Jiang Chang — Dr. Jiang Chang's lab focuses on understanding heart failure, particularly the metabolism of heart cells and how energy supply affects heart function. They are investigating a system called metabolic resuscitation, which could potentially be manipulated to improve treatments for heart failure. By using experimental approaches and animal models, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for heart failure management.
James C Sacchettini — Dr. James C. Sacchettini's lab focuses on improving tuberculosis treatment by exploring the mycobacterial cell wall, which is crucial for the bacteria's survival. The team investigates how to make existing antibiotics more effective by understanding and exploiting synergies between different drugs. Their ultimate goal is to develop new combination therapies that can overcome drug resistance and accelerate TB treatment.
Zhenyu Li — Dr. Zhenyu Li's lab focuses on understanding the role of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) not just as a biomarker for cardiovascular diseases like heart failure, but also as an active participant in the development of these conditions. The research investigates how BNP contributes to thrombosis, a critical factor in cardiovascular events, by affecting platelet function. The ultimate goal is to reveal new therapeutic targets that can improve heart disease prognosis.
Ivan Rusyn — Dr. Ivan Rusyn's lab at Texas A&M focuses on improving how we assess the safety of chemicals without relying on animal testing. Their work involves creating advanced laboratory models and computer simulations, which can predict the effects of chemicals more accurately. By developing these new methodologies, the lab aims to enhance regulatory decision-making and promote public health.
Akhilesh K. Gaharwar — Dr. Akhilesh K. Gaharwar's lab focuses on developing innovative biomaterials that can stimulate bone regeneration without the need for external growth factors. They study nanosilicate nanoparticles, which are materials that can promote the body’s own ability to heal bone injuries. The aim is to create new treatments that are safer and more effective for patients with craniofacial bone defects, enhancing recovery from trauma or surgery.
Mansoor A Khan — Dr. Mansoor A Khan's lab focuses on improving medication delivery systems for pediatric patients, particularly in the treatment of HIV and toxoplasmosis. By utilizing advanced 3D printing techniques, the lab aims to create flexible dosage forms that are tailored to children's needs, addressing critical gaps in current medication formulations. This innovative approach seeks to enhance patient adherence to therapy by providing age-appropriate and effective delivery systems.
Roderick H Dashwood — Dr. Roderick H. Dashwood's lab focuses on cancer research, specifically targeting immune responses in patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a genetic condition that increases the risk of colorectal cancer. The lab investigates how certain drugs can upregulate the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) on cancer cells to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and attack tumors. By combining traditional cancer drugs with new epigenetic therapies, they aim to improve immune responses before cancer develops, thereby offering new interventions for at-risk patients.
Yun Huang — Dr. Yun Huang's lab at Texas A&M University focuses on understanding how epigenetic factors regulate heart development. The team investigates how specific genetic mutations and maternal diet can impact heart formation and contribute to congenital heart diseases. They use cutting-edge techniques with genetically modified mouse models and human stem cells to explore these mechanisms and seek ways to improve heart development and health.
A. Joshua Wand — Professor A. Joshua Wand's lab at Texas A&M Agrilife Research focuses on understanding how proteins work and how their structures affect their functions in health and diseases. The lab studies the impact of entropy, a measure of disorder, on the stability and function of proteins, particularly in the context of diseases like Parkinson's. By exploring these relationships, the lab aims to uncover new pathways for disease intervention and develop strategies to address various health issues related to protein dysfunction.