Our Labs

Illuminating the functional impact of genetic variants, our laboratory explores the genetic basis of rare Mendelian disorders while pioneering high-throughput cell-based assays and functional genomics techniques to characterize clinically observed variants. Combining genome sequencing with advanced informatics, we strive to make genetic data more actionable at the bedside, improving diagnostic precision and patient care.

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Unraveling the molecular signals behind blood cell development our lab studies mechanisms regulating early hematopoiesis and B cell lymphopoiesis with a focus on how DNA damage signals activate programs that promote normal differentiation and suppress leukemogenesis. We investigate transcriptional responses to DNA breaks during antigen receptor assembly and explore how these pathways are disrupted in leukemia and primary immune deficiencies to guide strategies for prevention and treatment.

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Uncovering the viral roots of autoimmune disease to advance understanding and treatment, our lab investigates how infections disrupt immune regulation and trigger chronic conditions. By studying roseolovirus and other thymus-targeting viruses, we aim to reveal mechanisms that lead to loss of immune tolerance, autoreactive cell development and lifelong predisposition to autoimmunity. Using advanced immunologic and molecular virology tools, we strive to identify therapeutic targets and strategies that improve outcomes for millions affected by autoimmune disorders.

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Exploring genetic, environmental and developmental influences on glioma formation and cognitive impairment, our lab investigates how these factors shape risk in patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and the broader pediatric population. Using murine models as a platform, we aim to uncover mechanisms driving tumor development and neurodevelopmental changes, identify new strategies for patient risk assessment and discover therapeutic targets. Through this work, we strive to transform understanding and improve outcomes for children affected by NF1 and related conditions.

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Driving innovative approaches to combat infectious diseases by advancing the understanding of host-pathogen interactions, our lab is dedicated to uncovering how bacteria interact with the host, evade immune defenses and develop antibiotic resistance. Through an interdisciplinary team blending molecular microbiology, immunology and genetic analysis, we aim to identify new therapeutic targets and strategies that address some of the most pressing global health challenges.

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Unlocking pathways to improve brain health in children with congenital heart disease, our lab uses advanced MRI techniques to study brain development, injury and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Congenital heart disease — the most common birth defect — is linked to high rates of cognitive and behavioral challenges that begin prenatally. By investigating brain dysmaturation in relation to cardiac physiology, prenatal environment and social factors, we aim to identify targeted neuroprotective strategies that enhance outcomes throughout childhood and beyond.

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Improving outcomes for children with chronic illnesses through research and education, the Child Health and Education Lab focuses on conditions such as Sickle Cell Disease and brain tumors. Led by Allison King, MD, MPH, PhD, our team investigates how environmental, cognitive and psychosocial factors influence health and development. Through partnerships like the Heartland and Southwest Sickle Cell Disease Network, we work to enhance care and quality of life across an eight-state region, while advancing strategies for assessment, transition and long-term support.

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Exploring molecular mechanisms of neutrophil activation, our laboratory investigates how these critical immune cells shape host defense and influence health and disease. Focusing on the consequences of neutrophil dysregulation, we study its role in driving severe inflammation and contributing to pathology in conditions such as sepsis, organ transplant, acute lung injury and stroke, with the goal of identifying strategies to restore balance and improve patient outcomes.

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Investigating the origins of immune-mediated disorders in children, the Cooper lab focuses on uncovering genetic mechanisms that contribute to pediatric immune dysregulation. Using advanced genomic sequencing, we identify genetic causes of disease and employ both in vitro and in vivo models to deepen understanding of these conditions. Our work emphasizes leveraging cutting-edge sequencing technologies to reveal mechanisms underlying undiagnosed immune deficiencies in children.

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Discovering genetic and biological determinants of bleeding and thrombosis our lab combines expertise in genomics, bioinformatics and molecular biology to uncover mechanisms underlying disorders such as von Willebrand disease and platelet dysfunction. We develop interactive genomic databases, investigate mutations like NBEAL2 and ETV6 and use CRISPR-modified mice to study hemostasis. Our goal is to translate these insights into novel therapies that improve quality of life for patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders.

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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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Advancing neuroprotective therapies for traumatic brain injury, our laboratory uses clinically relevant animal models to study the impact of secondary insults such as intracranial hypertension, hypoxemia and neuroinflammation following moderate and severe TBI. By uncovering how these factors influence recovery, we aim to develop innovative neuroprotective strategies and therapeutics that improve outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury.

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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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