Dr. Laura B. Dickson's lab focuses on understanding how the adaptation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito to low humidity affects its ability to spread diseases like Zika and dengue. By investigating the physiological and genetic changes that occur in these mosquitoes under dry conditions, the lab aims to uncover new ways to develop effective control measures against vector-borne diseases. Their research combines field studies with molecular biology techniques to explore the relationship between environmental factors and virus transmission.

Dr. M. Firoze Khan's lab focuses on understanding how exposure to a chemical called trichloroethene (TCE), which is found in many environments, can lead to autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The lab studies how changes in the gut microbiome, the diverse community of microorganisms in our intestines, might play a role in this process. By investigating the relationship between TCE exposure and gut health, the lab aims to uncover new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.

Dr. Eliseo A. Eugenin's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston focuses on understanding how HIV persists in the central nervous system (CNS) despite antiretroviral therapy. By studying cells like astrocytes and microglia, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms behind viral reservoirs and cellular damage that causes cognitive and motor impairments in individuals living with HIV. Their research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies to eliminate these viral reservoirs and minimize damage to healthy brain cells.

Dr. Alexander Bukreyev's lab focuses on understanding how the immune system improperly responds to Ebola virus infection. The research aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that cause both excessive inflammation and immune paralysis in affected individuals. By studying these processes, the lab hopes to contribute to the development of effective treatments for Ebola virus and similar viral infections.

Dr. Anna Fracassi's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston focuses on understanding the complex relationship between microglia and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease. They are particularly interested in how certain brain-derived tau oligomers can promote cognitive resilience in individuals who show signs of Alzheimer's pathology but remain cognitively intact. By investigating the unique characteristics of these oligomers and the role of microglia, they aim to uncover novel therapeutic targets to combat this devastating disease.

Dr. Nisha Jain Garg's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Chagas disease, particularly how certain proteins affect heart function during the disease. By studying how the splicing of specific genes changes during infection, the lab aims to find new therapeutic strategies that could improve heart health in patients affected by Chagas. Their work bridges molecular biology and cardiology, aiming to offer insights into potential treatments for this serious condition.

Cheng Huang's research lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston focuses on understanding the biology of the Lassa virus, which causes Lassa fever, a significant health threat in West Africa. The lab is investigating a specific protein called the nucleoprotein (NP) that helps the virus evade the immune system and maintains the virus's genetic integrity. By studying how NP reduces errors during RNA replication, the lab aims to develop better treatments and vaccines against Lassa fever.

Dr. Gene Garrard Olinger's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch focuses on maintaining and optimizing the Galveston National Laboratory, a high-containment facility dedicated to studying infectious diseases. The lab provides unique resources for researchers to develop therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines for dangerous pathogens, while also training the next generation of experts in global health. Through rapid response capabilities, the lab plays a critical role in addressing public health emergencies and bioterrorism threats.

Dr. Junji Iwahara's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch focuses on understanding how proteins interact with DNA, which is vital for regulating gene expression and maintaining genomic integrity. The lab uses advanced techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study the dynamic processes through which DNA-binding proteins locate and recognize their target sites on DNA. These insights are crucial for developing new therapies for diseases linked to dysfunctional DNA-binding proteins.

Dr. Partha S. Sarkar's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston focuses on understanding how the huntingtin protein impacts DNA damage repair in neurons, especially in the context of Huntington's disease. They investigate the role of various proteins and complexes involved in repairing DNA double-strand breaks, which are critical for the health of neurons. Through their research, they aim to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new strategies for slowing down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Thomas James Smith's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston focuses on understanding how noroviruses evade the immune system. They investigate the structural dynamics of norovirus capsids, which can change shape to avoid recognition by antibodies. By studying the mouse norovirus model, the lab aims to provide insights that could lead to effective vaccines and treatments for norovirus infections, which cause significant illness worldwide, especially in young children and older adults.

Dr. Andres F. Oberhauser's lab studies how aging affects muscle proteins, particularly focusing on myosin and its chaperone UNC-45. As people age, they can lose muscle mass and strength, a condition known as sarcopenia, which impacts their quality of life. His research aims to understand the molecular changes to myosin and UNC-45 that contribute to sarcopenia using advanced techniques in both lab and animal models.

Dr. Ping Wu's lab focuses on understanding how prenatal exposures, specifically to opioids and Zika virus, affect brain development and behavior in offspring. They employ animal models to study cellular mechanisms that lead to developmental defects, aiming to find new strategies to prevent these effects. The research blends genetic, biochemical, and behavioral analyses to explore how maternal health impacts fetal brain health and function.

Professor Shinji Makino leads a research lab at the University of Texas Med Br Galveston focused on understanding the Rift Valley fever virus, which can cause serious diseases like hemorrhagic fever in humans and livestock. The lab investigates how the virus's RNA is packaged, which is crucial for developing antiviral drugs and vaccines. Their work aims to prevent outbreaks by elucidating the viral mechanisms that could aid in public health strategies against this and similar viruses.

Dr. Gabrielle Rudenko's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch focuses on studying synaptic organizers, which are important proteins that help strengthen connections between neurons in the brain. The lab investigates how these proteins, especially a group called neurexins, function and regulate their interactions, which can lead to better understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism. By exploring the mechanisms behind these interactions, the lab aims to find new therapeutic approaches to treat severe mental illnesses that affect millions.

Dr. Jia Zhou's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston focuses on understanding cocaine use disorder (CUD) and exploring new treatments. The team is particularly interested in how serotonin receptors can be modulated to help reduce cravings and relapse in individuals struggling with CUD. They aim to develop novel compounds that improve serotonin receptor function as a potential therapy for CUD and related neuropsychiatric disorders.

Dr. Sanja Sever's research focuses on understanding how specific proteins, particularly the proteolytic fragment of the soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR), contribute to kidney disease and diabetes. By studying how this fragment affects both kidney podocytes and pancreatic beta-cells, her lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could help treat chronic kidney disease and Type 1 diabetes. The work is particularly relevant as these conditions are on the rise and can lead to serious health complications.

Dr. Rakez Kayed's lab focuses on understanding the role of tau protein aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative disorders. The team investigates how tau forms toxic oligomers that contribute to cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. By exploring the mechanisms behind tau aggregation and its modification through ubiquitination, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to halt or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Slobodan Paessler's lab focuses on understanding and combating arenavirus infections, which cause serious diseases like hemorrhagic fevers. The team is investigating how these viruses rely on certain sugars, namely D-glucose and D-mannose, to survive and replicate. By exploring innovative antiviral strategies, including the use of sugar mimetics, the lab aims to develop new treatment options that could protect against outbreaks and save lives.

Dr. Haitao Hu's lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch focuses on researching new strategies to fight HIV by targeting specific cellular proteins that regulate the virus's ability to remain dormant in the body. Their work involves using small molecules to modulate these proteins and enforce HIV latency, which could lead to innovative treatments for HIV infections. The lab employs a mix of molecular and cell biology techniques to explore these interactions and develop potential therapeutic solutions.