virus.

Dr. Marlies Meisel's lab focuses on understanding how certain gut bacteria affect the immune system's ability to fight cancer, particularly in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The research aims to explore how these bacteria enhance the efficacy of cancer therapies by increasing the activity of T cells that attack tumors. Ultimately, the goal is to identify new approaches that can improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients resistant to current therapies.

Dr. Mark T. Miedel's lab focuses on improving treatment strategies for metabolic dysfunction associated with fatty liver disease (MAFLD). They use innovative technology to create a human-like liver model, allowing them to study how specific genetic variations affect the disease and test potential new medicines. By mimicking human liver function, the lab aims to understand the mechanisms that contribute to MAFLD and identify more effective therapeutic options.

Dr. Anne-Ruxandra Carvunis' lab focuses on discovering the functions and evolutionary significance of microproteins, which are tiny proteins that have recently been found to be abundant but are often overlooked in genetic studies. They study how these microproteins evolve quickly and how the immune system influences their function, potentially linking them to autoimmune diseases. This research aims to better understand these previously unknown molecules, which could lead to new treatments for autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Sarah B. Berman's lab focuses on understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction affects energy metabolism in the brain, particularly in the context of Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). They employ advanced brain imaging techniques to analyze the role of energy system failures in the progression of this neurodegenerative disease. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive decline in DLB and identify potential therapeutic targets for neuroprotection.

The research lab led by Song Li at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on developing novel therapies for metastatic breast and colon cancers. They are working on advanced drug delivery systems using nanoparticles to combine RNA interference with classic chemotherapy, aiming to improve treatment effectiveness and overcome drug resistance in cancer patients. The lab's research has potential implications for enhancing immune responses against tumors.

Dr. Smithgall's research lab focuses on developing innovative approaches to treat HIV/AIDS by targeting a specific protein called Nef that plays a critical role in HIV replication and immune evasion. They explore small molecules and specialized drugs that can selectively destroy this protein in infected cells, which may lead to a reduction in viral reservoirs and better antiviral immune responses. Their work aims to contribute to potential curative strategies for HIV infections.

Dr. Donald Defranco's lab focuses on finding safer treatment options for neonatal lung injury, specifically targeting bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. The lab investigates how a drug called ciclesonide can help prevent lung damage without causing harmful effects on the brain, unlike traditional glucocorticoids. Their research aims to ensure that treatments for neonatal conditions do not compromise brain development during critical early life stages.

Dr. Rebecca P Seal's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the neural circuits that contribute to mechanical allodynia, a painful condition resulting from nerve and tissue damage. The lab investigates how different types of injuries shape the neural pathways involved in this heightened sensitivity to touch. By identifying the excitatory and inhibitory neurons involved, the goal is to uncover new therapeutic targets for pain management.

Dr. Jun Chen's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affect brain function and structure, particularly through the lens of neurovascular damage and inflammation. The lab is exploring the potential use of adiponectin, a hormone that may help protect the brain and restore function after such injuries. By studying the effects of this adipokine, the team aims to find new therapeutic strategies to reduce the impact of brain injuries on cognitive health.

Dr. Neeraj J Gandhi's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how our brains process and respond to moving targets, particularly how we accurately intercept them with our eye movements. By studying the complex neural mechanisms involved in oculomotor control, the lab aims to uncover important insights into neurological disorders that affect eye movements and motor coordination. This research has potential implications for diagnosing and treating conditions like mild traumatic brain injury and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Dr. Nadine Hempel's lab focuses on understanding ovarian cancer, particularly how cancer cells respond to losing contact with their surroundings and how this affects their ability to spread (metastasize). They study a specific protein, RHOV, which plays a critical role in these processes and could be a target for new treatments. By identifying key genes and their signaling pathways, the lab aims to develop precision medicine strategies to improve survival rates for ovarian cancer patients.

Dr. Charleen T Chu's lab focuses on understanding how a protein called PINK1 affects brain cells, particularly in conditions like Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. By studying how PINK1 regulates the structure and function of dendrites, which are vital for neuronal communication and memory, the lab aims to uncover new approaches for preventing cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Rebecca G. Reed's lab at the University of Pittsburgh investigates how socioeconomic factors throughout a person's life influence cognitive decline in midlife. They focus on understanding the timing of these influences and the biological mechanisms, specifically looking at epigenetic aging as a potential link. By studying individuals' socioeconomic experiences from childhood into adulthood, the research aims to uncover vital insights that can inform interventions to mitigate cognitive decline risk.

Dr. Anthony R. Richardson's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how certain bacterial skin pathogens can resist the toxic effects of naturally occurring molecules called polyamines. By researching the mechanisms behind polyamine toxicity and resistance in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes, the lab aims to discover new ways to create effective treatments for infections caused by these dangerous bacteria.

Dr. Anne Marie Robertson's lab focuses on improving medical treatments for bladder problems, like those caused by benign prostate enlargement, and enhancing risk assessment for brain aneurysms. The lab aims to create digital models that simulate bladder and aneurysm behavior to better understand their mechanics and develop tailored treatment strategies. This research is vital for designing more effective surgical and pharmacological interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Sarah Kolibash Royse's research lab focuses on understanding the role of white matter injury in Alzheimer's disease. By investigating how this injury interacts with neurotoxic proteins and cognitive function, the lab aims to identify novel treatment targets that could improve prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's. The lab utilizes advanced neuroimaging techniques and extensive patient data to explore these complex relationships.

Dr. Helen Schwerdt's lab focuses on understanding how dopamine plays a role in learning from rewards and punishments, which is essential for behaviors ranging from simple tasks to more complex cognitive functions. By developing advanced tools to measure dopamine levels in the brain, particularly in monkeys, the research aims to explore how different types of feedback affect learning processes. This work could have significant implications for treating Parkinson's disease and related disorders that impact these learning mechanisms.