Dr. Mingjiang Xu's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) regulation. The research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets, like the protein PSPC1, to improve treatment outcomes for AML, a challenging blood cancer. The lab also investigates the role of RNA modifications and specific proteins in regulating stem cell function, which could lead to new treatments for hematological malignancies.

Dr. Reuben S. Harris leads a research lab focused on understanding APOBEC enzymes and their role in cancer mutations. His team studies how these enzymes contribute to genetic changes in various cancer types, such as bladder and breast cancer, which can lead to treatment resistance and metastasis. The lab aims to develop new therapies that inhibit these enzymes, ultimately improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Dr. Gabriel Alejandro De Erausquin's lab focuses on understanding how COVID-19 impacts cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer's disease among diverse populations. The research includes studying genetic variations and their relationship with cognitive health in older adults from underrepresented minorities, particularly those from America, Africa, and South America. The lab collaborates with multiple institutions to assess factors like neurological imaging and biomarkers over several years following COVID-19 infection.

Dr. Patrick Sung's lab studies the intricate mechanisms by which cells repair harmful DNA damage, specifically focusing on a critical repair process called homology-directed repair (HDR). By understanding how various proteins interact to facilitate or inhibit this process, the lab aims to uncover insights into cancer biology, particularly regarding how the failure of these repair pathways can lead to tumor development. Their research is aimed at developing new therapeutic strategies for treating cancers associated with defects in DNA repair processes.

Dr. Shaun Olsen's lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins called RAD51 paralogs help repair damaged DNA in cells. Their research is crucial for maintaining genome integrity, and they explore how failures in this repair process can lead to cancer. By studying these complex protein interactions, they aim to develop new cancer therapies targeting DNA repair pathways.

Dr. Mohamad Habes' lab focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) by exploring the connection between vascular health and cognitive decline, particularly among diverse populations such as Mexican Americans. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques and machine learning to analyze brain scans and biomarkers in order to identify key factors that contribute to dementia. Their goal is to develop innovative methods for detecting and characterizing neurovascular contributions to cognitive impairment, especially in under-researched ethnic groups.

Dr. Ellen Kraig's lab focuses on researching how certain drugs, called mTOR inhibitors, can promote healthier aging in older adults. The lab conducts studies to understand how different doses and schedules of these drugs affect the health and biology of elderly individuals. Through careful testing, they aim to determine the safest and most effective ways to use these drugs to improve health outcomes as people age.

Dr. Noboru Hiroi's lab focuses on understanding how genetic variations impact cognitive development, particularly through the lens of neurodevelopmental disorders. By using mouse models, the team investigates postnatal cellular mechanisms, specifically looking at how gene variants like Tbx1 contribute to cognitive deficits. This research aims to reveal insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving cognitive functions in affected individuals.

Dr. Tim H.-M. Huang's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding the role of tumor-macrophage hybrid cells in prostate cancer progression, particularly in cases resistant to traditional androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. These hybrid cells may help cancer evade the immune system and spread throughout the body. This research aims to uncover new treatment strategies against advanced prostate cancer by profiling these unique cells and their mechanisms.

Dr. Lily Q Dong's lab focuses on understanding how specific proteins in the body can help to control inflammation and metabolic health, particularly in the context of obesity. The research highlights a protein called ABHD17B that may be key in helping macrophages function properly to reduce inflammation associated with excess body fat. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover potential new treatments for metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes that arise from obesity.

Dr. Yuguang Shi's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how obesity leads to chronic inflammation, which is linked to metabolic diseases like insulin resistance. They specifically investigate a protein called ALCAT1 and its role in activating inflammation in fat tissue when faced with dietary challenges. This research could reveal new ways to treat obesity and related metabolic conditions by targeting ALCAT1.

Dr. Raushan Kurmasheva's lab focuses on improving cancer treatment for children and adolescents through innovative research using patient-derived tumor models. They aim to discover new drugs and therapies that are more effective and less toxic than current treatments, leveraging models that reflect the unique genetic characteristics of high-risk pediatric tumors. Their work is crucial for developing targeted therapies that can significantly enhance survival rates and reduce long-term health complications for young cancer patients.

Dr. Mengwei Zang's lab focuses on understanding the intricate processes behind alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), particularly how RNA splicing contributes to lipid metabolism disorders related to this condition. The lab aims to uncover the molecular roles of serine-arginine rich protein kinase 2 (SRPK2) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in modulating liver health and how these proteins can serve as potential targets for new therapies in ALD. Their research also involves the development of novel treatments aimed at reversing the damages caused by excessive alcohol consumption on the liver.

The lab led by Adam Salmon at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on researching potential anti-aging therapies through the testing of small molecules in mice. By examining how these treatments can extend the lifespan and improve health conditions associated with aging, their goal is to find effective interventions that could eventually benefit human longevity. This work is part of a larger collaborative program that not only evaluates drug effects but also contributes essential data and tissues to the scientific community.

The lab led by Dr. Laurence Morel focuses on understanding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease characterized by inappropriate immune responses. They investigate how specific cells in the immune system, particularly follicular helper T cells, contribute to the disease, and explore the effects of gut bacteria on immune function and disease severity. By studying the interaction between metabolism and immune response, the lab aims to find potential treatments to alleviate lupus symptoms through dietary and pharmacological interventions.

Dr. Pawel A. Osmulski's lab focuses on understanding how cells stick to each other and their environment, which is crucial for cancer research and tissue health. The team is developing advanced technology using atomic force microscopy to measure and visualize the adhesive properties of live cells. This innovative approach aims to identify the factors that contribute to cell adhesion, especially in aggressive cancer types, to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Dr. Daniel James Salamango's lab explores the mechanisms behind HIV persistence, particularly focusing on how the HIV protein Vpr affects myeloid cells, like macrophages. They aim to understand how Vpr-induced changes in the cell's genetic material can help the virus survive in these cells, which could lead to new treatments for HIV. The findings could also contribute to the broader goal of finding a cure for HIV infection.

Dr. Yogesh K Gupta's lab focuses on understanding how the SARS-CoV-2 virus modifies its RNA to evade the human immune system. By studying a specific protein complex that adds a chemical cap to the viral RNA, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that can help develop therapies for COVID-19 and potentially other viral infections. The research combines structural biology, molecular tools, and drug development to create innovative antiviral treatments.

Dr. William P. Clarke's lab focuses on developing new pain relief medications that are safer than current opioid drugs. By studying the combination of specific opioid receptors in pain-sensing neurons, the lab aims to create drugs that effectively reduce pain without the dangerous side effects associated with traditional opioids. Their research combines chemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology to discover and test novel drug candidates.

Dr. Qitao Ran's research lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on Alzheimer's disease, exploring innovative ways to target the Hippo signaling pathway to develop new treatments. This pathway is crucial for regulating cell growth and survival, and its abnormal activation has been linked to neurodegeneration. The lab conducts studies using mouse models to better understand how inhibiting this pathway can improve cognitive function and protect neurons from damage in Alzheimer's disease.