Dr. Seong Su Kang's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how gender differences and specific genes contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly in women. The team investigates the roles of the APOE4 gene, a known risk factor for AD, and the hormone follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in influencing AD pathology, especially regarding cognitive decline in postmenopausal women. By exploring these connections, the lab aims to uncover new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Souheil Younes's research lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how the gut microbiome affects CD4 T cells in HIV-1 infected individuals who do not respond to treatment. The lab investigates the role of specific bacterial toxins produced in the gut that may hinder the recovery of CD4 T cells and contribute to health complications in these patients. By exploring the connections between bacteria, toxins, and immune response, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets to improve health outcomes for these individuals.

Dr. Daniel Kalman’s lab at Emory University studies how natural compounds produced by gut bacteria, called indoles, can help maintain muscle function and mobility as animals age. The lab investigates how indoles can protect muscle proteins and mitochondrial function, helping to combat age-related decline in mobility and associated health issues in elderly populations. Their research may lead to new therapies to support healthy aging.

Dr. Xiaofeng Yang's lab at Emory University focuses on developing advanced imaging technologies to improve cancer treatments, particularly stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung tumors. Their research aims to enhance the precision of radiation delivery by enabling real-time tracking of tumors during treatment, which is crucial given that tumors can move due to the patient's breathing. By using cutting-edge techniques in deep learning and imaging, the lab hopes to create systems that improve treatment accuracy and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes across various cancer types.

David Richard Myers' lab at Emory University focuses on developing innovative medical devices, particularly for measuring brain pressure. They are creating a new type of implanted pressure sensor that uses ultrasound technology to provide more accurate and stable intracranial pressure readings. This research aims to improve patient outcomes for those with neurological conditions by overcoming the limitations of current pressure monitoring devices.

Dr. Thota Ganesh's lab at Emory University focuses on developing new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, particularly through targeting a specific receptor involved in brain inflammation. They are working on small-molecule drugs that can potentially slow down the progression of Alzheimer's by reducing neuroinflammation and improving cognitive function. The research aims to create effective therapies that offer hope to the millions affected by this debilitating condition.

Dr. Peng Jin's lab focuses on understanding how certain elements of our DNA, particularly transposable elements (TEs) and dynamic DNA modifications, influence brain health and diseases like Alzheimer's. They investigate how a protein called TDP-43 affects these DNA elements and contributes to neurodegeneration, aiming to uncover new targets for potential treatments. The research combines genetics and epigenetics to shed light on complex brain processes and their implications for neurological disorders.

Dr. Chaoran Li's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how specialized immune cells called regulatory T cells (Tregs) function in the skin. These Tregs help prevent skin inflammation and maintain tissue health. The lab explores the metabolic processes and epigenetic changes that influence these immune cells, particularly in response to environmental factors. Their goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Dr. Hanjoong Jo's lab at Emory University studies how changes in blood flow can lead to diseases like atherosclerosis. They investigate how certain proteins in blood vessel cells can be triggered by flow changes, causing those cells to become unhealthy and promote plaque buildup. This research aims to uncover new ways to prevent heart disease by understanding these mechanisms better.

Dr. Vijayakumar Velu's lab focuses on innovative approaches to combat HIV, aiming to achieve sustained remission without lifelong treatments. The research combines immunotherapy with a new vaccination strategy to enhance the body's immune response against HIV. Using a monkey model, the lab investigates how different therapies can improve the function of immune cells that target the virus, potentially leading to a cure.

Dr. David Weinshenker's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding the role of neuromelanin in the degeneration of specific neurons in Alzheimer's disease. They are particularly interested in how these changes contribute to early symptoms like anxiety and cognitive impairment. Through innovative techniques, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments and diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Renee D Read's lab at Emory University is focused on finding new treatments for glioblastoma, which is a very aggressive brain cancer. The lab investigates how certain proteins, YAP and TAZ, contribute to the growth of these tumors and how they can be inhibited using an existing drug called verteporfin. By understanding these mechanisms, the team aims to improve treatment options for patients with glioblastoma and possibly other related cancers.

Dr. Changsheng Zhao's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how prostate cancer cells change their identity from luminal cells to neuroendocrine cells, a transition that is key to the progression of a lethal form of prostate cancer. By investigating the molecular mechanisms behind this transformation, the lab aims to identify new drug targets and biomarkers that could help in diagnosing and treating advanced prostate cancer. The lab employs innovative models and advanced genomic techniques to map these cellular changes over time.

Dr. James Q Zheng's lab at Emory University investigates how the actin cytoskeleton affects the structure and function of synapses in the brain. By studying the dynamic changes in dendritic spines, which are crucial for learning and memory, the lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. This research is essential for understanding brain development and potential connections to brain disorders.