Dr. Erfei Bi's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how liver cells (hepatocytes) organize themselves and how they divide. The research aims to explore the formation of bile canaliculi, which are essential for liver function and can impact liver diseases. Additionally, the lab investigates the cytoskeleton's role in cell division, which has implications for various diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders.

Michela Locci's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how mRNA vaccines, specifically for SARS-CoV-2, regulate immune responses in the body. The research particularly looks at how long-lasting and effective these vaccines are in generating protective antibodies and memory cells. By exploring key questions about immune cell interactions and vaccine effectiveness, the lab aims to improve future vaccine strategies and inform the development of new vaccines against challenging pathogens.

Dr. Damaris N Lorenzo's lab focuses on understanding how II-spectrin, a crucial protein in the neuronal cytoskeleton, contributes to brain development and function, particularly in the cerebellum. Their research investigates the mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental disorders linked to mutations in the SPTBN1 gene, which can lead to developmental delays and other cognitive challenges. By employing a range of techniques from microscopy to behavioral analysis, the lab aims to uncover the cellular pathways affected by II-spectrin and how these relate to various neurological conditions.

Dr. Kristen W. Lynch's lab focuses on understanding how a specific protein kinase called TAO2 affects RNA processing and viral replication, particularly during Influenza virus infection. By exploring the interactions and functions of TAO2 in cellular environments, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for controlling viral infections and enhancing our understanding of RNA splicing mechanisms. This work combines genetics, biochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques to make significant implications for viral biology and cellular function.

Dr. Robert H. Mach's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases by developing advanced imaging techniques. In particular, the lab is working on creating new Positron Emission Tomography (PET) ligands that help visualize protein clumps associated with conditions like Parkinson's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Through collaborations with top universities, the lab aims to improve diagnostic methods and therapeutics for these critical neurological disorders.

Dr. Ronen Marmorstein's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how enzymes involved in metabolism, particularly ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) and various acetyltransferases, contribute to cancer and other diseases. They study the molecular mechanisms behind how these enzymes are regulated and their role in producing important cellular metabolites. Their work aims to develop new drugs for cancer therapy by targeting these enzymes effectively.

Dr. Leticia J. Marteleto's research lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how public health crises impact women's reproductive health over time. Through a longitudinal study, they investigate the various factors that influence women's reproductive decisions, behaviors, and outcomes during these challenging periods. The lab aims to provide valuable insights that can inform public health policies and improve reproductive health services, particularly in developing countries affected by such crises.

Dr. Nicola J. Mason's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on developing advanced immunotherapy treatments for solid tumors using a unique type of immune cell called invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. These cells have the potential to effectively target and attack tumors while minimizing harmful side effects. The lab is particularly interested in creating and testing allogeneic CAR-engineered iNKTs in dogs with osteosarcoma, which is similar to a type of childhood cancer seen in humans. This research aims to enhance cancer treatment options and improve patient outcomes through innovative cell therapy approaches.

Dr. Hydar Ali's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on studying mast cells, which are important immune cells involved in allergic reactions and inflammation. They are investigating how a newly discovered receptor, MRGPRX2, regulates mast cell responses in various diseases such as drug allergies, psoriasis, and rosacea. By understanding the signaling pathways and molecular interactions in mast cells, the lab aims to develop new treatments for these conditions.

Dr. Peter B. Noel's lab focuses on improving medical imaging technologies, particularly in the area of computed tomography (CT) and x-ray imaging. They are developing innovative approaches, such as 3D printing patient-specific CT phantoms to enhance the accuracy of imaging devices. Additionally, they are researching advanced imaging techniques to detect early changes in lung structure due to radiation therapy, with the aim of improving patient care outcomes.

Dr. Michael Kahana's lab focuses on understanding how we remember events from our past by studying the connections between memories and the contexts in which they were made. The research combines advanced computational models with real brain recordings from patients undergoing neurosurgery and healthy individuals participating in virtual reality experiences to explore the processes of memory retrieval and decision-making. The goal is to uncover the brain mechanisms that help us recall specific memories and how these affect our choices.

Dr. Kavindra Nath's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on improving cancer treatment monitoring through advanced imaging techniques. They study how targeted therapies, particularly those affecting metabolism in cancer cells, can be evaluated non-invasively. By analyzing metabolic changes in cancer cells, specifically in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the lab aims to provide earlier assessments of treatment effectiveness without the need for invasive procedures like biopsies.

Dr. Mary C. Mullins' lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how specific proteins influence the growth and organization of cells during embryonic development, specifically using zebrafish as a model organism. The research examines the roles of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) in signaling pathways that dictate the formation of organs and tissues, as well as investigating the establishment of cell polarity in oocytes which is crucial for proper embryonic development. The findings could be significant for improving therapeutic approaches in tissue engineering and addressing congenital diseases.

Dr. James J. Dowling's lab focuses on understanding a severe childhood muscle disease called X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM), which is caused by mutations in the MTM1 gene. The research investigates the role of this gene in muscle development by exploring how MTM1 affects nuclear structures and gene expression related to muscle maturation. Through innovative mouse models and cutting-edge techniques, the lab aims to uncover the mechanics of this disease and contribute to potential therapy development.

Dr. Elizabeth Nesoff's lab focuses on understanding how urban infrastructure improvements can help reduce opioid misuse and overdose in communities. They investigate the relationship between neighborhood conditions, like the presence of blight, and health outcomes related to opioids. By studying the effects of community-led projects aimed at remediating problem areas, the lab aims to provide insights into better public health policies and interventions.

Dr. Corey T. McMillan's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding complex neurodegenerative disorders, specifically frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The lab investigates how genetic variations influence the diversity in symptoms and progression of these diseases. Their work aims to identify new biomarkers and mechanisms that might help in the development of effective treatments, utilizing advanced imaging and genetic analysis techniques.

Dr. Russell Takeshi Shinohara's lab focuses on developing advanced statistical methods for analyzing brain imaging data. With the rapid increase of multi-site neuroimaging studies, the lab aims to harmonize data from various sources to improve the accuracy and reliability of brain research. The team's work is particularly relevant for creating diagnostic tools for mental health conditions and understanding the relationships between different imaging modalities.

Dr. Michael P. Nusbaum's research focuses on how hormones influence specific neural circuit states. By studying the stomatogastric ganglion in crabs, his lab investigates how different hormones modulate the activity of neural circuits that control chewing and food passage. This research not only advances our understanding of hormonal effects on brain function but also sheds light on the complexities of neural circuits in various behavioral states.

Dr. Jonathan Raper's lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies how the olfactory system is wired during embryo development. They focus on how sensory neurons, responsible for detecting smells, navigate and connect to specific targets in the brain's olfactory bulb. Using zebrafish as a model, the lab explores molecular signals that guide these neurons, which could lead to new treatments for conditions that impair the sense of smell, such as aging or certain genetic disorders.

Dr. Zhiliang Cheng's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on developing innovative treatments for osteoarthritis (OA), which is a debilitating joint disease. The lab aims to create dual-action nanoparticles that can effectively deliver therapies to restore cartilage health and reduce joint pain. By using both in vitro and animal models, the research aims to provide solutions that may improve the quality of life for those affected by OA and other degenerative joint diseases.