Labs by division

Advancing therapies for MPS disorders, the Dickson Laboratory investigates lysosomal enzyme deficiencies that disrupt glycosaminoglycan metabolism and lead to severe neurological complications. Focused on cerebrospinal fluid delivery of recombinant enzymes, our research demonstrates widespread biodistribution and correction of lysosomal storage in MPS models. By integrating neuroimaging, neuropathology and immune response studies, we bridge bench-to-bedside efforts that include clinical trials aimed at transforming outcomes for patients with these devastating conditions.

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Investigating prevention methods for CA-MRSA infections in children through improved hygiene and immune response analysis our team studies the clinical and molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus colonization and infection, evaluates strategies for treatment and prevention, and examines mechanisms of virulence and host immune responses. With CA-MRSA posing a major source of morbidity in pediatric populations we aim to reduce its impact by identifying effective interventions that prevent infections and improve outcomes.

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Investigating microbial interactions in the female urogenital tract to improve women’s health, our lab explores how host-microbe and microbe-microbe dynamics influence vaginal health and pregnancy outcomes. With bacterial vaginosis affecting nearly 30% of women and linked to infections, infertility and adverse birth outcomes, we employ animal models, cell culture systems and clinical specimen analysis to uncover mechanisms driving these conditions. Our goal is to translate discoveries into targeted prevention and treatment strategies that enhance health for women and their babies.

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Investigating the origins of genome instability in childhood cancers, our lab seeks to understand how DNA damage responses shape tumor development and therapeutic outcomes. Unlike adult malignancies driven by aging or environmental carcinogens, pediatric cancers arise through distinct mechanisms that remain poorly understood. Our long-term goal is to identify predictors of mutagenesis and uncover vulnerabilities within DNA damage response pathways, paving the way for innovative treatments that improve survival and quality of life for children with cancer.

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Investigating cross-generational epigenetic regulation and its impact on health and disease, the Greer Lab explores how non-genetic information shapes complex physiological and pathological traits across generations. By studying molecular determinants of epigenetic memory, we aim to uncover how environmental changes influence health, development and longevity, and how disruptions in these mechanisms contribute to disease. Our research seeks to illuminate the processes behind epigenetic inheritance and identify strategies to improve outcomes for future generations.

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Exploring mechanisms and differences in artery development in the context of extracellular matrix gene mutations our lab studies how vascular elastic fibers form and how defects in this process lead to diseases such as aneurysms and hypertension. Using models with fibulin-4 mutations we investigate why large arteries show fragmented fibers while small arteries remain intact, aiming to uncover how these differences contribute to aneurysm development.

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Uncovering early-life viral and bacterial interactions, our laboratory investigates how microbial communities in the infant gut shape health and disease. Combining epidemiology, bioinformatics and molecular virology, we study the evolution of gut viruses, their interplay with bacteria and their role in conditions such as celiac disease. By advancing understanding of these complex dynamics, we aim to improve pediatric health and long-term outcomes.

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Investigating genetic impacts on cilia function to combat airway diseases, our laboratory examines how mutations disrupt the biology of airway and motile cilia, impairing mucociliary clearance and driving conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia, asthma and COPD. Using primary human and mouse cell cultures with advanced genetic manipulation, we study airway epithelial differentiation and ciliogenesis to uncover the roles of novel proteins and develop strategies to restore cilia function and protect respiratory health.

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Exploring the causes and cardiovascular impacts of CKD-MBD our lab focuses on uncovering the mechanisms behind chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder. Kidney disease leads to complications throughout the body many of which influence mortality rates. Rather than the kidney disease itself most deaths occur due to associated cardiovascular issues. The risk of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease is shaped by unique factors related to CKD-MBD and understanding these relationships is central to our research.

Research profile