Discoveries for a better tomorrow
Johns Hopkins University – School of Medicine – selected videos highlighting current advancements in research.
BLOOD
Treating Diseases by Understanding Cell Identity – Patrick Cahan, Ph.D.
Dr. Cahan’s lab studies the molecular basis of cell type identity. He is making a tool that measures how closely cells grown in a lab mimic those in our bodies, which could help pave the way to replacing damaged tissue and more effectively studying diseases in the lab. The tool will also help him detect how cancer rewires the normal circuitry of a cell.
BRAIN
Neurons That Control Biological Rhythms and Sleep – Dr. Seth Blackshaw
Dr. Seth Blackshaw’s lab has identified stem cells in the hypothalamus that regulate feeding and body weight, paving the way for therapies for obesity, sleep disorders and diabetes.
The Science Behind Memory Formation – Dr. Richard Huganir
Unique synapses within our brains encode new memories. See how studies on the molecular basis of memory formation can help researchers find new therapies for Alzheimer’s, age-related dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and autism.
Preserving Memory – Mollie K. Meffert, M.D
Dr. Mollie Meffert and her team investigate how genes and electrical flow interact to strengthen connections between neurons. These studies lay the groundwork for new therapies for brain disorders in which the connections between neurons fail to grow or function properly, such as Alzheimer’s, autism and schizophrenia.
CANCER
DNA Rearrangements That Cause Childhood Cancer – Dr. Stephen Desiderio
Dr. Stephen Desiderio and his team have discovered ways the immune system protects us from damage to our genes, gaining insight into the causes of leukemia.
Understanding the Immune System— Dr. Joel Pomerantz
Better understanding white blood cells and the body’s immune response may help researchers detect and fight cancer. Dr. Joel Pomerantz and his team at Johns Hopkins study the immune system to this end.
CELL BIOLOGY
Ubiquitin Signals – Cynthia Wolberger, Ph.D.
Dr. Cynthia Wolberger and her team study how a protein called ubiquitin switches genes on and off and notifies the cell about DNA damage. Their work is providing clues for how scientists might develop new drugs for cancers with faulty ubiquitin signaling, and for which there are currently no effective treatments.
Learn more about Dr. Wolberger’s work.
When Cell Division Goes Wrong—Dr. Andrew Holland
Glitches in cell division can lead to diseases such as Down syndrome and cancer. Dr. Andrew Holland investigates errors in cell division to identify causes of human disease.
Cell Movement and Health—Dr. Peter Devreotes
When cell migration goes awry, it can compromise the immune system, particularly in individuals with cancer. Understanding the biochemical networks that enable cell movement can pave the way to therapies targeting cell migration, illuminating new treatments for disease.
From Dysfunctional Cells to Disease – Dr. Rong Li
Dr. Li and her team investigate how cells consolidate their damaged proteins and prevent them from spreading freely, in order to understand how to better treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS. Another of their interests is how chromosomes are divided up when one cell becomes two. Learning more about how the process can go wrong could lend insight into cancer development.
Learn more about Dr. Li’s work.
Controlling the Balance Between Salt and Water – Dr. William Guggino
Imbalances of salt and water in the body can lead to problems ranging from cystic fibrosis to diarrhea to kidney failure. Dr. Guggino and his team study the channels that move salt and water– and what goes wrong with them in disease.
How Odor Sensitive Cells Regenerate – Randall Reed, Ph.D.
Odor-sensitive cells can warn of us of dangers and let us know when something is pleasant to eat. However, because they are so sensitive, they can easily die when exposed to the outside world. Dr. Reed’s lab seeks to understand how they can regenerate so quickly. This will prevent people from losing their sense of smell in a time of danger.
Learn more about Dr. Reed’s work.
Bacteria and Antibiotics – Erin D. Goley, Ph.D
Erin Goley, Ph.D., and her lab are discovering the molecule and mechanism that bacteria use to grow, divide and to become resistant to antibiotic treatment.
Understanding the Purpose of Bacterial Cells within Your Body – Jie Xiao, Ph.D.
Jie Xiao, Ph.D., and her team study how bacterial cells divide and control which proteins they make.
Learn more about Dr. Xiao’s work.
GENETICS
Gene Organization – Karen L. Reddy, Ph.D.
Dr. Karen Reddy and her team study how genes are organized within the nucleus of the cell. This storage system will allow them see what goes wrong in disease.
When Cell Division Goes Wrong—Dr. Andrew Holland
Glitches in cell division can lead to diseases such as Down syndrome and cancer. Dr. Andrew Holland investigates errors in cell division to identify causes of human disease.
Treating Progeria in Children – Susan Michaelis, Ph.D.
Susan Michaelis, Ph.D., and her team study a rare premature aging disease called progeria, which provides a unique window into the normal aging process.
Learn more about Dr. Michaelis’ work.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Recovering After a Stroke – Pablo Celnik
Physiatrist Pablo Celnik and his team study how people can better recover the ability to move following a stroke and other brain diseases.
Preventing Neuropathy – Pathologist Joseph Mankowski
Pathologist Joseph Mankowski and his team are working on a way to detect early signs of neuropathy, or nerve damage, with the hope of preventing the condition.
STEM CELL & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Rebuilding Tissues and Organs – Jennifer Elisseeff, Ph.D.
Dr. Elisseeff and her team are designing scaffolds to help our bodies heal themselves after injury.
Regenerating Damaged Tissues – Erika Matunis, Ph.D.
Dr. Matunis and her team are looking to identify conditions that allows stem cells to thrive. That knowledge could lead to innovative therapies to regenerate many kinds of damaged tissues.