Dr. Shusheng Wang's lab at Tulane University focuses on studying the effects of aging and cigarette smoke on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and its role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They investigate how mitochondrial dysfunction induced by these factors can lead to different RPE phenotypes, potentially contributing to the disease. The lab aims to understand the mechanisms driving this heterogeneity and to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating dry AMD.

Dr. Yan Dong's lab at Tulane University focuses on understanding how prostate cancer develops resistance to hormone therapies by studying the role of RNA-binding proteins, particularly the androgen receptor (AR). The lab explores innovative approaches to target AR's RNA interactions, which could lead to new treatment strategies for prostate cancer patients. By shedding light on the mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression, this research aims to improve therapeutic outcomes for those affected by prostate cancer.

Dr. Jill M Daniel's lab at Tulane University studies how hormonal changes during menopause affect cognitive aging in women. The research focuses on the potential benefits of short-term estrogen treatments in enhancing memory and protecting against conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By using rodent models, the lab aims to understand the mechanisms by which estrogen influences brain health and cognition, particularly in the context of women's overall cardiometabolic health.

Dr. Prasad V Katakam's lab focuses on understanding how brain microvessels (BMVs) contribute to impaired cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly how they are affected by peroxynitrite and sex differences. Using advanced techniques, the lab studies mitochondrial function and energy production in BMVs from different mouse models to uncover potential therapeutic targets to improve neurological health.

Dr. Wenke Feng's lab at Tulane University focuses on understanding how gut-derived substances, especially from probiotics, influence liver health in the context of alcohol-associated liver diseases. The research explores the role of specific molecules in regulating bile acid and lipid synthesis, aiming to find new therapeutic strategies for better managing liver diseases associated with alcohol consumption.

Dr. Prasun K Datta's lab focuses on understanding the connections between age, HIV, and neurocognitive disorders in people living with HIV. They study how lactate, a byproduct of metabolism, may influence brain health and cognitive function in these individuals, particularly as they age. The research uses nonhuman primate models and explores potential therapeutic approaches to improve the neurological outcomes for those affected by HIV.

Dr. Huanbin Xu's lab focuses on finding effective early treatment strategies to achieve HIV remission in infants. They conduct research using infant macaque models to explore how timely interventions can lead to sustained viral suppression without the need for antiviral treatment. The lab aims to improve prevention methods for mother-to-child transmission of HIV and advance the understanding of how infant immune systems respond to infections and treatments.

Dr. Zhen Huang's lab focuses on advancing the diagnosis and treatment evaluation of tuberculosis (TB) using innovative techniques. The lab has developed a novel CRISPR-based assay that can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis-derived DNA in blood samples, offering a new way to diagnose active and drug-resistant TB cases. This research aims to improve TB management, particularly in areas with high disease burden where traditional diagnostic methods are inadequate.

Dr. De'Broski R. Herbert's lab focuses on the interaction between sensory nerves in the skin and immune responses to parasitic worms that penetrate the skin. They study how specific neurons can help protect against these infections and how immune cells react to the urinary toxins produced by these worms. Understanding this relationship could lead to new ways to prevent infections caused by these parasites.

Zhen Lin's lab at Tulane University focuses on understanding the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and its role in various diseases, particularly in patients with HIV/AIDS. They investigate how EBV switches between dormancy and active replication, and how this process can lead to cancer and autoimmune diseases. A significant aspect of their research is exploring newly discovered types of RNAs, called alpha-satellite RNAs, that may play crucial roles in EBV's viral lifecycle and its interaction with host cells.

The research lab led by Dr. Sarah Hoffmann Lindsey focuses on understanding how sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone affect cardiometabolic health in men and women. Their studies utilize innovative approaches to investigate the vascular responses to these hormones and aim to develop therapies that enhance cardiovascular protection while maintaining metabolic benefits. Through this work, they hope to improve treatment strategies for hormone therapy in patients.

Dr. Jennifer Manuzak's lab at Tulane University focuses on understanding the interactions between HIV and malaria, particularly in pregnant women. By studying how these infections affect the immune system, the lab aims to identify potential treatments to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants. This research is especially important in areas where both diseases are common, as it could lead to new therapeutic strategies that reduce risks associated with these infections during pregnancy.

Dr. James B. Mclachlan's lab at Tulane University focuses on improving vaccine design to better protect against infections that enter the body through mucosal surfaces, such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. The lab investigates how different adjuvants can enhance immune responses in these areas, leading to better protection against diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. By exploring the mechanisms of immune response, the lab aims to develop more effective vaccines that induce both cellular and humoral immunity in mucosal tissues.

Dr. Jia Fan's lab focuses on improving the detection and treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections using advanced protein analysis techniques. With a particular emphasis on mass spectrometry and computational algorithms, the lab aims to enhance the accuracy of diagnosing specific NTM species and determining their drug resistance. This research is particularly important given the rising incidence of these infections and the need for effective, tailored treatments.

Dr. Elizabeth B. Norton’s lab focuses on developing effective vaccines against enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), a major cause of diarrhea, especially in vulnerable populations. The lab conducts in-depth analysis of vaccine responses using samples from clinical trials, aiming to uncover the immunological mechanisms that lead to strong protective effects. This research not only seeks to enhance vaccine efficacy but also aims to improve public health outcomes by addressing a significant bacterial infection.

Dr. Christopher J Lyon's lab focuses on improving the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis (TB) in children, particularly those under five years old. The lab is developing a novel blood-based assay that detects proteins from the TB pathogen and the host's immune response using advanced immunoassay technology. By leveraging accessible diagnostic methods, the research aims to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of TB detection in pediatric patients, especially in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Sina Pourtaheri's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for spinal cord injuries using advanced nanotechnology. The team is particularly interested in enhancing the delivery of nerve growth factors, which have significant potential to protect and regenerate neurons in the central nervous system. Their research aims to create painless therapies that can effectively reach the injured areas even when surgical interventions are delayed.

Dr. Jay Rappaport's lab at Tulane University focuses on studying aging in nonhuman primates to better understand lifespan differences and aging mechanisms. They are part of a network of primate research centers that aims to collect and analyze data to improve health and longevity insights that can also benefit humans. Furthermore, the lab promotes collaboration and data sharing among scientists, enhancing educational practices within the field of gerosciences.

Dr. Xuebin Qin's research focuses on understanding the roles of renal macrophages and the complement system in kidney diseases and severe COVID-19. In particular, they are studying how signaling pathways affect the behavior and longevity of renal macrophages, which are critical for kidney health. The lab also investigates how the complement system contributes to blood vessel damage during severe COVID-19 and explores potential therapies to mitigate these effects.

Dr. Namita Rout's lab focuses on understanding how chronic HIV infection affects gut health and inflammation. By studying immune cells and microbes in the gut, the lab aims to identify mechanisms behind gut dysfunction and explore new treatments to restore gut barrier integrity. This research could lead to improved health for people living with HIV and other inflammatory diseases.