Dr. Timothy Lohman's research lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins help maintain the genetic material in cells. Their work centers around DNA helicases and single-stranded DNA binding proteins, which are crucial for processes like DNA replication and repair. By studying the mechanisms of these proteins, the lab aims to uncover insights that could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases caused by mutations in these proteins.

Dr. Tamara L. Doering's research focuses on understanding the complex cell wall of the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, which causes serious infections in humans, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. The lab studies the biosynthesis of beta-16-glucan, a crucial component of the cell wall that is not adequately targeted by existing antifungal treatments. By investigating the role of specific proteins involved in cell wall assembly, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets to combat cryptococcal infections.

Dr. Takeshi Egawa's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how CD8 T cells, a vital part of the immune system, make decisions about their fate when they respond to infections or vaccinations. By investigating the roles of specific signaling pathways and transcription factors, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to T cell differentiation, memory formation, and their potential for use in immunotherapy against cancers. This research is essential for developing improved treatments that harness the body's immune response to fight chronic infections and cancer.

Dr. Adam Thomas Eggebrecht's lab focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using advanced technology. The lab is working on a new method that combines wearable brain imaging with a computerized assessment to study motor imitation in children. This work aims to understand how motor imitation can help distinguish ASD from other developmental disorders, ultimately enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting better clinical care.

Dr. Barak A Cohen's lab focuses on understanding how certain regions of our DNA, specifically enhancers, regulate gene expression, even when they are located far from the genes they influence. By examining these enhancers, the lab aims to uncover the features that enable them to function over long distances, which is important for understanding genetic variation and its role in diseases. This research combines innovative high-throughput techniques with genetic and genomic analysis to shed light on the complexities of gene regulation.

Dr. Andrew Findlay's lab at Washington University focuses on developing new gene therapies for muscular dystrophies, particularly a type called limb-girdle muscular dystrophy D1 (LGMDD1). Unlike other gene therapy approaches that address recessive disorders, his research targets dominantly inherited conditions where traditional methods fail. His team is pioneering a technique called allele specific knockdown (ASKD) to selectively silence harmful gene mutations while preserving normal gene function. This work is crucial for advancing the treatment landscape for similar muscular dystrophies and potentially other genetic disorders.

Dr. Jeffrey I. Gordon's lab focuses on understanding how gut microbes influence the health and development of children, particularly those suffering from malnutrition. The lab has developed innovative food formulations designed to improve gut microbiota in undernourished children, which helps enhance their growth and overall health. By studying the relationship between specific dietary components and gut bacteria, they aim to create effective nutritional strategies that promote better developmental outcomes.

Dr. Manu Goyal's lab focuses on understanding the metabolic dysfunctions associated with Alzheimer's disease using advanced imaging techniques. By examining how amyloid plaques impact brain metabolism at both the cellular and network levels, the lab aims to unravel the connections between these metabolic changes and the progression of dementia. Ultimately, the research seeks to determine if treatments targeting amyloid can reverse these dysfunctions, paving the way for improved therapies for Alzheimer’s patients.

Dr. Michael J Greenberg's lab focuses on understanding the genetic causes of heart diseases, specifically cardiomyopathies, which can lead to heart failure. The team aims to develop new, more effective treatments by using a precision medicine approach that considers the unique genetic makeup of individual patients. They integrate various advanced techniques to model mutations and test how these influence heart cell and tissue function, paving the way for tailored therapies for patients with specific genetic mutations.

Dr. Jianjun Guan's research lab focuses on innovative methods to improve heart function and limb regeneration following ischemic injury. They are particularly interested in delivering specialized proteins and nanoparticles that can control inflammation and promote healing in damaged tissues, especially after heart attacks and in diabetic patients suffering from critical limb ischemia. The lab combines engineering techniques with biological insights to design therapies that ideally target the areas of injury and improve recovery outcomes.

Dr. Gautam Dantas's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how bacteria and viruses interact with the human gut microbiome, particularly in the context of infections like Clostridioides difficile. Their research aims to explore how early life factors, like antibiotic use, shape gut health and disease in children. By studying these microbial dynamics, the lab hopes to develop new approaches to prevent and treat microbiome-related diseases.

Dr. Tamara G. Hershey's lab focuses on understanding how type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects the brain, especially in youth who are at risk due to obesity and metabolic problems. The research aims to identify the connections between metabolic disorders and changes in brain structure and function, helping to better understand the complications associated with T2D in younger populations. This research is crucial as T2D is increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents, and studying these effects early can lead to better intervention strategies.

David M. Holtzman’s lab at Washington University focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how T cells, microglia, and the APOE gene interact to exacerbate tau-related neurodegeneration. Researchers in this lab investigate both innate and adaptive immune responses in the brain and their contributions to the pathology of tau aggregation and neurodegeneration. The goal is to find new therapeutic targets that can slow or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Dr. Eric J. Huang's lab at Washington University studies the mechanisms of neurodegeneration associated with mutations in the GRN gene, which is linked to diseases like frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. The lab focuses on how defects in lipid metabolism and endolysosomal trafficking in brain cells contribute to neuronal vulnerability. Through both human and mouse models, they aim to identify therapeutic targets for age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Conrad C. Weihl's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind inclusion body myopathy, a serious muscle disease. The research investigates how protein aggregates might spread between muscle fibers and cause degeneration, with potential applications for new therapies. By studying muscle tissues affected by this disease, the lab aims to clarify the links between different types of protein abnormalities and develop strategies to interrupt their harmful spread.

Dr. Yo-El S Ju's lab focuses on studying rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and its connections to more serious neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and dementia. The team collects data from patients diagnosed with RBD to understand how they might transition to these conditions and to develop strategies for early intervention and treatment. The lab aims to enhance clinical trials for neuroprotective therapies, ultimately improving outcomes for those at risk of developing severe neurological disorders.

Adam Kepecs' lab focuses on understanding how certain brain circuits, specifically in the basal forebrain, influence attention and cognitive functions. The lab investigates a particular type of neuron that suppresses activity in other neurons to see how it affects our ability to maintain attention over time. Their research has potential implications for treating attention disorders and other cognitive issues related to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Dr. Sebla B. Kutluay's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how HIV-1 virus packages its genetic material, specifically looking at the roles of various RNA-binding proteins. The research investigates the mechanisms by which viral RNA is selected for packaging into new virus particles, aiming to uncover vulnerabilities that could be targeted for new antiviral therapies. This work contributes to our broader knowledge of viral replication and interactions between viruses and their host cells.

Scott J. Hultgren's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding bacterial infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are complicated by antibiotic resistance. Their research explores how bacteria form communities on medical devices like catheters, which leads to persistent infections. The lab aims to develop new treatments that are effective even against antibiotic-resistant bacteria by analyzing bacterial interactions and resistance mechanisms.

Dr. John Cooper's lab studies how proteins regulate the assembly of actin filaments, which are crucial for cell shape and movement. By investigating the allosteric regulation of the actin capping protein, the lab aims to understand how certain protein interactions affect cellular motility in health and disease. Their work combines biochemistry, molecular genetics, and advanced imaging techniques to explore the mechanisms driving cell migration and actin dynamics.