The research lab led by Dr. Vera Gorbunova at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding the aging process and strategies to maintain genomic stability in cells. They investigate how certain genes, particularly Sirtuin 6, influence lifespan and epigenetic rejuvenation, and use comparative genomics to explore longevity mechanisms in various animal species. The goal is to apply these insights to prevent age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Dr. Rashad Hussain's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how exposure to air pollution, specifically ultra-fine particles, affects brain health and contributes to Alzheimer's disease. The research investigates the glymphatic system, a vital pathway for clearing waste from the brain, and explores how its impairment may lead to cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. Through innovative mouse models and advanced imaging techniques, the lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms linking environmental toxicants to neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Brian Marples leads a research lab at the University of Rochester focusing on the prevention of bladder injuries in cancer patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. The lab investigates how modulation of the renin-angiotensin system can reduce inflammation and toxicity caused by radiation, aiming to develop urine-based biomarkers that predict bladder injury. Ultimately, the goal is to minimize the painful side effects of treatment and improve the quality of life for patients.

Dr. Laurel H. Carney's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how the brain processes complex sounds, especially in people with hearing loss. By studying the role of specific brain pathways that connect to the ear, the lab aims to discover new ways to enhance hearing, particularly in challenging listening environments like conversations in noise. This research could lead to innovative strategies for improving hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.

Dr. Scott Earley's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how the brain regulates blood flow through a network of specialized sensors known as TRP channels. These channels play a critical role in maintaining healthy microcirculation by responding to changes in the brain’s environment. The lab uses advanced techniques, such as imaging and genetics, to explore how these sensors work, especially during conditions like aging and related cerebrovascular diseases.

Dr. Lauren Hablitz's research focuses on understanding how our body's sleep-wake cycle affects pain, particularly chronic neuropathic pain. Her lab investigates the glymphatic system, which helps remove waste from the brain, and how it interacts with the immune system. By studying these connections, the lab aims to discover new, non-drug therapies to manage chronic pain, thereby improving overall health and quality of life.

Dr. Ruth Schneider’s lab focuses on improving the way we study Parkinson's disease by using remote technology and patient-centered methods. The lab is particularly interested in how digital tools can enhance participant engagement and data collection from home, especially during times when in-person visits are challenging. They are conducting a large observational study to understand disease progression and improve predictions about clinical outcomes such as cognition and physical activity.

Dr. Paul M. Dunman's research lab at the University of Rochester focuses on tackling the critical issue of antibiotic resistance, specifically in the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii. The lab studies how this pathogen develops resistance through various drug efflux pumps, which can pump out antibiotics and render them ineffective. By identifying and developing inhibitors that can block these efflux pumps, the lab aims to enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics and combat multi-drug resistant infections in clinical settings.

Dr. Andrei Seluanov's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how the stability of the epigenome is regulated during aging, particularly through the action of the SIRT6 protein. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that underlie age-related declines in cell and organ function, leveraging techniques like mass spectrometry and genetic models to explore how SIRT6 influences DNA repair and longevity. Their work aims to discover new treatments for age-related diseases by revealing insights into the aging process.

Dr. John J. Foxe's research lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how the brain develops in children and adolescents. His team is part of the ABCD Study, the largest long-term investigation of brain health and development in the U.S., tracking over 11,000 children as they grow. The lab examines various factors, including mental health, substance use, and social experiences, to see how they influence brain development and cognitive abilities over time.

Dr. Kuan Hong Wang's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how aging and Alzheimer's disease affect a specific brain network called the frontal-insular network. They study the structural and functional changes in this network using advanced imaging techniques and mouse models. Their aim is to uncover the reasons behind cognitive decline in Alzheimer's and explore ways to improve cognitive function through targeted interventions.

Dr. Dragony Fu's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding the critical roles of tRNA modification enzymes in human health. They investigate how alterations in these enzymes can lead to diseases by studying their impact on tRNA structure, function, and the regulation of cellular processes. The lab aims to build new models to study these mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of uncovering therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to tRNA modifications.

Dr. Margot Mayer-Proschel's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding the role of the Human Herpesvirus 6A (HHV6A) in Alzheimer's disease. The research investigates how a specific gene from the virus, U94A, affects brain cells and may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's by impairing neuronal function and exacerbating pathology. Through cellular models and mouse studies, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms by which HHV6A infection can influence cognitive deficits and overall disease progression.

Dr. Steven Alan Goldman's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how HIV affects the human brain, particularly how it leads to cognitive disorders. They employ unique mouse models that incorporate human brain cells to better study the effects of this virus, especially in conjunction with factors like drug addiction. The lab aims to uncover how HIV alters brain cell functions and contributes to cognitive problems in infected individuals.

Dr. Minsoo Kim's lab explores how immune cells interact with other tissues in the body, particularly focusing on T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and cancer. They study how these cells can be directed to target tissues without causing harmful side effects, especially in therapies like CAR-T cell treatment. Additionally, the lab investigates how certain immune cells promote the formation of long-lasting memory T cells that can quickly respond to infections, and how these processes are impacted during severe conditions like sepsis.

Dr. Eric Wagner's lab at the University of Rochester focuses on understanding how the Integrator Complex, a group of proteins involved in gene regulation, affects the function of neurons. By studying how specific proteins interact within this complex, the lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that regulate neuronal development and function, particularly in the context of neurological disorders. The research holds promise for insights that could improve health outcomes and tackle brain-related diseases.

Dr. Paul Kammermeier's lab at the University of Rochester studies metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), which are important proteins involved in brain signaling. The lab focuses on how these receptors interact with each other in pairs called dimers, particularly the differences between their homodimers and heterodimers. By developing new methods to isolate and study specific mGluR dimers, the lab aims to create a detailed atlas that will help in designing better drugs for various brain-related disorders.

Dr. Joshua C. Munger's lab studies how human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) interacts with the immune system and how cytokines can help protect against viral infections. The research focuses on understanding the balance between the immune response and viral evasion strategies, particularly investigating how metabolism can be altered to resist infection. The lab aims to uncover novel mechanisms that can be targeted for therapeutic interventions against HCMV, which is a significant cause of disease in immunocompromised patients and can lead to severe congenital disabilities.

Dr. Robert Dirksen's lab focuses on understanding tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM), a genetic muscle disease that affects strength and endurance. The team utilizes specially designed mouse models to explore the underlying mechanisms of this disease and to test potential treatments. Their work aims to provide new insights that could ultimately lead to effective therapies for people suffering from TAM.

Dr. Maiken Nedergaard's lab focuses on understanding how the brain clears waste and manages fluid during sleep. They investigate the connections between neural activity, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid movement using advanced imaging techniques, computational models, and animal studies. Their goal is to uncover how the brain's circuitry influences these processes, which can have implications for brain health and diseases.