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Theresa L. Whiteside — Dr. Theresa L. Whiteside's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on developing non-invasive biomarkers for patients with head and neck cancer. They study small extracellular vesicles (sEV), also known as exosomes, found in body fluids to help predict how patients will respond to therapies. By isolating and analyzing these vesicles from patient plasma, the lab aims to establish reliable indicators for prognosis and treatment effectiveness, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Anthony A Grace — Dr. Anthony A Grace's lab at the University of Pittsburgh explores how early stress impacts brain function differently in males and females. By studying rats, the lab examines how stress during critical developmental periods can lead to long-lasting changes in brain circuitry and behavior. The research aims to understand the mechanisms behind these differences to improve early interventions for psychiatric disorders that can develop later in life.
Yuan Chang — Dr. Yuan Chang's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) persists in the human body and the mechanisms that can lead it to cause cancer. Their research delves into the virus's ability to control its replication and achieve a state of latency, which allows it to evade the immune system over long periods. By utilizing advanced techniques, they aim to unravel the intricate relationship between MCPyV and host cellular factors, shedding light on the development of targeted therapies for skin cancers caused by this virus.
Charleen T Chu — Dr. Charleen T Chu's lab focuses on understanding how a protein called PINK1 affects brain cells, particularly in conditions like Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. By studying how PINK1 regulates the structure and function of dendrites, which are vital for neuronal communication and memory, the lab aims to uncover new approaches for preventing cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Harinder Singh — Dr. Harinder Singh's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how the immune system, particularly B cells and T follicular helper (TFH) cells, responds to influenza vaccinations in children. The lab uses advanced genomic and immunological techniques to analyze the effectiveness of vaccines and aims to identify the molecular factors that lead to durable antibody responses, potentially improving vaccine strategies.
Mark J Shlomchik — Dr. Mark Shlomchik's lab focuses on understanding how memory B cells develop and function, particularly in response to infections and vaccinations. By studying the molecular and cellular processes in germinal centers, which are key sites for antibody production, the lab aims to uncover how our immune system remembers pathogens and generates long-lasting immunity. This research has implications for vaccine design and understanding various immune-related diseases.
Joanne L. Flynn — Dr. Joanne L. Flynn's lab focuses on improving the efficacy of vaccines against tuberculosis (TB), a major global health concern. The lab investigates new strategies to enhance the immune response to the BCG vaccine using modern techniques and animal models. Their research aims to better understand how to protect against TB and identify key markers of vaccine effectiveness.
Jun Chen — Dr. Jun Chen's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affect brain function and structure, particularly through the lens of neurovascular damage and inflammation. The lab is exploring the potential use of adiponectin, a hormone that may help protect the brain and restore function after such injuries. By studying the effects of this adipokine, the team aims to find new therapeutic strategies to reduce the impact of brain injuries on cognitive health.
Joel S Greenberger — Dr. Joel S. Greenberger's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on innovative approaches to protect against radiation injuries, particularly the acute gastrointestinal syndrome caused by total body or partial body irradiation. The lab is pioneering the use of engineered probiotics to deliver therapeutic molecules that restore intestinal health and promote recovery. Their work aims to develop safe and effective treatments that could be used in emergency situations, such as nuclear accidents or cancer therapies.