Dr. Rajesh Narendran's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the interactions between stress, neuropeptides, and addiction. The research aims to uncover how certain brain systems, like the nociceptin opioid peptide receptor system, influence relapse in alcohol and cocaine use disorders. By using advanced imaging techniques, the lab investigates how these systems respond to stress and how they can potentially be targeted for therapeutic interventions in addiction.

Dr. Kari Nejak-Bowen's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding cholestatic liver diseases, which are conditions where bile flow is impaired, leading to serious liver damage. The team studies the role of the protein beta-catenin in these diseases, using mouse models that mimic human conditions like primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind liver injury and find potential new therapies.

Dr. Bistra Iordanova's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how brain metabolism relates to cognitive function, particularly in aging and Alzheimer's disease. They use advanced imaging techniques to study the interactions between neurons and their supporting cells, aiming to uncover how metabolic changes affect brain health. Their research could lead to new strategies for early diagnosis and treatment of cognitive decline.

Dr. Greg Delgoffe's lab focuses on understanding how the cancer environment affects the immune response, particularly T cells, which are crucial for fighting tumors. They study how factors like low oxygen levels and altered metabolism can change T cell behavior, leading to reduced effectiveness in therapies like immunotherapy. The lab aims to identify new ways to enhance T cell function in the context of cancer treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for patients.

Dr. Christopher J. Bakkenist's lab focuses on understanding how certain cancer treatments can inadvertently affect the immune system. Specifically, they study how deoxyuridine, a byproduct of chemotherapy, impacts the way the body's immune system recognizes and responds to DNA contamination. This research aims to uncover mechanisms that may enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Alexander Deiters' lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on enhancing cancer therapy through innovative technologies. The research centers on developing small molecule adaptors that improve the efficacy of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapies, by enabling them to target multiple types of cancer cells more precisely and effectively. This work seeks to make cancer treatments more accessible and improve patient outcomes for a variety of diseases.

Dr. Marco Fazzari's lab focuses on understanding how certain dietary components can help treat cardiovascular diseases. They study dietary nitrates and fatty acids to find new ways to reduce inflammation and promote heart health. Their research aims to develop safe therapies that can improve cardiovascular function and potentially lower the risk of heart disease.

Dr. Adam Carl Straub's research lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins in the body, specifically cytochrome b5 reductase 3, affect the cardiovascular system, especially during conditions like ischemic stroke. By investigating genetic variations and their impact on redox signaling, particularly in African American populations, the lab aims to develop better treatments for stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Students in this lab will learn about the underlying biological mechanisms of these conditions and how to translate this knowledge into potential new therapies.

Dr. Xiang-Qun Xie's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the structure and function of cannabinoid receptors, particularly the CB2 receptor. They aim to develop new drugs that can modulate this receptor to treat chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions, without the negative side effects associated with existing treatments. The lab combines advanced imaging techniques with computational methods to design and test new compounds that target these receptors.

Dr. Nathaniel L. Clark's lab focuses on connecting genetic information with specific traits seen in various species. By developing advanced computational tools, the lab studies how genetic changes lead to evolution in features like body size and metabolism. This research has broad implications, including the identification of traits relevant to human health and disease.

Dr. Anna Marsland's lab studies how early childhood conditions, especially when growing up in low-income environments, can affect heart health and diabetes risk later in life. The research focuses on understanding the factors that either contribute to or protect against these health issues, with a particular look at how aspects like family, school, and community play a role. By investigating these connections, the lab aims to guide policies and interventions to help improve health outcomes for disadvantaged populations.

The research lab led by Dr. Sungjin Ko focuses on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a challenging cancer with low survival rates. They investigate how certain receptors in the liver, specifically the Farnesoid X-Activated Receptor (FXR) and Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR), contribute to the development of CCA, especially in patients with cholestatic diseases. The lab aims to find biomarkers for early detection and develop new therapies to improve treatment outcomes for patients with this aggressive form of cancer.

Dr. Dandan Sun's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the role of the choroid plexus in brain health, especially in relation to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The lab studies how the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier can become dysfunctional, allowing harmful immune cells into the brain, which may contribute to cognitive decline. By investigating the mechanisms behind these changes, the lab aims to identify potential new therapies for treating these conditions.

Dr. H. Richard Koerber's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms of chronic pain and the effects of neuromodulation therapies, particularly spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion stimulation. The lab investigates how different populations of spinal neurons process painful and non-painful stimuli, aiming to provide insights that could lead to better treatment options for chronic pain sufferers. They utilize advanced imaging and electrophysiological techniques to study neuronal activity before and after injury and the effectiveness of neuromodulatory devices.

Dr. Xinyan Tracy Cui's lab focuses on understanding the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on cognitive and emotional functions. Using cutting-edge technology, the lab develops flexible neural probes that can monitor brain activity and neurotransmitter levels over time. By investigating how TBI impacts dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms underlying cognitive-affective symptoms and enhance treatment strategies for TBI patients.

Dr. Daniel C Devor's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF) work and their potential side effects. By studying the modulation of potassium channels affected by CF treatments, the lab aims to uncover how these medications can improve lung function while also addressing adverse events experienced by some patients, such as headaches and anxiety. This research could lead to better therapies for people with CF, enhancing their quality of life.

Dr. Neal A. Deluca's lab focuses on how the herpes simplex virus (HSV) interacts with host cells to regulate gene expression. Their research aims to uncover the mechanisms that govern viral and cellular transcription during HSV infections. By understanding these interactions, the lab seeks to develop strategies to inhibit HSV replication, which could lead to better treatments for related viral diseases.

Dr. Mo Reza Ebrahimkhani's lab focuses on creating advanced in vitro human organoids that mimic the structure and function of real human tissues. The research aims to improve the engineering of these organoids by using synthetic and systems biology methods, which can enhance their development and robustness. By utilizing genetically engineered clones and computational models, the lab seeks to address challenges in organoid maturity and diversity, ultimately contributing to advancements in regenerative medicine and reducing reliance on animal models.

Dr. Renfeng Li's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a virus linked to various cancers. The lab studies how the ASB13 protein influences the life cycle of EBV, particularly how it regulates viral replication and reactivation in B cells. Their research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for treating EBV-related diseases by targeting the virus's behavior in human cells.

Dr. Theresa L. Whiteside's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on developing non-invasive biomarkers for patients with head and neck cancer. They study small extracellular vesicles (sEV), also known as exosomes, found in body fluids to help predict how patients will respond to therapies. By isolating and analyzing these vesicles from patient plasma, the lab aims to establish reliable indicators for prognosis and treatment effectiveness, potentially improving patient outcomes.