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Steven B. Mcmahon — Dr. Steven B. McMahon's lab at Thomas Jefferson University studies how exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, leads to lung cancer. His research focuses on a specific RNA modification enzyme, METTL3, to understand its role in promoting tumor growth and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in lung tissues. By uncovering the mechanisms behind these processes, the lab aims to identify potential biomarkers for cancer detection and prevention in individuals exposed to chromium.
Gyorgy Hajnoczky — Dr. Gyorgy Hajnoczky's lab focuses on understanding how changes in calcium levels within mitochondria affect neuronal health. They explore the role of specific proteins, particularly the MICU family, in calcium signaling and how their dysfunction can lead to neurological disorders. By using advanced imaging techniques and mouse models, the lab aims to determine the connections between mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, neurodegeneration, and brain functioning in different conditions, such as hypoxia and developmental stages.
Lucia R. Languino — Dr. Lucia R. Languino's lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on understanding and targeting Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer (NEPC), a rapidly advancing and treatment-resistant form of prostate cancer. The lab investigates how tumor cells adapt and metastasize in response to therapy, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets. Their work combines various projects that explore cellular communication, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the tumor microenvironment surrounding NEPC.
Isidore Rigoutsos — Dr. Isidore Rigoutsos' lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on understanding small RNA molecules, particularly variations of microRNAs, and fragments from tRNAs and rRNAs. They aim to develop specialized tools and databases that will help researchers accurately analyze and mine these RNA types from sequencing data. The lab’s work is crucial for improving our understanding of how these molecules regulate gene expression in different contexts, such as in human health and disease, particularly by investigating their roles in breast cancer metastasis.
Jun He — Dr. Jun He's lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its resistance to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. The lab investigates the role of a specific microRNA, miR-152, and how its suppression leads to the upregulation of pathways that promote tumor growth and resistance to therapy. The ultimate goal of this research is to identify new therapeutic targets to improve treatment outcomes for patients with TNBC.
Bruno Calabretta — Dr. Bruno Calabretta's lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on developing innovative treatments for specific types of leukemia, particularly B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). They explore how to 'reprogram' leukemia cells to become less aggressive and more likely to undergo cell maturation and death. The lab uses cutting-edge techniques to inhibit proteins that help leukemia cells proliferate and survive, aiming to improve therapy for patients with resistant forms of leukemia.
Scott A. Waldman — Dr. Scott A. Waldman's lab focuses on understanding and targeting visceral pain, particularly related to disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation. They study the role of specific intestinal cells and hormones in regulating nerve activity that contributes to pain, with the aim of developing new, more effective pain relief therapies without major side effects. By investigating a novel signaling pathway in the gut, they hope to translate their findings into innovative treatments for patients suffering from chronic visceral pain.
A. Sue Menko — Dr. A. Sue Menko's research lab at Thomas Jefferson University focuses on understanding how the immune system interacts with the eye, particularly in maintaining health after injuries like corneal wounds. The lab studies special immune cells associated with the lens of the eye to learn how they can either help restore balance or lead to problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Their work is crucial for developing new treatments for eye diseases caused by inflammation.
Matthias Johannes Schnell — Dr. Matthias Johannes Schnell's lab focuses on developing a new vaccine against the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a dangerous pathogen with high fatality rates. The lab uses innovative vaccine platforms based on inactivated rabies and vesicular stomatitis viruses to generate protective immunity against CCHFV. They work on understanding how these vaccines work and aim to create a safer method for vaccine testing using animal models, ultimately contributing to public health safety.