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Qin Wang — Dr. Qin Wang's lab at Augusta University studies the relationship between brain cell signaling and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. They focus on how certain genes and signaling pathways that activate brain cells like astrocytes influence disease progression. Additionally, they explore how specific proteins regulate neuron activity, impacting emotional responses and behavior. Their work aims to uncover potential new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's and understanding stress-related mental health issues.
David C. Hess — Dr. David C. Hess's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding how red blood cell dysfunction affects cognitive decline, particularly in conditions like vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. The team investigates whether improving red blood cell function through exercise and a conditioning technique can enhance brain health and potentially prevent cognitive issues in patients. Their research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies targeting red blood cells to tackle dementia effectively.
Tohru Fukai — Dr. Tohru Fukai's lab at Augusta University studies how the metabolism of endothelial cells (the cells lining blood vessels) affects cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and diabetes. By examining the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), the lab seeks to uncover new ways to treat these diseases. The research combines advanced techniques like genetics and metabolism studies to better understand the mechanisms behind vascular health.
Balveen Kaur — Dr. Balveen Kaur's lab at Augusta University focuses on developing innovative therapies to treat glioblastoma (GBM), a deadly brain cancer. The lab's primary research investigates the use of oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) in combination with strategies to block NOTCH signaling, which can enhance the virus's effectiveness against tumors while ensuring safety for brain function. By understanding how these pathways interact, the lab aims to improve treatment options for patients suffering from this challenging disease.
Carlos M. Isales — Dr. Carlos M. Isales's lab is focused on understanding the biological processes involved in muscle and bone loss as we age. Through studying the effects of a substance called kynurenine, the lab aims to identify how aging impacts our body's ability to maintain muscle strength and bone density. This research is particularly important for preventing falls and fractures in the elderly, ultimately looking to enhance their quality of life.
David L. Mattson — Dr. David L. Mattson's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding the relationship between diet, immune response, and hypertension. The research investigates how different dietary proteins influence immune cell activity, particularly in the kidneys, and how this affects blood pressure. By using animal models, the lab aims to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for people suffering from hypertension, especially those who are sensitive to salt.
Jian-Kang Chen — Dr. Jian-Kang Chen's research lab focuses on understanding how diabetes affects kidney function, particularly how it increases the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). The lab investigates the cellular and molecular changes that lead to kidney hypertrophy and susceptibility to damage in diabetic patients. Their work aims to find new therapeutic targets for preventing kidney damage in these patients, ultimately improving health outcomes for those with diabetes-related kidney issues.
Yao Liang Tang — Dr. Yao Liang Tang's lab studies how specific enzymes affect heart cells after injury. They focus on transforming problematic heart cells into those that can help repair heart damage. This research is important because it could lead to new treatments for heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
David W Stepp — Dr. David Stepp's lab at Augusta University focuses on understanding how skeletal muscle health can protect against cardiovascular problems caused by obesity. The research looks at how maintaining muscle mass and performance can improve blood vessel function, potentially offering new treatment strategies for individuals with obesity who cannot exercise effectively. The lab explores the roles of specific genes and proteins in muscle and their influence on heart health.