At the Washington University Omics Production Center, we focus on understanding human health and disease across diverse populations through advanced data collection and integration of multiple types of biological information. By using cutting-edge techniques, we analyze genes, proteins, and metabolites to find innovative solutions for early disease detection and prevention. Our work lays the groundwork for improved public health strategies and a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms.

Dr. Paul T. Kotzbauer's lab focuses on understanding how protein aggregation impacts cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease. They investigate how the buildup of certain proteins in the brain, like alpha-synuclein, contributes to dementia and other cognitive deficits in patients with Parkinson's. By analyzing brain tissue from autopsy samples, the lab aims to uncover the relationship between these protein accumulations, neuronal degeneration, and cognitive functioning in patients.

Dr. Evan M. Gordon's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding Parkinson's Disease (PD) by studying a newly identified brain circuit known as the Somato-Cognitive Action Network (SCAN). This research aims to determine how SCAN is connected to critical subcortical structures involved in PD, which may lead to new treatment targets for the disease. By employing advanced noninvasive imaging techniques, the lab seeks to redefine our understanding of PD, potentially improving patient evaluation and treatment through pinpointing specific brain regions affected by the disorder.

Dr. Meghan C. Campbell's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding Parkinson's disease through advanced brain imaging techniques. The lab aims to identify individual differences in brain network organization that can serve as biomarkers for the disease. By linking these biomarkers to cognitive and psychiatric symptoms, the research seeks to pave the way for personalized treatments that address the complex manifestations of Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Ben N. Mansfeld's lab at Washington University explores how the timing of immune responses in plants, particularly through their internal biological clocks known as circadian rhythms, affects their defenses against pathogens. By studying a diverse group of plants called Solanum, the lab investigates how different environmental factors impact these rhythms and ultimately influence plant immunity. The research aims not only to advance our understanding of plant biology but also to draw parallels that could inform human health and disease treatments.

The lab led by Colin G. Nichols at Washington University investigates how potassium channels influence insulin secretion and cardiovascular health. By studying both the molecular mechanisms of these channels and their role in diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, the lab aims to develop new therapies that can mitigate these conditions. Their work involves a mix of animal models and cell biology to better understand these important biological processes.

Dr. Michael A. Province's lab studies families with exceptional longevity to understand the genetic and biological factors that promote healthy aging. The research focuses on analyzing data collected from over 4,900 participants in the Long Life Family Study, exploring how genes influence various aspects of health in old age. The goal is to identify protective genetic variants and mechanisms that may help in developing new therapies and prevention strategies against age-related illnesses, like Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Gwendalyn J Randolph's lab focuses on understanding and treating intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), especially in pediatric patients suffering from short gut syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases. The research involves investigating how specific signaling pathways in the intestines and lymphatic systems contribute to these conditions and exploring potential therapeutic approaches using novel compounds. By combining studies in mouse models and piglet models, the lab aims to translate their findings into effective treatments for children.

Dr. L. David Sibley's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding and combating chronic infections caused by the parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium. The research primarily aims to develop new drug therapies that can effectively treat chronic stages of these infections, which pose significant health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals. By exploring genetic factors, microbial interactions, and developing novel inhibitors, the lab is working toward innovative solutions for these pressing public health issues.

Dr. Paul J Shaw's lab focuses on understanding how sleep disruption and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are interconnected. They study the brain's molecular mechanisms that play a role in both conditions using innovative techniques in humans and fruit flies. By analyzing gene expression patterns, they aim to identify potential targets for new treatments that could help improve sleep and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Keith B. Hengen's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding the relationship between sleep and brain health, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The research aims to uncover how sleep can help maintain optimal neural activity and prevent cognitive decline. By using innovative techniques to enhance sleep and its restorative effects, the lab seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies for combating neurodegeneration.

Dr. Ismael Seanez's lab at Washington University focuses on developing non-invasive treatments for spinal cord injuries (SCI) using transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). The research aims to restore motor functions like walking and hand use through controlled muscle activation without invasive methods. By better understanding how different stimulation parameters affect muscle recruitment, the lab hopes to personalize rehabilitation therapies for individuals with SCI.

Dr. Christina Leigh Stallings' lab focuses on understanding and combating tuberculosis (TB), a deadly disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The lab is developing innovative treatments that target drug-resistant strains of TB by creating new compounds that act through unique mechanisms. Additionally, the research investigates how immune responses, particularly during co-infection with HIV, affect TB progression and treatment outcomes.

Dr. Chihiro Sato's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding primary tauopathies, a group of brain disorders that include conditions like progressive supranuclear palsy and frontotemporal degeneration. The lab is investigating specific forms of tau proteins in cerebrospinal fluid that could serve as biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. By identifying changes in tau proteoforms during disease progression, their work aims to improve clinical trials and personalize medicine for patients suffering from these disorders.

Dr. Abhinav K Jha's lab focuses on enhancing cancer treatment through advanced imaging techniques. Specifically, they are developing a new method for quantitative imaging of alpha-particle therapies, which are promising treatments for metastatic cancers like prostate cancer. The research aims to accurately measure how much of these therapies are absorbed in both cancerous and healthy tissues, ultimately improving treatment personalization and effectiveness for patients.

Dr. Ganesh M Babulal's lab focuses on understanding the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in African American populations. The research aims to identify how environmental, social, and psychological factors contribute to cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s. This is achieved by collaborating with community members and involving participants in comprehensive assessments over several years to gather vital data that can influence future treatments and interventions.

Dr. Patricia Ribeiro Pereira's lab focuses on improving cancer treatments, specifically for breast and gastric cancers. They are exploring innovative antibody-drug conjugates that enhance drug delivery to tumor cells, especially in cases where tumors have developed resistance to standard therapies. By using special antibody pairs that can bind more effectively to cancer cells, the lab aims to make existing treatments more effective and potentially prevent drug resistance in the future.

Dr. Jie Zheng's lab focuses on advancing cardiac imaging techniques, particularly using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess how much oxygen the heart muscles extract from the blood. They develop innovative methods that are non-invasive and do not expose patients to harmful radiation, making them safer and potentially more available than existing techniques like PET scans. The lab's research not only aims to improve diagnostic capabilities for heart diseases but also to provide insights into treatment responses for various cardiac conditions.

Dr. Erik Musiek's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how disruptions in circadian rhythms affect brain function and contribute to Alzheimer's Disease. The lab explores the role of specific proteins, called REV-ERBs, in regulating the activity of astrocytes, which are support cells in the brain. By manipulating these proteins, the goal is to find new therapeutic strategies to mitigate the damaging effects of Alzheimer's Disease on brain health.

Dr. Sana D Karam's lab at Washington University focuses on understanding how estrogen influences cancer treatment, particularly in head and neck cancer (HNSCC), which affects more men than women. The lab investigates the roles of specific immune cells and hormonal signaling in response to therapies, aiming to enhance treatment outcomes for women, especially those who are premenopausal. Research explores how estrogen can alter immune responses and tumor environments to better tailor cancer therapies based on sex and hormonal status.