We investigate the neuroepigenetic mechanisms regulating synaptic plasticity in the hypothalamus, their role in maintaining body weight set-point, and how their dysregulation contributes to diet-induced obesity, weight-regain, and aging-related impairments in appetite.

Our current research is focused on biochemical and structural studies of how membrane molecules signal to the actin cytoskeleton through a large, five-protein complex named the WAVE Regulatory Complex (WRC). 

Muto lab leverages both cutting-edge wet-lab and multi-omics approaches to understand gene regulatory mechanism driving kidney diseases. Current projects are focused on acute kidney injury and polycystic kidney disease.

Research lab led by Connie Hsia, M.D., in the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program of UT Southwestern Medical School.

Leveraging cutting-edge genetic and chemical screens to uncover novel and enhanced therapeutics for cancer treatment.

In the Suleiman Lab, we focus on studying the podocyte biology, specifically the actin dynamics and cytoskeleton. Our research includes examining the balance of Rac and RhoA, two members of the Rho small GTPases, in both healthy and diseased kidneys. 

The Wang Lab investigates the roles of genetic factors and transcriptional regulation in skeletal diseases and bone cancer.

The Tatara Laboratory applies engineering technologies to study and treat infectious diseases. We are particularly engaged in device-related infection, orthopedic immunology, and pathogen virulence on biomaterial surfaces. 

The global focus of the Pulmonary Physiology Laboratory is the study of pulmonary exercise physiology, particularly as it pertains to pulmonary disease, normal aging, obesity, ventilatory control during exercise, applied respiratory physiology, and clinical cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The Lab consists of three separate investigative laboratories: the pulmonary function laboratory, the cardiopulmonary exercise physiology laboratory, and the body composition laboratory including DEXA imaging for the determination of percent body fat, lean body mass, bone content, visceral fat, overall fat distribution, and their effects on breathing.

The global focus of the Cardiovascular Physiology Autonomic Function Laboratory is to examine the adaptive capacity of the circulation.

• We study the effects of exercise training, bed rest deconditioning, spaceflight, high altitude, aging, and the effects of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure.
• By using sophisticated tools to assess cardiovascular structure and function, our research team brings "Olympic" and "space age" science to the solution of common clinical problems such as fainting, hypertension, or patients with shortness of breath. 
• We focus on measuring how the cardio-respiratory system distributes oxygen from the environment to the muscles.
• Our facility is one of the few labs in the world that can measure the limitations to exercise capacity at every step along the "oxygen cascade" - including the lungs, heart and muscles.
• We use invasive and non-invasive tools to assess cardiovascular structure and function, as well as circulatory control mechanisms.