Dr. Ilhem Messaoudi's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how chronic alcohol consumption affects the immune system, specifically the roles of monocytes and their progenitors. The team uses a macaque model to study how alcohol alters gut microbiota, leading to inflammation and impairments in immune response and healing. They employ advanced molecular techniques to uncover the mechanisms linking alcohol use disorder to chronic inflammation and its related health issues.

Dr. Lance Allen Johnson's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease and exploring innovative therapies that could help in its treatment. They are particularly interested in the role of the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, which has two major alleles—E2, which is protective, and E4, which increases the risk of Alzheimer's. The lab is working with special mouse models to find out if switching from the harmful E4 allele to the beneficial E2 allele can help reverse some of the brain damage caused by Alzheimer's disease. This research has the potential to lead to new therapies and better understanding of how to treat this complex condition.

Dr. Alan Daugherty's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding diseases of the aorta, specifically aortopathies like aneurysms and dissections. The research aims to uncover the reasons behind differences in aortic function and structure, which can lead to potential new treatment options. By investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms, the lab hopes to develop targeted therapies for these life-threatening conditions.

Dr. Mairead Moloney's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding sleep issues in rural Appalachian communities. She investigates how various social and economic factors impact sleep health and overall well-being in these populations. By studying adults in areas with high rates of sleep deficiency, the lab aims to identify the root causes of poor sleep and its relationship with serious health problems.

Dr. Shanna Babalonis conducts research focused on understanding how cannabis affects individuals with opioid use disorder. Her lab aims to answer important questions about whether cannabis can alter the desire to take opioids, providing essential data during the ongoing opioid crisis. By studying this interaction, the research hopes to inform public health policies and clinical practices related to addiction treatment.

Dr. Yasuhiro Suzuki's lab focuses on understanding how the immune system in the brain protects against infections from parasites, especially Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause severe complications in AIDS patients. They study the role of specialized brain cells called microglia in producing a signaling molecule called IFN- that helps activate immune responses. The goal is to find ways to prevent reactivation of the infection and develop potential vaccines for those at risk.

Dr. Jonathan Satin's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how calcium channels in heart cells can be regulated to improve heart function, especially in cases of heart failure. The lab investigates the signaling pathways that control these channels, aiming to find safer ways to enhance heart contractions without the negative effects associated with current treatments. Their research combines genetic models and pharmacological approaches to explore how specific proteins affect heart health and disease.

Dr. Erhard Bieberich's lab focuses on understanding how ceramide, a type of lipid, contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. They study how certain proteins interact with lipids to cause neurotoxicity and aim to develop new therapies that can prevent or delay neurodegeneration, particularly by targeting male and female differences in disease pathways. The ultimate goal is to create effective drugs that improve cognitive function in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's.

Dr. Xu Xiao's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding and treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition that affects a large portion of the population. The lab investigates how cholesterol distribution within liver cells can influence fatty liver disease, aiming to identify new therapeutic strategies that can protect against liver damage and improve health outcomes. The research combines molecular biology techniques with pharmacological studies to explore the role of specific proteins in cholesterol transport and metabolism.

Dr. Ming C Gong's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how specific medications can help regulate blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. They are particularly interested in a new class of diabetes drugs that have shown promise for not only managing blood sugar but also improving blood pressure patterns. By studying the effects of these drugs at different times of the day, the lab aims to find better treatment strategies for diabetic patients who experience high blood pressure.

Dr. Greg A. Gerhardt's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on developing new treatments for cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. They conduct clinical trials using cell therapy techniques, specifically delivering nerve tissue to repair neural circuits that are affected in these diseases. The lab's research aims to enhance the function of cholinergic neurons in patients with Alzheimer's and related conditions, potentially offering more than just symptom relief.

Dr. Kenneth S. Campbell's lab focuses on improving heart failure treatments through the use of advanced computer modeling and artificial intelligence. They aim to create robust simulation frameworks that predict how therapies will influence heart performance and structural changes over time. By analyzing clinical data from patients, the team seeks to optimize therapeutic strategies and enhance cardiac care for patients suffering from heart failure.

Dr. Michelle M Martel's lab focuses on understanding how the menstrual cycle and hormones impact Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in young women. By studying changes in estrogen and progesterone, the lab aims to explore their effects on cognition and ADHD symptoms, particularly during stages of the menstrual cycle. This research is crucial for developing sex-specific treatments for ADHD that are tailored to hormonal fluctuations in females.

Dr. Barbara Nikolajczyk's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how inflammation affects aging and overall health. They study the drug everolimus, which targets specific pathways involved in inflammation, to see if it can improve health as we age. The lab's research combines clinical trials and laboratory techniques to explore how reducing inflammation can enhance the quality of life in older adults.

Dr. Shannon E Sauer-Zavala's lab focuses on improving mental health treatments by targeting specific personality traits that are linked to various psychological disorders. The lab conducts research aimed at developing personalized therapy modules that address these key personality dimensions, hoping to enhance treatment response rates for mental illnesses like borderline personality disorder. By identifying and validating effective interventions that cater to individual personality profiles, the lab aims to contribute to precision medicine in mental health.

Dr. Scott M. Gordon's lab at the University of Kentucky studies the interactions between lipoproteins, which transport fats in the bloodstream, and various proteins that influence cardiovascular health. One major focus is understanding how lipoproteins can suppress inflammation related to atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by artery plaque buildup. The lab also investigates the gene DENND5B, which plays a vital role in the absorption of dietary fats and may affect overall metabolic health. Through their research, they aim to uncover new mechanisms that could inform strategies for preventing heart disease.

Dr. Xiaoqi Liu's lab focuses on understanding and treating castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The research aims to identify new ways to combat the resistance that some prostate cancers develop against current therapies. By exploring various signaling pathways and potential biomarkers, the lab seeks to improve treatment options for patients who no longer respond to standard androgen signaling inhibitors.

Dr. Robert Helsley's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how problems with fat digestion in the liver can lead to serious health issues like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Their research aims to explore the role of a specific enzyme involved in fat oxidation, which could help identify new ways to treat liver diseases. The lab uses advanced techniques in mouse models, cell cultures, and state-of-the-art genetic analysis to uncover the mechanisms behind liver fat accumulation and its effects on health.

Dr. Houfu Guo's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how certain enzymes modify collagen and contribute to the spread of lung cancer. Specifically, they are investigating the role of a newly identified enzyme, lysyl hydroxylase 2b (LH2b), in promoting cancer metastasis. By studying its structure and function, the lab aims to reveal new therapeutic targets for treating lung cancer and potentially other cancer types as well.

Dr. Shannon L Macauley-Rambach's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding the role of microglial metabolism in Alzheimer's disease. The research investigates how changes in the metabolic processes of brain cells, particularly microglia, impact the development and progression of Alzheimer's pathology. The lab explores whether targeting these metabolic shifts can help reduce the harmful effects of the disease and opens new avenues for potential therapies.