Benedict Paten — The lab led by Benedict Paten at UC Santa Cruz focuses on advancing genomics, particularly in understanding cancer and vertebrate evolution. They develop innovative methods for accurately detecting genetic variants in cancer genomes and create tools for comparing thousands of vertebrate genomes. Their research aims to improve diagnostic strategies and enhance our understanding of complex genetic regions associated with various diseases.
Carol W Greider — Dr. Carol W. Greider's lab focuses on understanding how telomere lengths are regulated at the DNA level in yeast. Telomeres are critical for chromosome stability and their lengths influence aging and cancer. The lab uses innovative techniques, such as nanopore sequencing, to investigate the specific molecular mechanisms that determine telomere lengths across different chromosomes. Insights from this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases and cancer.
Angela Norie Brooks — Dr. Angela Norie Brooks' lab at the University of California Santa Cruz focuses on understanding how different isoforms of cancer genes contribute to tumor growth and treatment resistance. The lab uses advanced sequencing techniques to analyze RNA from cancer cells and tumors, aiming to uncover vital mutations that can inform personalized cancer therapies. By doing so, the research hopes to improve cancer treatments and responses to drugs.
Bin Chen — Dr. Bin Chen's lab at UC Santa Cruz focuses on understanding how neural stem cells in the brain develop into various cell types needed for proper brain function. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind how these stem cells switch from producing neurons to producing supporting glial cells during brain development. This work is crucial for understanding developmental disorders and may contribute to better treatments for brain-related diseases.
Yi Zuo — Dr. Yi Zuo's lab at UC Santa Cruz explores how psilocybin, a well-known psychedelic, can help counteract the harmful effects of chronic stress on the brain. They study the effects of psilocybin at multiple levels, from synapses to neural circuits, to uncover how it might promote healing in mental health disorders. The lab aims to provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of psychedelics, potentially paving the way for new treatments in psychiatry.
Carrie L Partch — Carrie L. Partch's lab at UC Santa Cruz studies the molecular mechanisms behind circadian rhythms, the biological processes that synchronize our internal clocks with the 24-hour solar cycle. By examining clock proteins from various organisms, including cyanobacteria and humans, the lab aims to uncover how these proteins interact and adapt to environmental cues, potentially informing the development of new therapies to enhance human health.
Douglas R. Kellogg — Dr. Douglas R. Kellogg's lab at UC Santa Cruz focuses on understanding how cells control their growth and size, fundamental processes that are crucial for healthy cell function. They explore the signals and mechanisms that link growth to cell cycle progression, particularly through a network known as TORC2. By studying these processes in yeast, the lab aims to uncover insights that could impact our understanding of cancer growth and offer pathways for new treatments.
Camilla Forsberg — Dr. Camilla Forsberg's lab at UC Santa Cruz studies how aging affects the production and function of platelets, which are crucial for blood clotting. By examining changes in hematopoietic stem cells, the lab aims to uncover new mechanisms behind platelet-related disorders that affect older adults, such as strokes and thrombosis. Their research could lead to better treatments for these common health issues in the elderly.