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Devanand Sarkar — Dr. Devanand Sarkar's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that arises from obesity-related conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The lab aims to develop new treatment strategies by exploring the molecular mechanisms involved in HCC and testing these strategies using mouse models. Their work seeks to improve the current therapeutic options and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
Huiping Zhou — Dr. Huiping Zhou's lab focuses on understanding alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is a serious condition with no FDA-approved treatments. The lab investigates the role of certain lipids, specifically sphingolipids, in liver inflammation and damage caused by alcohol consumption. By exploring how these lipids affect liver and gut health, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for preventing or treating ALD.
Hermine H Maes — Dr. Hermine H. Maes leads a research lab focusing on how different factors influence substance use behaviors in adolescents. The lab studies both genetic and environmental influences on youth as they transition from experimenting with substances to potentially becoming regular users. By leveraging large longitudinal studies, including twin samples, the lab aims to understand when and how certain protective and risk factors influence these trajectories, thus informing prevention strategies that could help at-risk adolescents during crucial developmental periods.
Jiong Li — Dr. Jiong Li's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on understanding how certain elements in cancer cells, called FOSL1-super-enhancers, drive cancer stem cell properties that contribute to resistance against chemotherapy in head and neck cancer. The lab is developing innovative techniques to target these super-enhancers to improve treatment outcomes. Their research aims to identify new strategies to combat chemotherapy resistance, providing hope for more effective cancer therapies.
Qingguo Xu — Dr. Qingguo Xu's lab is focused on developing innovative treatments for eye injuries caused by chemical exposure, specifically nitrogen mustard. The lab is working on a special eyedrop formulation that includes fenofibrate, a drug known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aiming to facilitate healing of corneal injuries. Their research includes testing the effectiveness of these eyedrops in animal models, as well as ensuring they are safe for use in humans.
Kurt F Hauser — Dr. Kurt Hauser's research lab focuses on understanding how opioid and non-opioid drugs, particularly fentanyl, interact with the brain to exacerbate conditions like HIV-related neurocognitive disorders. The lab investigates the mechanisms through which these substances affect nerve cells and the supporting cells in the brain, aiming to identify new therapeutic strategies that could mitigate the harmful effects of drug use and improve neurological health in affected individuals.
Wenhui Hu — Wenhui Hu's lab at Virginia Commonwealth University focuses on developing innovative gene therapies to eliminate the HIV virus from infected cells, with a particular emphasis on brain and immune cells. They utilize advanced techniques in genome editing, specifically CRISPR/Cas systems, to create targeted delivery mechanisms that effectively reach HIV reservoirs in the body. Through their research, they hope to contribute to finding a permanent cure for HIV and addressing associated cognitive disorders.
Sammanda Ramamoorthy — Dr. Sammanda Ramamoorthy's lab conducts research to understand the neurobiology of cocaine use disorder, a condition affecting many individuals in the U.S. By investigating how certain proteins in the brain interact with cocaine and dopamine, the lab aims to uncover new ways to treat this serious addiction. The research explores the role of the dopamine transporter and its modification by kappa-opioid receptors in drug responses, which could lead to breakthrough therapies.
P. Worth Longest — Dr. P. Worth Longest's research focuses on developing a new method for treating patients with acute lung injuries and respiratory distress. Instead of using traditional liquid treatments that require invasive procedures, the lab is working on a dry powder aerosol lung surfactant that can be inhaled easily and efficiently. This innovative approach aims to provide faster and more effective treatment for patients before they critically need mechanical ventilation.