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Reuben S Harris — Dr. Reuben S. Harris leads a research lab focused on understanding APOBEC enzymes and their role in cancer mutations. His team studies how these enzymes contribute to genetic changes in various cancer types, such as bladder and breast cancer, which can lead to treatment resistance and metastasis. The lab aims to develop new therapies that inhibit these enzymes, ultimately improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Jean X Jiang — Dr. Jean X Jiang's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an especially aggressive form of breast cancer that disproportionately affects younger patients and women of color. The lab is working on creating novel drugs that target adenosine receptors to inhibit tumor growth and enhance anti-tumor immunity. By employing advanced technologies in drug design and testing in animal models, the aim is to generate effective therapies that improve the survival of patients with this challenging disease.
Laurence Morel — The lab led by Dr. Laurence Morel focuses on understanding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease characterized by inappropriate immune responses. They investigate how specific cells in the immune system, particularly follicular helper T cells, contribute to the disease, and explore the effects of gut bacteria on immune function and disease severity. By studying the interaction between metabolism and immune response, the lab aims to find potential treatments to alleviate lupus symptoms through dietary and pharmacological interventions.
Qitao Ran — Dr. Qitao Ran's research lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on Alzheimer's disease, exploring innovative ways to target the Hippo signaling pathway to develop new treatments. This pathway is crucial for regulating cell growth and survival, and its abnormal activation has been linked to neurodegeneration. The lab conducts studies using mouse models to better understand how inhibiting this pathway can improve cognitive function and protect neurons from damage in Alzheimer's disease.
Mingjiang Xu — Dr. Mingjiang Xu's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) regulation. The research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets, like the protein PSPC1, to improve treatment outcomes for AML, a challenging blood cancer. The lab also investigates the role of RNA modifications and specific proteins in regulating stem cell function, which could lead to new treatments for hematological malignancies.
Adam Salmon — The lab led by Adam Salmon at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on researching potential anti-aging therapies through the testing of small molecules in mice. By examining how these treatments can extend the lifespan and improve health conditions associated with aging, their goal is to find effective interventions that could eventually benefit human longevity. This work is part of a larger collaborative program that not only evaluates drug effects but also contributes essential data and tissues to the scientific community.
Mengwei Zang — Dr. Mengwei Zang's lab focuses on understanding the intricate processes behind alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), particularly how RNA splicing contributes to lipid metabolism disorders related to this condition. The lab aims to uncover the molecular roles of serine-arginine rich protein kinase 2 (SRPK2) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in modulating liver health and how these proteins can serve as potential targets for new therapies in ALD. Their research also involves the development of novel treatments aimed at reversing the damages caused by excessive alcohol consumption on the liver.
Tim H.-M. Huang — Dr. Tim H.-M. Huang's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding the role of tumor-macrophage hybrid cells in prostate cancer progression, particularly in cases resistant to traditional androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. These hybrid cells may help cancer evade the immune system and spread throughout the body. This research aims to uncover new treatment strategies against advanced prostate cancer by profiling these unique cells and their mechanisms.
Mohamad Habes — Dr. Mohamad Habes' lab focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) by exploring the connection between vascular health and cognitive decline, particularly among diverse populations such as Mexican Americans. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques and machine learning to analyze brain scans and biomarkers in order to identify key factors that contribute to dementia. Their goal is to develop innovative methods for detecting and characterizing neurovascular contributions to cognitive impairment, especially in under-researched ethnic groups.