Dr. Stephen Wiley Ragsdale's lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins regulate critical processes related to heme and carbon monoxide in human health. Their research explores how these proteins protect against diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular and neurological disorders, and investigates the mechanisms by which these proteins interact with metals and signaling molecules. This work has broad implications for both understanding human metabolism and developing new biotechnologies.

Dr. Jiandie D Lin's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding metabolic liver diseases, especially nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is a serious condition that can lead to liver damage and other health issues. The lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to liver disease, how certain cell types like macrophages are involved, and explores innovative pathways that could lead to new treatments. Their research aims to uncover insights that could help in developing effective therapies for liver diseases related to obesity.

Dr. Julien Albert Sebag's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how the protein Unc119b affects glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity. By exploring new compounds that boost insulin effectiveness while avoiding significant side effects, the lab seeks to develop better treatments for type II diabetes. Their innovative research combines live cell imaging and genetic models to uncover the mechanisms behind insulin resistance.

Dr. Liangyou Rui's lab focuses on understanding the role of specific brain circuits in regulating body weight and metabolism, particularly in the context of obesity and metabolic diseases. The lab investigates how SH2B1, a signaling protein, influences these neural pathways and how disruptions can lead to disorders such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. Their research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for treating obesity by mapping these intricate neurocircuits.

Jun Hee Lee's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding the interplay between exercise, nutrition, and muscle health, particularly in the context of aging. They investigate how the protein Sestrins mediates the benefits of the amino acid leucine and exercise on maintaining muscle homeostasis, which is crucial for preserving mobility and overall health in older adults. Their research aims to clarify how these factors interact to inform better preventative strategies against muscle degeneration.

Dr. Susan V Brooks' lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how muscle function can be preserved as people age. They study the role of Schwann cells—a type of cell that supports nerves—in helping muscles adapt when nerve connections are lost. Their research aims to identify the mechanisms that allow muscle fibers to survive and thrive, particularly in older adults, with the hope of developing new therapies to prevent muscle loss and enhance mobility in aging populations.

Dr. Jennifer C. Brazil's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, behave during intestinal inflammation, particularly in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The lab studies the role of a protein called CD45 in regulating the function and activation of neutrophils, with the aim of developing new therapies to reduce harmful inflammation in the gut. This research has the potential to improve treatment options and enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from IBD.

The Birdsong lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how opioid receptors in the brain affect pain and reward behaviors. By studying specific neurons in the medial thalamus, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind both pain relief and heightened sensitivity to pain after opioid withdrawal. This research has important implications for improving pain management strategies and reducing the risk of opioid misuse.

Dr. Janggun Jo’s lab focuses on developing advanced imaging technologies to improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer. By utilizing innovative photoacoustic imaging techniques combined with specialized nanoscale probes, the lab seeks to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of cancer detection, specifically targeting the aggressiveness of tumors. Their research aims to create a platform that could ultimately improve clinical procedures for prostate cancer diagnosis, ensuring better outcomes for patients.

Dr. Lori L. Isom's lab focuses on understanding how certain genetic conditions, specifically linked to epilepsy, can lead to serious complications like Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The lab studies the relationship between heart and brain function, using cutting-edge models such as transgenic rabbits that closely mimic human physiology. By exploring how specific gene changes affect both cardiac rhythms and breathing regulation during seizures, the lab aims to uncover new insights that could help prevent SUDEP and improve the lives of patients with epilepsy.

Dr. Zhen Xu's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on innovative ways to treat soft tissue sarcomas, which are challenging tumors to manage due to their size and location near critical structures. They are developing a new ultrasound-based system that can safely and effectively destroy these tumors without the need for surgery. This research aims to enhance patient outcomes by creating non-invasive treatment options that can potentially benefit both humans and animals.

Dr. Sundeep Kalantry's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how mammals balance gene expression from their sex chromosomes, particularly how females with two X chromosomes and males with one equalize their gene expression. The research investigates the role of a specific RNA called Xist in this process and explores alternative mechanisms that may have evolved over time, using mouse models to uncover these genetic insights. This work has broad implications for understanding genetic regulation and potential health impacts.

Dr. Mitra Aliabouzar's lab focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to better understand thrombus (blood clot) characteristics over time. By using ultrasound-responsive nanodroplets, the lab aims to create a non-invasive method that can provide real-time information about thrombus age and mechanical properties, enhancing treatment strategies for conditions like cardiovascular disease. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling timely and tailored treatments for thrombus-related complications.

Dr. Greg Thurber's lab focuses on developing innovative methods to deliver genetic therapies specifically to neurons in the brain. They create unique antibody-based systems that can cross the blood-brain barrier non-invasively and modulate gene expression, which is crucial for understanding brain function and treating neurological disorders. Their work aims to address challenges in gene therapy, particularly for conditions like Dravet syndrome.

Dr. Anna K. Mapp's research lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins control the initiation of gene transcription, which is crucial for processes like cell growth and development. They study the interactions between transcriptional activators and coactivators, which can be targeted for new drug development, especially for diseases like cancer and intellectual disabilities. The lab aims to create synthetic molecules that can either enhance or inhibit these protein interactions, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic solutions.

Dr. Billy Tsai's lab focuses on understanding how the human papillomavirus (HPV) infects cells and leads to cancer. They study the transport mechanisms that HPV uses to enter the cell nucleus after it is taken up by the host cell, aiming to identify new ways to prevent or treat HPV infections. This research is crucial as HPV is responsible for various cancers, and new antiviral strategies are desperately needed.

Dr. Henry L. Paulson's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind age-related neurodegenerative diseases, especially how proteins involved in cellular quality control, such as ubiquitin, contribute to these disorders. The lab aims to discover new treatments by studying how these proteins become dysfunctional and lead to diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's. By investigating the complex biology of these proteins, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Dr. Oliver D. Kripfgans' lab focuses on improving dental implant surgery by using ultrasound imaging to monitor healing after dental bone grafts. The research aims to replace traditional 2D and 3D radiographs, which expose patients to radiation, with a non-invasive ultrasound method that can provide detailed images over time. This innovative approach seeks to enhance patient outcomes and refine surgical practices in implant dentistry.

Dr. Jonathan Robert Sukovich's lab focuses on non-invasive ultrasound therapies, particularly a method called histotripsy that uses sound waves to break down and remove tissue without surgery. By studying the sounds produced during this process, the lab aims to develop reliable ways to measure tissue damage during treatment to improve the safety and effectiveness of this technology. Their work is crucial for getting histotripsy approved for clinical use, which could greatly benefit patients needing tissue removal.

Dr. Mark T. Anderson's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how a specific type of bacteria, known as uropathogenic E. coli, causes urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly in women of different ages. The lab studies the behavior of these bacteria from the initial colonization in the urinary tract to the development of acute infections. By comparing gene expression in young and postmenopausal women, the team aims to uncover how these infections occur and identify potential target for new treatments and prevention strategies.