Linda C. Samuelson · Physiology
Dr. Linda C. Samuelson's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how certain signaling pathways regulate gastric epithelial cells. Their research investigates the role of Wnt and retinoic acid in maintaining the stomach lining and how these pathways help repair tissue after injury. By studying these processes in both mouse models and human organoids, the lab aims to develop insights that could lead to new treatments for gastric diseases that involve cell overgrowth or damage.
Emily E Scott · Pharmacology
Dr. Emily E. Scott's lab focuses on understanding human cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play a crucial role in drug metabolism and are also potential targets for treating various diseases. By using advanced structural and biochemical techniques, the lab aims to uncover the structure and function of these enzymes, providing insights that could lead to better drug design and therapies for both common and rare diseases. The research not only seeks to improve drug therapy but also to identify how mutations in these enzymes can lead to health issues.
Lonnie D Shea · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Lonnie D. Shea's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on advanced biomedical engineering techniques to tackle major health issues like type 1 diabetes and breast cancer. The research includes developing improved pancreatic organoids and engineered scaffolds to enhance the effectiveness of cell transplants and monitor cancer progression. They aim to use innovative materials, such as nanoparticles and 3D scaffolding technologies, to improve therapeutic responses and patient outcomes.
Michal R Zochowski · Physics
Dr. Michal R. Zochowski's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on how sleep affects brain function, particularly relating to memory consolidation. By using computational modeling and experimental techniques, the lab investigates how different sleep states interact and help reorganize neural networks, influencing how memories are stored and retrieved. This research aims to unravel the complex relationships between sleep, cognition, and various mental health disorders.
Alan V. Smrcka · Pharmacology
Dr. Smrcka's lab studies how signals from G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) influence various cellular functions, particularly in heart cells. By exploring the complex interactions and pathways of GPCR signaling, the lab aims to uncover new ways that these receptors can control gene expression and heart growth, which could lead to better treatments for heart disease.
Ryan E Mills · Mathematics & Statistics
Ryan E Mills' lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding variations in the human genome, specifically somatic mosaicism, which refers to genetic differences within an individual’s tissues. By developing advanced molecular and computational tools, the lab aims to uncover overlooked mutations that occur in various tissues and may be linked to diseases like cancer. Their work is crucial for improving our understanding of how these genetic variations contribute to health and disease.
Zhongming Liu · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Zhongming Liu's research lab focuses on understanding how the brain and stomach communicate with each other, especially in relation to feelings and digestion. By studying the intricate neural circuits that connect these two systems, the lab aims to map their interactions and how they affect overall health and well-being. This research could lead to better treatments for various mental and digestive disorders.
Megan E. Patrick · Mathematics & Statistics
Dr. Megan E. Patrick's research lab focuses on studying drug use patterns and their effects on different age groups in the United States. Through the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, the lab collects data from high school students up to adults aged 65 to understand how attitudes and behaviors regarding substance use evolve over time. This work is crucial for informing public health policies related to drug use and prevention strategies.
Sami Barmada · Neuroscience
Dr. Sami Barmada's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein called TDP43 in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia. They investigate how certain shortened forms of TDP43 accumulate in neurons and contribute to disease. By studying these proteins in human tissues and using advanced techniques, the lab aims to uncover the origins of TDP43-related diseases and explore potential new treatments.
Peter M Tessier · Pharmacology
Dr. Peter Tessier's lab focuses on innovative strategies to deliver therapeutic antibodies across the blood-brain barrier for treating Alzheimer's disease. The lab researches the use of bispecific antibodies to improve the delivery of neuroprotective agents and gene silencing methodologies in microglia, the immune cells of the brain, without invasive procedures. By optimizing these antibody-based delivery systems, they aim to enhance treatment efficacy and develop new therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
Devin L Brown · Neuroscience
Dr. Devin L Brown's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how sleep apnea affects stroke patients, particularly the differences in how it manifests among various ethnic groups. By investigating the underlying causes of sleep apnea after a stroke, the lab aims to create personalized treatment plans that improve patient outcomes. This research is crucial because stroke can severely disrupt brain function, leading to high rates of sleep apnea in affected individuals, which is often overlooked in traditional care.
Randy B. Stockbridge · Biochemistry
The lab led by Dr. Randy B. Stockbridge focuses on developing innovative treatments to combat early childhood caries (ECC), a significant dental health issue affecting millions of children globally. By studying how certain harmful oral microbes manage to resist fluoride treatment, the lab aims to create specialized fluoride efflux inhibitors that can enhance the effectiveness of fluoride therapies. The ultimate goal is to personalize dental treatments, making them more effective in reversing the dysbiosis associated with ECC.
Thad A Polk · Psychology
Dr. Thad A. Polk's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how aging affects the brain, especially in relation to neural dedifferentiation and Alzheimer's disease. Research in this lab investigates the less distinct neural representations in older adults and their connections to the neurotransmitter GABA. By conducting longitudinal studies, the lab examines how changes in brain chemistry and structure over time influence behavior in both healthy aging individuals and those with cognitive impairments.
Joshua Welch · Mathematics & Statistics
Dr. Joshua Welch's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how cells differentiate into their specialized forms by using advanced computational techniques. They analyze data from new technologies that profile gene expression and epigenomes in single cells to model how cells change over time. By developing tools that combine various types of data, the lab aims to create predictive models that can help address disease-related issues in cell differentiation.
Margaret Takako Hicken · Mathematics & Statistics
Margaret Takako Hicken's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how neighborhood conditions, including social adversity and air pollution, affect healthy aging, particularly across different racial groups. By examining DNA methylation—the process that can influence gene expression—they aim to uncover the biological mechanisms behind health disparities and identify potential intervention strategies.
Vikas Kotagal · Neuroscience
Dr. Vikas Kotagal's lab focuses on understanding and reducing the risk of falls in individuals with Parkinson's disease, particularly those experiencing cognitive impairments. They are investigating the effects of a drug called varenicline, which may enhance attention and improve walking performance, potentially leading to fewer falls. The lab combines clinical research with advanced imaging techniques to explore how brain function is linked to movement problems in Parkinson's patients.
Suzanne M Moenter · Physiology
Dr. Suzanne Moenter's lab at the University of Michigan studies how the brain regulates the release of hormones essential for fertility. They focus on the neurons that produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), an important hormone for reproductive health. By understanding how these neurons generate hormone pulses, the research aims to shed light on reasons behind fertility issues and potentially guide treatments for infertility.
Alan P Boyle · Mathematics & Statistics
Dr. Alan P. Boyle's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on predicting how variations in DNA affect the behavior of cells. By integrating cutting-edge single-cell technologies with genetic data, the lab aims to create models that show how genetic differences might lead to disease states. This research has important implications for genomic medicine, helping to understand individual and population health based on genetic information.
Wei Zhao · Mathematics & Statistics
Dr. Wei Zhao's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding childhood development and health by collecting and analyzing data from children and their families. They are particularly interested in how factors like family decisions and the impact of events like the Covid-19 pandemic affect children's well-being over time. The lab's work involves long-term studies that track children's growth and experiences in various contexts, helping to inform policies that support families and children.
Nouri Neamati · Pharmacology
Dr. Nouri Neamati's lab focuses on developing new drugs targeting a specific protein called GSTO1, which plays a crucial role in colorectal cancer and drug resistance. They use advanced techniques like gene editing and bioinformatics to understand how GSTO1 contributes to cancer progression and to find ways to inhibit it effectively. The lab's research aims not only to improve cancer therapies but also to provide insights into the immune response against tumors, making it relevant for advancing cancer treatment options.