Sean R Eddy — Dr. Sean R. Eddy's lab focuses on developing computational tools to analyze biological sequences and RNA structures. Their work is crucial for understanding evolutionary relationships among different life forms by leveraging large-scale genomic data. The lab's primary tools, HMMER and Infernal, help scientists find homologs of sequences more effectively, contributing to advancements in molecular biology and bioinformatics.
David J Mooney — David J Mooney's lab focuses on engineering human tissues to enhance immunotherapy treatments for cancer and other diseases. They are innovating methods to create a functional human thymus in the lab, which could improve the development of T cells from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Additionally, they are developing 3D cancer models to study immune cell interactions better, paving the way for more effective cancer therapies.
Michael Eldon Greenberg — Dr. Michael Eldon Greenberg's lab at Harvard Medical School investigates how sensory experiences influence the development of neural circuits, particularly in the visual system. His research focuses on the role of a specific type of brain cell called astrocytes in regulating visual plasticity and the molecular mechanisms tied to learning and memory. By understanding these processes, the lab aims to uncover new approaches to treat conditions such as amblyopia and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Arlene H. Sharpe — Dr. Arlene H. Sharpe's lab at Harvard Medical School focuses on enhancing the body's immune response against tumors by investigating the role of one-carbon metabolism. The team studies how supplementing with certain metabolites can improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies that use immune checkpoint blockade. Their work aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these processes, ultimately leading to better treatments for cancer patients.
David E Reich — The lab of David E Reich at Harvard Medical School focuses on utilizing ancient DNA to enhance our understanding of human genetic traits and disease risk over time. By analyzing large datasets from various historical populations, the lab aims to uncover how evolutionary forces have shaped genetic variation and complex traits in humans. This research not only provides insights into our past but also helps make connections to present-day health issues and genetic diversity.
Norbert Perrimon — Dr. Norbert Perrimon's lab at Harvard Medical School focuses on understanding critical biological processes through the study of Drosophila, a model organism. The ongoing research explores immune signaling in ticks to improve our knowledge of tick-borne diseases, molecular mechanisms of muscle growth and wasting to address health issues like sarcopenia, and the communication between different organs as they age. By leveraging advanced technologies, the lab aims to uncover fundamental biological pathways relevant to human health.
Diane J Mathis — Dr. Diane J Mathis's lab at Harvard Medical School studies the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, which affect a significant portion of the population. The lab focuses on understanding how certain cells in the thymus, called medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), help T cells learn to tolerate the body's own antigens, preventing autoimmune reactions. They recently discovered a new type of thymic cell that could play a crucial role in this tolerance process. This research aims to uncover the molecular interactions that help generate these cells and understand their significance in preventing autoimmune diseases.
Xiaowei Zhuang — Dr. Xiaowei Zhuang's lab at Harvard University focuses on understanding the human brain by studying its diverse cell types and their functions. The team uses advanced imaging techniques to build detailed maps of brain cells, shedding light on how they interact and change with age. This research has the potential to improve our understanding of brain diseases and the aging process.
Wendy S. Garrett — Dr. Wendy S. Garrett's lab at Harvard University focuses on understanding the role of the gut microbiome, particularly the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum, in colorectal cancer (CRC). The team investigates how specific bacterial activities contribute to CRC progression, response to therapy, and overall cancer susceptibility. By exploring the interactions between F. nucleatum and immune cells, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that may apply to various cancers beyond CRC.