Research in the Robert Siliciano Laboratory focuses on HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART consists of combinations of three drugs that inhibit specific steps in the virus life cycle. Though linked to reduced morbidity and mortality rates, ART is not curative. Through our research related to latently infected cells, we've shown that eradicating HIV-1 infection with ART alone is impossible due to the latent reservoir for HIV-1 in resting CD4+ T cells. Our laboratory characterized the different forms of HIV-1 that persist in patients on ART. Currently, we are searching for and evaluating drugs that target the latent reservoir. We are also developing assays that can be used to monitor the elimination of this reservoir. We are also interested in the basic pharmacodynamic principles that explain how antiretroviral drugs work. We have recently discovered why certain classes of antiretroviral drugs are so effective at inhibiting viral replication. We are using this discovery along with experimental and computational approaches to develop improved therapies for HIV-1 infection and to understand and prevent drug resistance. Finally, we are studying the immunology of HIV-1 infection, and in particular, the ability of some patients to control the infection without ART.

The Robert Wise Lab conducts clinical trials to study chronic obstructive lung diseases (COPD). We investigate inhaled corticosteroids in patients with mild to moderate COPD and the effectiveness of anti-inflammatories in allowing lung growth in mild to moderate asthmatic children. Our research includes exploring the efficacy of various treatments for asthmatic women who are pregnant and of lung-volume reduction surgery for emphysema patients. We also conduct studies of the clinical epidemiology, pathobiology and treatment of interstitial lung disease in patients with scleroderma.

Research in the Roberto Salvatori Lab focuses on the genetic causes of isolated growth hormone deficiency (GHD), consequences of untreated GHD, and cortisol excess and deficiency. Current work explores GHD’s relation to obesity and indicates that Cushing's syndrome may be under-recognized in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. We recently took part in a retrospective, multicenter, international study to characterize a large series of pituitary gigantism patients, a condition that has not been studied previously in a standardized way.

Investigators in the Roger Johns Lab are examining the molecular mechanisms behind the onset and continuation of chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain. This work has led to a better understanding of the vast network of molecules at neuronal synapses, particularly the postsynaptic density (PSD), which is key to the propagation of pain signals. We're working to develop new analgesics that interfere with the PSD protein interactions in an effort to better treat patients who suffer from chronic pain.

Research in the Romsai Boonyasai Lab focuses on systems-based approaches for improving health care quality, including reducing harm during care transitions after hospital discharge and improving outcomes related to hypertension and other chronic diseases. We recently have focused on developing and evaluating practice-based tools for improving the accuracy of blood pressure measurement, overcoming clinical inertia to treatment, and engaging patients in self-management of their health.

Our research aims to expand the understanding of how hormones regulate pancreatic islets in health and disease. Currently, a major focus of the lab is to define the normal adaptations of islets, particularly insulin-producing beta-cells, to the metabolic stress of pregnancy, and to determine how defective adaptation contributes to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We anticipate that elucidating physiologic mechanisms of gestational beta-cell adaptation will identify novel therapeutic strategies to expand functional beta-cell mass which would help in the treatment of all types of diabetes.

The Ronald Schnaar Lab is involved in the rapidly expanding field of glycobiology, which studies cell surface glycans, lectins, and their roles in cell physiology. Current projects in our lab study include (1) Glycans and glycan-binding proteins in inflammatory lung diseases, (2) Ganglioside function in the brain, and (3) HIV-Tat and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

The Ronen Shechter Lab is currently investigating a novel treatment for nerve pain induced by chemotherapy. Our previous research has involved studying the role and mechanism of peripheral opioids as well as the use of dorsal column stimulation to treat pain resulting from a condition affecting the nervous system.

Research in the Rosalyn Stewart Lab focuses on medical education and curriculum development; ambulatory medicine; community outreach and advocacy; health outcomes; and preventive medicine. Topics of published studies include the administration of vaccinations, care quality of pediatric sickle-cell disease patients and the improvement of transitional care to reduce hospital readmission rates.

The Roy Brower Lab conducts clinical trials related to the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our research also involves oxygen toxicity, a potentially fatal condition caused by too much supplemental oxygen.