Dr. Vinata B Lokeshwar's lab at Augusta University focuses on improving treatments for high-risk bladder cancer. Their research investigates how to overcome resistance to chemotherapy, specifically the drug Gemcitabine, by targeting a newly identified enzyme called Chase. The lab aims to develop combination therapies that enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments and to identify biomarkers that help predict patient responses to these therapies.

Dr. Weiqin Chen's lab focuses on understanding the role of a protein called BSCL2 in heart metabolism and function. They investigate how BSCL2 is involved in breaking down triglycerides, a type of fat, and how this process affects the health of heart cells. The ultimate goal is to uncover new insights that could lead to therapies for heart conditions caused by metabolic issues.

Dr. David L. Mattson's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding the relationship between diet, immune response, and hypertension. The research investigates how different dietary proteins influence immune cell activity, particularly in the kidneys, and how this affects blood pressure. By using animal models, the lab aims to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for people suffering from hypertension, especially those who are sensitive to salt.

Dr. Yun Lei's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding how specific neurons in the brain, particularly in the entorhinal cortex, are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) as we age. The research investigates the role of epigenetic changes, particularly involving a protein called EZH2, in the loss of these neurons and cognitive decline associated with AD. By exploring these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for preventing or mitigating AD-related neuronal damage.

Dr. David C. Hess's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding how red blood cell dysfunction affects cognitive decline, particularly in conditions like vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. The team investigates whether improving red blood cell function through exercise and a conditioning technique can enhance brain health and potentially prevent cognitive issues in patients. Their research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies targeting red blood cells to tackle dementia effectively.

Dr. Justine M. Abais-Battad's lab focuses on understanding how sex differences affect hypertension, especially regarding gut health and the immune system. They conduct studies using rat models and human samples to uncover how gut bacteria and immune responses contribute to high blood pressure, particularly in females. This research aims to improve treatments for hypertension and kidney disease by identifying sex-specific mechanisms.

Dr. Gang Zhou's lab at Augusta University focuses on enhancing immunotherapy techniques, particularly adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT). The lab investigates how specific signaling pathways can be manipulated to improve the ability of CD4 T cells to fight cancers, especially by promoting their persistence and multifunctionality. Their research aims to develop new approaches that could make ACT more effective for solid tumors, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.

Dr. Carlos M. Isales's lab is focused on understanding the biological processes involved in muscle and bone loss as we age. Through studying the effects of a substance called kynurenine, the lab aims to identify how aging impacts our body's ability to maintain muscle strength and bone density. This research is particularly important for preventing falls and fractures in the elderly, ultimately looking to enhance their quality of life.

Dr. Xin-Yun Lu's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the effects of aging and chronic stress on brain health. The research investigates how specific neurons respond to stress and aging, and how inflammation in the brain can affect cognitive function over time. By exploring factors like HDAC9 and the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC), the lab aims to uncover therapeutic targets to help combat cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Meghan E. McGee-Lawrence's lab focuses on understanding how HIV infection, aging, and antiretroviral therapy contribute to muscle and bone loss. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these changes at the cellular level, particularly the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This knowledge could lead to improved treatments for older HIV patients suffering from related health issues.

Dr. Riyaz Mohamed's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic disorder that causes the formation of numerous cysts in the kidneys, ultimately leading to kidney failure. The lab is particularly interested in a molecule called netrin-1, which appears to play a role in promoting cyst growth. By studying how netrin-1 influences kidney cells and immune responses, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic targets to treat PKD more effectively and safely.

Dr. Paul Langridge's lab at Augusta University explores how mechanical forces activate the Notch signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell communication during development and disease. By studying Drosophila models, the lab examines the role of specific proteins, like Epsin, in the endocytosis process of Notch ligands. The research aims to uncover new insights into how disruptions in this process can lead to various human health issues, including cancers and other disorders.

Dr. Jessica L. Faulkner's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure. The research examines how the hormone leptin, which is found in elevated levels in preeclampsia patients, affects maternal and fetal health by causing cardiovascular issues. By using mouse models, the lab investigates the mechanisms underlying leptin's role in this condition, with the aim of developing better treatments.

Dr. Paul Michael O'Connor's lab focuses on understanding how red blood cell (RBC) trapping contributes to kidney injuries caused by ischemia. By investigating this mechanism, the lab aims to inform better treatment strategies for acute kidney injury (AKI), a life-threatening condition that often leads to chronic kidney problems. The research has the potential to change how we view and treat kidney injuries related to RBC dynamics and heme toxicity.

Dr. Ashok Sharma's lab focuses on studying dry eye disease, which affects many people, especially women. The lab aims to identify unique biomarkers in tear fluid that can help distinguish different types of the disease and lead to personalized treatments. They utilize advanced techniques like machine learning to analyze data and create a comprehensive database of tear-related molecules, assisting researchers in understanding this condition better.

Dr. David Stepp's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding how skeletal muscle health can protect against cardiovascular problems caused by obesity. The research looks at how maintaining muscle mass and performance can improve blood vessel function, potentially offering new treatment strategies for individuals with obesity who cannot exercise effectively. The lab explores the roles of specific genes and proteins in muscle and their influence on heart health.

Dr. Huabo Su's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding the role of proteins involved in mitochondrial health and vascular smooth muscle function. The research aims to uncover how specific proteins, like Cullin 3, influence heart and blood vessel health, particularly under stress. By using advanced genetic models, the lab explores mechanisms that can help prevent or treat cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Yao Liang Tang's lab studies how specific enzymes affect heart cells after injury. They focus on transforming problematic heart cells into those that can help repair heart damage. This research is important because it could lead to new treatments for heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.

Dr. Raghavan Pillai Raju's lab focuses on understanding how factors derived from juvenile animals can help improve health outcomes in older individuals who suffer from injuries. The research particularly examines how juvenile plasma factors can aid recovery and reduce damage after traumatic events such as hemorrhagic shock, which is a leading cause of death among the elderly. By investigating the mechanisms behind these protective factors, the lab aims to develop strategies to counteract the negative effects of aging and promote healthier aging.

Dr. Jian-Kang Chen's research lab focuses on understanding how diabetes affects kidney function, particularly how it increases the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). The lab investigates the cellular and molecular changes that lead to kidney hypertrophy and susceptibility to damage in diabetic patients. Their work aims to find new therapeutic targets for preventing kidney damage in these patients, ultimately improving health outcomes for those with diabetes-related kidney issues.