The Constance Monitto Lab conducts clinical research on pediatric pain management as well as basic science studies on chemotherapy resistance. In our pediatric pain management research, we work to assess the impact of low-dose opioid antagonism on opioid-related side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. We also analyze data on current methods of pediatric pain management in the United States. In addition, our team uses basic science studies to assess the success of epigenetic gene regulation on the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in cancer.

Work in the Cynthia Sears Laboratory focuses on the bacterial contributions to the development of human colon cancer and the impact of the microbiome on other cancers and the therapy of cancer. The current work involves mouse and human studies to define how enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, pks+ Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, biofilms and the colonic microbiota induce chronic colonic inflammation and colon cancer. Prospective human studies of the microbiome and biofilms in screening colonoscopy are in progress as are studies to determine if and how the microbiome impacts the response of individuals with cancer to immunotherapy and other cancer therapies.

Research in the Chloe Thio lab focuses on several areas. First, HBV virology and immunology in HBV monoinfected and HIV-HBV co-infected individuals that will ultimately help develop a cure for HBV. Second, HCV infection in men who have sex with men. Third, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with a focus on HIV-infected individuals. Fourth, host genetic determinants of spontaneous HBV recovery and HCV clearance.

Research in the Casey Overby Lab focuses on the intersection of public health genomics and biomedical informatics. We’re currently developing applications to support the translation of genomic research to clinical and population-based health care settings. We’re also working to develop knowledge-based ways to use big data — including electronic health records — to improve population health.

Research in the Paul Auwaerter Lab focuses on tick-borne diseases, include Lyme disease. We’re also interested in point-of-care information technology. Recent research includes investigating the significance of positive test results for Lyme disease in low-prevalence regions and examining the geographic expansion of Lyme disease in the southeastern U.S. from 2000 to 2014.

Research in the Patrick Breysse Lab seeks to better understand the biological, chemical and physical factors that can impact a patient’s health. Our team is currently studying the effects of indoor and outdoor air pollution on childhood asthma, respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions. We also conduct research on secondhand smoke exposure around the world and have participated in a range of health and exposure studies in Peru, Nepal, Mongolia, Columbia and India.

Work in the Pedro Alejandro Mendez-Tellez Lab focuses on critical care medicine and acute lung injury. Recent studies include evaluating demographic and clinical factors associated with self-reported dysphagia after oral endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in patients with acute lung injury. We've also analyzed orticosteroids and their relationship with delirium in critically ill patients.

Research in the Paul Rothman Lab has focused on cytokines. We’ve investigated the role these molecules play in the normal development of blood cells as well as the abnormal blood-cell development that leads to leukemia. We’ve also studied the function of cytokines in immune system responses to asthma and allergies.

The Peter van Zijl Laboratory focuses on developing new methodologies for using MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to study brain function and physiology. In addition, we are working to understand the basic mechanisms of the MRI signal changes measured during functional MRI (fMRI) tests of the brain. We are also mapping the wiring of the brain (axonal connections between the brains functional regions) and designing new technologies for MRI to follow where cells are migrating and when genes are expressed. A more recent interest is the development of bioorganic biodegradable MRI contrast agents. Our ultimate goal is to transform these technologies into fast methods that are compatible with the time available for multi-modal clinical diagnosis using MRI.

Work in the Philip Smith Lab explores several key topics within the field of sleep medicine. We investigate the role of obesity and neural control in sleep-disordered breathing as well as the impact of metabolic function on sleep apnea. We also research the ways in which HIV and its treatments impact a patient’s sleep. Our studies have included the effects of HIV and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on both sleep and daytime function as well as the relationship between systemic inflammation and sleep apnea in men with HIV.