Suzuki’s lab studies the patterns of electrical activity in the brain that underlie our ability to form and retain new long-term memories as well as the effects of physical aerobic exercise to improve a wide of cognitive functions including mood, memory, and attention.
We study how the pancreas normally develops and use that information to grow and develop pancreatic cells (Islets of Langerhans). Our laboratory focuses on the directed differentiation of stem cells to create functional pancreatic beta cells that can be used for research on the cause(s) of diabetes as well as exploring the use of stem cell-derived islets for transplantation.
Jeffrey Friedman, M.D., Ph.D. The Rockefeller University
Jeffrey Friedman studies the molecular mechanisms that regulate food intake and body weight. Genetic studies in mice led to the identification of leptin, a hormone made by fat tissue, that plays a key role in regulating weight. Current studies explore the mechanisms by which leptin controls feeding behavior and body weight. Studies to identify other key regulators are also under way.
Hollis Cline, Ph.D. The Scripps Research Institute
Visual experience is essential to establish functional connectivity throughout the visual system, however the mechanisms by which activity influences neuronal development and circuit connectivity are not clear. Using Xenopus tadpoles we have identified the cellular and molecular effects of visual experience on topographic map formation, on tectal cell development and on development of the visual circuit. Dr. Cline will present results of in vivo imaging experiments demonstrating novel cellular mechanisms by which experience controls visual circuit plasticity and function.
Christine Mummery, Ph.D. Leiden University Medical Center
Derivation of many different cell types from human pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells or HESCs and induced pluripotent stem cells or hiPS cells) is an area of growing interest both for potential cell therapy and as a platform for drug discovery and toxicity.
Dr. Staudt pioneered the use of gene expression profiling to discover molecularly and clinically distinct cancer subtypes and to predict response to therapy. He defined molecular subtypes of lymphoma that were previously unrecognized but are now viewed as distinct diseases that arise from different stages of B cell differentiation, utilize different oncogenic mechanisms and offer new therapeutic targets.
Dr. Church’s lecture will focus on transformative technologies moving at exponential rates for reading, writing and editing genomes, epigenomes, and other omes. Applications include cells resistant to all viruses via new genetic codes, production and analysis of organs for transplantation, and therapy testing.
Our laboratory studies persister cells and uncultured bacteria. Persisters are dormant variants of regular cells which are tolerant to antibiotics and responsible for recalcitrance of biofilm infections. We identified a number of mechanisms for persister formation, and the first compound that kills them, acyldepsipeptide. Uncultured bacteria make up the majority of species on the planet, but do not grow in the lab. We developed a general method to grow these organisms by cultivation in their natural environment.
Dan R. Littman, M.D., Ph.D. NYU School of Medicine
Dr. Littman’s laboratory applies molecular and genetics tools to study how T lymphocytes develop and participate in inflammation and how HIV interacts with the host innate immune system. Dr. Littman isolated the genes for the CD4 and CD8 co-receptors and determined how their expression is regulated and their signaling influences selection of helper and cytotoxic cells. His group discovered that the nuclear receptor RORt regulates differentiation of Th17 cells and lymphoid tissue inducer cells and that it can be targeted for autoimmune disease therapy.
Angela Christiano, Ph.D. Columbia University Medical Center
For the past 20 years, Dr. Christiano’s research has focused on understanding the molecular processes that lead to inherited skin and hair disorders in humans. Her research career began with the discovery of genetic mutations associated with epidermolysis bullosa, a skin disease that causes severe blistering. Dr. Christiano’s recent work has focused on the investigation of the underlying genetic causes of and identification of potential therapies for alopecia areata, an autoimmune form of hair loss.
This page was last updated on Tuesday, August 10, 2021
