Dr. Dalton Surmeier's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease (PD) and developing new therapeutic strategies. The research aims to dissect the roles of specific neurons in the brain that are involved in the disease, particularly how they relate to motor symptoms and side effects of standard treatments. By employing advanced genetic tools and rodent models, the lab seeks to uncover insights that could lead to improved therapies for PD patients.

Dr. Peter Penzes' lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how certain proteins influence the connections between nerve cells in the brain, which are vital for learning and behavior. His research targets the pathways involved in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and fragile X syndrome, exploring how disruptions in these pathways can lead to changes in brain function. By studying the roles of specific proteins in synapse formation and function, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for mental health treatments.

Dr. Weiguo Cui's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how T cells respond to chronic viral infections. They investigate the mechanisms behind T cell exhaustion and differentiation, aiming to harness this knowledge to develop new therapeutic strategies. By exploring how specific T cell subsets are formed and function, the lab aims to improve treatments for conditions like HIV and cancer.

Dr. Marc W. Slutzky's research focuses on improving gait and movement in stroke survivors using an innovative approach called MINT conditioning. This method aims to correct abnormal muscle activation patterns that negatively impact walking and quality of life. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a user-friendly, wearable device for home therapy that enhances rehabilitation efforts after a stroke.

Dr. Alfred L. George's lab at Northwestern University studies genetic causes of epilepsy, particularly focusing on disorders linked to the KCNQ2 gene. They aim to understand how mutations in this gene affect brain function and lead to different severity levels in epilepsy symptoms. The lab utilizes advanced technologies, including human stem cell models and genetically engineered mice, to explore these mechanisms, ultimately seeking to inform new treatments for affected patients.

Dr. Dimitri Krainc's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind Parkinson's disease using patient-derived cells. They study how different genetic factors influence the health of dopamine neurons and the role of surrounding glial cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, in neurodegeneration. The lab employs cutting-edge techniques to explore the interactions between cellular pathways and develop new experimental models for studying various aspects of Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Lee Miller's lab focuses on developing advanced brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that enable individuals with spinal cord injuries to regain more natural control of their hand movements. By utilizing muscle activity signals, or EMGs, from the brain, the lab aims to enhance the ability of users to control not just movements but also the forces involved in grasping objects. This research has the potential to significantly improve the lives of individuals with motor impairments, allowing them to perform daily tasks more intuitively.

Dr. Hank S. Seifert's lab focuses on understanding Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, particularly how it uses Type IV pili to adhere to cells and evade the immune system. Their research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance as well as pilin antigenic variation, which allows the bacterium to change its surface proteins to escape detection. The lab's work aims to identify new treatment strategies and gain insights into the biology of this important human pathogen.

Dr. Rocklin's lab focuses on understanding how proteins fold and remain stable, which is critical for their functions in biological systems. They develop innovative methods to measure the stability of thousands of proteins at once. This research can lead to enhancements in drug and vaccine development by predicting how genetic variations affect protein behavior and by creating smart models to guide these processes.

Dr. Phyllis C. Zee's lab focuses on understanding sleep disorders, especially Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) and insomnia in older adults. The lab investigates the physiological and behavioral factors that influence sleep quality and cognitive function. By examining different phenotypes of sleep disorders and their underlying mechanisms, the research aims to develop personalized treatment strategies to improve sleep and overall health in affected individuals.

Dr. Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy's lab at Northwestern University studies how brains of different rodent species synchronize their neural activity during social interactions. By using advanced genetic and optical tools, they explore the mechanisms behind this synchronization and how it affects social behaviors, which can provide insights into human social interactions and mental health. The research aims to understand how these inter-brain dynamics shape social behavior and attachment, which could have significant therapeutic implications.

Dr. Robert J. Vassar's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly how specific proteins contribute to neuron degeneration and tau pathology. The lab investigates the roles of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE1) and the protein annexin A6 in neuronal health and disease. Through their studies, they aim to discover new therapeutic strategies for AD by exploring the fundamental biological processes that lead to memory loss and cognitive decline.

Dr. Marco Gallio's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how temperature is sensed and processed in the brain using fruit flies (Drosophila). They investigate the neural circuits and mechanisms that determine how flies differentiate between hot, cold, and noxious temperatures, and how these perceptions influence behavior. By studying these processes, the lab aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory processing that may apply to more complex organisms, including humans.

Dr. Thomas Hope's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how HIV persists in the body despite treatment. They study the role of specific immune cells, especially myeloid cells, in supporting virus survival and contributing to viral rebound when treatment stops. By using advanced imaging techniques and working with animal models, they aim to identify the main targets of HIV in tissues, which can help in developing new strategies for curing HIV and preventing transmission.

Dr. William A. Muller's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how white blood cells migrate across blood vessel walls during inflammation. By studying this process, known as transendothelial migration, the lab aims to discover new methods to modify inflammation therapeutically. The researchers have made significant advancements in identifying crucial molecules and mechanisms that facilitate this migration, which could lead to better treatment strategies for inflammatory diseases.

Dr. Ronen Sumagin's lab at Northwestern University studies ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting many people. The lab focuses on understanding why certain biologic therapies, which are often expensive, work poorly for many patients. They investigate the role of specific types of immune cells called neutrophils in the gut and how these cells might be keeping treatment from being effective, aiming to find new ways to help patients respond better to their therapies.

Dr. M. Luisa Iruela-Arispe's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how genetic mutations and cellular mechanisms contribute to vascular abnormalities and cancer-related complications. The lab investigates specific genetic mutations that create fragile blood vessels responsible for serious conditions like arteriovenous malformations. Additionally, they study the impact of cancer on the body's vascular system, particularly how it can lead to weight loss and cachexia, to identify potential therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Derek Walsh's lab at Northwestern University studies how certain viruses manipulate host cells during infection. They focus on the unusual behavior of Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and poxviruses, investigating how these viruses impact cell structures and functions to enhance their replication and spread. The research combines advanced imaging techniques with molecular biology to unravel the complex interactions between viruses and host cells, paving the way for potential therapeutic developments.

Chyung-Ru Wang's research lab at Northwestern University investigates how a specific type of immune cell, called Group 1 CD1-restricted T cells, interacts with lipid antigens during infections like tuberculosis. They are particularly interested in how conditions like hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood) can affect these T cells and their memory responses to infections. Their findings may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and improved vaccines.

Dr. Daniel Watterson's lab at Northwestern University focuses on developing new treatments for Alzheimer's disease by repurposing existing drugs. The lab is currently working on a drug called MW189, which has shown promise in reducing inflammation in the brain, a key factor in Alzheimer's progression. Through their research, they aim to streamline the process of bringing this drug to clinical trials, ultimately helping patients with dementia and related disorders.