Yao Yao — Dr. Yao Yao's lab focuses on how a specific protein called pericytic laminin affects brain health, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease. They study its role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier, regulating blood flow in the brain, and preventing nerve damage. The goal is to uncover new ways to treat age-related brain disorders by understanding these mechanisms better.
Gopal Thinakaran — Dr. Gopal Thinakaran's lab focuses on understanding the role of a protein called BIN1 in Alzheimer's disease. They study how BIN1 influences inflammation and the progression of neurodegenerative processes related to amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. The research involves using specific mouse models to investigate the mechanisms through which BIN1 impacts brain health and disease, with the ultimate goal of uncovering potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's.
Jianfeng Cai — Dr. Jianfeng Cai's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease, specifically how amyloid beta peptides aggregate in the brain and contribute to dementia. The lab is creating new molecules that can prevent and disrupt this aggregation, potentially leading to effective treatments. Their research combines chemistry, biology, and innovative material design to develop therapeutic agents that may help improve memory and brain function in patients with Alzheimer's.
Lianchun Wang — Dr. Lianchun Wang's research lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding the role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in Alzheimer's disease. They investigate how these molecules affect the clearance of amyloid beta from the brain, which is crucial in preventing the progression of this disease. By studying both human samples and mouse models, the lab aims to uncover new mechanisms that could potentially lead to effective therapies for Alzheimer's.
Ying Yang — Dr. Ying Yang's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a chronic disease caused by mutations in TSC1 or TSC2 genes that lead to serious complications like fluid accumulation in the chest. The lab investigates the role of lymphatic vessels in TSC, particularly how the loss of TSC signaling affects lymphatic valve function and contributes to chylothorax. Through their research, they aim to identify new pathways and potential therapeutic targets for managing TSC.
Alexander Staruschenko — Dr. Alexander Staruschenko's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding sex-related differences in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). They study the mechanisms behind how diabetes affects kidney function differently in men and women, using a special rat model of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Their goal is to identify molecular pathways that could lead to more effective, tailored treatments for diabetic kidney disease.
Sarah Y Yuan — Dr. Sarah Y Yuan's lab focuses on understanding how vascular barriers function during inflammation and injury, which can lead to various cardiovascular diseases. The lab investigates the mechanisms behind vascular permeability, especially how certain blood components leak into surrounding tissues during diseases like sepsis and stroke. They aim to discover new diagnostic and therapeutic targets to help develop effective treatments for these conditions.
Laura J Blair — Dr. Laura J. Blair's lab at the University of South Florida studies the role of a protein called FKBP51 in Alzheimer's disease, particularly how it relates to neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression. The lab uses mouse models to investigate whether modifying FKBP51 can protect against nerve cell damage linked to tau protein accumulation. This research could enhance understanding of Alzheimer's progression and identify potential therapeutic targets for improving mental health in affected patients.
Subhra Mohapatra — Dr. Subhra Mohapatra's lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding the long-term neurological effects of COVID-19, particularly how the virus impacts tau proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The lab uses mouse models to investigate how aging and COVID-19 infection can lead to neurological issues, aiming to find new ways to prevent or treat these conditions. Through their research, they hope to identify specific molecular targets that can be manipulated to reduce the negative effects of COVID-19 on the brain.