Federica Accornero · Biochemistry
Dr. Federica Accornero's lab at Brown University focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that regulate aging and heart function through post-transcriptional modifications of RNA. The lab explores how specific RNA methylation processes, particularly involving the enzyme METTL3, influence gene expression related to aging and cardiac health. By studying these processes, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for age-related diseases and heart failure.
Jill Kreiling · Biochemistry
Dr. Jill Kreiling's lab at Brown University is focused on developing non-invasive biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The team is exploring salivary extracellular vesicles to identify RNA and protein patterns that help predict the risk of developing these neurodegenerative diseases. Their work aims to create accessible testing methods that could lead to earlier interventions for patients before serious symptoms arise.
Ani Eloyan · Mathematics & Statistics
Research in Ani Eloyan's lab focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease through the innovative analysis of medical imaging data, particularly PET scans. The lab develops statistical tools to identify biomarkers using various imaging modalities, helping to track brain changes and improve patient care. By integrating data from PET and MRI, the lab aims to enhance our understanding of disease progression in Alzheimer's patients.
Walter J Atwood · Biochemistry
Walter J Atwood's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a severe brain disease caused by the JC virus, especially in patients with weak immune systems like those with AIDS or undergoing certain therapies. The lab investigates how the virus persists in the body and spreads to the brain, aiming to identify early biomarkers for PML and develop new treatment strategies. The research is important for improving outcomes for vulnerable populations affected by this fatal disease.
Nancy P Barnett · Social Science
Dr. Nancy P Barnett's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding how young adults can help each other in situations involving risky alcohol use. The research investigates the circumstances that encourage bystanders to step in and assist when they witness hazardous drinking behaviors among their peers. By studying these dynamics, the lab aims to develop effective interventions that reduce alcohol-related harm in the young adult community.
Laurent Brossay · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Laurent Brossay's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to viral infections, particularly murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), which shares similarities with the human version. They investigate how Natural Killer (NK) cells behave in salivary glands during infection, revealing how these cells can limit immune responses without harming tissue. The lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind viral persistence and the delicate balance between fighting infections and preventing damage to the host.
Marc Tatar · Biology
Dr. Marc Tatar's lab at Brown University explores how aging affects the communication between the kidney, adrenal glands, and heart. They focus on understanding a condition known as cardiorenal syndrome, where dysfunction in one organ can lead to problems in others, particularly in older adults. Through transplant experiments in mice, the lab examines how these interactions may promote fibrosis and contribute to age-related organ decline.
Amanda M Jamieson · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Amanda Jamieson's lab at Brown University researches how the immune system responds to severe respiratory infections like influenza and bacterial pneumonia. They focus on a specific protein called Caspase-8, which helps regulate cell death in immune cells called macrophages. By studying these processes, the lab aims to find ways to improve treatments for infections that cause high rates of illness and death.
Stephen L Helfand · Biochemistry
Dr. Stephen L. Helfand's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding a rare genetic disorder resulting in severe epilepsy caused by mutations in the SLC13A5 gene. The lab utilizes advanced models, including fruit flies and mice, to explore how these mutations disrupt brain functions and develop potential treatments. Their research is crucial for linking genetics to the observed symptoms in patients, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
Michelle R Dawson · Biochemistry
Dr. Michelle R. Dawson's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding how some cells in epithelial ovarian cancer can resist treatment and spread within the body. Her research investigates the role of energy metabolism in cancer cells, particularly how they switch between using different energy sources when under stress. By studying these processes, particularly in a specialized 3D culture model, the lab aims to discover new ways to target and potentially treat this aggressive cancer more effectively.
Thomas Benedict Bartnikas · Biology
Dr. Thomas Benedict Bartnikas's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding how the body balances iron and manganese levels, which are necessary for health but can be toxic in excess. The lab investigates how inherited conditions, such as hereditary hemochromatosis, affect the regulation and absorption of these metals. Their research helps to uncover the fundamental processes that maintain the balance of important nutrients while preventing toxicity.
Margot Jackson · Social Science
Professor Margot Jackson leads a research lab at Brown University focused on understanding how social safety net investments impact children's health and development. The lab examines how different types of public support available to families from pregnancy through young adulthood can influence various health outcomes and development milestones. Their work aims to provide insights into how these investments can help reduce health disparities based on socioeconomic status and race.
Karla R. Kaun · Neuroscience
Dr. Karla R. Kaun's lab investigates how alcohol affects the brain's reward circuits, particularly in comparison to natural rewards like sugar. By studying the simpler nervous system of fruit flies (Drosophila), the lab aims to uncover the cellular and molecular processes that lead to changes in reward perception and motivation due to alcohol consumption. This research could provide insights into the mechanisms behind addiction and maladaptive behavior related to alcohol and other rewards.
Jonathan D. Kurtis · Biology
Dr. Jonathan D. Kurtis leads a research lab focused on developing new treatments for severe malaria, specifically targeting a protein called PfGARP found on the surface of malaria-infected red blood cells. The lab's work aims to create a novel class of antimalarial drugs that could effectively combat the rising issue of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for malaria. Through high-throughput drug screening and testing in humanized mouse models, the lab seeks to discover and refine new drugs to improve health outcomes in affected populations.
Sanghyun Lee · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Sanghyun Lee's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding how viruses evade the immune responses of intestinal epithelial cells during infections. The research involves studying specific viral proteins that interact with cellular receptors to suppress immune signaling pathways. The lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these interactions to better understand enteric viral infections and potential therapeutic targets.
Matthew Nassar · Neuroscience
Dr. Matthew Nassar's lab at Brown University investigates how the brain helps people adjust their behavior in response to changes in their environment. Specifically, the lab examines how arousal, mainly influenced by a system in the brain called locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC/NE), affects behavioral flexibility. This research has important implications for understanding and treating psychiatric disorders where individuals struggle to adapt to new or stressful situations. By using advanced techniques like fMRI and computational modeling, the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive these behaviors in different individuals.
Eric M Morrow · Biochemistry
Dr. Eric Morrow's lab at Brown University investigates the biological mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. The research focuses on genetic factors, particularly copy number variations (CNVs), that increase the risk of conditions like autism. By studying animal models and human stem cells, the lab seeks to understand how these genetic changes affect brain development and neuronal health, with the goal of developing new therapeutic strategies.
Lalit K Beura · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Lalit K Beura's lab at Brown University focuses on understanding how specific immune cells called CD8 T lymphocytes protect the female reproductive tract from viral infections. By investigating how these cells develop and maintain their protective functions, the lab aims to improve strategies for vaccine development against viral diseases affecting this important area of the body. The research combines advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and in vitro organoid systems to explore the complex biology of immune responses.
William G Fairbrother · Pharmacology
Dr. William G. Fairbrother's lab focuses on understanding splicing defects in human genes, particularly how specific mutations affect the way RNA is processed. By analyzing large genomic data sets, the lab aims to identify mutations that can lead to various diseases. The team is also exploring ways to correct these mutations using innovative techniques, which could have significant implications for developing targeted therapies.
Molly Magill · Social Science
Molly Magill's research lab focuses on improving treatment methods for individuals dealing with alcohol and other drug use disorders. The lab conducts detailed meta-analyses of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its effectiveness, exploring the best ways to measure treatment outcomes. By looking at a variety of endpoints and outcomes related to recovery, the lab aims to enhance clinical practices and provide better support for patients in need of behavioral interventions.