Work in the Peter Agre Lab focuses on the molecular makeup of human diseases, particularly malaria, hemolytic anemias and blood group antigens. In 2003, Dr. Agre earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering aquaporin water channels. Building on that discovery, our recent research has included studies on the protective role of the brain water channel AQP4 in murine cerebral malaria, as well as defective urinary-concentrating ability as a result of a complete deficiency in aquaporin-1. We also collaborate on scientific training and research efforts with 20 Baltimore-area labs and in field studies in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Work in the Peter Terry Lab deals primarily with ethical questions surrounding patientsÕ end-of-life care and decision making. We explore topics such as family involvement in health care decision making, informed consent in clinical medicine and effectiveness of palliative support care. Our team has investigated the development and validation of a family decision-making self-efficacy scale. Our research has also included exploring the ethics around the allocation of lifesaving resources during a disaster.

Research in the Athir Morad Lab primarily focuses on perioperative pain management for neurosurgery patients. Our team has conducted two randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) following craniotomy. Our current research includes studies on the safety of opioid administration following craniotomy through the use of end-tidal CO2 detection, as well as research into the use of transcortical magnetic stimulation (TMS) for managing pain after spine surgery.

Research in the Ariel Green Lab focuses on informing and improving decisions surrounding the use of invasive medical technologies for older adults with complex medical diseases. Our long-term goals are to conduct epidemiologic research, create public health initiatives, and help shape policies that improve the lives of older adults.

The Arturo Casadevall Lab uses a multidisciplinary approach to explore two key topics within microbiology and immunology: how microbes cause disease and how hosts can protect themselves against those microbes. Much of our research focuses on the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, which frequently causes lung infections in people with impaired immunity. We also work with the microorganism Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that causes anthrax and is frequently used in biological warfare. Our goal is to devise antibody-based countermeasures to protect against this and other similar threats.

Research in the Andrea Cox Lab explores the immune response in chronic viral infections, with a focus on HIV and the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In our studies, we examine the role of the immune response upon exposure to HCV by examining responses to HCV in a longitudinal, prospective group of high-risk individuals. This enables us to compare the innate, humoral and cellular immune responses to infection with clearance versus persistence. Through our findings, we seek to identify mechanisms of protective immunity against HCV infection and improve HCV vaccine design.

Research in the Antony Rosen Lab investigates the mechanisms shared by the autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as lupus, myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and SjogrenÕs syndrome. We focus on the fate of autoantigens in target cells during various circumstances, such as viral infection, relevant immune effector pathways and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Our recent research has sought to define the traits of autoantibodies that enable them to induce cellular or molecular dysfunction. We also work to better understand the mechanisms that form the striking connections between autoimmunity and cancer.

Ari Cedars, M.D., and his team have three primary research goals. First, the Cedars Lab is interested in patient-centered outcomes in congenital heart disease, which they investigate using a digital tracking system to record participants’ symptoms and quality of life. Second, the Cedars Lab investigates outcomes with mechanical circulatory support and transplant in congenital heart disease, with a focus on those with end-stage heart disease and a Fontan circulation. Third, the Cedars Lab is interested in the biological mechanisms underlying circulatory deterioration and end-organ dysfunction in patients with a Fontan circulation.

The Balagopal Lab has adapted high-resolution tools to study viruses in situ. Specifically, we were the first to quantify hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in single hepatocytes by developing single-cell laser capture microdissection (scLCM) and integrating this tool with highly sensitive quantitative real-time PCR. We reported that HCV infects a minority of hepatocytes that are found in geospatial clusters. More recently, we (PIs Balagopal and Thio) integrated scLCM with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to reveal the first observations of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection at single cell resolution in the liver. We found that HBV infects nearly all hepatocytes prior to antiviral therapy. However, during antiviral therapy, HBV infection is diminished while viral transcription is markedly attenuated. Our lab has also focused on HIV-1 infection and immune activation for over a decade. Most recently, we have studied type 1 interferon responses to HIV-1 using RNA sequencing (RNAseq). Using this technology, we identified novel interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that are associated with HIV-1 restriction in vivo.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Epithelial Disorders focuses on research into the physiology and pathophysiology of epithelial cells (cells that line the cavities and interior surfaces of the body) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, pancreas and kidney. Specifically, the center’s research seeks to: -Understand the mechanisms regulating the activity of transport proteins (including channels) of epithelial cells Characterize the mechanisms by which polarity of epithelial cells are maintained -Investigate the mechanisms controlling transcription of epithelial-specific genes Understand the pathophysiological basis of GI and renal diseases that involve the preceding three components -The center also provides a framework for training fellows in gastroenterology and hepatology to become independent investigators. The center is funded primarily through individual investigator-initiated extramural research grant support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as well as multi-investigator grants including RO1, PO1, UO1 and R24.