Dr. Daniel Abebayehu's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how inflammatory fibroblasts influence the wound healing process. By investigating the interactions between immune and stromal cells, the lab aims to pinpoint why some wounds heal properly while others lead to fibrosis, a condition that contributes to a significant number of deaths in the developed world. Through advanced techniques and models, the lab seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets to improve wound healing outcomes and address fibrotic disorders.

Dr. Herve Agaisse's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the illness caused by the bacteria Shigella flexneri, which leads to severe diarrhea and intestinal damage. They study how the bacteria invade the intestinal cells and interact with the immune system, using infant rabbits as a model to better represent human disease. Through their research, they aim to identify host factors that play crucial roles in shigellosis, ultimately contributing to new treatment strategies for this widespread public health issue.

Dr. Huiwang Ai's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to study neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease. The lab creates genetically encoded fluorescent indicators to visualize oxidative stress and synaptic zinc dynamics in real-time within brain tissues. This research aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these disorders, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Joseph Patrick Allen's lab focuses on understanding how the quality of social relationships during adolescence can impact physical health and aging later in life. The research utilizes extensive longitudinal data to explore connections between early relationships, such as those with family and peers, and health outcomes in mid-adulthood. The ultimate goal is to identify new interventions to promote health and wellness that start in adolescence.

Dr. Marcos M. Pires' lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Acinetobacter baumannii resist antibiotics. By investigating the structural properties of bacterial membranes, the lab aims to uncover ways to enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and develop new ones. They utilize advanced screening methods to analyze how drugs interact with bacterial cells, which is critical for improving treatment options for drug-resistant infections.

Dr. Gary K Owens' research lab focuses on understanding atherosclerosis, a serious disease that causes heart attacks and strokes. The lab investigates how inflammation and metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance, influence the development and progression of atherosclerosis. By studying specific signaling pathways and cell types involved in this disease, the lab aims to develop more effective treatments that enhance heart health without compromising the immune system.

Dr. Douglas A. Bayliss leads a research lab at the University of Virginia focusing on how specific neurons in the brainstem regulate breathing and arousal responses to carbon dioxide levels in the body. His work has implications for understanding disorders like congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which are linked to dysfunction in these neuronal pathways. The lab studies the molecular mechanisms and cellular functions of these neurons to gain insights into their role in respiratory health.

Dr. Charles R. Farber's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the genetic factors that influence bone health and repair. By using mouse models, they are exploring how different genes affect bone regeneration and strength, which could lead to new treatments for conditions like osteoporosis. This research is particularly significant because bone repair is a major public health issue, with millions suffering from fractures and impaired healing each year.

Dr. Mark Beenhakker's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the link between breathing and epilepsy, particularly the types of seizures that often affect children. The lab uses innovative rodent models to study how changes in breathing, like hyperventilation, can trigger seizures. By looking at how blood chemistry, particularly carbon dioxide levels, influences brain activity, they aim to uncover new ways to treat generalized epilepsy more effectively.

Dr. Ming-Feng Tsai's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how mitochondrial calcium transport proteins function. These proteins are crucial for many processes in cells, including energy production and cell death. By studying their molecular mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover how these proteins can be targeted for new therapies to treat conditions like heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. John Nelson Campbell's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the neural circuits that control body weight and heart rate. By using advanced techniques like viral tracing and molecular profiling, the team investigates how specific types of neurons influence appetite and metabolism, as well as heart function. This research aims to identify new targets for treating obesity and heart disease by unraveling the complex connections between these neural pathways and their effects on health.

Evan Alexander Scott's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on developing innovative nanotherapeutic strategies to tackle chronic Chagas disease, particularly its associated heart condition, chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). The lab aims to create treatments that not only reduce inflammation and cardiac damage but also target the parasite's reservoirs within the body. By optimizing drug delivery systems and minimizing toxicity, the lab seeks to provide effective therapies for patients battling this neglected tropical disease.

Dr. Anna Ruth Cliffe's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) establishes and maintains latency in neurons. This work investigates the role of specific proteins, particularly ATRX, in silencing the viral genome to prevent reactivation, which can lead to disease. The lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that contribute to HSV latency and explore potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate reactivation of the virus.

Dr. Rachelle L Crescenzi's research lab at the University of Virginia focuses on using advanced MRI techniques to better understand and diagnose lymphatic diseases, particularly lymphedema and lipedema. By developing a method called Sodium Adipose and Lymphatics Translational (SALT) MRI, the lab seeks to visualize how sodium accumulates in these conditions and aims to enhance clinical imaging to guide treatment. Their work not only aims to improve diagnostic strategies but also strives to pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in managing lymphatic disorders.

Dr. Jianhua Cang's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how the brain processes three-dimensional vision through a study of stereopsis. Using tree shrews, the lab explores how neuronal circuits in the visual cortex react to different visual stimuli. The work aims to clarify the connections between neurons that contribute to depth perception and inform treatments for vision disorders like amblyopia and strabismus.

Dr. Isabelle Derre's lab focuses on understanding Chlamydia trachomatis, a major cause of sexually transmitted infections. The team investigates how this bacterium maintains its environment for replication and affects women's reproductive health. By studying the specific proteins involved in lipid acquisition, they aim to identify new ways to create effective therapies and prevent infections.

Dr. Sepideh Dolatshahi's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how antibodies are transferred from mothers to their infants through the placenta. By exploring the roles of different receptors involved in this process, the lab aims to optimize maternal vaccination strategies to provide better early-life immunity for newborns. Their work combines experimental biology with mathematical modeling to create more effective vaccines for expectant mothers.

Professor Edward H. Egelman's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the structures of various helical proteins and nucleoprotein polymers using advanced cryo-electron microscopy techniques. The lab studies a range of biological materials, from pathogenic bacterial filaments involved in diseases to viruses that infect extremophiles. Their research not only aims to elucidate fundamental aspects of these structures but also explores potential biomedical applications related to human health.

Dr. Jaideep Kapur's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the brain circuits involved in a dangerous type of seizure called secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The lab aims to unravel the complex pathways in the brain that contribute to these seizures, which can lead to serious health risks, including sudden death in epilepsy patients. Through a combination of imaging techniques and advanced mouse models, the team seeks to identify new therapeutic targets to improve treatment options for patients who suffer from these seizures.

Dr. Frederick H. Epstein's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on improving heart health through advanced imaging techniques. The lab studies epicardial adipose tissue, which is the fat surrounding the heart, and its impact on conditions like heart failure and coronary microvascular disease. By developing innovative methods to visualize this tissue, researchers aim to uncover new insights into cardiovascular diseases and potential therapeutic approaches.