Dr. Qingyun Li's lab focuses on understanding the role of microglial cells in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The lab investigates how specific microglial subsets, particularly those known as disease-associated microglia (DAM), contribute to the pathology of AD. By exploring the origins, genetic regulation, and functions of these microglia, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to help combat Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Weikai Li's lab at Washington University is focused on understanding the vitamin K cycle, which is essential for blood clotting and maintaining healthy bones and blood vessels. Their research aims to uncover the structural and functional mechanisms behind the proteins involved in this cycle, particularly how they can be modulated to improve anticoagulation therapy and support cardiovascular health. This work has important implications for treating diseases related to blood coagulation and cardiovascular disorders.

Dr. Ta-Chiang Liu's lab focuses on understanding how HIV impacts gut health and the role of diet in gut immunity. They use advanced mouse models and cell culture techniques to study gut inflammation and the functions of special cells called Paneth cells, which are crucial for intestinal health. Their goal is to uncover mechanisms that contribute to gut dysfunction in people with HIV and those with obesity-related issues, ultimately aiding in the development of new treatments.

Dr. Cindy V Ly's lab at Washington University is focused on understanding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons. The research aims to identify biomarkers that can help in the diagnosis and treatment of ALS by studying neurofilament proteins, which play a key role in neuron structure and function. The lab combines advanced proteomic techniques with patient biofluids to uncover new insights that could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Stephanie Markovina's lab focuses on improving treatment outcomes for cervical cancer, which remains a significant health challenge. By studying the role of a protein called SERPINB3, the lab aims to understand how certain tumor cells become resistant to radiation and chemotherapy and to develop new treatment strategies. Their research combines laboratory techniques with clinical trials to offer more effective, personalized treatment options for patients.

Dr. Eric McDade's lab at Washington University focuses on Alzheimer's disease, specifically testing if early intervention can prevent the onset of the disease in individuals with a genetic predisposition. The lab conducts clinical trials aimed at stopping amyloid plaque formation, which is associated with Alzheimer's pathology, by using innovative anti-amyloid therapies. Their research seeks to radically change how Alzheimer's is approached, making it possible to intervene before symptoms appear.

Dr. Michael P. Meers's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how specific epigenetic changes during early human development can influence the reprogramming of cells into desired types, such as neurons or heart cells. Through innovative time-lapse profiling techniques, the lab aims to uncover the precise molecular events that govern successful cell differentiation, which is vital for advancements in regenerative medicine. Ultimately, this research seeks to create better methods for converting one type of cell into another efficiently and reliably.

Dr. Aisling Chaney's lab focuses on advancing our understanding of the role of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. The lab is developing a novel imaging technique using PET radiotracers specifically targeting THIK-1, a potassium channel found in microglia. This innovative approach aims to provide better insights into microglial activity and could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for neurological disorders.

Professor Marco Colonna's lab at Washington University focuses on the immune system's role in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other conditions. Researchers in the lab study how immune cells manage to clear harmful proteins like amyloid plaques and Tau aggregates in the brain. They are particularly interested in the function of microglia, a type of brain immune cell, and the receptor TREM2 which could be targeted for drug development to improve treatments for AD.

Dr. John Morris's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease by investigating early biomarkers in middle-aged individuals, especially those with a family history of the disease. The lab studies how changes in the brain can indicate the potential onset of Alzheimer's, even before symptoms appear. Through various projects, they explore factors that may influence the progression from preclinical conditions to symptomatic Alzheimer's while examining biological tests and lifestyle factors that may impact brain health.

Dr. Nima Mosammaparast's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how damage to RNA can lead to serious problems with genome stability in cells. Specifically, they investigate a newly discovered pathway where injured RNA causes DNA breaks, potentially leading to genetic disorders or cancer. The lab aims to uncover the factors that recognize and repair these RNA-induced DNA breaks to enhance our understanding of cellular responses to damage.

Dr. Deanna Barch's lab focuses on understanding the reasons behind motivational impairments in individuals with psychotic and mood disorders. The research aims to investigate how these impairments affect decision-making related to effort and rewards in everyday life. By employing innovative behavioral assessments and neuroimaging techniques, the lab seeks to differentiate the mechanisms of motivation between individuals with psychosis, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and those with depression.

Dr. Daniel Charles Castro's lab focuses on understanding how natural opioids in the brain influence motivation and behavior. They explore the role of specific regions in the midbrain that respond to these opioids, particularly looking at how they can both enhance and suppress motivated behaviors like eating and escaping threats. This research aims to provide insights into mental health conditions where motivation is affected, potentially identifying new treatment targets.

Dr. Kenneth M. Murphy's lab at Washington University explores how specific dendritic cells, called cDC1, help the immune system recognize and respond to infections and tumors. The lab focuses on the role of a protein named WDFY4 in both Treg (regulatory T cell) development and antigen presentation, essential for activating the immune response. Their research aims to uncover new treatment pathways for autoimmunity and cancer immunotherapy.

Dr. Jai Rudra's lab focuses on developing innovative vaccines using self-assembling nanofibers that can help combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab's approach uses specially designed peptides that form non-toxic nanofibers, encouraging the body to generate immune responses without the harmful side effects often seen with traditional vaccines. By studying how these nanofibers interact with the immune system, the lab aims to create safer and more effective therapies for these critical health challenges affecting aging populations.

Dr. Mikhail Y. Berezin's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how the brain adapts after traumatic peripheral nerve injuries. They use advanced imaging techniques to visualize both nerve regeneration and brain responses in real time, which helps to reveal the relationship between nerve healing and brain plasticity. By studying these interactions, the lab aims to develop better therapies for patients suffering from nerve injuries.

Dr. Hanwen Zhang's lab at Washington University focuses on improving treatments for neuroblastoma, a challenging pediatric cancer. The research involves developing advanced therapies that combine novel radiopharmaceuticals to better target cancer cells while minimizing harm to surrounding tissues. By exploring high linear energy transfer (LET) agents, the lab aims to enhance treatment efficacy and optimize patient care for children suffering from relapsed neuroblastoma.

Dr. Harrison Gabel's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding the role of specific gene mutations in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. They study how these mutations affect a special form of DNA methylation in neurons, which is crucial for proper brain function. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms of gene regulation in the nervous system and how disruptions can lead to neurological issues.

Dr. Joseph D Dougherty's lab at Washington University is focused on understanding how genetic mutations contribute to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders like autism and schizophrenia. By using a variety of mouse models, the lab investigates how these mutations affect brain function and behavior through systematic phenotyping and advanced analysis techniques. The goal is to uncover essential insights into these complex diseases to inform better therapies and interventions.

The lab led by Qing Wang at Washington University focuses on developing innovative imaging techniques to study neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease. They are working on a new method called diffusion dictionary imaging (DDI), which uses MRI technology to visualize and quantify neuroinflammation in the brain. This research aims to better understand the relationship between neuroinflammation and the progression of Alzheimer's disease.