I work on the evolution of species interactions in plants and insects, and the evolution and genomics of pregnancy in mammals. I integrate diverse approaches, from molecular biology to ecology.

My laboratory aims to understand the molecular events controlling early events of HIV infection. We are interested in the functions of the viral capsid and its interactions with host factors, with an view toward developing novel antiviral therapies targeting it.

The Aldrich Lab is dedicated to understanding disparities in lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a focus on racially diverse populations. We conduct collaborative and cutting-edge genetic epidemiologic research to inform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer and COPD for all populations.

Projects in Dr. Algood’s lab focus on pathogen – host interactions in chronic infections and during chronic inflammation. Her projects investigate how T cell cytokines influence gastric epithelial cells responding to infection but also even more broadly how T cell cytokines activate other cells to protect the epithelial cells and the mucosal barrier they maintain. The main model system the laboratory uses to address these processes is H. pylori, but she is interested in many processes in mucosal immunology.

Our lab studies reproductive immunology with a focus on bacterial infections that complicate pregnancy. We primarily examine host-microbe interactions in the pathogenesis of chorioamnionitis, a major cause of preterm birth and stillbirth. Group B Streptococcus is the primary pathogen our lab studies. Join us!

We study the post-transcriptional networks that govern gene expression during the innate immune activation of cells. We use and develop an inherently multidisciplinary set of tools to answer our questions including: biochemistry, chemical biology, transcriptomics, proteomics, and computational biology.

Our research focuses on the use of functional genomic and epigenetic approaches to understand gene regulation. Our interests range from detailed mechanistic studies of the interferon-gamma gene, a key cytokine produced by cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, to the use of these approaches to gain new insights into human disease. In addition, we have begun to focus our attention on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and other species of RNAs that do not code for proteins. We have developed model organisms, computational and analytic pipelines to dissect enhancer function and functions of these newly identified RNA species in biologic systems.

My lab is interested in gut-brain interactions that play a role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis. We focus on local effects of the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (Glp1) in the gut and both the peripheral and central nervous systems that regulate nutrient intake and energy expenditure. Our approaches include using transgenic mice, metabolic phenotyping, behavioral assays and opto/chemogenetics.

The Vanderbilt Laboratory for Biosynthetic Studies (Bachmann, P.I.) studies and harnesses the biosynthetic capabilities of living systems in order to radically accelerate the discovery of new bioactive compounds and revolutionize how molecules are synthesized. By studying pathways and enzymes involved in secondary metabolism, we create new biochemical knowledge, and apply it toward the generation of new bioactive molecules. Our precision-medicine drug discovery subgroup uses a single cell chemical biology paradigm on patient-derived cells to drive the discovery of secondary metabolites as cures for cancer.

Our laboratory is focused on improving treatment oucomes in breast cancer (particularly triple-negative breast cancer) as well as in other solid tumors. To accomplish this, we integrate data from genomic and molecular profiling studies with molecular biology and signal transduction methodologies to translationally identify altered pathways in cancer, the functional consequences of these alterations, and ways to directly target them in patients to improve clinical outcomes and survival.

My lab studies cellular and molecular mechanisms of lung alveolar capillary barrier function in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We use state of the art cell and mouse models to define the key cellular processes that drive disruption of the alveolar capillary barrier. Mechanistic studies are complemented by translational studies in human models of lung injury.

We study colorectal carcinogenesis and metastasis biology. Our recent work has identified a previously unrecognized role of TGFbeta signaling in controlling epithelial inflammation, and links this role with tumor suppression. Our lab also seeks to identify novel therapeutic targets and molecular biomarkers.

Generally, I am interested in developing and applying computational methodologies to further our understanding of the genetic basis of human disease. Specifically, I focus on development of novel strategies for identifying and confirming genetic risk factors to complex traits including blood lipid levels, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic traits via ascertainment of dense genetic (specifically, whole genome/exome sequenced and whole genome imputed datasets) and phenotypic data.

Jada Benn Torres, PhD, is a genetic anthropologist , Associate Professor, and Director of the Genetic Anthropology and Biocultural Studies Laboratory ​at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. ​For the past 17 years, Dr. Benn Torres  has researched the population genetics of Caribbean communities in order to examine their ancestry, colonial, and post-colonial experiences. Her second emerging research interest combines the tools and methods of genetic epidemiology with anthropology in order to holistically examine women’s health disparities across human populations.

The Blind Lab uses structural biology, molecular genomics and chemical biology to discover new ways nuclear lipid signaling controls gene expression. We apply these discoveries to the design and implementation of novel drug screens, developing therapeutics for diabetes, cancer and fatty liver.

We endeavor to understand the principles that shape interactions between animals, microbes, and viruses and the basic and translational outcomes of these interactions. We employ hypothesis-driven approaches to study two forms of animal-microbe associations: intimate symbioses (between animals, obligate intracellular bacteria and bacteriophages) that impact animal reproduction and vector control, and facultative associations (between free-living organisms) that shape genome and microbiome evolution across the tree of life.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are easily oxidized, and enzymes (“oxygenases”) take advantage of this to form lipid signaling mediators such as the prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The focus of Alan Brash’s research is the mechanism of biosynthesis of these oxygenated lipids and their biological role. We employ a wide variety of analytical methods on tissues and cells and recombinant enzymes, with structural analysis of enzymic products by HPLC, UV-Visible spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and NMR.

Pharmacology and Physiology of Prostaglandin Receptors especially as it relates to blood pressure control, diabetes mellitus and Alzhheimer’s Disease.

We pursue the genetic dissection of nervous system development, function and adaptive plasticity, to understand the molecular mechanisms by which neural circuits mediate behavior. We generate genetic models of heritable neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities and neurodegeneration states, in order to discover underlying causes and design cures. Our work spans from genes to behavior with molecular biology, biochemistry, light and electron microscopy, electrophysiology and behavioral output studies.

Mitochondrial protein-protein interactions and assembly are necessary for maintaining proper human health. Unfortunately, there are numerous painful, debilitating, and life-threatening diseases that occur due to genetic mutations that prevent proper protein assembly. Our approach is to use X-ray crystallography and other complementary biochemical techniques to understand how these various mutations lead to changes in protein structure and function, thus preventing proper macromolecular assembly.

The Burkewitz lab is interested in combating age-onset diseases like neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes by understanding and targeting their common risk factor: the aging process itself.  A combination of molecular genetic, biochemical and imaging approaches allows us to study interventions such as dietary restriction, which extends lifespan in a variety of animal models. In particular, we focus on understanding aging and longevity at the level of organelle function and cell architecture.

We focus on the following areas: 1) The cell biology of heart muscle cells (i.e., cardiomycoytes). 2) How both cardiomyocytes and cancer cells generate the forces driving their function. 3) Combining “omics” technologies with high resolution and high content microscopy.

Our group uses a multidisciplinary approach combining microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology and pathology to try to understand how inflammation-dependent changes in gut epithelial metabolism can result in gut dysbiosis and increased risk to non- communicable disease. Specifically, we used a variety of mouse models, including diet-induced-obesity, chemical-induced colitis, infectious gastroenteritis (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhiumurium), and germ-free animals with the goal to identify metabolic pathways in the gut bacteria and in the host response to microbiota-induced metabolites that will aid in prevention of human disease.

The interplay between rapid, temporally specific neuronal activation and longer-term changes in transcription is of critical importance in the expression of appropriate or, in the case of disease, inappropriate behaviors. Together, my research seeks to understand how information about stimuli is encoded in the brain. Developing new approaches to understand how activity-dependent changes are stored within particular cells and circuits at the level of the epigenome will allow us to understand adaptive and maladaptive processes in reward, motivation, and associative learning.

Our group studies mechanisms of neurodegeneration in the visual system. Our objective is to probe the therapeutic potential of novel targets for intervention based on neuroprotection, repair, rehabilitation and regeneration.

We study the molecular mechanisms regulating the development of the peripheral nervous system. Specifically, we focus on the regulation of neuronal apoptosis by the neurotrophins, the mechanisms by which the apoptotic neurons are cleared and the functional interplay between neurons and glia.

My lab explores the use of ultrasound for therapy and imaging. We have been developing magnetic resonance imaging-guided methods to use ultrasound for applications, such as neuromodulation, drug delivery, and immunomodulation.

Our lab studies host-pathogen interactions during invasive bacterial infections, with a specific focus on osteomyelitis. We are also interested in how inflammation and the microbiome impact skeletal cell biology. Finally, we study interconnections between the vertebrate immune and skeletal systems.

We have a broad range of interests, using the concepts and approaches of structural biochemistry to address key questions in medicine and biology. Three key factors govern our research: (1) a deep commitment to working with human proteins; (2) fascination with the mechanics of multi-protein machinery in genome maintenance and innate immunity; (3) firm belief in the power of collaboration and multi-disciplinary team science.

We are interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying 1) pancreatic islet cell function and dysfunction, 2) communications between islet cells and other organs/tissues, and 3) tumorigenesis. We hope to use the new knowledge for treatment of diabetes and cancer.

Current focus of our lab is to investigate how receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in tumor cells affects glutamine metabolism and tumor immunity. We also study how tumor blood vessel normalization affect anti-tumor immune cells recruitment and activation.

The Chiang lab is interested in how neurochemically distinct neurons are generated and how they contribute to associative motor learning, a process whereby the cerebellum learns an association between two sensory stimuli from the environment. Dysfunction in this process has been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders in humans such as autism. Another interest in the lab is to identify molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric brain tumors in the cerebellum.

The Colbran Lab (https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/colbran-lab/) is focused on understanding the mechanisms controlling excitatory synaptic transmission and structure under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We focus on calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), an abundant postsynaptic signaling molecule with a unique auto-regulatory mechanism that mediates many downstream responses in neuronal dendrites. We are testing the over-arching hypothesis that direct interactions with diverse CaMKII-associated proteins modulate the activity, localization and/or substrate-specificity of CaMKII to confer specific downstream actions that have unique roles in modulating synaptic function and behavior.

We study the of specific neurotransmitter receptors in regulation of transmission and signaling in brain circuits involved in psychiatric and neurological disorders.   From this, we endeavor to develop new treatment strategies for brain disorders and engage in full drug discovery efforts aimed at advancing new drug candidates into clinical development with industry partners.

Over six billion base pairs of DNA must be copied rapidly and accurately trillions of times in a human lifetime. My lab studies how this happens, the consequences of errors for human disease, and how we can intervene to improve health. We are particularly focused on how cells respond and repair DNA damage in the context of the cell division cycle.

Research projects in the Cover laboratory are focused on bacterial infections, bacteria-host interactions, and the role of microbes in development of cancer. We are particularly interested in the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role as a causative agent of stomach cancer.

The Cox lab develops methods for integrating genome variation with genome function and applies these methods in BioVU, the biobank at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Our goal is to identify the genetic components to common human diseases and use that information to improve the health and well being of our patients.

Advanced human immunology studies of the response to infectious diseases

We use in vivo imaging and spectroscopy methods to advance the quantitative understanding of human physiology. We are particularly interested in learning about the structure and function of skeletal muscle and other metabolically important organs, such as the liver and brown adipose tissue. We develop new experimental approaches for studying these organs, and we conduct applied and translational physiology studies that help us to understand how the structure and function of these organs are altered in neuromuscular and metabolic disorders.

Role of endogenous bioactive lipids including N-acyl-ethanolamides and isolevuglandins in physiology and metabolic diseases . Role of lipids derived from gut microbiota in physiology and disease. Diseases of focus include obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

In the Davis Lab, we are driven to understand how polygenic liability, rare variant effects, and environment interact to affect the health of human populations. We study a wide range of traits including psychiatric and non-psychiatric chronic disease. Many of our projects are focused on identifying and understanding the biological and clinical linkages between mental health and physical health.

I am a physician-scientist. My research focuses on development and testing of novel therapeutics to enhance the regenerative capacity of kidneys after injury (using a Zebrafish screen and mouse models of injury), as well as the analysis of retinoic acid signaling and macrophage function after kidney injury. We have been continuously funded since 2002, and have recently been successful in obtaining a new DOD drug discovery grant to identify new therapeutic approaches to prevent chronic kidney disease progression after acute kidney injury (AKI). I am committed to teaching and mentoring in biomedical sciences. I have trained 6 PhD graduate students, 1 MD PhD and 1 Master’s student in my lab since 2000. I am a member of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Steering Committee and Director of the Vanderbilt Program in Molecular Medicine (VPMM). I am research area director for bench research immersion projects, which is a requirement for 3rd year medical students at Vanderbilt University Medical School. I am also Director of the Education and Outreach Program for the Vanderbilt Center for Kidney Disease, Director of the Summer Research Training Program (SRTP) in Kidney Disease, and the Vanderbilt Mouse Kidney Injury Workshop.

The Dean lab seeks to understand how nutritional and other environmental factors affect pancreatic islet cell function and proliferation. Islet alpha cells secrete glucagon in response to hypoglycemia leading to increased glucose output by liver, but persons with diabetes often have hyperglucagonemia further contributing to hyperglycemia. We recently described a novel hepatic-pancreatic islet alpha cell axis that we believe is important in diabetes. We are currently interested in 1) defining the mechanism of how amino acids are sensed by alpha cells to stimulate proliferation and glucagon secretion and 2) investigating the role of amino acids on alpha cell dysfunction in diabetes.

We employ state-of-the-art techniques in ion channel electrophysiology and drug discovery to develop the molecular pharmacology of clinically important potassium and anion channels.

The Dewar lab studies DNA replication, telomeres, and DNA damage responses. We use cell extracts that allow us to apply biochemical approaches to complex cellular processes, such as DNA replication. We aim to uncover cellular mechanisms that impact cancer and aging.

We are interested in developing, validating, and applying new quantitative MRI methods to study diseases that affect central and peripheral nervous system structures outside the brain. We are a multi-disciplinary lab with projects focused on both engineering developments and clinical applications. We partner closely with clinicians in the VUMC to translate our methods into patients with nerve trauma, multiple sclerosis, and inherited neuropathies.

Research in the Eichman laboratory uses X-ray crystallography and other high-resolution structural and biochemical approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair and replication machines. Current work focuses on base excision repair of bacterial genotoxins and interstrand crosslinks by DNA glycosylases, repair of stalled replication forks by structure-specific DNA translocases, and priming of DNA synthesis during eukaryotic replication.

The research interests of our laboratory focus on the cellular and molec­ular processes under­ly­ing neuronal com­mun­i­ca­tion in nor­mal and patho­phys­i­o­log­ic disease states. Spe­cif­ically, we are examining the molecular mechanisms involved in the editing of RNA transcripts encoding proteins critical for mammalian nervous system function.

The Ess lab does basic and translational research to study brain development and neurological dysfunction. We use several human genetic diseases as model systems. We employ human stem cell and transgenic mouse models for this work.

My area of interest is understanding cancer metastasis. We are particularly interested in mechanisms that tumor cells appear to have copied from immune cells, such as using cytokine receptor signaling to alter metabolism and adapt to new environments.

Our work focuses on mechanisms of progression of chronic kidney disease. Our new work studies how even mild tubula rinjury senstizes glomeruli to a second hit. We are studying the role of changes in podocyte progenitor cells in this process, using various mice and cell culture models.

Lung cancer is the largest single contributor to cancer deaths worldwide: 85% of lung cancers are classified as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and for patients who present with locally advanced stage IIB/III disease the standard of care is concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Unfortunately, this approach only yields a median survival of 17 months. Dr. Michael L. Freeman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Cumberland Emerging Technologies have partnered to develop a formulated version of a novel radio and chemo sensitizing compound that targets NPM1 for the treatment of NSCLC stage IIB/III disease. Dr. Freeman’s lab is using various approaches to develop a clinically efficacious formulation.

The Friedman lab uses the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system to study basic mechanisms of DNA replication and DNA repair, with a particular emphasis on telomere biology. We use genetic and biochemical approaches to identify regulatory mechanisms affecting DNA repair pathway choice at double-strand breaks. Recent work has identified sites in the yeast genome that serve as “hotspots” of de novo telomere addition following a chromosome break.

We use mouse models to study the role of signaling pathways on formation, differentiation and morphogenesis of the developing eye. Another focus in the lab is ocular regeneration; we are determining the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling the regenerative capacity of the retinal pigment epithelium. Among other pathways, we are specifically studying the role of Wnt signaling during development and regeneration.

Our research program aims to reveal new molecular mechanisms involved in regulating cell fate. The lab focuses on three main lines of research: 1) Mechanisms by which mitochondrial biology regulates normal and cancer stem cell fate – role of the BCL-2 family of proteins modulating mitochondrial morphology/function, stem cell self-renewal, pluripotency and differentiation; 2) Examining the role of MCL-1 in early human neural development using three dimensional systems (embryoid bodies, neural rosettes and brain organoids; 3) Function of the ubiquitin ligase CUL9 in the transition from a stem cell to a neural progenitor cell.

Our laboratory studies transcription factors and signaling pathways that regulate the differentiation, proliferation, survival, and function of the different cell types in the pancreas. We use genetically engineered mouse models, as well as primary pancreatic cells from non-human primates and human donors. Our studies have implications for diseases such as diabetes and pancreatic cancer.

At the interface of immunology and virology, recent computational advances have allowed us to better understand the interactions between antibodies and antigen, to design immunogens capable of eliciting target antibody specificities, and to optimize antibodies as clinical products. Research efforts in the Georgiev laboratory aim to utilize the power of computation to increase our understanding of fundamental questions in immunology and virology and to develop novel ways of using this understanding to fight diseases. For the translational component of our research, we apply structure-based protein design approaches to the development of new vaccine and antibody product candidates against a number of viruses of biomedical interest.

The Giorgio lab conducts curiosity-driven research focused on important unmet needs aligned with our capabilities and interests. Our projects are interdisciplinary and we engage collaborators with synergistic expertise and compatible approaches. We are currently developing new materials for modulation of immunity and devices for sensing and pathogen extraction.

Our lab is interested in understanding the mechanisms regulating intestinal immunity and what leads to dysregulation and disease as well as how gut microbes shape the mucosal immune system. In particular the cytokine interleukin-23 (IL23) is required for the development of many experimental models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice and mutations in IL23 receptor (IL23R) have been identified as susceptibility or resistance factors for Crohn’s disease. We have developed several murine strains that will facilitate investigations into the role of IL23R signaling in a cell-specific manner using experimental models of IBD and inflammation-associated carcinogenesis.

The Goldenring lab has multiple interests in Epithelial Biology and Cancer biology including 1) the role of membrane trafficking and recycling in polarity, 2) the cellular basis of congenital diarrheas, 3) the cell of origin for pre-cancerous metaplasia in the stomach and the immune cell drivers of stomach carcinogenesis and 4) the role of AKAP350 in organizing the pericentrosomal material.

Development and applications of magnetic resonance imaging for neuroscience applications including understanding the biophysical basis of functional MRI and diffusion MRI of brain and spinal cord. Integration of MRI and electrophysiology and other techniques to understand brain function in rodents and non-human primates. Basic physics of MRI signals and physiological factors affecting MR images.

The Gould laboratory conducts foundational research on the molecular basis of cell division, a highly conserved process central to development and tissue maintenance. The laboratory takes a multi-disciplinary approach employing genetics, biochemistry, phosphoproteomics, and microscopy. Our ultimate goal is to obtain a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of the exquisite spatial and temporal control of cell division in eukaryotes.

The research goals of the Graham laboratory are to understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning vesicle-mediated protein transport and membrane biogenesis. Defects in these processes lead to a number of human diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

The goal of the Grueter lab research program is to advance the current understanding of the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region responsible for integrating information from diverse inputs and modifying complex motivated behaviors, including its involvement in adaptive responses to rewarding and aversive stimuli. Specifically, we strive to elucidate the molecular constituents in the NAc that are necessary and sufficient to drive complex motivated behaviors.

The Guelcher laboratory designs and develops biomaterials and drug delivery systems that enhance healing of tissue damaged by trauma or disease. Current projects include design of injectable tissue grafts for healing bone in challenging environments, including weight-bearing anatomic sites, defects contaminated by bacteria, and large tissue voids resulting from extremity and craniofacial trauma.

The Guengerich laboratory is interested in the enzymes involved in the activation and processing of xenobiotic chemicals (i.e., those not normally found in the body, such as drugs and carcinogens), as well as steroids and vitamins. The work is focused on the enzymology of two major groups of enzymes, cytochromes P450 and DNA polymerases.

We are studying the role of the signaling mechanisms regulated by G protein-coupled receptor kinases and arrestins in brain diseases.

We study structure and biological functions of arrestin proteins. Arrestins are key regulators of G protein-coupled receptor signaling and several receptor-independent pathways that affect life and death of cells. Our ultimate goal is to create designer arrestins that bind the receptors we want and activate the pathways of our choosing.

We study G protein signaling in mouse brains and human platelets. Current projects relate to G protein coupled receptor pharmacology and signaling. We seek to discover small molecules that inhibit the protease-activated receptor PAR4 for antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy. We also study regulation of secretion by Gi/o-coupled receptors and Gbg. We have discovered a novel interaction between Gbg and the SNARE complex and have generated a mouse that disables this interaction. Phenotyping this mouse has given us insight into the role of Gbg SNARE interaction and inhibition of exocytosis in metabolism and physiology.

Nutritional factors that impact Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, including high fat diet and vitamin C deficiency. The lab uses behavioral and molecular biochemical methods to study altered learning and memory in a range of mutant mouse models.

We study how obesity impacts health. The growing worldwide obesity epidemic is frequently linked to hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and insulin resistance leading to increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The long-term goal of our laboratory is to determine mechanisms by which obesity increases risk for and pathophysiological consequences of these devastating diseases. Macrophages are part of the innate immune system that infiltrate white adipose tissue (fat) in obese rodents and humans, and produce most of the inflammatory cytokines and chemokines secreted from adipose tissue. In addition, their presence has been shown to be temporally associated with the development of insulin resistance. Our current research focus is threefold: to determine mechanisms by which macrophages accumulate in adipose tissue, to determine the role of resident macrophages in normal adipose tissue function, and to determine how other immune cells like eosinophils and T cells also contribute to adipose tissue function.

My laboratory studies molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiac tissue repair after myocardial infarction and in diabetic cardiomyopathy. At the cellular level, we investigate the role of endothelial and cardiovascular stem cells in tissue repair and regeneration. At the molecular level, we focus on the role of BMP signaling in inflammation after injury and in the growth and differentiation of various adult stem cell populations.

We use state-of-the-art genomic methods to define the molecular mechanisms of action of mutations associated with acute myeloid leukemia and B-cell lymphoma. By coupling these genomic methods with CRISPR-based approaches to add sequences that allow rapid degradation of the endogenous transcription factors, we can certify these factors that are frequently mutated as therapeutic targets.

The Hillyer Lab investigates aspects of mosquito immunology and physiology related to their ability to transmit diseases such as malaria.  The lab focuses on the mechanical and molecular bases of hemolymph (blood) propulsion, the immunological interaction between mosquitoes and pathogens in the hemocoel (body cavity), and the effect of life history on immune competence.

Primary research in the Hodges lab is focused on DNA methylation and non-coding gene regulatory variation in evolution, development and disease. In particular, we study dynamic changes in the epigenome during cellular fate transitions using innovative genomic and bioinformatic approaches.

The Computational Neurogenomics lab leverages advanced statistical approaches and computational ‘omics to identify novel treatment targets for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We primarily focus on identifying the molecular drivers of resilience to AD, and identifying sex-specific genetic predictors of AD.

My laboratory is focused on the development of novel molecular imaging strategies and their application to improving cancer therapy. Current projects include the development of new platforms for positron emission tomography (PET imaging) and radioimmunotherapy. Additionally, we are interested in the development of new treatment strategies that combine synergistic immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiological therapies to overcome difficult to treat cancers such as pancreatic cancer.

Aging is the major risk factor for common illnesses that account for most human morbidity and mortality. My lab uses the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to study the role of a conserved insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway in development, metabolism, and aging. We seek to reveal insights into basic mechanisms of aging that may lead to new strategies to prevent and manage prevalent diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

The goal of our laboratory is to reduce the death and suffering caused by prostate cancer. Cancer localized to the prostate is often curable with treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy; however, once prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate to other organs or to bone, it is an incurable disease. Our lab focuses on identifying both cancer cell-autonomous and non-cancer cell-autonomous genetic and molecular pathways that promote lethal prostate cancer and cause therapy resistance.

The Hutson lab is interested in understanding the cell-level forces that drive epithelial morphogenesis and wound healing. Current projects include the following: measurement of cellular forces in vivo — both via laser manipulations and image-based force inference; understanding how these forces are perturbed after exposure to chemicals with developmental toxicity; and investigations of the calcium signaling pathways by which cells detect and respond to wounds. Projects include both experimental and computational approaches.

We use imaging and flow cytometry to understand the signaling events driving normal stem cell commitment in the brain and the disruption of this process in disease. We work in animal models and in human tissue specimens to directly study neural stem cells and brain tumors of all grades.

Graduate thesis projects in the Irish lab are tailored to fit student interests. Active research areas include: (1) programming immune cell identity, (2) computational biology & machine learning cell identity, and (3) neural stem cells, neuroimmunology, and brain tumors. Graduate projects may be entirely computational, basic cell biology, or human disease oriented, although most projects blend all these elements. Rotations begin with training in relevant technologies, such as mass cytometry (CyTOF), computational tools, and methods for human tissue research. Graduate students craft their projects in regular mentoring meetings with Dr. Irish and are supported by a team science environment including expert lab staff, postdocs, clinical fellows, and collaborators at Vanderbilt and institutions around the world.

Research in the Iverson laboratory focuses on the basis for information encoding in proteins, which may manifest as molecular recognition and cellular communication. We use a combination of structural techniques to understand these processes.

The Jackson lab studies membrane trafficking pathways, which are the Fedex system of eukaryotic cells. We investigate structures and functions of protein complexes to understand how key proteins assemble and are regulated. We use a range of techniques, including structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to understand both fundamental cellular processes and disease implications.

The Jacobson lab focus is on the mechanisms that influence pancreatic islet calcium homeostasis and hormone secretion under physiological and diabetic conditions. The goal is to identify pathways that can be therapeutically targeted to reduce pancreatic islet dysfunction and restore euglycemia in patients with diabetes. The primary models employed in these projects include: human islets, rodent islets, pancreatic slices and cultured cells. The research utilizes cutting edge approaches in molecular biology, fluorescent microscopy (both widefield and confocal), electrophysiology, biochemistry, virus mediated expression of genetically encoded indicators for calcium and membrane potential, and transgenic models.

The Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer’s Center is an interdisciplinary research program advancing our understanding of risk factors, early diagnostic markers, and prevention and treatment methods for memory loss and abnormal cognitive aging, including Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral small vessel disease, and neurodegeneration in older adults. Our innovative research portfolio includes initiatives (1) examining vascular health intersections with Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration to identify risk factors and prevention targets, (2) identifying tools for early detection of unhealthy cognitive aging, and (3) elucidating factors underlying resilience to the clinical manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease. Trainees gain knowledge and skills working with a comprehensive, longitudinal study of older adults, including but not limited to multi-modal neuroimaging, cardiac imaging, blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, genomics and proteomics, neuropsychological assessment, and lifestyle factors.

My lab studies lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. We are interested in how lipids alter intracellular processes and how lipid and protein structures interact to determine lipoprotein function. These studies combine microscopy, biochemistry, molecular genetics and molecular modeling to provide robust data sets.

Our lab is interested in breast cancer dormancy and metastasis to the bone marrow. We investigate mechanisms of tumor recurrence and tumor cell entry / exit from dormancy. Our particular interest is in how cytokine signaling and hypoxia regulates these processes.

Organisms and even single cells have endogenous biological “clocks” that allow them to tell the time of day. Research in our laboratory is directed towards understanding the cellular and molecular bases of these fascinating timing mechanisms in a variety of organisms: bacteria, plants, and animals. Another major emphasis is understanding the evolution of these clocks by studying the fitness advantage conferred by these clocks, as well as experimentally evolving clocks in cells that don’t already have them! We cover many fields in this quest: biochemistry, neurobiology, biophysics, microbiology, evolutionary biology, and genetics.

We apply the principles and techniques of organic chemistry to create new reagents and reactions. These developments are driven by their potential to solve longstanding problems in small molecule and peptide synthesis. We collaborate with colleagues at Vanderbilt and elsewhere to advance our understanding of disease pathways using small molecule tools, ultimately aimed at early stage drug development.

Adjuvant and vaccine design and mechanism/s of action

The Kang Laboratory is interested in understanding the role of GABAergic signaling in disease conditions as well as in normal brain development. Currently, lab staff members are investigating the molecular pathophysiology of genetic variations/mutations in GABAA receptor subunits and GABA transporter 1, two major components of GABAergic signaling and common pediatric disorders: epilepsy, autism and intellectual disability. The goal is to understand how a single nucleotide change like a mutation could define the whole life of a child and identify the most effective precision treatments for those who have these disorders in order to improve their life outcome.

My laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular mechanism of calcium signaling at the ER-mitochondria contact sites. Our goal is to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity and regulation of key protein complexes involved in calcium signaling at the ER-mitochondria contact sites using innovative structural biological methods including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) together with biophysical, biochemical and functional methods.

The long term goal of our laboratory is to uncover fundamental mechanisms of gene expression by exploiting the interactions of viruses with their host.

Our group studies mechanisms underlying presynaptic function and its impact on neuronal signaling.

Microtubules are dynamic biopolymers, which serve as major trafficking highways in cells. Microtubule-dependent transport is critical for physiology of all cell types, and disturbance of microtubule networks underlies many human diseases, from neurodegeneration to diabetes. Kaverina laboratory uses high-end microscopy combined with molecular and computational approaches to target basic cell biology of microtubules as well as the role of microtubules in pancreatic beta cell physiology and diabetes.

Research in my laboratory focuses on understanding the interaction between oxidative stress and inflammation in the genesis of cardiovascular disease. We are studying the role of excess dietary salt in inducing activation of the innate immune system leading to hypertension via formation of the fatty acid oxidation products known as isolevuglandins. We are also studying the impact of excess dietary salt on the gut microbiome.

As a cancer biologist and radiation oncologist, we study new approaches for combining X-ray radiation treatment and other treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. We are investigating the interactions and mechanisms for improved therapeutic effects of combination treatments involving X-ray radiation therapy. Our research work, models, and projects are geared toward translation to the clinical setting. We leverage combination approaches to provide enhanced cancer treatment and understand the biological pathways involved.

We want to be able to accurately predict the phenotype of any and all genetic variants. Our approach is to collect as much phenotype information–at high and low resolution–as is feasible for the largest number of variants and then leverage experimental and computational structural biology to fill in the details for yet uncharacterized variants. To develop this methodology, we are starting with ion channels involved in the heart contraction cycle.

– Our discovery of ADAMTS10 causing open angle glaucoma in dogs led us to form the microfibril hypothesis of glaucoma. – We use a variety of animal models, including mice, pigs and zebrafish to investigate the mechanisms of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. – We use state-of-art imaging and electrophysiology technology, such as optical coherence tomography, electroretinogram, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and polarized light microscopy to study mechanisms of optic nerve damage at the cellular and tissue levels.

Pathogenic bacteria have evolved a diverse array of mechanisms for delivering toxins and other virulence factors into the interior of host cells. Studying the molecular structures of these virulence factors alone and in complex with host receptors, membranes, and inhibitors can lend insight into how these delivery processes occur and how these processes can be exploited or prevented. Current research in the Lacy laboratory is primarily focused on the structure and function of large clostridial cytotoxins, including the two toxins responsible for symptoms in Clostridium difficile infection. Structural biology is combined with cellular, tissue, and animal models of intoxication and infection to understand the toxin-host interaction at the molecular level. In addition, we aim to identify new toxin inhibitors using both rational design and high-throughput screening approaches.

The MASI research laboratory concentrates on analyzing large-scale cross-sectional and longitudinal neuroimaging data. Specifically, we are interested in population characterization with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multi-parametric studies (DTI, sMRI, qMRI), and shape modeling.

We are interested in understanding how signal transduction pathways maintain function during homeostasis and how these processes are disrupted in various disease etiologies, which include breast cancer, infection and chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity. To study these questions we employ a variety of techniques, which include modern molecular biology and biochemistry, enzyme kinetics, novel assay development, high throughput screening, drug development, quantitative microscopy, various animal models, novel patient-derived explant cultures, patient-derived xenografts and bioinformatics.

The Lau lab considers every one of the 30 plus trillion cells in the body to be unique, thus, utilizes state-of-the art technologies to profile tissues at the single-cell resolution. Resulting “big data” consisting of thousands of data points and dimensions are analyzed by data science-driven computational techniques.

Our lab is interested in the basic mechanism of Wnt signal transduction, a pathway that plays critical roles in the early development of multicellular organisms and the maintenance of intestinal stem cells in adults. Misregulated Wnt signaling is often implicated in human diseases such as colorectal cancer. We use biochemistry, chemical biology, cell biology, and developmental biology to study the Wnt pathway.

We study the developmental biology of the mammalian retina, from the initial patterning events through the formation of the multiple retinal cell types. We also study retinal regeneration as a way to repair damaged tissue resulting from injury or disease.

Our research focuses on understanding the neurobiology underlying cognitive and social impairments in neuropsychiatric disorders. We are particularly interested in neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism and their effects on hippocampal function. Our goal is to use a “bedside to bench” approach, starting with robust, replicable findings in human patient populations and applying cutting edge neuroscience techniques in rodent models to understand underlying pathophysiology.

My resource is focused on developing statistical models and computational tool to understand genetic basis of human complex disease, with a particular focus on neuropsychiatric disorders. We integrate multifaceted functional genomics data (DNA, RNA, epigenomics) data to dissect the mechanisms of genes implicated in complex diseases on a genome-wide scale.

My diverse laboratory develops and applies advanced technologies and approaches to identify novel and unexpected genes and proteins involved in the fundamental process of protein translation and immune responses. Selected genes are functionally and mechanistically pursued using a diverse array of experimental approaches and model organisms.

The Linton laboratory pursues basic science and clinical translational investigations of inherited disorders of lipoprotein metabolism, macrophage biology, and atherosclerosis. Dr. Linton pioneered the use of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) as an approach to investigate the impact of genes expressed by bone marrow-derived cells, including macrophages, on the development of atherosclerosis in murine models. A major area of interest is the role of HDL function in human disease. We also are actively involved in clinical cardiovascular outcome trials of lipid lowering drugs, including a recent gene therapy study in familial hypercholesterolemia.

Our lab seeks to model, understand, and treat neurodegenerative disease, with a particular focus on neurovascular function and crosstalk. We operate at the intersection of engineering and regenerative medicine, and our projects span a wide variety of disciplines. We employ a number of techniques to carry out our work, including human induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation, genetic engineering, biomaterial and microdevice fabrication, high throughput screening, and molecular selection.