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Stephen S. Rich — Dr. Stephen S. Rich's lab focuses on understanding how genetic factors contribute to Type 1 diabetes (T1D) through a process called alternative splicing. By analyzing blood samples and genetic data from children at risk of T1D, the lab aims to uncover how different genes and their variants can influence the immune response and lead to diabetes. This research has important implications for early diagnosis and potential therapies for T1D.
Hui Li — Dr. Hui Li's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding and treating rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft-tissue cancer in children. They have identified a novel oncogene called AVIL, which plays a critical role in the growth and spread of this cancer. The lab is working on developing targeted therapies against AVIL to potentially improve outcomes for patients suffering from advanced-stage rhabdomyosarcoma.
Gary K Owens — Dr. Gary K Owens' research lab focuses on understanding atherosclerosis, a serious disease that causes heart attacks and strokes. The lab investigates how inflammation and metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance, influence the development and progression of atherosclerosis. By studying specific signaling pathways and cell types involved in this disease, the lab aims to develop more effective treatments that enhance heart health without compromising the immune system.
Barry M. Gumbiner — Barry M. Gumbiner's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how blood vessels regulate their permeability and maintain their structure. The lab studies a specific protein called VE-cadherin that is crucial for the junctions between endothelial cells, which line blood vessels. By investigating the mechanisms that control these junctions, especially during inflammation, the lab seeks to develop new approaches to prevent tissue damage in various diseases associated with excessive blood vessel leakiness.
Harald W Sontheimer — Dr. Harald W Sontheimer's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how changes in the brain's extracellular matrix contribute to memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, the lab studies a structure called perineuronal nets (PNNs), which are believed to stabilize synapses in neurons. By investigating how amyloid and tau protein pathology affects these structures, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms underlying social recognition memory impairments in Alzheimer's patients and mouse models.
Edward H. Egelman — Professor Edward H. Egelman's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding the structures of various helical proteins and nucleoprotein polymers using advanced cryo-electron microscopy techniques. The lab studies a range of biological materials, from pathogenic bacterial filaments involved in diseases to viruses that infect extremophiles. Their research not only aims to elucidate fundamental aspects of these structures but also explores potential biomedical applications related to human health.
Kevin A Pelphrey — Dr. Kevin Pelphrey's research lab at the University of Virginia focuses on improving the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly for individuals who are diagnosed later in life. By combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, along with artificial intelligence, the lab aims to identify behavioral markers that can predict late diagnoses. Their work will lead to the creation of a new screening tool that can help provide timely support for individuals at risk of being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.
Douglas A. Bayliss — Dr. Douglas A. Bayliss leads a research lab at the University of Virginia focusing on how specific neurons in the brainstem regulate breathing and arousal responses to carbon dioxide levels in the body. His work has implications for understanding disorders like congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which are linked to dysfunction in these neuronal pathways. The lab studies the molecular mechanisms and cellular functions of these neurons to gain insights into their role in respiratory health.
Ilya Levental — Professor Ilya Levental's lab at the University of Virginia is focused on understanding the structure and function of cell membranes, specifically how the composition of lipids impacts cell signaling and behavior. The lab investigates the organization of proteins and lipids in T-cells, aiming to uncover how these structures influence immune responses. Overall, the research aims to shed light on how membrane organization affects cell physiology and may inform treatments for diseases related to membrane dysfunction, like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.