Dr. Jianfeng Cai's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease, specifically how amyloid beta peptides aggregate in the brain and contribute to dementia. The lab is creating new molecules that can prevent and disrupt this aggregation, potentially leading to effective treatments. Their research combines chemistry, biology, and innovative material design to develop therapeutic agents that may help improve memory and brain function in patients with Alzheimer's.

Dr. Gopal Thinakaran's lab focuses on understanding the role of a protein called BIN1 in Alzheimer's disease. They study how BIN1 influences inflammation and the progression of neurodegenerative processes related to amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. The research involves using specific mouse models to investigate the mechanisms through which BIN1 impacts brain health and disease, with the ultimate goal of uncovering potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's.

Dr. Yu Chen's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on the bacteria Clostridioides difficile, which is a major cause of hospital infections. The lab studies how certain proteins in the bacteria help it resist antibiotics and contribute to its ability to produce resilient spores. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to develop new treatments to combat recurring infections caused by this pathogen.

Dr. Alexander Staruschenko's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding sex-related differences in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). They study the mechanisms behind how diabetes affects kidney function differently in men and women, using a special rat model of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Their goal is to identify molecular pathways that could lead to more effective, tailored treatments for diabetic kidney disease.

Dr. Thomas Edward Taylor-Clark's lab at the University of South Florida studies how certain nerves in the esophagus respond to stretching. These nerves help control swallowing and esophageal movement. By understanding how these nerves work, the lab aims to find ways to treat conditions like dysphagia and heartburn that affect many people.

Dr. Lianchun Wang's research lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding the role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in Alzheimer's disease. They investigate how these molecules affect the clearance of amyloid beta from the brain, which is crucial in preventing the progression of this disease. By studying both human samples and mouse models, the lab aims to uncover new mechanisms that could potentially lead to effective therapies for Alzheimer's.

Dr. Ruisheng Liu's lab focuses on kidney health, specifically how to protect and improve the function of transplanted kidneys and understand the transition from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). They use innovative techniques to assess and enhance kidney function, which is crucial since organ shortages are a major issue for patients needing transplants. Their research aims to develop new strategies to improve kidney survival and function during and after transplantation, while also investigating the regulatory mechanisms behind kidney response to injury.

Dr. Joshua Paul Scallan's lab focuses on understanding congenital lymphedema, a genetic condition that causes swelling and infections due to lymphatic vessel dysfunction. Using mouse models, the lab investigates how a specific gene, VEGFR3, affects the structure and function of lymphatic capillaries. This research aims to reveal underlying mechanisms of this disease, potentially leading to new treatments for patients suffering from lymphedema.

Dr. Subhra Mohapatra's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding the long-term neurological effects of COVID-19, particularly how the virus impacts tau proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The lab uses mouse models to investigate how aging and COVID-19 infection can lead to neurological issues, aiming to find new ways to prevent or treat these conditions. Through their research, they hope to identify specific molecular targets that can be manipulated to reduce the negative effects of COVID-19 on the brain.

Dr. Hana Totary-Jain's lab focuses on understanding how the placenta protects against viral infections during pregnancy. The research centers on specialized cells in the placenta called trophoblasts, which release proteins to defend against viruses. By studying human and rodent placental models, the lab aims to reveal how these mechanisms work, leading to better strategies for preventing congenital disorders linked to infections.

Dr. Laura J. Blair's lab at the University of South Florida studies the role of a protein called FKBP51 in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how it relates to neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression. The lab uses mouse models to investigate whether modifying FKBP51 can protect against nerve cell damage linked to tau protein accumulation. This research could enhance understanding of Alzheimer's progression and identify potential therapeutic targets for improving mental health in affected patients.

Dr. Yao Yao's lab focuses on how a specific protein called pericytic laminin affects brain health, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease. They study its role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier, regulating blood flow in the brain, and preventing nerve damage. The goal is to uncover new ways to treat age-related brain disorders by understanding these mechanisms better.

Dr. Zhiming Ouyang's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding how the Lyme disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi regulates its virulence. By studying a protein called BosR, the lab aims to reveal how this bacterium adapts to its environments, such as ticks and mammals, and uses unique mechanisms to control its infection capabilities. Insights from this research may lead to new treatments or vaccines for Lyme disease, highlighting its importance for public health.

Dr. Henry Lee Woodcock III's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on developing advanced computational methods to study biomolecular systems. By creating new techniques for hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) simulations, the lab aims to solve complex biochemistry problems related to drug targets in pathogenic bacteria and strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance. This research is crucial for understanding how enzymes work and for developing new treatments for diseases.

Dr. Sarah Y Yuan's lab focuses on understanding how vascular barriers function during inflammation and injury, which can lead to various cardiovascular diseases. The lab investigates the mechanisms behind vascular permeability, especially how certain blood components leak into surrounding tissues during diseases like sepsis and stroke. They aim to discover new diagnostic and therapeutic targets to help develop effective treatments for these conditions.

Dr. Saulius Sumanas' research lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding how blood vessels form properly during development. They study proteins like She and Abl kinase, which are crucial for regulating the size of blood vessel lumens. By using zebrafish and human cell models, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind vascular diseases and develop new therapeutic strategies for conditions such as venous malformations.

Dr. Ying Yang's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a chronic disease caused by mutations in TSC1 or TSC2 genes that lead to serious complications like fluid accumulation in the chest. The lab investigates the role of lymphatic vessels in TSC, particularly how the loss of TSC signaling affects lymphatic valve function and contributes to chylothorax. Through their research, they aim to identify new pathways and potential therapeutic targets for managing TSC.