Dr. Kenichiro Taniguchi's lab studies the formation of the amniotic membrane, which is crucial for human pregnancy. They use advanced models to explore how certain molecular signals influence the development of amniotic cells. By examining both human stem cells and primate embryos, their research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control early embryonic development and improve our understanding of fertility issues.

Dr. Allison D Ebert's lab studies how the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) affects brain development, especially in cases where the virus is transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy. By exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this condition, the lab aims to find new antiviral treatments and better understand the impacts of HCMV infection on the brain and nervous system. Their research combines advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and organoid culture to unravel these complex interactions.

Dr. Qing-Song Liu's lab focuses on understanding how a protein called mTOR affects the behavior and function of dopamine neurons in the brain. They investigate how changes in mTOR signaling can lead to problems like hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are seen in disorders such as ADHD. Using specially designed mice, the lab seeks to uncover the cellular and circuit-level mechanisms behind these behaviors, aiming to inform future treatments for related psychiatric conditions.

Dr. Adriano Marchese's lab focuses on understanding how GPCR signaling works, particularly looking at a receptor involved in various diseases, including cancer. They aim to uncover the mechanisms behind this signaling to help develop new therapeutic strategies. The lab uses a variety of advanced techniques to study these complex interactions in cell models.

Dr. Cecilia J. Hillard's lab at the Medical College of Wisconsin focuses on developing new medications to treat anxiety disorders. The lab is particularly interested in a protein called sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2), which is involved in the regulation of brain chemicals that influence anxiety. By creating small-molecule inhibitors of SCP-2, the team aims to enhance certain receptor signals in the brain, offering the potential for safer and more effective anxiety treatments.

Dr. Sarah Kerns' lab focuses on improving how prostate cancer patients are treated with radiotherapy by using advanced machine learning techniques to predict potential side effects. They aim to identify patients at risk for severe complications from treatment, which commonly affect quality of life. This research not only helps in personalizing cancer treatment but also explores the genetic factors that contribute to these adverse effects, paving the way for better patient care and therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Christopher J. Kristich's lab focuses on understanding how certain bacteria, specifically enterococci, become resistant to antibiotics. The lab investigates the dynamics of proteins that help these bacteria resist treatments, as well as how intracellular signals influence this resistance. Their work aims to uncover new targets for developing innovative antibiotics that can effectively fight these resistant infections, which are a significant issue in hospitals.

Anne E. Kwitek's lab focuses on the Rat Genome Database, which is a comprehensive resource for genomic data connected to rat models of human diseases. The lab aims to integrate various types of genetic and biological data to enhance understanding of complex diseases that affect humans. By collaborating with other labs and institutions, they work on developing new genomic resources and tools to facilitate research that can bridge the knowledge gaps between rat studies and human health.

Dr. Candice S. Klug's lab focuses on understanding essential bacterial proteins to develop novel antibiotics against drug-resistant bacteria such as E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis. By integrating biophysical and microbiological methods with advanced electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, her research aims to provide crucial insights into protein structure and dynamics, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. The lab's work not only addresses antibiotic resistance but also advances biomedical technologies for diverse applications in human health.

Dr. Peter Laviolette's lab focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas, a type of brain tumor, by developing innovative imaging techniques. The research combines advanced mapping algorithms with MRI scans to better detect cancerous cells that are not easily visible. This work aims to refine treatment strategies and enhance patient outcomes through personalized therapy approaches and comprehensive tracking of tumor progression.

Dr. Chun Liu's lab focuses on understanding how chemotherapy drugs, particularly anthracyclines like doxorubicin, can harm the heart of cancer survivors. They study a protein called Carbonic Anhydrase XII and its role in heart disease caused by these drugs. By using advanced cell models and genetic techniques, their research aims to uncover new ways to protect the heart, potentially leading to safer cancer treatments.

Dr. Ziqing Liu's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins regulate blood vessel health. They study how endothelial cells, which form the inner lining of blood vessels, maintain their normal function and prevent inflammation, especially in conditions related to aging and cardiovascular diseases. By investigating the role of RNA-binding proteins, particularly PABPC1, they aim to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new strategies for preventing vascular-related health issues.

Dr. Francesca M. Marassi's lab focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind diseases associated with aging, particularly Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The team investigates the roles of calcification in these conditions and explores interactions between microbial pathogens and host defenses. This research aims to uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to combat these debilitating diseases.

Caitlin O'Meara's lab focuses on understanding how heart cells, known as cardiomyocytes, can regenerate and repair after injury. By studying specific proteins in both zebrafish and mice, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that allow heart cells to heal and function properly, especially in cases of heart failure. This research could lead to new regenerative therapies for patients with heart conditions.

Dr. Mona Al-Gizawiy's lab focuses on developing new treatments for aggressive pediatric brain tumors, specifically pediatric high-grade gliomas and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors. By exploring the use of gallium maltolate, a special metallocompound that mimics iron, the lab aims to inhibit tumor growth and improve survival rates for affected children while minimizing side effects. The research not only targets the cancer itself but also considers the overall quality of life of the patients.

Dr. Rashmi Sood's lab studies placental abruption, a serious pregnancy complication that occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery. The lab focuses on understanding the interplay between blood clotting and inflammation in this condition, using mouse models to investigate how specific immune cells and molecular processes contribute to placental damage. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could help prevent this dangerous complication in pregnancy.

Dr. John D Mccorvy's lab focuses on exploring the pharmacological potential of psychedelics, particularly their effects on mental health disorders like depression. By designing and developing new chemical probes specifically targeting serotonin receptors, the lab aims to differentiate between the therapeutic effects and the psychedelic experiences, paving the way for innovative treatments in psychiatry. Their research combines both structure-based drug design and an in-depth understanding of signaling pathways related to serotonin receptors.

Dr. Heather A. Himburg's lab focuses on understanding how biological sex influences the body's response to radiation, specifically in gastrointestinal damage. Their research primarily investigates the role of ACE2, an enzyme that may protect against radiation injury, and how its activity differs between male and female subjects. By exploring these sex-based differences, the lab aims to develop improved medical countermeasures for radiation exposure.

Dr. Brian A Link's lab at the Medical College of Wisconsin focuses on the cellular mechanisms involved in retinal health, particularly related to Usher syndrome type 1B. The lab investigates the MYO7A gene and its variants, which are linked to progressive retinal degeneration and other sensory deficits. By using various models including zebrafish and mutant mice, the research aims to understand how MYO7A mutations affect cell junctions in the retina, with the goal of informing future gene therapies.

Dr. Allen W. Cowley's lab investigates how a high-salt diet influences kidney health and metabolic processes, especially in individuals who are sensitive to salt. They focus on understanding the differences between salt-sensitive and salt-resistant rat models to identify potential therapeutic targets for hypertension and kidney injury. This research is significant given the widespread prevalence of salt-sensitive hypertension and its implications for cardiovascular health.