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Charles Decarli — Dr. Charles Decarli's lab focuses on understanding how white matter lesions in the brain affect cognitive functions, particularly in aging populations. They study the impact of vascular risk factors on Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, emphasizing diverse groups, particularly Latinos and African Americans, who are at increased risk. Through advanced MRI techniques, the lab aims to develop predictive models that can lead to better management and treatment strategies for cognitive impairments in these populations.
Donald M Bers — Dr. Donald Bers' lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding the critical molecular mechanisms that lead to heart failure and arrhythmias, which are significant health issues worldwide. They investigate the role of proteins like the cardiac ryanodine receptor and CaMKII, using advanced techniques to explore how these proteins function under normal and pathological conditions. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting these molecular mechanisms to improve heart health.
Blake C Meyers — Dr. Blake C. Meyers' lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding small RNAs in plant reproduction, particularly in maize. The research explores how specific classes of small RNAs contribute to the development of male reproductive organs and their roles in male fertility. By using advanced imaging and genetic techniques, the lab aims to uncover the production, localization, and functions of these critical molecules in plants.
Andreas J Baumler — Dr. Andreas J. Baumler's lab focuses on understanding the complex interactions between gut microbiota, host health, and infectious diseases. Their research includes studying how probiotics like E. coli Nissle 1917 protect against infections from pathogens such as Salmonella, examining the impact of gut microbiota changes on chronic kidney disease, and probing the links between diet, gut bacteria, and inflammatory bowel disease. The lab employs a range of innovative techniques to uncover the mechanisms that maintain gut health and combat various diseases.
Andrew P Yonelinas — Dr. Andrew P. Yonelinas' lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding the role of the medial temporal lobes (MTL) in visual perception and working memory. Their research addresses how damage or age-related changes to the MTL can impact our ability to perceive visual information, especially in complex scenarios. By combining psychophysical methods, eye tracking, and advanced brain imaging, they aim to clarify the neural mechanisms that support our visual cognition and how various conditions like Alzheimer's and schizophrenia may affect these processes.
Peter J Havel — Dr. Peter Havel's research lab focuses on understanding how metabolic disorders like insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Using a nonhuman primate model, the lab studies the impact of a high-sugar diet on brain health, particularly examining hormones, inflammation, and neural circuits involved in memory and behavior. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that link metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration to inform better treatments for these interconnected health issues.
Kit S Lam — The lab led by Dr. Kit S. Lam focuses on developing innovative therapeutic strategies to enhance cancer treatment, specifically by targeting the tumor microenvironment using transformable nanoparticles. By utilizing a unique platform that adjusts its structure in response to specific tumor markers, the lab aims to deliver treatments that activate the immune system against cancer while minimizing damage to normal tissues. Their research is particularly relevant to the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Jie Zheng — Dr. Jie Zheng's research lab at UC Davis focuses on understanding how specific ion channels in cells, known as calcium-activated nonselective cation channels (CAN channels), work to regulate important physiological functions. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms behind the activation and inhibition of these channels, especially how mutations can lead to serious health conditions like cardiac disorders and skin diseases. By using both experimental and computational techniques, the team aims to uncover the rules that govern these channels and potentially develop new therapeutic strategies.
Johannes W Hell — Dr. Johannes W. Hell's lab focuses on understanding how the Alzheimer’s disease-related protein beta amyloid affects calcium channels in the brain. By studying the Cav1.2 calcium channel, the lab investigates how its dysregulation can lead to neuronal damage and impair synaptic function, which are critical in Alzheimer’s disease. This research opens up new avenues for potential pharmacological interventions to combat the early effects of Alzheimer's.