Dr. P. Worth Longest's research focuses on developing a new method for treating patients with acute lung injuries and respiratory distress. Instead of using traditional liquid treatments that require invasive procedures, the lab is working on a dry powder aerosol lung surfactant that can be inhaled easily and efficiently. This innovative approach aims to provide faster and more effective treatment for patients before they critically need mechanical ventilation.

Dr. Colleen K. Jackson-Cook's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding how aging affects our cells at a genetic level. They conduct a long-term study on twins to explore how genetics and environment influence the presence of cytosolic DNA, which may play a role in age-related health issues. By analyzing how this DNA interacts with other biological markers of aging, the lab aims to uncover potential treatments for age-related diseases.

Dr. Qingguo Xu's lab is focused on developing innovative treatments for eye injuries caused by chemical exposure, specifically nitrogen mustard. The lab is working on a special eyedrop formulation that includes fenofibrate, a drug known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aiming to facilitate healing of corneal injuries. Their research includes testing the effectiveness of these eyedrops in animal models, as well as ensuring they are safe for use in humans.

Dr. Matthew Barrett's research lab focuses on understanding cognitive fluctuations in Lewy body dementia, a common but poorly understood symptom causing unpredictable lapses in attention and alertness. The lab investigates how degeneration of cholinergic neurons in the brain contributes to these cognitive impairments and evaluates potential therapeutic interventions. By combining imaging techniques with cognitive assessments, the lab aims to develop new strategies to better monitor and treat patients suffering from this condition.

Dr. Nicholas Elwood Johnson's lab focuses on understanding congenital myotonic dystrophy, a severe muscle disorder affecting infants and children. The team investigates the molecular changes in RNA and gene expression that occur during the disease's progression. By studying muscle samples from affected individuals at various ages, they aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms of the disease and identify potential new therapies to help treat these patients.

Dr. Laxmikant Deshpande's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding and treating the neurological impacts of organophosphate exposure, which can lead to status epilepticus (SE) and long-term brain damage. The lab is exploring verapamil, a medication commonly used for heart conditions, as a potential therapy to protect the brain and reduce inflammation caused by organophosphate toxicity. They use animal models to assess the effectiveness of this treatment and its impact on cognitive function and seizures.

Paul B Fisher's lab focuses on developing new treatments for metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). They are studying a gene called MDA-9 that plays a key role in cancer spread and testing a new drug, PDZ1i, which may help prevent tumor growth and improve responses to existing therapies. This innovative research could lead to better cancer treatments and clinical trials, ultimately benefiting patients with advanced breast cancer.

Dr. M. Imad Damaj's research focuses on finding new ways to treat joint and muscle pain caused by aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer therapy. These side effects often lead patients to stop their treatment, which is concerning given the importance of these medications. The lab explores the role of a specific receptor in the brain that may contribute to these symptoms, aiming to develop new drug therapies to help alleviate the pain without affecting cancer treatment efficacy.

Dr. Pamela E. Knapp's lab focuses on the effects of abnormal Tau protein on brain health, specifically regarding cognitive dysfunction in individuals with HIV and opioid use disorder. The lab uses animal models to investigate how Tau (specifically its phosphorylated form, pTau) contributes to neurological impairments. The research aims to uncover if targeting pTau can improve cognitive outcomes for these populations by examining neuronal function and behavior over time.

Dr. Audrey D. Lafrenaye's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding how brain injury affects neuroinflammatory responses, specifically through the actions of microglia, the brain's immune cells. The lab uses higher-order mammals, like micro pigs, to study microglial behaviors and their potential effects on brain recovery. This research aims to improve our understanding of traumatic brain injury and guide the development of effective treatments for patients suffering from such injuries.

Dr. Jiong Li's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding how certain elements in cancer cells, called FOSL1-super-enhancers, drive cancer stem cell properties that contribute to resistance against chemotherapy in head and neck cancer. The lab is developing innovative techniques to target these super-enhancers to improve treatment outcomes. Their research aims to identify new strategies to combat chemotherapy resistance, providing hope for more effective cancer therapies.

Dr. Christopher D. Green's research lab examines how sexual differences affect the development of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By using animal models that mimic human obesity-related liver disease, the lab explores the roles of specific enzymes, particularly sphingosine kinase 2, in these processes. The findings aim to improve understanding of liver cancer risk in men and women, potentially leading to personalized treatment options.

Dr. Richard T. Marconi's lab studies Lyme disease, which is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted by ticks. The lab focuses on understanding specific proteins that play key roles in the infection process, including a protein called PlzA that interacts with cyclic-di-GMP, and another called OspC that affects how well the bacteria can spread. By uncovering these molecular mechanisms, the research aims to advance the development of better vaccines and diagnostic tools for Lyme disease.

Dr. Hermine H. Maes leads a research lab focusing on how different factors influence substance use behaviors in adolescents. The lab studies both genetic and environmental influences on youth as they transition from experimenting with substances to potentially becoming regular users. By leveraging large longitudinal studies, including twin samples, the lab aims to understand when and how certain protective and risk factors influence these trajectories, thus informing prevention strategies that could help at-risk adolescents during crucial developmental periods.

Dr. Shijun Zhang's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding and combating Alzheimer's disease, particularly through the lens of neuroinflammation. The lab is exploring innovative PET imaging techniques to identify and measure the inflammatory responses associated with Alzheimer's, using a component of the immune system called the NLRP3 inflammasome. Additionally, they are developing new small molecule inhibitors that target NLRP3 to potentially halt or reverse the cognitive decline associated with this disease.

Dr. Kurt Hauser's research lab focuses on understanding how opioid and non-opioid drugs, particularly fentanyl, interact with the brain to exacerbate conditions like HIV-related neurocognitive disorders. The lab investigates the mechanisms through which these substances affect nerve cells and the supporting cells in the brain, aiming to identify new therapeutic strategies that could mitigate the harmful effects of drug use and improve neurological health in affected individuals.

Dr. Peter Hamilton's research lab focuses on how specific brain proteins, known as transcription factors, influence behaviors related to drug addiction. By using innovative synthetic biology techniques, they explore the differences between how stimulants and opioids affect the brain, particularly in a region called the nucleus accumbens. Their work aims to identify new treatment targets for drug addiction, potentially leading to better medications.

Dr. Jason Carlyon's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University studies serious diseases caused by two bacterial pathogens: Orientia tsutsugamushi, which leads to scrub typhus, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. By understanding how these pathogens interact with host immune systems and cells, the lab aims to develop new treatment strategies and enhance our knowledge of microbial infections.

Dr. Sammanda Ramamoorthy's lab conducts research to understand the neurobiology of cocaine use disorder, a condition affecting many individuals in the U.S. By investigating how certain proteins in the brain interact with cocaine and dopamine, the lab aims to uncover new ways to treat this serious addiction. The research explores the role of the dopamine transporter and its modification by kappa-opioid receptors in drug responses, which could lead to breakthrough therapies.

Dr. Devanand Sarkar's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that arises from obesity-related conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The lab aims to develop new treatment strategies by exploring the molecular mechanisms involved in HCC and testing these strategies using mouse models. Their work seeks to improve the current therapeutic options and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.