Dr. Ying Xian's lab focuses on understanding how strokes can lead to cognitive impairment and dementia, a condition known as post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID). The lab aims to use large datasets to identify risk factors for PSCID and explore how certain medications might help prevent it. Through this research, they hope to improve the care and treatment plans for stroke survivors and contribute to public health strategies targeting dementia related to strokes.

Dr. Hume Akahori Stroud's research lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett Syndrome and autism. The lab studies the roles of important proteins, such as MECP2 and DNMT3A, in gene regulation within the brain. By exploring how these proteins interact with DNA and affect gene expression, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for treating these neurological conditions.

Dr. Joseph S. Takahashi's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding how the timing of food intake affects aging and lifespan. Their research explores the concept of caloric restriction and its interactions with circadian rhythms, studying how these factors can promote healthier aging. The lab's work seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these processes, particularly the role of inflammation and specific genes in regulating longevity.

Dr. Jonathan Terman's research lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding how neurons connect with each other during development and how these connections are maintained into adulthood. Their work primarily investigates the molecular mechanisms of axon guidance using the fruit fly as a model organism. By studying these processes, the lab aims to uncover insights that could lead to new treatments for mental illnesses and other brain disorders caused by disrupted neural connections.

Dr. Kendra King Frederick's lab focuses on understanding the structures and behaviors of amyloid proteins, particularly alpha-synuclein, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia. The research combines advanced imaging techniques to examine how these proteins form and propagate within different cellular environments, aiding in the development of better diagnostic tools and therapies.

Dr. Srinivas Malladi's lab focuses on understanding how certain types of breast cancer cells survive and metastasize to the brain. The research aims to uncover mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade the immune system and resist therapy. By exploring the roles of specific proteins and immune interactions, the lab seeks to develop strategies that may enhance treatment responses and combat metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Dr. Jeffrey Sorelle's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding disorders related to glycosylation, specifically those that affect the intestines. The team uses a special mouse model to study how defects in the production of specific sugars impact gut health and functionality, which is particularly relevant for patients with a condition called MPI deficiency. By exploring how these sugars affect the function of mucus in the intestines, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders.

Dr. Diego H. Castrillon's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind endometrial cancer and developing advanced mouse models for studying intestinal cancer. By investigating the role of the PAX2 gene in endometrial carcinogenesis and creating new models that reflect the genetic complexities of human tumors, the lab aims to improve early detection and treatment strategies for these prevalent cancers.

Dr. Xiaochen Bai's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding how receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) signal in cells and exploring new therapies involving the STING protein, critical for immune response to cancer. The lab combines advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, biochemistry, and cell biology to investigate the complex mechanisms of RTK activation and to develop innovative cancer treatments. By designing new types of therapies that can manipulate these signaling pathways, this research aims to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

Dr. Kevin Michael Dean's lab focuses on understanding how cells communicate and behave through advanced imaging technologies. By developing innovative tools such as high-resolution light-sheet microscopes and biosensors, the lab aims to make complex cellular signaling accessible to a wider range of researchers. They emphasize training and collaboration to democratize these advanced techniques and enhance biological discovery.

Dr. Yunsun Nam's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding how exposure to toxic heavy metals, like arsenic and cadmium, affects RNA modifications in cells. These modifications play a critical role in gene regulation, and the lab investigates how heavy metals disrupt these processes, potentially leading to harmful health effects like cancer. The research aims to reveal the molecular mechanisms behind these disruptions and their implications for cellular function and disease pathology.

Dr. Joshua T Mendell's lab focuses on understanding how specific modifications to transfer RNA (tRNA) impact the growth and spread of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a type of kidney cancer. The lab investigates a newly discovered mechanism where altered tRNA modifications can change the way cancer cells metabolize energy, potentially leading to increased metastasis. By combining expertise in RNA biology and cancer research, the lab seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets for treatment.

Dr. Peter T. Tsai's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center studies how certain brain circuits involving the cerebellum influence social behaviors. They are investigating the communication between the cerebellum and the medial prefrontal cortex and how this is important for social interactions. The research aims to uncover mechanisms underlying social behavior challenges in neurodevelopmental disorders and explore potential ways to enhance these behaviors through targeted interventions.

Dr. Steven A. Vernino's lab focuses on understanding Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that causes disabling symptoms in patients when they stand up. The lab is dedicated to identifying different subtypes of POTS through detailed patient studies, which involve various assessments and exercise responses. The goal is to improve diagnosis and treatment plans, helping patients manage their condition more effectively.

Dr. Todd F. Roberts' lab focuses on understanding how the brain maintains and updates learned vocal behaviors, particularly in songbirds like zebra finches. The research investigates the role of brain circuits and dopamine in learning and maintaining vocalizations and explores the genetic factors underlying vocal imitation. Ultimately, this work could shed light on the neural mechanisms involved in speech and communication in humans and other animals.

Dr. Yingfei Wang's lab focuses on understanding the role of epigenetics in Alzheimer’s disease, especially how certain proteins influence cognitive deficits and neuronal activity. By studying the KDM6B protein's impact in mice, the lab aims to uncover underlying mechanisms that lead to changes in synaptic function and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's. The research could pave the way for new treatments to improve cognitive functions in patients suffering from this disease.

Dr. Jing Wang's lab focuses on improving radiation therapy for patients with head and neck cancer by developing advanced predictive models to identify cancerous lymph nodes. They use machine learning techniques to analyze imaging data and patient information to enhance treatment efficacy while reducing side effects. The goal is to change how radiation is applied, making it more precise and minimizing harm to healthy tissues.

Dr. Chuo Chen's lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on developing new drugs to treat cancer by targeting a specific cell signaling pathway known as Wnt/-catenin. This pathway is often dysfunctional in many cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, which affects thousands of people each year. The lab utilizes innovative chemical strategies and protein studies to understand how certain enzymes can control cancer growth and offer potential treatment solutions.

Dr. Xiaochun Li's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in Zaki Syndrome, a genetic disorder that leads to severe developmental issues in children. By studying the Wntless (WLS) protein and its role in Wnt signaling, the lab seeks to uncover how genetic mutations disrupt normal development. This research aims not only to deepen our understanding of human developmental biology but also to explore potential therapeutic strategies to treat conditions associated with birth defects.

Dr. Jiang Wu's lab at UT Southwestern focuses on understanding how changes at the chromatin level affect neuron activity and brain function. By studying the role of a chromatin regulator called BRG1, the lab investigates how neuronal stimulation can lead to long-lasting changes in gene expression, contributing to neural plasticity and conditions like drug addiction. Students in this lab will learn about the intricate mechanisms of gene regulation and how they pertain to brain health and diseases.