Labs by division

Unraveling the mechanisms of glucose transport, our laboratory investigates how facilitative glucose transporters regulate normal and disordered glucose homeostasis. Focusing on structure–function relationships within GLUT proteins, we apply advanced chemical and biophysical techniques to define the architecture of GLUT1 and GLUT4. In parallel, we examine how HIV protease inhibitors alter GLUT function, aiming to uncover molecular pathways that contribute to insulin resistance in treated patients.

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Exploring molecular pathogenesis and sex differences in pyelonephritis, our lab investigates interactions between pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria and their hosts using urinary tract infections as a primary model. We aim to understand host-pathogen dynamics in the urinary tract, how uropathogenic bacteria modulate immune responses and the role of sex in UTI pathogenesis.

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Focus on understanding disease mechanisms and mitigating ongoing pandemic risks our lab characterizes novel viruses to uncover how they cause disease in humans. While viral discovery has expanded known sequences many questions about viral biology require isolation and propagation in the lab. With human populations vulnerable to emerging pathogens we aim to advance knowledge that informs preparedness for future pandemics.

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Combining basic science and clinical research to advance brain tumor treatment, the Rubin Lab is dedicated to uncovering the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and therapy resistance in malignant brain cancers. Our work explores how factors such as epigenetics, signaling pathways, metabolism and cellular senescence influence disease progression, with a special focus on sex-specific differences in cancer risk and survival. By translating these insights into targeted strategies, we aim to develop more effective therapies and improve outcomes for diverse patient populations.

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Advancing understanding of vaccine effectiveness in diverse populations, the Kao Lab focuses on evaluating how vaccines perform in special groups to inform strategies that improve protection and public health outcomes. Led by Carol M. Kao, MD, MSCI, our team combines clinical insight with rigorous research to address critical questions in immunization and ensure equitable, evidence-based care.

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Exploring novel mechanisms of lung injury during mechanical ventilation and critical care, the Katira Lab is dedicated to developing personalized strategies for respiratory support and lung protection in critically ill patients. Leveraging expertise in large animal models and advanced cardio-respiratory tools such as electrical impedance tomography, we translate cutting-edge research into approaches that improve outcomes and redefine standards of care.

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Childhood liver disease; liver transplantation; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; ischemia-reperfusion injury

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Dietary fat digestion and mechanisms of chronic pancreatitis.

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Investigating the role of serpins in maintaining cellular balance and understanding rare genetic disorders, our lab explores how disruptions in protease-serpin interactions contribute to disease. By studying mechanisms of cell stress, protease activity and serpin blockade, we aim to uncover pathways that lead to tissue damage and dysfunction. Our work includes modeling variants of uncertain significance through the Undiagnosed Diseases Network to advance diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for conditions such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and other serpinopathies.

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Pak research profile
Silverman research profile

Critical insights into causes of childhood leukemia and pioneering prevention strategies our lab investigates how leukemias arise from normal blood-forming stem cells, how malignant cells hijack developmental programs and why childhood and adult leukemias differ genetically. Using innovative mouse models we study leukemia evolution during early life and assess how stressors such as chemotherapy contribute to disease. Our goal is to develop new approaches to treat and ultimately prevent childhood leukemia.

Research profile