Dr. Daniel Gorelick's lab at Baylor College of Medicine studies how environmental pollutants like dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) affect health by interacting with proteins in our cells. They focus on a specific protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) that regulates gene expression in response to these toxic substances. By exploring the complexities of AHR signaling, the lab aims to uncover new insights into how these pollutants can lead to diseases, thereby improving our understanding of their impact on human health.

Dr. Olivier Lichtarge's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding Alzheimer's Disease by exploring genetic factors and how they differ between men and women. The lab uses advanced computational methods to analyze genetic data, aiming to identify key genes that contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's. Through experimental validation in model organisms, the lab works to improve and tailor strategies for early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease based on genetic insights.

Dr. Hui Zheng's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind Alzheimer's Disease (AD), particularly the roles of lipid metabolism and immune response in the brain. Researchers investigate how certain enzymes and pathways affect neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in AD. The lab's work aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve treatment options for Alzheimer's patients.

Dr. Ananth V Annapragada's lab focuses on understanding how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may contribute to the development and acceleration of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By investigating the influence of genetic risk factors and other viral infections, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction observed after COVID-19 infections. Their research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Matthew Rasband's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding the structure and function of axons, particularly how they communicate and maintain stability in the nervous system. They study the molecular mechanisms that govern axon health and integrity, especially in the context of diseases like bipolar disorder and other neuropsychiatric conditions. By using advanced genetic and imaging techniques, they aim to discover new therapies that could potentially repair or preserve axon function during injury or disease.

Dr. Bidadi Venkataram Prasad's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding the structure and function of rotaviruses, which are a leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy, to investigate how viral proteins contribute to the virus's ability to replicate and form infectious particles. Their research aims to provide critical insights that can lead to new antiviral strategies against rotavirus infection and improve vaccine effectiveness.

Dr. Jin Wang's lab focuses on developing new cancer treatments by targeting specific proteins in cells. The team studies how these proteins influence immune responses in cancer therapy, particularly in the context of experimental treatments that could make current therapies more effective. By investigating the role of RIPK1 — a protein that affects cell survival and immune signaling — they aim to create new drugs that help patients who do not respond to existing cancer immunotherapies.

Dr. James F. Martin's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding how specific signaling pathways in the heart can promote cell proliferation and regeneration after injury. By investigating the Hippo-YAP and Wnt signaling pathways, the lab aims to develop innovative treatments for heart failure, a leading cause of death. The research uses advanced techniques in gene therapy and cell models to find ways to enhance the heart's ability to heal itself following conditions like myocardial infarction.

Dr. Lilei Zhang's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding genetic variations in the MYH7 gene, which are linked to heart diseases. The lab develops innovative methods for interpreting and validating these genetic variants using advanced technologies like single cell RNA sequencing and machine learning. This research aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathies and other hereditary conditions by providing deeper insights into how gene mutations affect heart cell function.

Brendan Lee's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding the genetic and cellular basis of disease to improve diagnostics and treatment options, particularly for newborns and patients with complex skeletal conditions. The lab is leading innovative projects that use advanced technologies like genomic sequencing and neuroanatomical mapping to enhance medical care in underserved areas. Through their research, they aim to reduce health disparities and develop new therapeutic strategies for various conditions, including osteoarthritis and Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

Dr. Javier F. Medina's lab investigates how the cerebellum, a region of the brain essential for motor control and cognitive processes, learns from errors to improve functioning. The research focuses on understanding how error signals impact cerebellar activity during various tasks, which could lead to new therapies for disorders linked to cerebellar dysfunction, such as ataxia, autism, and schizophrenia. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics and high-density neural probes, the lab aims to uncover how the cerebellum processes sensory information to enhance both movement and cognitive abilities.

Dr. Jeannie Chin's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding epilepsy, a serious neurological disorder. Their research investigates the role of a cellular pathway called mTOR, specifically its complex mTORC2, in the development of seizures. By combining techniques from genetics, molecular biology, and pharmacology, the team aims to uncover new mechanisms and therapies to better treat epilepsy and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel's lab focuses on understanding how specific brain circuits govern body weight control and feeding behavior. They explore the role of cholinergic signaling in the brain, particularly looking at how these signals affect regions involved in appetite regulation. By uncovering these mechanisms, the lab aims to provide insights into obesity and related metabolic disorders, which are significant health issues today.

Dr. Irina Larina's lab focuses on understanding the complex processes of fertilization and ciliary function in the fallopian tube using advanced imaging techniques. By studying these processes in live mouse models, the lab aims to reveal insights into fertility issues and inform the development of infertility treatments. Their research has the potential to significantly impact women's reproductive health and provide a better understanding of related conditions.

Dr. Thomas A. Cooper's lab at Baylor College of Medicine studies myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a serious muscle disorder that leads to progressive weakening of skeletal muscles. The lab focuses on understanding how specific genetic mutations disrupt normal muscle function and contribute to the disease. By exploring the roles of certain RNA-binding proteins in muscle development and their connection to the disease, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to help manage or treat DM1.

Dr. Bruno Di Stefano's lab focuses on understanding how certain RNA processing mechanisms contribute to the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The research primarily investigates a protein called DDX6, which plays a critical role in regulating RNA within cells, particularly in leukemia. By dissecting these processes, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets and improve treatment strategies for patients with AML.

Dr. Zhao Wang's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on understanding how certain bacterial proteins known as efflux pumps help bacteria resist antibiotics. By studying the structure and assembly of these pumps using advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind multidrug resistance in pathogens like E. coli. This research is crucial for developing new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance, a significant public health threat.

Dr. Graham Scott Erwin's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on developing innovative tools for genomic medicine. They are creating new classes of small, cell-permeable molecules to edit specific DNA sequences, addressing challenges in treating genetic disorders, especially those involving repetitive DNA. By rationally designing these genome regulators, the lab aims to enhance precision medicine and make new therapeutic strategies accessible to researchers.

Dr. Thomas Garcia's lab at Baylor College of Medicine is focused on understanding the genetic causes of male infertility, which is not well understood currently. The research involves using advanced sequencing techniques to identify new genes that influence male fertility. By studying both blood and sperm samples and validating findings in mouse models, the lab aims to shed light on the genetics of infertility and potentially identify targets for new male contraceptive solutions.

Dr. Sarah Blutt's lab at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on studying the effects of high-dose radiation on the human gastrointestinal system using advanced models called human intestinal organoids. By recreating human intestinal environments in the lab, they aim to understand how radiation damages the gut and to develop potential therapies to aid recovery. This research is particularly important for creating effective treatments to protect against damage from radiation exposure during nuclear emergencies.