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Wei Chen — Dr. Wei Chen's lab focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to study how energy metabolism in the brain changes in different health conditions. They use cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tools to explore how brain energy production and metabolism are affected by aging, neurological disorders, and tumors. The goal is to create non-invasive methods that can help us better understand and diagnose brain diseases.
Stephen S Hecht — Dr. Stephen S. Hecht's lab focuses on understanding how cigarette smoking contributes to different types of cancer, particularly lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The lab investigates the biochemical and genetic mechanisms behind these cancers, exploring why incidence rates vary among different ethnic and racial groups. Their research combines molecular biology, epidemiology, and innovative mass spectrometry techniques to profile DNA damage caused by tobacco smoke, which helps identify individuals at higher risk for cancer, thus promoting more effective prevention strategies.
Michael Gale — Dr. Michael Gale's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to viral infections, specifically West Nile virus and the use of a unique vaccine strategy for HIV prevention. The research explores both the mechanisms that allow viruses to invade the central nervous system and how vaccines can be designed to elicit effective immune responses. By using innovative models and advanced sequencing technologies, the lab aims to uncover critical information that could lead to better treatments and vaccines against these serious viral threats.
Stephen C Jameson — Dr. Stephen C. Jameson's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how aging affects the immune system, particularly the role of senescent cells in reducing the body's ability to respond to infections like COVID-19. The lab explores how these senescent cells can create a hostile environment for immune responses and investigates potential therapies to eliminate them. Additionally, the lab studies how certain CD8+ T cells can lose function without being deleted, which is crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases.
David Masopust — Dr. David Masopust's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how certain T cells, called resident memory T cells, contribute to both immunity and disease. The lab explores how these cells function in response to infections, their longevity, and their potential roles in autoimmunity and cancer therapy. Through innovative mouse models and experimental techniques, the research aims to develop new strategies for vaccines and immune therapies that can effectively combat various diseases.
Ling Li — Dr. Ling Li's lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the biochemical changes that lead to Alzheimer's disease and the effects of COVID-19 on the brain. The lab investigates how variations of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and mitochondrial lipids interact to influence brain aging and cognitive function. They utilize advanced techniques to study brain pathology in aging and how infections like SARS-CoV-2 may exacerbate cognitive impairments.
Kristin A. Hogquist — Dr. Kristin A. Hogquist's research lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding how the thymus develops T cells that can tolerate self-antigens to prevent autoimmune diseases. The lab investigates how innate immune activation affects the selection processes of T cells in the thymus, particularly looking at the roles of cytokines like interferons. By studying the interactions between various immune cells, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better understanding and treatment of autoimmune conditions.
Michael K Lee — Dr. Michael K Lee's research lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding the relationship between alpha-synuclein and tau proteins in various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab uses genetic techniques to manipulate these proteins in mouse models to explore their roles in cognitive function and disease progression. This research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to mitigate cognitive deficits associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Dang Hai Nguyen — The Nguyen lab at the University of Minnesota focuses on understanding myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which are disorders that affect blood cell production and lead to serious health issues. Their research explores how specific mutations related to RNA splicing can lead to genomic instability in these conditions, and they are investigating the role of PARP1—a protein involved in DNA repair—through the lens of R-loops, a type of genetic material interplay. The ultimate goal is to develop targeted therapies using existing FDA-approved PARP inhibitors for patients with specific genetic mutations related to MDS.