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Paolo Casali — Dr. Paolo Casali's lab focuses on understanding how epigenetics influences the immune response in diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They study how specific genes and environmental factors interact to affect B cell functions related to antibody production. This research aims to uncover potential new treatments for autoimmune diseases by targeting the mechanisms behind autoantibody production.
Chu Chen — Dr. Chu Chen's lab focuses on understanding and developing new therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which significantly impacts the aging population. The lab's research centers on astrocytes, a specific type of brain cell, and how silencing a key enzyme can mitigate AD-related symptoms. By targeting the endocannabinoid system, particularly the metabolism of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the lab aims to create effective gene therapies that could prevent or slow down cognitive decline in AD.
Sid E O'Bryant — Dr. Sid E. O'Bryant's research lab focuses on understanding Alzheimer's Disease, particularly how it affects different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The lab's primary project, the Health & Aging Brain Study - Health Disparities (HABS-HD), collects and analyzes a variety of data to investigate how biological, social, and environmental factors contribute to health disparities in Alzheimer's. Through this work, they aim to improve prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's Disease that are tailored to diverse populations.
Peng Zhao — Dr. Peng Zhao's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding how liver injury occurs in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. By exploring the role of specific proteins and cellular processes, the lab aims to identify new therapeutic approaches to treat NASH and improve liver health. This research is essential for developing effective strategies to combat this growing public health issue.
Robert Clinton Barber — Dr. Robert Clinton Barber's research focuses on understanding how epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation patterns, affect the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in different populations, particularly Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites. By analyzing data from a large cohort study, his lab aims to uncover significant biological markers related to cognitive decline and health disparities in Alzheimer's disease. This work not only seeks to advance our scientific understanding of AD but also aims to improve health outcomes in diverse communities.
Guangming Zhong — Dr. Guangming Zhong's lab focuses on developing an innovative oral vaccine to prevent Chlamydia trachomatis, a common sexually transmitted infection. They are researching a specific strain of Chlamydia muridarum that can safely stimulate the immune system without causing disease. The lab's work aims to establish effective immunization strategies that could lead to clinical trials for this vaccine, significantly impacting public health.
Yan Xiang — Dr. Yan Xiang's research lab focuses on understanding how certain viruses, specifically poxviruses like monkeypox, interact with their hosts. The lab investigates the cellular defense mechanisms that identify and restrict viral infections and how viruses adapt to overcome these defenses. By studying these interactions, the lab aims to uncover new antiviral strategies and contribute to public health efforts against viral outbreaks.
Xiaoli Sun — Dr. Xiaoli Sun's lab focuses on understanding the complex relationship between metabolic dysfunction and liver diseases, specifically metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and its progression to liver cancer. The research investigates how oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) contribute to oxidative stress and impact liver health. By exploring the mechanisms of OxPLs and their role in liver injury, the lab aims to uncover new potential therapeutic strategies for these serious health conditions.
Lynette C Daws — Dr. Lynette C. Daws' lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind how psychostimulants like amphetamine and methamphetamine affect the brain, particularly through a transporter protein known as OCT3. The lab is investigating why current treatments for stimulant addiction have not been successful, aiming to identify new approaches for effective medications. By using advanced mouse models, the research seeks to explore how OCT3 contributes to dopamine release and drug-related behaviors, potentially leading to novel therapies for substance use disorders.