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John M Hollander — Dr. John M. Hollander's lab at West Virginia University focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms that lead to heart problems in individuals with type 2 diabetes. His research investigates how mitochondrial proteins are imported and refolded, processes that are often disrupted in diabetic hearts, resulting in poor heart function. By exploring these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies that can improve heart health in diabetic patients.
Bernard G. Schreurs — Dr. Bernard G. Schreurs' lab investigates how sex differences influence Alzheimer's disease risk and treatment responses. The team leverages an innovative animal model using rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet to explore the interactions between estrogen levels and cholesterol metabolism in relation to cognitive function. By examining how these factors contribute to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms behind memory impairment and potential protective effects of estrogen.
Visvanathan Ramamurthy — Dr. Visvanathan Ramamurthy's lab focuses on developing therapies for vision loss caused by defects in photoreceptor outer segments. These segments are critical for our ability to see, and when they don't develop correctly, it can lead to blindness. The lab studies a specific protein called Prominin-1, which has been linked to several eye diseases, and seeks to find ways to treat conditions associated with mutations in this protein.
Charles Anderson — Dr. Charles Anderson's lab at West Virginia University focuses on the role of synaptic zinc in brain function and its impact on cognitive and sensory processing. The team investigates how zinc is released, cleared, and utilized at synapses, as well as how it influences neuronal communication and structure. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for neurological disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
Mariette Barbier — Dr. Mariette Barbier's lab at West Virginia University focuses on developing new therapeutic antibodies to combat infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially those that are resistant to multiple drugs. They are working on a unique antibody cocktail that targets a specific component of the bacterial cell wall called lipopolysaccharide, with the hope of improving treatment options for hard-to-treat infections. Through their research, they aim to better understand how these antibodies work and provide essential data to support innovative therapies for patients.
David Matthew Smith — Dr. David Matthew Smith's lab at West Virginia University focuses on understanding the role of protein degradation in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's Disease. The lab investigates how the failure of the proteasome system leads to the accumulation of toxic proteins in neurons. By studying unique pathways that bypass traditional protein degradation mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies to enhance neuronal health and combat neurodegenerative disorders.
Edwin Chi Keung Wan — Dr. Edwin Chi Keung Wan's lab studies the mechanisms behind multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that causes inflammation and damage to the nervous system. By focusing on the interactions between specific immune cells in brain tissue, the lab aims to uncover new pathways that could lead to better treatments for MS. The research combines animal models and advanced imaging techniques to explore how particular proteins are involved in the disease process.