Dr. Marc V Fuccillo's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how specific types of neurons in the brain's striatum contribute to controlling behaviors and decisions. By studying interactions between different neuron types and neurotransmitters, the lab seeks to uncover the biological basis of goal-directed behaviors, which can be disrupted in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Their research combines advanced techniques such as optogenetics and calcium imaging to investigate both molecular mechanisms and circuit functions in real-time.

Dr. Boris Striepen’s lab focuses on the Cryptosporidium parasite, a significant cause of severe diarrhea that affects many vulnerable populations, particularly children and immunocompromised individuals. The lab investigates how the parasite undergoes sexual development, which is crucial for its lifecycle and transmission. By understanding the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in this process, the research aims to contribute to the development of effective treatments and vaccines against cryptosporidiosis.

Dr. Jeffrey S Phillips's lab at the University of Pennsylvania is focused on understanding Alzheimer's disease, particularly how tau proteins spread in the brain and impact different cognitive functions. By using advanced imaging techniques and postmortem validation, the lab aims to uncover how changes in white matter may be connected to the progression of tau pathology. This research will help inform better diagnostic methods and therapies for Alzheimer's disease and its various forms.

Dr. Silvia Porta Antolinez's lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies the role of a protein called TDP-43 in brain diseases, particularly in age-related dementias like frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and Alzheimer's disease. They focus on understanding the differences and behaviors of TDP-43 across various brain conditions and how these differences might help in developing better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for dementia.

Dr. Steven C. Marcus leads a research lab at the University of Pennsylvania focusing on improving treatment for adult depression within primary care. His lab studies innovative approaches like personalized text message reminders and financial incentives to boost patient adherence to antidepressant medications. The ultimate goal is to identify effective, evidence-based strategies that can easily be integrated into standard healthcare practices to enhance patient outcomes.

Dr. Meera Sundaram's lab studies how protective coatings in the body, known as apical extracellular matrices (aECMs), are formed and organized in tissues like lungs and blood vessels. Using the small roundworm C. elegans as a model organism, the lab explores important questions about how these matrices function, how they respond to changes, and their roles in health and disease. The research has implications for understanding diseases associated with defects in these protective structures, including hearing loss and lung or kidney diseases.

Dr. H Branch Coslett's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on improving language recovery in stroke patients suffering from aphasia. The lab explores the use of advanced brain stimulation techniques, like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), alongside speech therapy to enhance language function. Through careful study and modeling, they aim to identify the best treatment approaches and understand how they work at the brain level.

Dr. Greg J. Bashaw's lab studies how neurons form connections in the brain and spinal cord, focusing on a specific receptor that guides the growth of nerve fibers. By investigating the mechanisms of this receptor, the lab aims to uncover insights into developmental disorders and potential treatments for nerve damage. Their research could contribute to a better understanding of how the nervous system develops and heals after injury.

Dr. Christopher G. Favilla's lab focuses on improving outcomes for stroke patients and individuals with heart failure. They are developing innovative educational tools and monitoring techniques to enhance patient care, especially regarding stroke awareness and management. Their research includes exploring the effects of heart devices on brain health and creating personalized video education platforms to empower patients and caregivers post-stroke.

Dr. Jinbo Chen's lab focuses on improving how we identify patients who have diseases but haven't yet been diagnosed. Using electronic health records, or EHRs, the lab develops sophisticated statistical and machine learning methods to uncover under-diagnosed conditions like Primary Aldosteronism and Familial Hypercholesterolemia. The aim is to ensure better health care access and outcomes by understanding and addressing disparities in disease diagnosis.

Dr. Constantinos Koumenis' lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on improving radiation therapy for cancer patients. They are studying a new technique called FLASH radiotherapy, which uses a high dose of radiation to minimize damage to healthy tissues while effectively targeting tumors. Their research aims to understand how this innovative approach can protect normal tissues during treatments for various cancers, including pancreatic and lung cancer.

Dr. Geoffrey Aguirre's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding how migraines and visual discomfort interact with perceptions of flickering light. They explore the brain's response to visual stimuli in people with and without migraines, using innovative technology to measure light exposure and analyze how this impacts sensory experience. The goal is to uncover the underlying neural mechanisms of photophobia and improve management strategies for those affected by migraines.

Dr. Wan-Ping Lee's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on understanding Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a major public health concern. The research emphasizes the role of genetic factors, particularly copy number variations (CNVs), in the disease's etiology and progression. By analyzing whole genome sequencing data from a large and diverse population, the lab aims to identify new genetic risk factors and improve strategies for the treatment and prevention of AD.

Dr. Golnaz Vahedi's lab at the University of Pennsylvania investigates how the three-dimensional structure of our genome affects immune cell functions and plays a role in allergic disorders. By specifically looking at T cells, her research aims to uncover the connections between genomic architecture and diseases like asthma and dermatitis, aiming for a better understanding of the genetic factors driving these conditions. The lab uses genetically modified mouse models and advanced genomic techniques to explore these relationships.

Dr. Klaus H. Kaestner's lab focuses on understanding critical cellular and molecular mechanisms in gastrointestinal and pancreatic health. They study unique cells like FOXL1-positive telocytes that are crucial for intestinal development, and examine the role of senescent cells in liver disease and diabetes. Overall, the lab aims to uncover pathways that might lead to better treatments for diseases such as diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders.

Dr. Charles Edward Leonard's research lab focuses on understanding how psychoactive drugs can interact harmfully with one another, particularly among older adults who often take multiple medications. By investigating these interactions, the lab aims to uncover serious risks such as venous thromboembolism and bleeding, which can lead to hospitalizations or death. The research is crucial for improving medication safety and public health outcomes in individuals with mental health disorders.

Dr. Malek Kamoun's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on improving kidney transplant outcomes by studying HLA immunogenetics. They investigate how variations in HLA proteins affect the body’s immune response to transplanted kidneys. By utilizing advanced machine learning techniques and extensive genetic data, the lab aims to refine donor-recipient matching and optimize immunosuppressive therapies, ultimately enhancing the success rates of kidney transplants.

Dr. Elizabeth Mcdonald's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on improving cancer treatment through innovative imaging techniques. The lab is developing a new PET imaging method that can predict how well patients with breast cancer will respond to specific therapies using PARP inhibitors. This research aims to personalize cancer treatments and reduce unnecessary side effects by matching patients with the most effective therapies based on their tumor characteristics.

Dr. Andrew Vaughan's research lab focuses on understanding how the lungs repair themselves after injury from respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. They investigate the regeneration of both the epithelial and endothelial layers of lung tissue, aiming to uncover the molecular pathways that support recovery and prevent severe complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The lab's work is crucial for developing therapies to improve lung function and reduce mortality rates associated with viral pneumonia.

Dr. Roberto Bonasio's lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies how memories can be encoded in organisms beyond the nervous system, using planarians, a type of flatworm capable of regenerating their brains. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms behind memory retention and transmission through both neural and non-neural pathways. Their work aims to enhance our understanding of memory formation and inheritance, with potential insights applicable to more complex brains, including human brains.