Search Labs

Our lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cell fate specification during blood vessel development and organogenesis.

The discovery of ANP many years ago sparked interest in the use of natriuretic peptides to diagnose and treat heart failure and other salt-retaining disorders. Since then, there have been successes and failures. A more comprehensive understanding of the natriuretic peptide system, including the role of noncardiac factors such as race/ethnicity, may encourage more targeted approaches. One of the original insights of de Bold et al, was that the heart is an endocrine organ. Endocrine therapies are administered to individuals with specific evidence of endocrine dysfunction, not to capture short-term beneficial effects. For instance, thyroid hormone is given only to patients in whom hypothyroidism is demonstrated, not based on its metabolic actions. Studies are warranted to determine whether a similar strategy for the heart’s endocrine system can advance the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic disease. CMRU is strategically positioned to advance research toward this important strategic goal. 

The Cobb lab studies signal transduction mechanisms of protein kinases and how kinase structures lead to cell biological functions. We are particularly focused on the contributions of ERK MAP kinases to pancreatic beta-cell function and to lung cancers, and on the cell biological actions of WNK protein kinases.

We believe that understanding the basic biology of the schistosomes is key to developing the next generation of anti-schistosome drugs and vaccines. We also contend that by studying the basic biology of these fascinating organisms, we can better understand important basic biological processes common to all animals, including humans. For that reason, we study schistosomes from multiple angles using a variety of modern molecular approaches.of the lab. 

We unite researchers with diverse expertise in computational modeling, biochemical reconstitution, structural analysis of polymers, and cell biology to focus on three distinct condensates that are important for genome homeostasis.

We mine large-scale data for biological discoveries.

The overarching goals of our lab are to understand the posttranscriptional mechanisms of gene expression and regulation in the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and its human host cell. We are particularly focused on the mechanisms and regulation of nuclear RNA stability, polyadenylation, and mRNA processing by viral and by host cell factors.

 In prior work, my laboratory focused on identifying novel mechanisms of therapy-resistance and progression in breast, prostate and ovarian cancer. 

The research focus in the Corbin lab investigates strategies that exploits the deviant metabolism of cancer cells (namely the reprogramming of lipid metabolism and altered redox biology) for therapeutic purposes.

Corey Lab is using nucleic acids or nucleic acid mimics to explore important cellular processes, develop novel therapeutic tools and strategies.

Dr. Coughlin's Brain Health Program research focuses on molecular neuroimaging techniques, particularly the use of novel radiotracers with positron emission tomography (PET). Her team aims to inform the molecular understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions, and identify novel, precision therapies guided by imaging results. 

Dr. Cowell has built a research program focused on the development of bioinformatics and computational biology methods for studying the immune system and infectious diseases.  

Research in Dr. Crandall's Thermal and Vascular Physiology Laboratory focuses on neural control of the cardiovascular system and how different stressors influence that control in healthy, diseased, and injured individuals, such as:

• Identifying the consequences of severe burn injuries and subsequent skin grafting on the ability of the burn survivor to regulate internal temperature and cardiovascular function.
• Understanding the consequences of aging on cardiovascular stress during simulated heat waves.
• Exploring cooling modalities to attenuate thermal and cardiovascular stress.
• Understanding how analgesics used on the battlefield affect autonomic control of blood pressure during hemorrhage.

The Cullum Lab, led by Dr. Munro Cullum, has three lines of research in the areas of concussion, aging and dementia, and neuropsychological assessment. The lab aims to capture comprehensive longitudinal data on sports-related concussions and other mTBI across the lifespan, with an emphasis on adolescent sport-related injuries. The lab also collaborates with research groups investigating early detection of cognitive impairment later in life as well as sport and military-related traumatic brain injury. 

We use neuroimaging, neuromodulation, and behavioral experimentation to elucidate the brain circuits and mechanisms that support language and cognition, and to understand how these circuits differ in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism. We are particularly interested in the role of cerebro-cerebellar circuits in language and cognition across development and disorders.

D'Orso Lab studies gene regulatory networks in normal and disease states as well as in the context of host-pathogen interactions.

We work with you on data management and process, database and web application, experimental design and grant support.

The central goal of the Dauer Lab is to unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms of diseases that disrupt the motor system. In exploring these diseases, we also aim to understand a fundamental question relevant to CNS disease generally: what factors determine the selective vulnerability of particular cell types or circuits to insults? Our primary focus is on Parkinson’s disease and inherited forms of dystonia. We focus our efforts on disease genes that cause these disorders, employing a range of molecular, cellular, and whole animal studies to dissect the normal role of disease proteins, and how pathogenic mutations lead to disease.

The Davenport Lab focuses on quantitative methods for human brain imaging, primarily using MRI and Magnetoencephalography (MEG).

The Davis Lab is part of the Section of Molecular Medicine in the Department of Radiation Oncology

The De Brabander Lab focuses on the synthesis of complex molecular architectures, including both designed and naturally occurring substances with novel structural features and interesting biological function.