Danny Reinberg — Dr. Danny Reinberg's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding how proteins regulate the spatial organization of genes within the genome during cell differentiation. By studying how certain proteins, like CTCF and MAZ, create boundaries that separate repressed from active gene regions, the lab aims to reveal insights about gene expression and cell type identity. Their research has implications for understanding development and diseases related to gene regulation.
Steven A Safren — Dr. Steven A. Safren’s lab focuses on improving mental health treatment for people living with HIV, particularly in South Africa where there is a significant number of individuals affected. The lab researches ways to implement evidence-based treatments for depression that enhance patient adherence to HIV care. They aim to develop scalable strategies that can be replicated in low-resource settings, ensuring that crucial mental health services reach more people in need.
Michael Benatar — Dr. Michael Benatar's research lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding and preventing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The lab conducts a pioneering study called Pre-Symptomatic Familial ALS (Pre-fALS) that seeks to identify early markers of these diseases in individuals who are genetically at risk, with the aim of facilitating early intervention. By analyzing clinical data and biological samples, the lab aims to develop prevention strategies that can alter the course of these devastating neurodegenerative disorders before symptoms appear.
Alan Pollack — Dr. Alan Pollack's lab at the University of Miami focuses on improving treatment outcomes for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. They use advanced imaging techniques and liquid biopsies to identify early indicators of how well patients respond to treatment. This research aims to better tailor therapy for patients by integrating imaging data and circulating tumor cells into risk assessment models for more effective decision-making in cancer care.
Stephan Zuchner — Dr. Stephan Zuchner's lab at the University of Miami School of Medicine focuses on understanding hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a genetic disorder affecting the long axons of nerve cells. By utilizing advanced techniques like whole genome sequencing, the lab aims to identify missing disease-causing genes in families affected by HSP, which conventional methods have struggled to detect. The lab also conducts studies to explore potential treatments and therapeutic targets for this rare disease.
David Benner Lombard — David Benner Lombard's lab at the University of Miami focuses on researching Ewing sarcoma, a serious childhood cancer. The lab investigates a molecule called SIRT5 to see if it can be targeted to improve treatments, especially for patients who have the most aggressive forms of the disease. The aim is to create new drugs that can effectively kill Ewing sarcoma cells while minimizing side effects for patients.
Jacob L Mccauley — Dr. Jacob McCauley's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by investigating the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to this common condition. The lab utilizes innovative genomic techniques to study the diverse South Florida population, aiming to uncover new insights into how genetics and the environment interact to influence the onset and progression of IBD. By expanding their research to include underrepresented groups, especially Hispanic populations, the lab strives to improve prevention strategies and treatment outcomes for IBD across diverse communities.
Marcelo G. Kazanietz — Dr. Marcelo G. Kazanietz's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind lung and prostate cancers, particularly how certain proteins, like protein kinase C (PKC), influence cancer development and disparities in outcomes. By utilizing advanced genetic engineering and animal models, the lab investigates how PKC contributes to cancer growth, metastasis, and the differences in disease progression seen in different populations, especially in prostate cancer among African American men.
Michal Toborek — Dr. Michal Toborek's lab at the University of Miami School of Medicine studies how HIV infection and substance use, particularly methamphetamine, affect brain health and contribute to disorders such as depression. They focus on understanding the interactions between HIV and brain cells, especially in how these conditions interfere with the blood-brain barrier and influence the gut-brain connection. Through their research, they aim to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for individuals affected by HIV, especially as they age.