Dr. Golam Mohi's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind specific blood disorders called myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic syndromes. They study how certain gene mutations lead to abnormal blood cell production and increased risk of cancer. The goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies to improve treatment options for these conditions.

Dr. Noelle D Dwyer's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how neural stem cells develop into the brain and how disruptions in this process can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. They utilize mouse genetics to study lethal mutations that affect brain development and other related organs. The team's research combines various phenotyping techniques to analyze these mutations, providing insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying brain malformations and developmental disorders.

Dr. Suna Onengut's lab at the University of Virginia studies type 1 diabetes (T1D), a complex autoimmune disorder. The research focuses on understanding how genetic risk factors influence the immune responses that lead to T1D, particularly through examining the interactions of immune cells and their gene expression. By utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell sequencing, the lab aims to identify biomarkers that could help predict the onset of T1D in genetically at-risk children.

Dr. David Parichy's lab at the University of Virginia studies how adult traits originate and are maintained, particularly through the development of pigment cells in zebrafish. By examining the genetic and cellular mechanisms of these processes, the lab aims to understand how variations in cell types contribute to different patterns and structures. This research has implications for understanding human genetic diseases, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Kevin Pelphrey's research lab at the University of Virginia focuses on improving the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly for individuals who are diagnosed later in life. By combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, along with artificial intelligence, the lab aims to identify behavioral markers that can predict late diagnoses. Their work will lead to the creation of a new screening tool that can help provide timely support for individuals at risk of being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.

B. Jill Venton's research lab at the University of Virginia focuses on developing innovative tools for pharmacogenomic screening and understanding neuromodulation in the brain. One key project aims to create a low-cost, portable microfluidic system that can quickly analyze genetic factors influencing how patients metabolize antidepressants. Another project investigates the role of adenosine in modulating brain activity, utilizing advanced techniques to measure various neurotransmitters simultaneously. This work has the potential to improve treatment for conditions like major depression and brain injuries.

Richard J. Price's research lab at the University of Virginia focuses on innovative therapies for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease and cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). The lab uses advanced techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and focused ultrasound (FUS) to enhance drug delivery and manipulate microglial responses in the brain. Their ultimate goal is to improve cognitive function and minimize the impact of these diseases through targeted, non-invasive treatments.

Dr. Ling Qi's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on the role of a protein complex known as SEL1L-HRD1 in various health-related processes. The lab investigates how this complex helps to degrade misfolded proteins in our cells, affecting conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and liver diseases. Their work sheds light on how genetic mutations may disrupt this important degradation pathway and contribute to disease.

Dr. Jeffrey Scott Smith's lab at the University of Virginia studies how aging affects the stability of specific regions of DNA, particularly those that produce ribosomal RNA. The lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind DNA damage and repair, especially how certain proteins can both cause and prevent genomic instability. By using yeast and human cell models, the research aims to uncover fundamental insights into how DNA maintains its integrity during the aging process, which could have implications for health and longevity.

Dr. Harald W Sontheimer's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how changes in the brain's extracellular matrix contribute to memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, the lab studies a structure called perineuronal nets (PNNs), which are believed to stabilize synapses in neurons. By investigating how amyloid and tau protein pathology affects these structures, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms underlying social recognition memory impairments in Alzheimer's patients and mouse models.

Dr. Rupa Sheth Valdez's lab focuses on understanding and measuring structural ableism, which contributes to health disparities faced by the disability community. The research involves creating validated tools to measure individual and community experiences of structural ableism, helping to identify its impact on health outcomes. This work is grounded in collaboration with the disability community and encompasses a variety of interdisciplinary approaches to advocate for health equity.

The Stukenberg lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how chromosomes are accurately separated during cell division, a process that goes awry in many cancers. They have discovered that a protein complex called the Chromosome Passenger Complex, which includes Aurora B kinase, is crucial for this regulation and can form special structures that help with this accuracy. Their research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these processes and explore new cancer therapies based on their findings.

Dr. Xiaowei Lu's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how specific cell structures, particularly in the auditory system and during early development, contribute to health and disease. Their research explores how hair cells in the ear process sound and how defects in these cells can lead to hearing loss. The lab also investigates mechanisms that drive the formation of the neural tube, which, when disrupted, can result in severe birth defects.

Dr. Nathan Swami's lab focuses on creating advanced technologies to study and sort cells based on their physical properties without using labels. They are developing a system that uses neural networks and impedance measurements to quickly identify and separate different types of cells by monitoring their responses to force and other environmental changes. This innovative approach aims to enhance our understanding of cell behavior in various conditions, which can have significant implications in fields like cancer research and immunology.

Dr. Alison K. Criss's lab at the University of Virginia investigates how the gonorrhea-causing bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, evade the immune response, specifically focusing on white blood cells known as neutrophils. Given the rising antibiotic resistance of this bacterium, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow it to persist and survive in the human body. Their research may lead to new therapeutic targets to combat drug-resistant gonorrhea, contributing to better public health strategies.

The lab focuses on developing new biomaterial scaffolds designed to enhance the healing process of diabetic wounds. By engineering a special type of hydrogel called Microporous Annealed Particle gel (MAP gel), the team aims to reduce inflammation, improve tissue integration, and support better blood vessel formation in wounds. With a combination of in vitro and in vivo experiments, they work to systematically improve these hydrogels for effective treatment alternatives for diabetic patients.

Dr. John R Lukens leads research focused on understanding the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, in Alzheimer's disease. His lab investigates how proteins like CLEC7A and CASS4 influence microglial behavior and their impact on brain health as we age. By using advanced mouse models and genetic tools, the team aims to uncover new therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease.

The Kucenas lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how myelination, the process that insulates nerve fibers in the central nervous system, is regulated. Specifically, the research investigates the roles of certain proteins in targeting axons for myelination and how myelination can be both initiated and controlled during the development of the nervous system. By studying these mechanisms in zebrafish, the lab aims to uncover critical insights that could contribute to our understanding of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis.

John Hackett Bushweller's lab focuses on developing new treatments for prostate cancer, particularly by designing small molecule inhibitors that target the ERG transcription factor, which plays a crucial role in the development and progression of this disease. The research aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies and address the problem of drug resistance in patients. Through biochemical and cellular assays, the lab seeks to optimize these inhibitors and evaluate their effects on cancer biology, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

Dr. John Platig's research lab focuses on understanding the role of RNA binding proteins in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a major global health concern. The lab investigates how these proteins regulate RNA molecules and how disruptions in their networks can affect disease outcomes. By utilizing cutting-edge genomic and proteomic techniques, the team aims to uncover COPD-specific regulatory changes and their implications for cellular function, contributing to a better understanding of this debilitating disease.