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Wei Li — Dr. Wei Li's lab focuses on developing innovative treatments for metastatic breast cancer, particularly in overcoming challenges associated with brain and bone metastases. The lab aims to create new drug candidates that bypass the limitations of existing therapies while enhancing treatment effectiveness for patients with triple-negative breast cancer. Through a combination of structural optimization and advanced drug design techniques, they strive to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Colleen B Jonsson — The research lab led by Dr. Colleen B. Jonsson at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center focuses on developing new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to combat infectious diseases and bioterrorism threats. Operating within a state-of-the-art biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) facility, the team works on enhancing biosafety practices and research support for medical countermeasures against emerging pathogens. The lab collaborates with various institutions and emphasizes training and management of biosafety practices in alignment with public health and safety standards.
Zhongjie Sun — Dr. Zhongjie Sun's lab focuses on understanding how aging affects kidney function and blood pressure, particularly through the role of exosomes derived from renal stem cells. They investigate how these tiny vesicles influence kidney health and contribute to conditions like hypertension as people age. The research aims to uncover new treatment strategies for kidney diseases and hypertension in the elderly.
Gabor J Tigyi — Dr. Gabor J. Tigyi's lab focuses on discovering small molecules that can enhance the immune response against tumors by targeting a specific receptor called LPAR5, which inhibits the activity of cytotoxic T cells. By blocking this receptor, the lab aims to improve T cell activation and boost the body's ability to fight cancer. This research could lead to new treatments for immune-resistant cancers.
Burt M Sharp — Dr. Burt M. Sharp's lab at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular factors that contribute to nicotine addiction. Using a unique panel of hybrid rats, the lab studies how different genetic variants influence behaviors related to smoking and nicotine dependence. Their research aims to move towards precision medicine by mapping the genetic links to addiction behaviors, which can ultimately inform treatments for smoking cessation.
Kafait U Malik — Dr. Kafait U Malik's lab focuses on understanding how hormones like estrogen and testosterone interact with specific enzymes in the brain, influencing blood pressure, especially in relation to sex differences. They utilize various advanced techniques to explore these interactions, aiming to identify new treatment strategies for hypertension and related health issues.
Jonathan H Jaggar — Dr. Jonathan H. Jaggar's lab focuses on understanding how endothelial cells regulate blood vessel functions and their role in cardiovascular diseases like hypertension. The lab studies a specific chloride channel called TMEM16A, which has uncertain physiological and pathological impacts. By using various advanced techniques, the lab aims to uncover important insights into how these channels function under normal conditions and how they might contribute to vascular dysfunction when altered, especially in disease states.
Radhakrishna Rao — Dr. Radhakrishna Rao's lab focuses on understanding how substances like alcohol and radiation damage the intestines and the immune systems that protect them. They investigate the role of calcium channels and specialized cells in the intestines, hoping to develop new treatments for alcohol-related diseases and radiation injuries. By studying how these factors lead to inflammation and gut health issues, the lab aims to find ways to counteract these serious health threats.
Gadiparthi N Rao — Dr. Gadiparthi N Rao's lab focuses on the mechanisms behind retinal neovascularization, particularly in the context of diabetic retinopathy. The research aims to understand how a protein called GRP78 influences the formation of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision loss. By investigating these mechanisms, the lab seeks to identify new therapeutic targets for treating retinal diseases while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.