Louis M. Weiss — Dr. Louis M. Weiss's research lab focuses on understanding Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that causes severe brain infections in individuals with HIV/AIDS. The lab investigates the cyst wall of this parasite, which is crucial for its ability to persist and reactivate in the central nervous system. By identifying proteins that comprise this cyst wall and exploring their roles, the lab aims to develop new strategies for preventing opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients.
Wenjun Guo — Dr. Wenjun Guo's lab at Albert Einstein College of Medicine focuses on understanding how certain breast cancer cells evade the immune system and progress into aggressive cancers. The lab studies basal-like breast cancer, which significantly affects younger women and those with specific genetic backgrounds. The aim is to identify new strategies to prevent this type of cancer by targeting early-stage stem-like cells that play a crucial role in cancer development.
Keisuke Ito — Dr. Keisuke Ito's lab focuses on understanding the role of the Tet2 gene in hematopoietic stem cells, which are essential for producing blood cells. They study how mutations in Tet2 can lead to disorders like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a disease where blood production is impaired. By using genetically modified mouse models, the lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which Tet2 functions, contributing to better treatments for blood-related diseases.
Vern L. Schramm — Dr. Vern L. Schramm's lab focuses on developing targeted therapies for cancer based on understanding the mechanisms of enzymes involved in cell death. By studying specific enzymes, such as SAMHD1 and PNP, the lab aims to create effective drug combinations that can improve treatment outcomes for T-cell cancers. The research combines principles of chemistry and biology to design inhibitors that may help patients with resistant cancers.
Bernice E Morrow — Dr. Bernice Morrow's lab at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine focuses on understanding how specific genes influence the development of the heart, particularly in relation to congenital heart diseases linked to a genetic condition known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. They use advanced techniques to study molecular mechanisms in developing mouse models, aiming to uncover how cell fate decisions are made during heart formation. By identifying and manipulating genetic pathways, the lab seeks to provide insights that could help in treating heart defects associated with this condition.
Kartik Chandran — Dr. Kartik Chandran's lab focuses on the investigation of viral pathogens, particularly enveloped RNA viruses, to develop new vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. Their research includes studying the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, which is a severe threat to public health, and creating fast, adaptable strategies for combating various emerging infectious diseases. Through collaborative efforts, they aim to generate effective immunization strategies and improve our understanding of viral pathogenesis.
David Cowburn — Dr. David Cowburn's lab at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine explores how the dynamic behaviors of disordered proteins influence their roles in various biological processes. By employing advanced techniques like NMR spectroscopy and molecular simulations, the lab is focusing on the nuclear pore complex and the engineering of proteins through inteins for therapeutic applications. This research is significant for understanding diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration, and may lead to new methods for targeted drug delivery.
Chandan Guha — Dr. Chandan Guha's lab studies how sex differences impact the body's response to radiation exposure, aiming to improve treatments for radiation injuries. They focus on how hormones and genetic factors differ between males and females and how these differences can affect health outcomes after radiation exposure. One of their key projects is developing a new drug that could help protect the intestines from radiation damage.
Meelad Dawlaty — Dr. Meelad Dawlaty's lab focuses on understanding how specific enzymes, known as Tet enzymes, play a crucial role in the formation of blood cells during embryonic development. They study how these enzymes help regulate the transition of cells from one type to another, specifically from endothelial cells to blood progenitor cells. By exploring the molecular mechanisms behind these processes, the lab aims to inform potential treatments for blood disorders and improve methods for generating blood cells in the lab for clinical applications.