Dr. Wei Gu's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how the p53 tumor suppressor protein regulates metabolism to inhibit tumor growth. By investigating the metabolic pathways influenced by p53, the lab aims to find new therapeutic targets that can effectively suppress cancer while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This research is particularly important as it explores unconventional mechanisms of tumor suppression, which may open up new avenues for cancer treatment.

Dr. Liza A Pon's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how proteins are properly synthesized, folded, and degraded within cells, particularly in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. They investigate the processes that maintain protein quality control, which is crucial for preventing diseases related to protein misfolding, such as neurodegenerative disorders and muscular dystrophy. Through their research, they aim to uncover new mechanisms that might help in treating these serious health conditions.

Dr. Wei Min's lab at Columbia University focuses on developing innovative imaging technologies to study complex biological systems. They aim to break existing limitations in optical imaging by creating new tools that can simultaneously observe many different biological components with high precision and resolution. This research is crucial for understanding how various cells and tissues interact in living organisms, ultimately contributing to advancements in disease diagnosis and biology.

Dr. Kenneth L. Shepard's research lab focuses on developing innovative techniques for DNA sequencing using solid-state nanopores without the need for traditional enzymes. By leveraging advanced materials and electronics, the lab aims to create high-speed, low-cost sequencing methods that can greatly enhance our understanding of genetics and disease. This work is crucial for improving healthcare and biological research.

Dr. Ajay Gupta's lab focuses on improving the understanding and assessment of stroke risk and Alzheimer’s Disease through advanced imaging technologies. Their research aims to identify specific features in carotid artery imaging that predict stroke and to explore the interactions between tau pathology and inflammation in Alzheimer's patients. This work is important for developing better prevention strategies for stroke and more effective treatments for Alzheimer's Disease.

Dr. Despina Kontos leads a research lab focused on improving cancer treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, particularly through the development of new diagnostic tools. The lab investigates how to use advanced imaging techniques to better understand tumor characteristics and predict patient responses to immunotherapy. By combining radiomic signatures with established biomarkers, the lab aims to enhance patient stratification and clinical outcomes in cancer management.

Dr. James L. Manley's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding the intricate processes involved in mRNA processing and how these processes impact diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The team investigates how mutations in splicing factors contribute to diseases like acute myeloid leukemia and explores the roles of specific proteins associated with conditions like ALS. Through their research, they aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these changes and their consequences in human health.

Scott A Small's lab at Columbia University Health Sciences focuses on understanding the role of the SORL1 gene in Alzheimer's disease. They investigate how different variants of this gene contribute to the disease's development and progression, particularly through its interaction with the retromer trafficking complex. The lab aims to decipher the mechanisms behind these variants to inform potential therapies for patients with Alzheimer's, especially those with specific genetic mutations.

Chaolin Zhang's research lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how RNA molecules and their binding proteins regulate gene expression, especially in the brain. They study alternative splicing, a process that generates diverse proteins from a single gene, which is crucial for the function of different neuronal cell types. Their work aims to map regulatory elements that control this splicing and investigate how alterations in these processes can lead to neurological disorders and other diseases.

Dr. Liang Tong's lab focuses on understanding how messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are processed and regulated within cells. By studying the proteins involved in mRNA stability and quality control, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that ensure mRNAs are correctly modified before they are translated into proteins. This research is crucial as defects in mRNA processing can lead to various diseases, including some cancers.

Dr. Amin Ghabrial's lab studies how tubes form in living organisms, particularly in fruit flies (Drosophila). The lab focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms that control the shape and growth of these tubes, which are crucial for the functioning of various organs. By exploring these processes, the lab aims to uncover insights that could help in treating diseases in the lungs, vascular systems, and kidneys.

Dr. Jellert Gaublomme's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how cells in tumors interact with their environment and how these interactions influence cancer progression and treatment responses. By using innovative CRISPR techniques, the lab aims to map the complex cellular architecture within tumors and identify potential therapeutic targets that can help enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer. This research is crucial for developing more effective treatments for liver cancer and other malignancies.

Dr. Vilas Menon's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding the complex interactions between different cell types involved in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). By using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from donors with varying AD pathology, the lab aims to explore how these cells communicate and influence each other in the progression of cognitive decline. This research is critical for identifying potential clinical targets for Alzheimer's intervention.

Dr. David Welch's lab focuses on using far-UVC irradiation as a safe method to reduce airborne disease transmission, particularly in healthcare settings. By examining the effects of these wavelengths on human health and safety, the research aims to create a new intervention technology that effectively inactivates airborne viruses without harming individuals present in the environment. Their work has significant implications for public health, especially in preventing outbreaks of diseases like COVID-19 and influenza.

Dr. Olajide Williams leads a research lab at Columbia University focused on improving stroke outcomes by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). Their main project, the SHIFT Trial, investigates how a community-based approach led by health workers can help stroke patients recover better by providing support that tackles the challenges posed by their social and economic conditions. The lab aims to demonstrate that improving these factors can reduce disability and enhance quality of life after a stroke, making healthcare more equitable for vulnerable populations.

Ying Wei's lab focuses on understanding Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias by analyzing genetic data and electronic health records. By using advanced statistical methods and machine learning, the lab aims to identify genetic factors that influence the progression of these diseases over time, particularly as individuals age. This research is crucial for developing better prevention strategies and new treatments for dementia.

Dr. Yonghao Yu's lab focuses on studying a specific protein modification called poly-ADP-ribosylation, which plays a critical role in how cells respond to stress and may be linked to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia. By using advanced techniques in mass spectrometry and bioinformatics, the lab aims to understand how this modification contributes to disease processes and potentially identify new therapeutic targets for treatment.

Dr. Rafael Yuste's lab at Columbia University investigates the complex workings of the visual cortex, focusing on the role of neuronal ensembles and dendrites in processing visual information. His team uses advanced optical techniques to explore how these ensembles affect visual perception and how dendrites, often overlooked in neuroscience, contribute to neuronal decision-making. Ultimately, this research aims to better understand brain function and develop novel therapies for visual impairments.