We are interested in how epithelial tissues sense and respond to injury.

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. 

The over-arching theme of the Weaver Lab is to deeply understand how proteolytic factors mediate diverse physiological functions.

We investigate genetic and molecular basis of phenotypic diversity observed in nature by using a range of methodologies such as whole genome sequencing, fluidics, long-term evolution experiments, and large-scale combinatorial mutagenesis. 

What are the causes and consequences of cytoskeletal diversification?

Our lab is broadly focused on the cellular signaling that drives the interactions between the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii and its varied hosts.

The Elmquist laboratory uses mouse genetics to identify circuits in the nervous system that regulate energy balance and glucose homeostasis. We have developed unique mouse models allowing neuron-specific manipulation of genes regulating these processes.

The Chook Lab studies physical and cellular mechanisms of Kaps. Our long-term goals are to understand how the macromolecular nuclear traffic patterns coordinated by the 20 human Kaps contribute to overall cellular organization.

The Whitehurst Lab uses RNAi-based functional genomics to identify gene products that support viability and/or modulate chemotherapeutic sensitivity in tumor cells. 

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.