Dr. Henry N Higgs' lab at Dartmouth College studies the dynamic interplay between the actin cytoskeleton and mitochondria in mammalian cells. The team focuses on understanding how transient actin structures influence mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, particularly in relation to diseases linked to dysfunctional mitochondria. Their research has significant implications for various cellular processes and could lead to insights in treating conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Dr. Jolanta Grembecka's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on developing new therapies for acute leukemia, particularly targeting proteins involved in the disease's development. Their research aims to create small molecule inhibitors that can disrupt key interactions, helping to halt the progression of leukemias characterized by specific genetic mutations. This work is vital in improving survival rates for leukemia patients who currently have limited treatment options.

Dr. Ranjit Bindra's lab at Yale University focuses on understanding and treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly in patients with mutations in genes called IDH1 and IDH2. These mutations disrupt important DNA repair processes, making cancer cells vulnerable to specific therapies. The lab is investigating new ways to combine existing drugs to enhance treatment effectiveness, especially for patients who have not responded well to current therapies.

Dr. Yutong Zhao's lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding the mechanisms of acute inflammatory diseases and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The team investigates how specific proteins regulate cell metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis in the lungs. By studying these processes, they aim to identify new therapeutic strategies to treat conditions like sepsis and lung injuries.

Dr. Dolly Mehta's lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago focuses on understanding and treating acute lung injuries, which are often caused by infections. The research examines how certain cells in the lungs, particularly macrophages and endothelial cells, behave during inflammation and injury. By studying these cells' mechanisms, the lab aims to develop targeted therapies that protect lung function and promote healing during acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Xianxin Hua's research lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on developing innovative immunotherapies for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The lab is particularly interested in creating CAR T cells that target specific proteins on AML cells to improve treatment effectiveness while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Their work aims to translate new findings into clinical applications to offer better therapeutic options for patients with refractory AML.

Dr. Mingjiang Xu's lab at the University of Texas Health Science Center focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) regulation. The research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets, like the protein PSPC1, to improve treatment outcomes for AML, a challenging blood cancer. The lab also investigates the role of RNA modifications and specific proteins in regulating stem cell function, which could lead to new treatments for hematological malignancies.

Dr. Steve Bin Jiang's lab focuses on improving cancer treatment through advanced technologies in radiotherapy. They are developing an Artificial Intelligence-based system to enhance quality assurance for a new type of radiotherapy known as MR-LINAC, which combines radiation treatment with MRI imaging. This innovative approach aims to ensure that cancer treatments are safer and more personalized by accurately adapting to changes in a patient's anatomy over time.

Dr. Merideth A. Addicott's lab at Wake Forest University focuses on understanding the long-term effects of electronic cigarettes on brain health. The research investigates how e-cig use compares to traditional cigarette smoking and its implications for cognitive function, brain structure, and overall physiological health in adult smokers. By exploring critical biomarkers and recovery measures, the lab aims to inform public health policies regarding smoking cessation and the relative safety of e-cigarettes.

Dr. Rajesh Narendran's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding the interactions between stress, neuropeptides, and addiction. The research aims to uncover how certain brain systems, like the nociceptin opioid peptide receptor system, influence relapse in alcohol and cocaine use disorders. By using advanced imaging techniques, the lab investigates how these systems respond to stress and how they can potentially be targeted for therapeutic interventions in addiction.