Research in the Andrea Cox Lab explores the immune response in chronic viral infections, with a... focus on HIV and the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In our studies, we examine the role of the immune response upon exposure to HCV by examining responses to HCV in a longitudinal, prospective group of high-risk individuals. This enables us to compare the innate, humoral and cellular immune responses to infection with clearance versus persistence. Through our findings, we seek to identify mechanisms of protective immunity against HCV infection and improve HCV vaccine design. view more

The Feinberg Laboratory studies the epigenetic basis of normal development and disease, includi...ng cancer, aging and neuropsychiatric illness. Early work from our group involved the discovery of altered DNA methylation in cancer as well as common epigenetic (methylation and imprinting) variants in the population that may be responsible for a significant population-attributable risk of cancer.

Over the last few years, we have pioneered the field of epigenomics (i.e., epigenetics at a genome-scale level), founding the first NIH-supported NIH epigenome center in the country and developing many novel tools for molecular and statistical analysis. Current research examines the mechanisms of epigenetic modification, the epigenetic basis of cancer, the invention of new molecular, statistical, and epidemiological tools for genome-scale epigenetics and the epigenetic basis of neuropsychiatric disease, including schizophrenia and autism. view more

Researchers in the Center for Cell Dynamics study spatially and temporally regulated molecular ...events in living cells, tissues and organisms. The team develops and applies innovative biosensors and imaging techniques to monitor dozens of critical signaling pathways in real time. The new tools help them investigate the fundamental cellular behaviors that underlie embryonic development, wound healing, cancer progression, and functions of the immune and nervous systems. view more

The Lane laboratory is focused on understanding molecular mechanisms underlying chronic rhinosi...nusitis, particularly the pathogenesis of nasal polyps, as well as inflammation on the olfactory epithelium. Diverse techniques in molecular biology, immunology, and physiology are utilized to study epithelial cell innate immunity, olfactory loss, and response to viral infection. Ongoing work explores how epithelial cells of the sinuses and olfactory mucosa participate in the immune response and contribute to chronic inflammation. The lab creates and employs transgenic mouse models of chronic nasal/sinus inflammation to support research in this area. Collaborations are in place with the School of Public Health to explore mechanisms of anti-viral immunity in influenza and COVID-19. view more

The McCallion Laboratory studies the roles played by cis-regulatory elements (REs) in controlli...ng the timing, location and levels of gene activation (transcription). Their immediate goal is to identify transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) combinations that can predict REs with cell-specific biological control--a first step in developing true regulatory lexicons.

As a functional genetic laboratory, we develop and implement assays to rapidly determine the biological relevance of sequence elements within the human genome and the pathological relevance of variation therein. In recent years, we have developed a highly efficient reporter transgene system in zebrafish that can accurately evaluate the regulatory control of mammalian sequences, enabling characterization of reporter expression during development at a fraction of the cost of similar analyses in mice. We employ a range of strategies in model systems (zebrafish and mice), as well as analyses in the human population, to illuminate the genetic basis of disease processes. Our long-term objective is to use these approaches in contributing to improved diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic strategies in patient care. view more

Dr. Sidhaye is interested in improving the care of persons with cystic fibrosis, type 1 diabete...s mellitus and hospitalized person with diabetes. research topics include bone health of persons with CF undergoing lung transplant, CF-related diabetes mellitus, Care of persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus transitioning from pediatrics to adult specialty clinics, Management of hospitalized persons with diabetes. view more

The Lennon Lab does clinical and translational research on endoscopic ultrasound, esophageal ca...ncer, gastric cancer, gastroenterology, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cysts, therapeutic endoscopy, Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)

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Research in the Anne Rompalo Lab focuses on STD research and application. We recently examined ...the relationship between violence against women and HIV-related risk factors in women living in the United States. Past projects include a nine-year longitudinal observation study of HIV-infected women in Baltimore. view more

Our long-term goal is to investigate the mechanisms by which genetic factors such as PPARG and ...C/EBPs orchestrate formation of fat cells and adipose tissues as a whole. We use computer simulations and biological models in answering major questions in the field. Currently, we seek to determine genetic factors that independently regulate PPARG isoform 2 but not isoform 1 (and vice-versa). The overall aim is to develop a therapeutic strategy where the desirable effects of one isoform in tackling insulin resistance could be harvested in the absence of the other isoform. view more