Zhi Zhong's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how alcohol affects liver function, particularly through processes involving mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells. They are researching how the liver responds to alcohol consumption and the resulting harm, which can lead to serious conditions like fibrosis and cirrhosis. By studying how mitochondrial health is affected by alcohol, their goal is to develop new treatments for alcohol-related liver diseases.

Dr. Silvia Guglietta's lab focuses on understanding the role of the complement C3a receptor in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its effects on the intestinal barrier and the microbiome. By exploring the communication between immune cells and epithelial cells in the intestines, her research aims to uncover how inflammation contributes to CRC initiation and progression. This research holds promise for improving strategies for CRC prevention and treatment through a better understanding of immune system interactions.

Stephen A. Duncan's lab focuses on discovering new drugs that can lower cholesterol production in the liver, which is crucial for addressing high cholesterol issues in patients. By using a type of liver cell derived from human stem cells, the lab investigates the effects of several small molecules that inhibit a specific enzyme called carboxylesterase 1. These findings could lead to treatments for conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver disease without the side effects associated with current cholesterol medications.

Dr. Chenthamarakshan Vasu's lab focuses on understanding how the gut microbiota and its metabolites influence autoimmune diseases and gut health. They study the effects of beta-glucans, a type of dietary fiber, on the gut microbiome and aim to identify novel metabolites produced during its degradation that could have therapeutic benefits. This research may lead to innovative nutrition and medicine strategies to prevent and treat immune-related disorders.

The lab of Dr. Mark T Hamann focuses on the synthesis and optimization of unique natural products called aleutianamines, derived from deep-sea marine organisms. The research aims to develop effective methods for creating these alkaloids, which have potential therapeutic applications for diseases like malaria and cancer. By exploring innovative synthesis techniques, the lab seeks to address the scarcity of these natural compounds and harness their medicinal properties.

Dr. Wei Jiang's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how drug use affects the immune response in HIV-infected individuals. They study the role of specific antibodies in the immune system and how chronic drug abuse influences the recovery of immune cells after HIV treatment. Their aim is to uncover the mechanisms by which inflammation from drugs like cocaine and cannabis impact the immune system, particularly in relation to a type of antibody that can harm CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections.

Dr. Hainan Lang's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how auditory processing deficits may relate to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). By studying the effects of the MEF2C gene on neuronal and immune system functions, the lab explores how these factors might contribute to communication challenges in children with ASD. The research integrates animal models and advanced techniques to uncover potential therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Joe R. Delaney's research at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how certain genetic changes in tumors can affect their behavior and response to treatment. Specifically, his lab investigates a group of proteins called metallothioneins, which are involved in regulating metals in cells and can influence tumor development, especially in ovarian cancer. This research aims to find new ways to target these genetic vulnerabilities in cancer cells, ultimately leading to improved therapies for patients.

Dr. Russell Norris's lab focuses on understanding mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a condition that can severely affect heart health. The lab investigates how MVP can lead to serious complications like left ventricular fibrosis and arrhythmias, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. By exploring the biological mechanisms behind MVP, the team aims to improve patient outcomes and develop better prevention strategies.

Dr. James M Otis's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina studies how brain circuits are affected by alcohol and opioid use, particularly focusing on their role in motivating drug-seeking behaviors. They use cutting-edge techniques to track neuron activity and analyze the genetic makeup of specific neuronal groups involved in addiction. Their aim is to deepen our understanding of addiction disorders and develop potential treatments.

Dr. Sophie Paczesny's research lab focuses on improving the prediction and understanding of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) through innovative machine learning techniques. By analyzing blood samples from transplant patients, the lab aims to identify specific biomarkers that can indicate who is at risk of developing cGVHD and enhance early treatment strategies. This work is vital for personalizing therapies and improving outcomes for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Dr. Hongkuan Fan's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how a specific type of brain cell, called pericytes, is involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease. They study how disruptions in blood flow and the blood-brain barrier affect brain function and contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's. The lab is exploring a molecule called Fli-1 that may play a crucial role in these processes, with the hope of developing new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Jens H Jensen's lab focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to better understand and monitor Alzheimer's disease. They use specialized MRI methods to evaluate how the disease progresses and how it responds to potential treatments in mouse models. By applying these methods, they hope to uncover new insights into Alzheimer's pathology and assist in the development of more effective therapies.

Dr. Anand S. Mehta's lab focuses on developing new biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma, a lethal form of liver cancer. The lab investigates changes in glycosylation patterns of proteins associated with cancer in order to improve diagnosis and prognosis for patients. They have developed an innovative method for analyzing these glycan changes using a streamlined antibody capture technique, aiming to enhance early detection and treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma.

Dr. Gerald W. Dorn's lab focuses on understanding how mitochondria function and adapt in heart cells, especially during conditions like cardiomyopathy and heart failure. They explore the role of a protein called Mitofusin 2 in regulating mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism, aiming to find new therapeutic approaches to improve heart health. The research combines basic science and translational applications to address critical challenges in heart disease treatment.

Dr. Amy C Engevik's lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins in our intestines influence gut health, particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The team studies a protein called Myosin 5b, which helps transport key enzymes that protect our intestines from inflammation. By exploring the relationship between Myosin 5b and intestinal alkaline phosphatase, they aim to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for IBD.

Dr. John P. O'Bryan's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins, called RAS, contribute to cancer development. They are exploring new ways to inhibit these proteins using innovative synthetic molecules called monobodies, which can bind to RAS with high specificity. By studying how these molecules affect RAS function, the lab aims to identify new strategies for cancer therapy that directly target RAS mutations.

Dr. Haizhen Wang's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on improving immunotherapy for solid tumors by studying the functions of cyclin D proteins in T cells. The lab investigates how these proteins impact T cell survival and their ability to infiltrate tumors, which are critical for effective cancer treatment. By manipulating cyclin D expression, the research aims to enhance the efficacy of T cell therapies against cancers like melanoma and colorectal cancer.

Dr. Andreana Benitez's research lab focuses on understanding how changes in the brain's white matter relate to aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). They use advanced MRI techniques to investigate these changes over time, with the goal of identifying early biomarkers for AD. By studying individuals aged 45-85, the lab aims to differentiate between normal aging processes and the onset of pathological changes related to Alzheimer's disease.