Dr. William Margolin's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how bacteria like E. coli manage to grow and divide. By studying the proteins that form their division machinery, the lab aims to uncover new insights into bacterial cell function and identify potential targets for new antibiotics. Their work combines advanced imaging techniques and molecular genetics to explore the mechanical processes in bacterial life.

Dr. Bijal A. Balasubramanian's lab focuses on enhancing cancer survivorship care within primary care settings, particularly in community health clinics. The lab aims to improve coordination and delivery of care for cancer survivors who often have other chronic conditions. Through research trials across Texas, they develop and test models of care that integrate oncology and primary care to ensure that survivors receive comprehensive support.

Dr. John H. Byrne's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how different training intervals affect long-term memory and synaptic plasticity. The research seeks to uncover the biochemical mechanisms behind learning processes, specifically analyzing how various signaling molecules and transcription factors contribute to memory formation and retention. By improving these learning protocols, the lab aims to enhance methods for both animals and humans to achieve better memory outcomes.

Dr. Fabricio Hoffmann Do Monte's lab studies how the brain responds when expected rewards are suddenly taken away. They investigate specific brain circuits involved in changing behavior under these conditions, focusing on how different neuron types in the thalamus signal changes in reward availability. This research could enhance our understanding of disorders like anxiety and depression that can arise from such reward omissions.

Dr. Xiaodong Cheng's laboratory focuses on understanding and treating diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of vision loss among diabetics. The lab investigates the role of a protein called Epac1 in the development of DR and explores new therapeutic strategies that could improve patient outcomes. By combining genetic and pharmacological methods, the team aims to create innovative drugs targeting the underlying mechanisms of this condition.

Dr. Paul E. Schulz's lab focuses on understanding how COVID-19 affects the brain, specifically investigating the long-term cognitive dysfunction that some patients experience after their recovery. They explore factors such as patient demographics and underlying inflammation that might influence cognitive decline. The lab collects data from a diverse group of individuals who were hospitalized with COVID-19, aiming to develop better treatments for those suffering from neurocognitive issues post-infection.

Dr. Wenbo Li's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding the role of enhancer RNAs in regulating brain genes and their connections to Alzheimer's disease. By investigating how these noncoding RNAs function and affect gene expression, the lab aims to uncover new molecular mechanisms behind Alzheimer's, which could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments.

Dr. Priyatansh Gurha's lab focuses on understanding heart failure by exploring the roles of specific proteins called histone demethylases, KDM5A and KDM5B. These proteins are important for regulating gene expression and have been found to be dysregulated in heart failure. The research aims to uncover how these proteins contribute to heart disease and how they might be targeted for new therapies, using both human and mouse models.

Dr. Nuria Lacuey Lecumberri's research focuses on understanding and preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Her lab specifically investigates the role of forebrain networks in regulating breathing and how neuromodulation can enhance respiratory function during critical moments after seizures. By studying patients undergoing epilepsy surgery, the lab aims to develop targeted interventions that could potentially save lives.

Dr. Michael C. Lorenz's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston focuses on understanding how a bacterial peptide can inhibit the virulence of human fungal pathogens. Their research is particularly relevant as fungal infections become increasingly resistant to existing treatments. By studying the mechanisms of this peptide, the lab aims to develop new antifungal therapies that could significantly improve health outcomes for patients with serious fungal infections.

Dr. Belinda Flores Hernandez's lab focuses on improving sexual health education for adolescents, particularly in schools across South Texas. They aim to reduce teen pregnancy rates by implementing evidence-based sexual health programs in educational settings. Through innovative strategies like the iCHAMPSS 2.0, the lab evaluates how to effectively disseminate and maintain these programs, ensuring that youth have access to vital sexual health information.

Dr. Pramod K Dash's research lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how inflammation affects brain injuries, particularly traumatic brain injury (TBI). The lab investigates the role of a neuropeptide called CART in controlling inflammation and its potential to enhance recovery after a TBI. By examining both central and peripheral inflammation processes, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve cognitive outcomes for individuals affected by brain injuries.

Dr. Vasanthi Jayaraman's lab focuses on understanding how different types of glutamate receptors work in the brain, especially in relation to controlling movement and cognitive functions such as learning and memory. By using advanced techniques like single-molecule FRET and various biochemical methods, the lab investigates the complex interactions and structural changes within these receptors, aiming to uncover how they operate in both healthy and disease conditions. Their work could provide insights into the mechanisms underlying neurological disorders like strokes and Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Harry Karmouty-Quintana's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how ribosome dysfunction contributes to severe lung diseases, particularly interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis. They investigate how changes in ribosome production affect cell behavior and lead to excessive scarring in the lungs, which can be fatal. The ultimate goal is to uncover new treatment strategies for patients suffering from lung fibrosis.

Dr. Jayhun Lee's lab studies a human parasite called Schistosoma mansoni, which can evade the immune system and thrive in the human bloodstream. The lab is particularly interested in how the parasite's esophageal gland helps it survive by breaking down immune cells that are supposed to fight it. By identifying specific proteins in this gland, the research aims to find new ways to treat schistosomiasis, a disease that affects millions worldwide.

Dr. Bharti Manwani's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how atrial fibrillation, a heart condition, disproportionately affects elderly women and leads to dementia. Through innovative animal models, the lab investigates the influence of sex chromosomes and hormones on disease development and seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for prevention. The research integrates advanced techniques in electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology to unravel complex sex-specific mechanisms involved in these conditions.

Dr. Sean Marrelli's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how certain proteins affect blood flow in the brain and their roles in diseases like Alzheimer's. They are investigating how von Willebrand factor (VWF) contributes to blood vessel problems in amyloidosis and how the Piezo1 ion channel helps regulate cerebral blood flow. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could help treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases by improving blood circulation in the brain.

Dr. Louise D. Mccullough's lab focuses on understanding how sex and age affect the body's response to neurological conditions like stroke and COVID-19. The research aims to uncover biological differences that lead to varying outcomes in men and women, especially regarding inflammation and recovery. By investigating these differences, the lab hopes to develop targeted therapies to improve treatment for all patients affected by neurological diseases.

Dr. Gab Seok Kim's research lab focuses on understanding how microglia, the brain's immune cells, respond to strokes, particularly in older adults. The lab investigates a specific gene called Ifi27l2a that may heighten inflammation in the brain after a stroke, examining its role in both worsening brain injury and potential recovery. Through various experimental approaches, they aim to discover how manipulating this gene could lead to better treatment strategies for stroke and related neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. John Compton Mosher's lab focuses on developing a new digital biomarker for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. They aim to create a noninvasive, low-cost testing method using advanced EEG technology to identify key brain signals associated with Alzheimer's. This innovative approach could revolutionize how the disease is screened, making it easier to catch in its early stages before severe symptoms appear.