Labs by division

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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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.

Luke research profile
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.

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Advancing treatments for blood diseases through innovative cellular therapy research, our center focuses on immune regulation in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the development of novel platforms for cell-based therapies. By uncovering mechanisms of immune tolerance, enhancing regulatory immune cells to prevent graft-versus-host disease and designing safer cancer-targeting strategies, we aim to transform HSCT into a more effective and less toxic cure. Our bench-to-bedside approach drives breakthroughs that offer patients long, healthy lives.

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Investigating actin cytoskeleton’s role in immune cell shape and motility our lab studies how dynamic changes in the actin cytoskeleton regulate immune cell movement and activation. Using models lacking the actin-binding protein L-plastin we explore its role in B cells and alveolar macrophages and employ pneumococcal infection models to uncover mechanisms that impact immune defense in children.

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