Jorge Moscat · Biology
Dr. Jorge Moscat's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms of mesenchymal colorectal cancer (CRC), a highly aggressive type of cancer with poor outcomes and limited treatment options. They aim to uncover how cholesterol metabolism contributes to the development of this cancer and how specific proteins can regulate this process. The lab combines mouse models and human data to identify new potential therapies for CRC, which may help overcome its challenges in treatment.
Susan A Gauthier · Neuroscience
Dr. Susan A. Gauthier's lab focuses on understanding multiple sclerosis (MS), specifically how chronic inflammation affects the brain and cognitive function in patients. By using advanced imaging techniques, her team aims to identify biomarkers for treatment effectiveness and develop personalized therapies. Their research explores both structural and functional changes in the brain as MS progresses, ultimately seeking to improve patient care and outcomes.
Yue Yang · Pharmacology
Dr. Yue Yang's lab focuses on understanding how obesity affects pancreatic beta cells, which are essential for insulin production. They investigate the role of NAD+, a metabolite that supports cell function and survival, and how its depletion contributes to diabetes. By exploring new compounds that boost NAD+ levels, they aim to develop innovative therapies to treat Type 2 Diabetes and restore beta cell function.
Seung Ha Nam · Biology
Dr. Seung Ha Nam's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on studying blood disorders known as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), particularly how genetic mutations affect responses to treatment. Using advanced techniques like single-cell sequencing, the lab investigates why some patients respond well to interferon therapy while others develop resistance. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for treating MPNs.
Emre R Aksay · Physiology
Dr. Emre Aksay's lab focuses on the neural circuits that support short-term memory, using the larval zebrafish's eye movement system as a model. The research investigates how various types of neurons interact to maintain persistent activity, which is crucial for memory and decision-making. By employing advanced imaging techniques and theoretical modeling, the lab aims to reveal the complexity and importance of neuronal diversity in cognitive functions.
Hibiki Fujita · Neuroscience
Dr. Hibiki Fujita's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, specifically linked to a protein called CHCHD10. By studying how mutations in this protein lead to neurodegeneration and exploring potential therapies, the lab aims to develop new treatments for these challenging neurological diseases. Students in this lab will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on protein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Taha Merghoub · Pharmacology
Dr. Taha Merghoub's lab focuses on understanding the complex role of neutrophils in cancer treatment, particularly how they can both help and harm patients undergoing immunotherapy. The research aims to identify how these immune cells can effectively destroy tumors while also preventing severe side effects associated with treatment. By studying neutrophils in various cancer models and in patient samples, the lab seeks to develop more precise and safer cancer therapies that effectively harness the body's immune response against tumors.
Caroline Alayne Pearson · Neuroscience
Dr. Caroline Alayne Pearson's lab at Weill Medical College of Cornell University investigates how glucose transport impacts brain development and disorders. The lab focuses on understanding the role of a specific glucose transporter in neural progenitor cells and its relevance to conditions like GLUT1-Deficiency Syndrome. Through cutting-edge techniques, researchers study how changes in glucose regulation affect neural cell development and function.
Keith P. Purpura · Neuroscience
Dr. Keith P. Purpura's lab focuses on understanding how eye movements affect our ability to perceive and process visual information. By studying the roles of fixational eye movements and saccades in primate brains, the lab seeks to uncover the neural mechanisms that underpin how we interpret shapes and textures in our visual environment. This research could provide insights into cognitive disorders related to eye movement disruptions.
Sandra Demaria · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Sandra Demaria's lab focuses on understanding how radiation therapy can enhance the immune response against tumors, particularly in the context of cancer immunotherapy. They are investigating how certain immune cells, called dendritic cells, are influenced by radiation and can help improve the effectiveness of treatments that unleash the immune system against cancer. The team aims to unravel the complex interactions between radiation, immune cells, and tumors to find new ways to boost patient responses to therapy.
David S. Rickman · Biology
David S. Rickman's lab focuses on understanding how prostate cancer evolves from a treatable form into a more aggressive type known as neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). They investigate the role of specific genes and epigenetic changes during this transformation, aiming to identify new treatments that can prevent or reverse this aggressive evolution. The lab uses patient-derived organoids and genetically engineered mouse models to explore these mechanisms and develop targeted therapies.
Laura Santambrogio · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Laura Santambrogio's lab focuses on understanding a newly discovered compound derived from tryptophan metabolism called 3HKA, which exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. They study how this compound interacts with immune cells, proposes its potential therapeutic applications for autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and lupus, and develop similar compounds to enhance immunomodulation. The lab integrates techniques from biochemistry and immunology to explore how metabolism influences immune system behavior.
Pengbo Zhou · Biology
Dr. Pengbo Zhou's lab focuses on understanding how specific mutations in the SPOP gene influence the development and progression of prostate cancer. By exploring both upstream regulators and downstream effects of this signaling pathway, the lab aims to identify new treatment strategies that target specific cancer subtypes, particularly those that display unique responses to therapy. This research is crucial for creating more effective, personalized medical interventions for patients with prostate cancer.
Li Gan · Neuroscience
Dr. Li Gan's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding the mechanisms that lead to Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, mainly by studying misfolded tau proteins in human neurons. The lab employs innovative techniques to explore how different proteins and genetic factors influence the development of tau pathology. By investigating these complex interactions, the lab aims to identify potential new treatments for these debilitating diseases.
Manu Sharma · Neuroscience
Dr. Manu Sharma's lab focuses on understanding the role of molecular chaperones in regulating tau protein levels and preventing the aggregation seen in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. By investigating how these chaperones and their complexes interact with tau, the lab aims to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Using a combination of in vitro neuron models and in vivo mouse models, the lab seeks to uncover new mechanisms that could contribute to tackling the tauopathies associated with aging populations.
Joshua Levitz · Biochemistry
Dr. Joshua Levitz's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins and receptors in the brain regulate neuronal signaling, particularly through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). His research explores the interactions between different types of receptors and their accessory proteins, which play critical roles in brain function and can influence neurological and psychiatric disorders. By employing advanced techniques like microscopy and electrophysiology, the lab aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors operate and their implications for treating various mental health conditions.
Kirk W Deitsch · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Kirk Deitsch's research lab focuses on understanding how malaria parasites change their outer surfaces to evade the immune system. By studying the molecular mechanisms behind this process, the lab aims to find new ways to combat malaria, particularly in young children who are at high risk of severe disease. This work not only enhances our understanding of malaria but also seeks to develop better treatments.
Margaret Elizabeth Ross · Neuroscience
Dr. Margaret Elizabeth Ross's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to spina bifida, a serious neural tube defect. By combining advanced DNA sequencing and machine learning techniques, the lab aims to identify specific gene mutations and interactions that lead to the condition. Their research strives not only to uncover the biological mechanisms behind spina bifida but also to pave the way for better prevention strategies and treatment options for affected individuals.
Thanh D Nguyen · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Thanh Nguyen's lab focuses on enhancing MRI techniques to better predict stroke risks associated with unstable carotid plaques. The research utilizes a novel imaging method called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) to differentiate between dangerous hemorrhages and benign calcifications in arterial plaques. By improving the accuracy of stroke risk assessment through advanced imaging, the lab aims to contribute to more personalized and effective stroke prevention strategies.
Jingli Cao · Biology
Dr. Jingli Cao's lab at Weill Medical College focuses on understanding how zebrafish can regenerate their heart after injury. The lab explores the role of polyploid cells, which have multiple copies of their genome, in the heart's regenerative process. By studying how these cells communicate and lead the healing process, the research aims to uncover new ways to improve heart repair in humans and address diseases associated with polyploidy, like cancer and kidney injury.