Dr. Michael Chapman's lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on improving gene therapy using adeno-associated viruses (AAV). They study how AAV interacts with host cells to better understand its entry process and develop more efficient gene delivery methods. Their research aims to design safer and more effective AAV vectors that can potentially treat various genetic diseases.

Dr. Margaret J Lange's lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on understanding the HIV virus, specifically its capsid protein and its interactions with host cells. Using innovative tools called aptamers—molecular constructs that can bind to specific targets—the lab aims to explore the structure and dynamics of the HIV capsid during replication. Their work seeks to develop new diagnostic technologies and therapeutic targets that can ultimately improve strategies for managing HIV infections.

Dr. Shinghua Ding's lab investigates how brain cells called reactive astrocytes change their metabolism after a stroke, particularly focal cerebral ischemia (FCI). By understanding these changes, the lab aims to discover new ways to promote brain repair and improve recovery in stroke patients. Their work combines animal models and advanced techniques to analyze brain function and metabolism, which could lead to better treatments for stroke-related injuries.

Dr. Kevin Cummings's lab studies how the brain processes and responds to critical conditions like hypoxia, which is low oxygen levels. His team examines how certain brain circuits can affect heart rate and blood pressure recovery in infants and adults, particularly related to areas affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and sleep apnea. Through a combination of rodent studies and human tissue analyses, they aim to uncover new insights that might lead to better prevention strategies for these serious health issues.

Dr. Scott D. Zawieja's lab investigates how calcium signaling affects the function of lymphatic muscle cells, which are crucial for fluid transport in the body. They study a condition called lymphedema, where these cells fail to work properly, causing painful swelling. By understanding the mechanisms behind calcium handling, the lab aims to discover new treatments and improve patient outcomes for those suffering from lymphedema and related issues.

Dr. Kerry S. McDonald’s lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that affect heart function, especially in patients with heart failure. They study how proteins involved in muscle contraction respond to pressure and load within the heart, aiming to identify new targets for therapy. Through a combination of biophysical experiments and computer modeling, the lab seeks to improve our understanding of heart mechanics and develop novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Kiho Lee's lab focuses on improving pigs as important models for both agriculture and human medicine by using advanced genome editing techniques like CRISPR. The research aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of creating genetically engineered pigs, which can help us better understand diseases and improve livestock traits. By developing new methods to quickly analyze these pigs after genetic modifications, the lab strives to make genetically edited pigs more accessible for scientific and agricultural purposes.

Dr. Shi-Jie Chen's laboratory focuses on developing new computational methods to model RNA structures, which is critical for advances in medicine such as vaccines and gene editing. The lab combines machine learning with biophysical techniques to tackle complex challenges in understanding how RNA functions and can be designed for therapeutic purposes. By analyzing vast amounts of RNA data, the lab aims to create tools that enhance the design of RNA-targeted therapies.

Dr. Dongsheng Duan's research lab focuses on developing innovative gene therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe muscle-wasting condition. The lab employs advanced techniques like adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery systems and CRISPR gene editing to enhance treatment efficacy and safety. By utilizing models, especially canines that closely mimic human DMD, they aim to refine therapeutic approaches and address challenges such as immune responses and treatment longevity.

Dr. Dana Duren's lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on improving treatment strategies for craniofacial disorders by utilizing advanced 3D imaging technology. The lab develops new models of craniofacial growth that better reflect real-world conditions based on a diverse dataset of children and young adults. Their work aims to enhance clinical practice by providing evidence-based standards for timing treatments, leading to better outcomes for patients.

Dr. Roman R. Ganta's lab focuses on understanding and combating tick-borne diseases caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. By developing new methods to grow these bacteria without host cells and creating genetic mutations, the lab aims to explore how these pathogens evade immune responses and cause persistent infections. This research has significant implications for public health, especially for high-risk populations affected by these diseases.

Dr. Anthony Griffiths' research lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on infectious diseases and biocontainment, particularly concerning high-priority pathogens. The lab not only conducts cutting-edge research but also emphasizes the training of future scientists and professionals in dealing with emerging infectious diseases. Using state-of-the-art facilities, the lab aims to develop novel medical countermeasures and improve pandemic preparedness through collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field.

Dr. Shaoping Hou's lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on understanding how specific dopamine receptors in the spinal cord affect bladder control after spinal cord injuries. They investigate how these receptors can change in response to injury and how stimulating them might help restore urinary function. By using various experimental techniques, the lab aims to develop potential new treatments for urinary disorders that arise from spinal cord injuries.

Dr. David Kline's research lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on understanding how the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in the brainstem affects breathing and cardiovascular responses, especially during episodes of low oxygen (hypoxia). The lab investigates the role of GABA, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter, in regulating these responses after chronic low-oxygen exposure. By using various advanced techniques, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for breathing-related disorders associated with unstable oxygen levels.

Dr. Ai-Ling Lin's lab focuses on understanding how the gut microbiome influences brain health, especially in the context of Alzheimer's disease. The research aims to determine how imbalances in gut bacteria are linked to brain changes and cognitive decline, using advanced imaging techniques and animal models. By exploring dietary interventions and the role of specific biological pathways, the lab hopes to uncover new ways to mitigate the effects of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Christian L. Lorson's lab focuses on developing gene therapies for inherited neurological disorders, particularly Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and related conditions. The lab works on creating animal models that mimic human diseases to understand the biological processes involved and to test potential therapeutic approaches. Ultimately, the goal is to develop effective treatments that can improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

Dr. Luis A Martinez-Lemus leads a research lab focused on understanding how obesity contributes to cardiovascular disease, particularly through arterial stiffening and hypertension. The lab investigates the role of tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme that may be targeted to develop new therapies to improve vascular health and reduce heart disease risks in obese patients. By exploring the underlying mechanisms and testing pharmacological interventions, the lab aims to find innovative approaches to treat these conditions.

Dr. Raghuraman Kannan's lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on developing innovative nanoparticle technologies to treat drug-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The team aims to create targeted nanoparticles that can knock down specific proteins responsible for cancer cell survival, overcoming resistance to traditional therapies. Their research combines engineering, biology, and clinical relevance, working towards future therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Wendy L. Picking's research lab focuses on developing vaccines to prevent infections caused by the antibiotic-resistant bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The lab explores innovative vaccine formulations that can stimulate an immune response to provide protection against this opportunistic pathogen, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly and patients with chronic conditions. By utilizing animal models, the lab assesses the effectiveness of these vaccines to ultimately enhance public health outcomes.

Dr. Adebowale Adebiyi's lab focuses on understanding the role of specific sodium channels in kidney function, especially during neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI). The research aims to uncover how these channels influence blood flow in the kidneys and contribute to the severity of kidney damage after events such as hypoxia. By studying these mechanisms, the lab seeks to identify potential new therapies to mitigate kidney injury in newborns.