Dr. Richard Gregory's lab focuses on understanding the role of RNA modifications in cancer, particularly how these changes can influence gene expression and cancer progression. By studying tRNA and mRNA modifications, the lab aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Their research involves advanced techniques such as RNA mass spectrometry and high-throughput screening to identify potential drugs to combat cancer.

Dr. Kiera L. Clayton's lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on understanding how the HIV virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) evade the immune system, particularly by manipulating natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. The lab investigates the interactions between these pathogens and immune cells to uncover new mechanisms of immune evasion, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of immune responses and develop new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Raffi V Aroian's lab focuses on developing new treatments for parasitic nematodes, which are significant contributors to disease and malnutrition globally. The lab uses proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that are effective against these parasites, particularly when combined with current anthelmintic drugs. The goal is to find synergistic combinations of these proteins with small-molecule drugs to enhance efficacy and reduce the likelihood of drug resistance.

Dr. Victor Ambros's lab focuses on how genetic networks control when and how an organism develops. They study tiny worms, like C. elegans, to understand the role of microRNAs in helping these organisms adapt to stresses during their growth. Their research also explores how certain worms can regenerate their bodies, offering insights into the biology of regeneration across species.

Dr. Samuel M. Behar's lab focuses on understanding how the immune system, particularly CD8 T cells, can effectively combat tuberculosis (TB). They study how the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades the immune response and explore new vaccine strategies to enhance T cell responses against TB. The lab also investigates how metabolic stress and conditions like hypoxia affect T cell function, aiming to develop approaches that can restore or improve T cell activity.

Dr. Eric Huseby's lab focuses on understanding how genetic variations in immune system genes influence the development and function of T cells involved in type 1 diabetes (T1D). By studying specific mouse models, the lab aims to uncover the processes that lead to autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This research could help develop better diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for T1D and other autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Heinrich Gottlinger's lab at the University of Massachusetts Med School focuses on understanding how a cellular enzyme called ADAM10 interacts with the HIV virus. Their research aims to uncover how ADAM10 influences HIV replication and infection by shedding viral proteins from the surface of the virus. This work could lead to new strategies for targeting HIV and preventing its spread.

Dr. Paul R. Thompson's lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on the study of protein citrullination, a process that can be problematic in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. The lab aims to develop innovative chemical tools to better understand how this modification affects cell signaling and explore potential new treatments for these serious health conditions. By identifying how citrullination changes protein activity, they seek to uncover its role in disease progression and find targeted therapies.

Dr. Summer B. Thyme's lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on understanding and treating Down syndrome, a condition that often leads to intellectual disabilities. Using zebrafish as a model, the lab investigates the genetic factors from human chromosome 21 that contribute to brain development and function. By screening for small molecules that can counteract the effects of these genes, the lab aims to find potential drug therapies to improve outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome.

Dr. Katherine Luzuriaga's lab focuses on bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world health solutions. They work with communities to identify health-related challenges and design innovative approaches to tackle them. Their goal is not only to advance clinical care but also to engage public partners and train future leaders in translational science.

Dr. Leslie Shaw's lab focuses on the role of a specific protein, IRS2, in regulating cell division in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The lab aims to understand how IRS2 contributes to cancer development and to explore new therapeutic strategies to combat this aggressive cancer subtype by targeting its unique vulnerabilities during cell division. Through their research, they hope to develop more effective treatments for patients with TNBC.

Dr. Ronghua Zhuge's lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on understanding how ion channels in uterine smooth muscle cells affect uterine contractions, which are important for reproduction. The lab studies conditions like adenomyosis, a disease that impacts many women and can cause significant distress. By exploring the roles of specific calcium channels in these muscles, the research aims to uncover new treatment strategies for gynecological disorders.

Dr. A. J. Marian Walhout's research lab focuses on understanding how metabolism and gene expression interact in living organisms, particularly using the model organism C. elegans, a small roundworm. By investigating how genetic mutations and dietary factors affect metabolic processes and gene activity, the lab aims to shed light on the mechanisms behind various human diseases. This research not only explores basic biological principles but also has the potential to inform treatments for metabolic disorders in humans.

Dr. Amy Karol Walker's lab explores how cellular metabolism influences aging and stress responses. By investigating a specific molecule, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the lab aims to understand its role in gene regulation during stress and the aging process. They focus on how different enzymes related to SAM production affect these biological pathways, potentially revealing new insights into aging mechanisms.

Dr. Jonathan K Watts' lab is focused on developing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research is centered around RNA-targeted medicine, utilizing advanced techniques to create safer and more effective drug candidates that can silence multiple disease-related genes. By combining expertise in neurology with cutting-edge chemistry, the lab aims to improve treatment options for patients with ALS and similar disorders.

The research lab led by Dr. Rajani Sadasivam at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on developing innovative educational programs aimed at training residents in weight management counseling. Their flagship project, MRWeight, is designed to increase the skills of medical residents in discussing and managing overweight and obesity using structured methodologies. The lab's work is pivotal in ensuring that future physicians are better equipped to address the growing obesity epidemic in the U.S.

Dr. Wen Xue's research lab focuses on creating advanced mouse models of cancer using innovative genome editing techniques, specifically prime editing. Their goal is to better understand how genetic mutations contribute to cancer development and treatment resistance. By optimizing tools for precise genetic modifications, the lab aims to produce more accurate cancer models that can help identify effective therapies and biomarkers.

Dr. Chan Zhou's research focuses on understanding how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to opioid use disorder (OUD) in the context of HIV. The lab uses advanced techniques to explore the role of these RNA molecules in brain function, particularly in individuals affected by both OUD and HIV. By integrating data from single-cell RNA sequencing, the research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for improving the health of patients suffering from these disorders.