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Wei Jiang — Dr. Wei Jiang's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on understanding how drug use affects the immune response in HIV-infected individuals. They study the role of specific antibodies in the immune system and how chronic drug abuse influences the recovery of immune cells after HIV treatment. Their aim is to uncover the mechanisms by which inflammation from drugs like cocaine and cannabis impact the immune system, particularly in relation to a type of antibody that can harm CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections.
Stephen A Duncan — Stephen A. Duncan's lab focuses on discovering new drugs that can lower cholesterol production in the liver, which is crucial for addressing high cholesterol issues in patients. By using a type of liver cell derived from human stem cells, the lab investigates the effects of several small molecules that inhibit a specific enzyme called carboxylesterase 1. These findings could lead to treatments for conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver disease without the side effects associated with current cholesterol medications.
Mark T Hamann — The lab of Dr. Mark T Hamann focuses on the synthesis and optimization of unique natural products called aleutianamines, derived from deep-sea marine organisms. The research aims to develop effective methods for creating these alkaloids, which have potential therapeutic applications for diseases like malaria and cancer. By exploring innovative synthesis techniques, the lab seeks to address the scarcity of these natural compounds and harness their medicinal properties.
Jens H Jensen — Dr. Jens H Jensen's lab focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to better understand and monitor Alzheimer's disease. They use specialized MRI methods to evaluate how the disease progresses and how it responds to potential treatments in mouse models. By applying these methods, they hope to uncover new insights into Alzheimer's pathology and assist in the development of more effective therapies.
Anand S. Mehta — Dr. Anand S. Mehta's lab focuses on developing new biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma, a lethal form of liver cancer. The lab investigates changes in glycosylation patterns of proteins associated with cancer in order to improve diagnosis and prognosis for patients. They have developed an innovative method for analyzing these glycan changes using a streamlined antibody capture technique, aiming to enhance early detection and treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma.
Sophie Paczesny — Dr. Sophie Paczesny's research lab focuses on improving the prediction and understanding of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) through innovative machine learning techniques. By analyzing blood samples from transplant patients, the lab aims to identify specific biomarkers that can indicate who is at risk of developing cGVHD and enhance early treatment strategies. This work is vital for personalizing therapies and improving outcomes for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Russell Norris — Dr. Russell Norris's lab focuses on understanding mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a condition that can severely affect heart health. The lab investigates how MVP can lead to serious complications like left ventricular fibrosis and arrhythmias, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. By exploring the biological mechanisms behind MVP, the team aims to improve patient outcomes and develop better prevention strategies.
Haizhen Wang — Dr. Haizhen Wang's lab at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on improving immunotherapy for solid tumors by studying the functions of cyclin D proteins in T cells. The lab investigates how these proteins impact T cell survival and their ability to infiltrate tumors, which are critical for effective cancer treatment. By manipulating cyclin D expression, the research aims to enhance the efficacy of T cell therapies against cancers like melanoma and colorectal cancer.
John P O'Bryan — Dr. John P. O'Bryan's lab focuses on understanding how certain proteins, called RAS, contribute to cancer development. They are exploring new ways to inhibit these proteins using innovative synthetic molecules called monobodies, which can bind to RAS with high specificity. By studying how these molecules affect RAS function, the lab aims to identify new strategies for cancer therapy that directly target RAS mutations.