Dr. Jennifer Wootton Hill's lab studies how brain cells called astrocytes influence fertility and puberty by sensing insulin levels. They focus on the mechanisms that link energy availability to reproductive functions, especially how astrocytes help control the release of hormones essential for reproduction. The research aims to find treatments for infertility related to metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.

Dr. John J. Bellizzi's lab focuses on exploring novel enzymes produced by bacteria and archaea, specifically flavin-dependent halogenases. These enzymes can attach halogen atoms to aromatic compounds, which are key components in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The lab seeks to better understand how these enzymes work and how they can be used in green chemistry to create environmentally friendly chemical products.

Dr. Bina Joe's lab at the University of Toledo focuses on understanding the role of gut microbiota in hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The lab investigates how specific gut bacteria influence the levels of conjugated bile acids, which may have protective effects against high blood pressure. By using advanced rodent models, the team aims to uncover the biochemical mechanisms involved and explore new therapeutic approaches to lower hypertension through dietary interventions.

Dr. Shi-He Liu's lab at the University of Toledo focuses on developing advanced delivery systems for targeted cancer therapies, especially for pancreatic cancer. They are engineering exosomes, which are tiny vesicles that can carry drugs or genes to specific cells. The goal is to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of cancer treatments while reducing side effects. Their innovative approaches may lead to significant breakthroughs in cancer medicine.

Bruce A Bamber's lab at the University of Toledo focuses on understanding how our sense of smell influences behavior and physiological responses using the model organism C. elegans. The lab studies how olfactory information is processed and encoded through a combinatorial coding mechanism, with the aim of uncovering the underlying principles of olfactory processing. Undergraduate students play a pivotal role in the research, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to key experiments.

Dr. Sailaja Paruchuri's lab at the University of Toledo focuses on understanding how specific receptors in lung cells influence inflammation, particularly in conditions like asthma and acute lung injury. The lab investigates the role of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors and their impact on macrophage behavior, which are essential immune cells in the body. By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for treating lung inflammation and related diseases.

Dr. Isaac T. Schiefer's lab at the University of Toledo focuses on understanding the effects and toxicity of synthetic psychoactive substances known as bath salts. The research aims to identify drug targets and develop novel therapeutic strategies to address substance abuse disorders and the associated health risks. The lab combines molecular biology techniques with behavioral studies to gain comprehensive insights into how these substances interact with the brain and body.

Dr. William R. Taylor's research lab at the University of Toledo focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate cell division (mitosis) and a specific form of cell death known as ferroptosis. By creating and studying novel small molecules, his team aims to improve cancer treatments by targeting both processes simultaneously. Their work explores how these cellular pathways intersect and how this knowledge can be used to develop better anti-cancer therapies.

Dr. Dayanidhi Raman's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins in breast cancer cells contribute to drug resistance, particularly in aggressive forms like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). By studying a protein called eIF4A1, the lab seeks to find ways to target and eliminate drug-resistant cancer stem cells to improve treatment outcomes. The goal is to develop new therapies that can effectively combat this challenging disease and prevent tumor recurrence.

Dr. Jian-Ting Zhang's lab focuses on developing new treatment strategies for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a type of breast cancer that often resists existing therapies. The lab is investigating how fatty acid synthase (FASN) contributes to resistance against certain cancer drugs and exploring the potential of combining proton pump inhibitors with these drugs to enhance their effectiveness. By targeting FASN, the lab aims to improve survival rates and reduce the side effects of current treatments for TNBC patients.

Dr. Jianmin Zhang's lab at the University of Toledo focuses on understanding the complex interactions between tumors and the immune system, specifically in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The lab investigates how a protein called TAZ influences the behavior of immune cells in the tumor environment, potentially leading to new targets for treatment in this aggressive form of breast cancer. Their research aims to uncover mechanisms that could improve patient outcomes by identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.