Research Programs

The 4D Quantitative Imaging Lab is focused on image informatics and post-processing of medical images to obtain quantifiable metrics, innovative visualization, and 3D printing. A unique hybrid of both clinical and research, the lab is a bridge to radiology.

The Abda Lab studies basic features of the human cochlea, such as frequency tuning and cochlear gain, using physiologic responses called otoacoustic emissions, which are non-invasively measured in the ear canal. The lab seeks to translate basic findings into advanced diagnostic tests that characterize and distinguish among hearing losses of varied etiologies.

ADRC clinical core oversees studies in memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia, including cohort, at-risk, biomarker studies; and pharmacological and clinical trials. Another focus is on study methodology and improvement.

The Allayee Lab's research interests are to use multi-disciplinary genetics to understand cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. Current projects involve large-scale population studies in humans, gene-environment interactions, and functional experiments in model organisms.

The Almada Lab is systematically uncovering the intrinsic molecular drivers and extrinsic environmental stimulants of adult stem cell activation and regeneration using skeletal muscle as a model system. The long-term goal is to translate basic science discoveries into effective stem-cell based therapies that restore muscle function to injured athletes, wounded soldiers, the elderly, and patients suffering from degenerative muscular pathologies and cancer.

The Amatruda Lab studies pediatric solid tumors, including sarcomas, germ cell tumors and Wilms tumor. The lab conducts basic and translational research to understand molecular mechanisms and to develop more effective therapies for these cancers. Amatruda Lab uses complementary approaches including human tumor genomics and zebrafish genetic models.

The Amy Lee Lab focuses on the mammalian stress response and molecular chaperones. Dr. Lee pioneered research on the protein GRP78 and understanding its role in development, cancer and other human diseases. The lab also discovered that GRP78 is critical for SARS-CoV 2 infection.

Applegate Research Group interests are broadly to develop novel biophotonic technologies for point-of-care diagnosis and monitoring of human disease as well as basic science research on human disease. Researchers in the lab work on developing optical systems, electronics, and signal processing algorithms, using a wide range of modern engineering tools.

The Attenello Lab investigates the functional role of metabolism and chromatin state in neural stem cells following injury, and in glioma stem cells following chemotherapy. The lab achieves this by combining molecular biology techniques and CRISPRi technologies on patient derived cells.

The Auditory Physics Group studies the active, nonlinear mechanics of the inner ear and its role in auditory signal processing.

The Aung Research Team is a translational environmental health science laboratory at the University of Southern California. Its mission is to utilize interdisciplinary science to accelerate the translation of research to inform policy and interventions and advance environmental justice.

The Bell Lab studies how cells maintain their identities through epigenetics, focusing on chromatin structure and DNA modifications. They use synthetic biology and genetics to manipulate chromatin and understand its role in epigenetic inheritance.

The Biomedical Ultrasound Lab specializes in high-frequency ultrasound technology for diverse imaging applications. The lab has developed advanced transducers, including high-sensitivity PMN-PT single-crystal ones, for intravascular, cancer, and ophthalmic imaging. The lab also explores tissue property characterization and ultrasonic-mediated therapies for drug delivery and stimulation in the retina and brain.

The Bionic Ear Laboratory studies how hearing loss affects music appreciation. The lab focuses on how cochlear implants restore hearing to the deaf, and how music appreciation can be regained through rehabilitation and better sound processing.

The Bonaguidi Lab harnesses endogenous neural stem cells as a regenerative therapy for aging, epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. The labs advances translation with drug discovery tool development for precision medicine and partners with physicians for human research and clinical trials to improve brain function.

The Bonnin Lab investigates how prenatal immune activation in response to viral infections affects brain development, potentially leading to later onset mental disorders in offspring. Their research sheds light on the little-studied lifelong mechanisms underlying the origins of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

The USC BRANCH Lab studies appetite regulation, glucose levels, and maternal-fetal interactions in relation to obesity and diabetes. The lab's interdisciplinary approach combines neuroscience, physiology, nutrition, and psychology to address these issues.

The Carlson Lab employs a range of research tools to explore questions focused on understanding how form relates to function in the musculoskeletal system. The lab places particular emphasis on studying the functional structure of the postcranial skeleton in primates, with a special focus on humans.

The Center applies novel, multidisciplinary approaches in epidemiology, data science, multiomics, biology, community engaged research and environmental engineering to address key environmental health issues using a team science approach.

Focusing on MRI and PET imaging for brain analysis, the Chakhoyan Lab's primary research involves investigating the relationship between blood-brain barrier permeability, amyloid and tau accumulation, vascular risk factors, and genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's disease, aiming to develop early biomarkers for disease prediction and intervention targets. This work is part of the Program Project "Vascular Contribution to Dementia and Genetic Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease," addressing the need to understand and predict disease progression.

The Chang Lab studies the molecular mechanisms underlying synapse development, function, and plasticity. The lab also investigates the functions of common proteins that are affected in multiple neurological disorders, such as Down syndrome and Autism, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic strategies.

The Chaudhary Lab is developing next generation cell therapies (CAR-T, CAR-NK etc.) for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, infectious and degenerative disorders. The lab's flagship platform is synthetic immune receptor (SIR), which provides physiological T cell receptor signaling.

The Chen Lab investigates regulatory steps in phototransduction, a GPCR-mediated transduction cascade in retinal rods and cones, and how defective signaling leads to human blindness. Another major focus of the laboratory is to unravel mechanisms of protein misfolding and how they lead to neurodegeneration.

The Chinag Lab is a team of geneticists and computational biologists using advanced tools to explore the overlap of human medical and population genetics. Such findings will be pivotal for future medical studies and personalized medicine.

The Children’s Cancer Research Laboratory focuses on understanding childhood cancer causes, including genetic, environmental, and infectious factors, aiming to prevent the disease. Recent findings highlight links between inherited genetics, tobacco exposure, prenatal infections, altered immune development, and leukemia in children, while offering postdoc opportunities.

The goal of the Comai Lab research program is to advance our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders associated with microsatellite repeats instability with the aim to discover small molecules as candidate drugs for therapy.

The Conti Lab performs research in genetic and environmental epidemiology. This includes development of statistical methods and applied collaborations. Methodological research aims to integrate multiple omic measurements, biological knowledge, and external prior information in statistical modeling, primarily focusing on the use of Bayesian hierarchical models. Current applied work involves collaborative projects in prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers, liver disease, and diabetes-related endpoints. These studies investigate mutliple omic layers, including the genome, exposome and metabolome.

The Crandall research group is investigating how cellular exposure to nanoparticles is connected to the development of lung diseases. Current research focuses on understanding how an excess of macroautophagy may contribute to making alveolar epithelial cells more vulnerable to injury.

The Crump Lab uses fish and mammalian models to understand the regulatory logic controlling development of the vertebrate head, how these processes go awry in craniofacial birth defects, and how stem cells can regenerate damaged musculoskeletal tissues.

The Dara Lab studies cell death pathways in drug-induced liver injury and autoimmune liver diseases using mouse models and translational approaches on human tissue. The focus is on hepatotoxicity from immune checkpoint inhibitors as this is an important clinical problem that results in the discontinuation of these lifesaving treatments.

A basic liver research lab, examines the contribution of the endothelial cell of the liver microcirculation, the liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC), to normal liver function as well as to liver injury. Areas of interest include liver fibrosis, aging, toxic injury, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and liver regeneration

Dewey Lab research focuses on understanding the mechanical and sensory processes involved in normal hearing, as well as how they are impacted in individuals with hearing impairment. This knowledge will aid in the development of more effective methods for detecting and diagnosing common forms of hearing loss.

The Drug Use & Behavior (DUB) lab investigates the normalcy of drug use throughout history, aiming to understand both positive and negative effects of drugs on individuals and society. Employing behavioral pharmacology, Ecological Momentary Assessment, and surveys, the lab examines how social influences shape drug use patterns, with a focus on informing evidence-based drug policies, harm reduction strategies, and effective treatments for those experiencing drug-related problems.

The Eisenberg Lab investigates pediatric hearing loss as a function of child age, degree of hearing loss, and auditory prosthetic device (i.e., hearing aids, cochlear implants, and auditory brainstem implants.

The Emamaullee Transplant Immunology Lab pioneers advanced techniques, including mass cytometry and single-cell methods, to study lymphocytes in post-liver transplant rejection. This research has the potential to enhance our understanding of transplant rejection processes.

Aimed at expanding Male Engagement in Reproductive and Gender Equity, through research, policy review, and community-centered projects. The EMERGE Lab creates gender equity through showing men the active role they can play in reproductive health and the strength they bring through sensitivity and reproductive responsibility.

The Eoh Lab at Zilkha Neuroscience Institute develops antibiotics for Tuberculosis, Kaposi Sarcoma, and ALS. The lab uses metabolomics and LC-MS technology. Research targets M. tuberculosis persisters' eradication and uncovers ALS metabolic causes. Published in Nature Microbiol., Nature Comm., PNAS, Science Adv., mBio, Gut Microbes, and Nature Neuroscience.

The Epidemiology of Substance Use (EOS) Research Group is a team of faculty, staff, and students who are broadly interested in patterns of tobacco, cannabis, and other substance use in adolescence and early adulthood. We have a number of ongoing observational research studies aimed at addressing critical research questions relating to the public health impact of new and emerging products.

The Fan MRI Laboratory conducts research on the development and clinical translation of novel magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques. The lab focuses on broad clinical applications, such as the diagnosis and characterization of cardio- and neuro-vascular diseases, image-guided radiation therapy, quantitative body imaging, and machine learning.

The Feldman Lab's long-term goal is to convert the immunologically ‘cold’ tumor microenvironment into an immunoreactive one that supports immune tumor rejection, leading to lasting or even permanent disease remissions. To accomplish this, the lab seeks to prime and sensitize engineered T and NK cells using key elements of prokaryotic innate immune systems.

The Gazal Lab develops and applies statistical methods to understand the genetic basis of human disease, with expertise in combining population genetics, genetic epidemiology and functional genomics approaches.

The Genetics and Genomics of Gynecological Tumors Lab is engaged in characterizing the molecular landscape of gynecological tumors using patients' specimens and further validating findings in in vitro models. The overarching aim of is to identify new markers and targets that could ultimately be used clinically to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with gynecological cancers.

The USC GRIT Lab is dedicated to carrying out research, programming, and training aimed at building sustainable, community-based public health programming around the world. Our lab is powered by USC students, faculty, and partners dedicated to our shared vision of decolonized, collaborative, global health practice.

The Gokoffski Lab's goal is to develop electric field application into a technology to restore vision to patients blinded by optic nerve diseases like glaucoma.

The Goldkorn Lab investigates cancer's adaptability, a key challenge in treatment. Their focus areas are liquid biopsy and cancer plasticity. Liquid biopsy analyzes tumor-related materials in the bloodstream, guiding treatment decisions. The lab also studies how cancer cells develop drug resistance without new genetic changes, and seeks ways to overcome this for more effective treatments.

The Exposure Analytics Lab uses advanced methods to study human exposure to environmental contaminants, emphasizing precision environmental health in areas such as air quality, health disparities, and climate change. The lab employs big data, sensors, and modeling tools to analyze exposures at both individual and population levels, exploring the cumulative impact on vulnerable populations' health and well-being.

The Hamm-Alvarez Lab explores mechanisms in tear protein and fluid secretion from the lacrimal gland to maintain healthy tears and the ocular surface. Research includes understanding changes linked to dry eye diseases, particularly Sjögren's syndrome, aiming to develop treatments for autoimmune-mediated dry eye. The group also seeks to identify alterations in tear film components to enhance the diagnosis of Sjögren's-associated dry eye disease.

The Han Research Laboratory is dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing, and independence of adults living into old age. We are interested in investigating the diverse factors and neurobiological mechanisms that impact cognition and decision making across the lifespan using multidisciplinary approaches informed by the fields of neuropsychology, cognitive and systems neuroscience, epidemiology, genetics, and behavioral economics.

The Heinz-Josef Lenz Laboratory studies biomarkers related to drug resistance, various aspects of colorectal tumor growth, and factors in the tumor microenvironment. The lab also investigates the influence of host factors on disease progression, treatment response, and clinical outcomes.

The Herting Neuroimaging Lab uses advance neuroimaging techniques to investigate how the brain develops during childhood and adolescence. Our research focuses on both internal and external risk factors, like hormones, air pollution, and physical activity on brain outcomes like structure, function, cognition, and mental health.

The Hjelm Lab uses mitochondrial genomics and RNA-Seq methods to study complex adult diseases and aging. The lab focuses on the brain and eye, and currently includes neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s), psychiatric disorders (Major Depression), and ophthalmological diseases (Sjögren’s and Diabetic Retinopathy).

I-CAIHRE strives to improve the health and well-being of California's American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities through community-informed research. We prioritize gathering data that reflects community needs and perspectives to drive sustainable improvements in health outcomes.

The Institute for Technology and Medical Systems enhances and enables neuroengineering pursuing major technological and scientific breakthroughs in support of neuroprosthetics, such as implantable electronic systems, multiscale neuromodeling, implantable system modeling, and high-efficiency application-specific wireless power and data telemetry.

USC's Institute on Inequalities in Global Health addresses global health disparities through interdisciplinary research, education, and policy action.

The Integrated Physiology Lab studies regulatory mechanisms for soluble epoxide hydrolase, an important enzyme for metabolic and cardiovascular health, involving gut bacteria; and mechanisms of potassium homeostasis using novel methods for estimating potassium fluxes in vivo involving stable isotopes and compartmental modeling.

The laboratory focuses on finding the causes of eye diseases in children and adults, understanding racial/ethnic disparities, and developing strategies for preventing and detecting these diseases. The Jiang Lab explores genetic, epigenetic, and contextual factors and seek novel imaging tools and molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring.

The Kast Lab focuses on various facets of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its linked cancers. This includes studying how the virus enters cells through receptors, its movement within cells, immune evasion tactics, animal models for HPV-induced cancers, and conducting clinical trials with HPV-induced cancer patients.

The Klausner Research Group focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of infectious diseases of global health importance like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and infections in pregnancy that lead to preterm birth.

The Koshnan Lab is focused on how neurons die in the genetically inherited neurodegenerative disorder Huntington's disease; on developing diagnostic tools; on how gut bacteria influence disease progression in HD; and on developing biological therapeutics for HD.

The Laboratory for Vertebrate Functional Brain Mapping specializes in using advanced brain imaging techniques to study awake rodent behaviors, focusing on cerebral perfusion and metabolism through methods like autoradiography, positron emission tomography, and histologic approaches. We pioneer the adaptation of human functional neuroimaging tools for detailed exploration of cerebral function, applied across various models encompassing neurological conditions, stress, pain, and genetic alterations, while also delving into behavioral, physiological, and histochemical analyses.

The Laboratory of Cancer Neuroscience conducts translational research, investigating how the nervous system influences the growth and spread of tumors, both inside and outside the brain, in both adult and pediatric cases.

The Laboratory of Chromatin Biology leads cutting-edge research in epigenetics, studying how epigenetic changes impact cell fate and contribute to human malignancies. Focusing on gene regulation and chromatin modifications, particularly the MLL/KMT2 enzymes, the lab aims to uncover their roles in disease and development, aiming to develop targeted therapies for conditions like leukemia and solid tumors.

LOFT focuses on developing advanced, noninvasive MRI technologies to study the live human brain's structure, function, and connectivity. Their goal is to achieve high-resolution imaging, enabling dynamic observations of brain activity. Through collaboration with clinicians, neuroscientists, and data scientists, they actively apply these innovations to map the human brain in health and disease.

The Stevens INI tackles brain health and disparities, conducting diverse studies. They've explored Alzheimer's treatment, studied blood vessel dysfunction in dementia, and are advancing commercial projects in stroke rehab, CT software, and augmented reality.

The Laboratory of Tissue Development and Regeneration studies skin appendage (hair, feather, scale, etc) development, regeneration and engineering using current multiomic techniques and live cell imaging to examine the effects of molecular expression, ion channels and mechanical force transduction on tissue patterning and regional specificity.

The Lewton Lab researches the link between cancer and neuroscience, aiming to better understand how the nervous system influences tumor growth and spread, both inside and outside the brain, in both adult and pediatric cases.

The Lindstrom Lab studies the molecular mechanisms that control how organs develop. The lab uses single-cell omic, microscopy, and computational tools to understand the genetics underpinning normal development and birth defects. We use the insights we generate to build stem cell derived kidneys.

The Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program is a state-designated population-based cancer registry for Los Angeles County. The program routinely collects information on all newly diagnosed cancer cases, monitors cancer trends and patterns, and provides high quality data for advancing knowledge to reduce cancer burden and improve cancer care in all populations.

The Luna Lab studies antibiotic resistance with the aim of identifying and developing effective therapeutics.

The MADRES Center investigates how environmental factors impact health during vulnerable life stages like pregnancy, infancy, and childhood. It focuses on understanding the connection between these factors and early cardiometabolic disease risk in marginalized populations.

The Mancuso Lab pioneers computational and statistical methods to uncover the genetic basis of complex diseases. They integrate molecular phenotypes with genome-wide association studies, distinguishing between rare and common variations. The lab also quantifies natural selection's influence on specific alleles' impact.

Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders are complex brain diseases, with a multitude of synaptic proteins associated with their pathophysiology. The goal of the Marcelo P. Coba Lab is to address how risk factors are functionally integrated in signaling networks using a systems biology approach in human and mouse models of disease.

The Marconett Lab focuses on long non-coding RNAs in lung cancer. They use bioinformatics and molecular biology to uncover their role, including in DNA damage response. The goal is to find new cancer mechanisms for better therapies and patient outcomes.

The Mariani lab has established a robust large-scale skeletal regeneration model in mammals. The lab's research is focused on identifying the cells and molecules that drive this remarkable regeneration with the ultimate goal of developing new ways to treat skeletal injuries in humans.

The Mary D. Allen Laboratory for Vision Research discovers and deciphers phototransduction mechanisms using animal models for retinal degeneration. The lab's research has identified key genes in the retina, including arrestins, and is developing alternative therapeutic strategies with replacement gene therapy.

The Maternal Cannabis Lab at USC, funded by NIH and USC Institutes, investigates cannabis use during pregnancy and associated health disparities. Through qualitative and mixed-methods research, we delve into individual, interpersonal, and societal factors. Our studies analyze patient care, cannabis use patterns, beliefs, and opportunities for maternal health improvement. Our aim is to enhance understanding of cannabis use in pregnancy for healthier and more equitable experiences.

The MCA Lab focuses on translational research, studying viral transmission, host interactions, and long-term effects on aging individuals, with a focus on women. They also examine genetic factors in chronic infections and immune system roles in disease progression.

The McDonough Lab is focused on cardiorenal physiology and hypertension. The lab's basic and translational approaches have been driven by challenging understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of electrolyte homeostasis and control of blood pressure in the human body.

The McMahon Lab is taking a molecular and cellular understanding of kidney development, injury and repair to develop treatments for kidney disease.

The primary focus of the Michael Jakowec Lab is to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms by which exercise and diet modify disease progression in Parkinson's disease patients and animals models as well as in models of drug addiction.

The Minea Lab is developing a platform technology for targeting several cancer processes such as angiogenesis and metastasis. Part of this work is the delivery of radionuclides (targeted radiotherapy) in conjunction with immunotherapy into primary brain cancers or solid tumor metastasized into CNS.

The MS Immunology Laboratory researches the role of the immune system in Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological diseases looking not only at the onset and progression of disease but also at tissue repair and neuroplasticity. The lab also assess MOA of new MS therapeutics and their impact on immune and CNS metrics.

The Nathanael Heckmann Lab examines outcomes post hip and knee replacement surgery. They also research the management of failed replacements, particularly in cases of deep infection in prosthetic hip or knee joints.

Uses deep learning and MRI data to investigate the connection between poor sleep, accelerated brain aging, and neurodegenerative disorders. Their research employs advanced techniques to analyze brain structures, predict clinical outcomes, and understand the role of glymphatic flow, aiming to enhance our understanding of sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Works to understand the mechanisms of dietary neuroprotective agents to optimize their prevention of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. The lab is focused on the receptor-mediated actions of these agents and their metabolites which induce cell signaling, expression of neurotrophins, and cellular adaptive antioxidant response.

The Offringa Lab specializes in lung cancer research. They focus on creating organoid models for lung adenocarcinoma using alveolar cells. The lab also studies how environmental factors, especially tobacco smoke, affect the epigenetics of these cells. Additionally, they work on enhancing immunotherapies for small cell lung cancer.

The Oghalai Lab aims to understand inner ear changes causing progressive hearing loss and develop innovative treatments. Its clinical goal is to improve health through expert care and advancing scientific knowledge for more effective disease treatment by all physicians.

The objective of the Omid Akbari Labis to characterize immune responses in the lungs; investigate the mechanisms underlying the regulation of those responses; explore the mechanisms by which those responses contribute to inflammation; and determine means by which those responses can be manipulated.

Leverages expertise in clinical trials, outcomes research, and translational biomedical engineering to develop novel techniques and practice guidelines to elevate the care of patients with musculoskeletal injuries.

The Orthopaedic Trauma Research Lab engages in clinical research of musculoskeletal trauma. We are involved in many multicenter, extramurally funded studies that aim to provide level 1 evidence to guide best practices for musculoskeletal trauma. We also work on our own local studies, many of which are geared towards generating data that lead to larger, multi-center studies.

The Ou Lab's research is centered on the hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, two important human pathogens that can cause severe liver diseases including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The lab's research is to understand how these two viruses replicate, evade host immunity and cause liver diseases.

The PCCSM Lab focuses on alveolar epithelial cell biology, specifically studying metabolic dysfunction in AEC due to ER stress regulated by the chaperone protein GRP78 in chronic lung diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. They use various models to understand how transcriptional pathways are altered in disease and injury, aiming to identify new therapeutic approaches for pulmonary fibrosis.

Investigates the cell and molecular mechanisms of kidney diseases and their cardiovascular complications with translation to novel human diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Applies intravital multiphoton microscopy as the lab's signature research technology to study (patho)physiological function with single-cell resolution.

The Petrigliano Lab is studying the underpinnings of chronic shoulder skeletal muscle degeneration following large rotator cuff tendon tears. Consequently, the team explores cutting-edge approaches to improve rotator cuff function. Our research uniquely integrates cell biology, pharmacologic therapies, and in vivo models of orthopaedic injury

The Psychosocialbiology Of Women’s health & Emotion Research (POWER) Lab is led by Dr. Raina Pang. The POWER Lab work focuses on empowering women to improve their health through research and community based educational outreach about factors underlying women’s emotional and physical health. Current projects utilize Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and behavioral pharmacology to investigate sex/gender differences and women-specific factors in consequences and mechanisms underlying tobacco addiction.

Focuses on the development of novel molecular probes (small molecules, peptides, peptidomimetics, proteins, antibodies, and nanoparticles) for disease diagnosis and treatment. Various imaging techniques are being used, including but not limited to PET, MRI, and optical imaging.

Studies the misfolding and aggregation of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. The central goals of these studies is to better understand what makes proteins aggregate, how aggregation can be monitored with biomarkers and how it can be prevented therapeutically.

The REACH Lab at USC uses Intensive Longitudinal Data (ILD) methods to study the short-term processes influencing physical activity and eating behaviors in children, young people, and families.

The Rhie Lab studies gene expression regulation in normal and diseased cells, with a focus on regulatory elements, transcription factors, chromatin interactions, and genetic variants. Ongoing projects include investigating epigenetic changes in prostate cancer, mapping regulatory elements in tumor subtypes, and understanding transcriptional mechanisms.

The Rice Lab seeks to elucidate how epigenetic pathways direct normal human development and how perturbation of these pathways promote diseases, especially cancer.

Focuses on discovering novel biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease through studying neuronal exosomes, demonstrating their predictive ability for MCI to AD conversion, while also exploring the impact of stress-related signaling intermediates on AD neuropathology using transgenic mice and pharmacological interventions to understand their role in beta-amyloid deposition, tau phosphorylation, and behavioral and synaptic changes associated with the disease.

The Rong Lu Lab investigates blood and immune cell regeneration, with a focus on discerning individual stem cell variations and their collaborative processes. They employ diverse methods such as clonal tracking and single-cell analyses, and also delve into the origins and treatment of leukemia.

The Roussos Torres Lab explores immunotherapy for breast cancer. This approach re-trains the immune system to target cancer cells, showing promise in preventing recurrence and improving outcomes. The research seeks to identify immune cell types in tumors and understand their role in immunosuppression for better treatments.

Studies ways to overcome limitations in cell therapies for brain injuries using advanced genetic, molecular, and computational tools. The Rust Lab uses scalable sources of cells, including pericytes and neural stem cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, and assess their potential in preclinical models of stroke using state-of-the-art technology.

The Saito Lab specializes in molecular pathology of liver disease. They investigate host responses to hepatitis viruses, peritoneal macrophage functions in bacterial peritonitis, and liver responses to metabolic challenges in fatty liver diseases. The lab also examines the hepatic microenvironment's role in maintaining hepatocyte health and its changes in liver disorders.

The Schönthal lab performs preclinical cancer research and anticancer drug development. The main focus is on brain malignancies, which include primary brain cancers (such as glioblastoma) and secondary brain cancers (such as melanoma or breast cancer that are known to spread to the brain).

Studies the evolutionary morphology of mammals, with a particular emphasis on Primates, Rodentia, and Afrotheria. Illuminating relationships and rates of morphological and molecular evolution in mammals through Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of combined data.

The Shaker Lab combines clinical care and research to advance treatment for swallowing and esophageal disorders. The lab focuses on understanding epithelial-stromal interactions in the human esophagus, using various experimental approaches. Additionally, we utilize databases and pathology samples to study different states of the esophagus.

Sensorineural hearing loss affects millions worldwide. The Shibata Lab studies the spiral ganglion nerve's crucial for hearing, and the role it plays in permanent deafness. The lab is exploring regenerative medicine as a means to restore SGN cells.

The Shin Limb Preservation Lab researches stem cell-based interventions for non-healing ulcers and amputation prevention, particularly in diabetic and aging individuals. It analyzes tissue samples to understand causes of diabetic ulcers and related conditions like Charcot and osteomyelitis.

Focuses on developing and testing innovative prevention and intervention strategies that target reducing substance use behaviors, especially nicotine use, in adolescents, young adults, and minority populations.

The Shu lab is a computational genetics research group on mental and behavioral disorders in the Center of Genetic Epidemiology and the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at Keck School of Medicine of USC. The lab aims to understand the genetic etiology and epidemiology of mental and behavioral disorders through machine learning and statistical approaches.

The Sieburth Lab is interested in understanding how neuronal signal transduction pathways regulate neurotransmitter secretion and how this impacts the function of underlying neuronal circuits that control behavioral output.

Amyloid fibrils are important for many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. The Siemer Lab is investigating the structure and dynamic of these fibrils using solid-state NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical techniques.

The Sinha Lab is studies liquid biopsy for early detection of head and neck cancer, nutrition and epigenomics, and cancer immunology. The lab educates and mentors high school and medical students, faculty, patients and their families.

The goal of SALSA is to eliminate preventable amputation in diabetes in the next generation. The alliance also has a significant interest in measuring and managing how people move through the world.

The Stohl Laboratory specializes in the study of in vivo murine lupus models, with a particular focus on investigating the role of BAFF and its receptors in lupus. They also delve into the characterization of B cell profiles and regulatory T cells in this context. This research contributes to the understanding of lupus pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions.

Studies neural circuit mechanisms underlying sensory processing, in particular, visual processing and sensory evoked behaviors, using cutting-edge neurotechnologies such as high-density electrophysiological recording, flexible electrodes, miniscope Ca2+ imaging, optogenetics and chemogenetics in freely behaving mice.

The Translational Cognitive and Psychiatric Neuromodulation Lab is interested in developing neuromodulation techniques, such as deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation and focused ultrasound for cognitive and psychiatric disorders.

The Tsukamoto Lab studies hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis and cancer, as well as Gasdermin-D in hepatitis and liver cancer. The lab uses advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and RNA sequencing to discover new insights and potential therapies.

Outcomes research focused on benign and malignant upper gastrointestinal, bariatric, and abdominal wall / hernia surgery. Actively participating in multiple clinical trials and multicenter observational studies.

USC OCD Research and Treatment researches wearable and mobile technology and neuromodulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation, to improve understanding and treatment outcomes in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

USC Parkinson's Disease Translational Research Lab researches neuroplasticity mechanisms, including mitochondrial function and metabolic changes. They also examine how lifestyle factors like physical activity and diet impact these processes in both humans and animal models.

The USC Spine Lab Our lab focuses on clinical research related to patient-reported outcomes after nonoperative and operative spine procedures. From a basic science standpoint, the lab focuses on bone regeneration strategies and surface technology to optimize spine fusion.

The center performs pre-clinical and clinical research to test novel therapeutic strategies for polycystic kidney disease, investigate the role of metabolic changes in kidney disease, model kidney disease using organoids, and are working to create a functional synthetic kidney for transplantation.

The Wang Lab runs spinal research, both clinical and basic science for spinal pathologies

The Wilson Lab studies genetic causes of pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. We also survey survivors and their families to understand their decisions about future pregnancies and assess the risk for fathers of preeclamptic pregnancies.

The Wood Lab uses a rat model to study how hormones act on the brain to control behavior, especially cognition and social behavior. The lab is particularly interested in how anabolic-androgenic steroids affect decision making, and how oxytocin shapes cooperation and competition.

The Xiao Lab’s research is focused on the discovery and elucidation of immuno-oncology signaling pathways for the prognosis, prevention and treatment of human lung cancer, lung infection and lung diseases, using mouse and human co-clinical models and state-of-the-art technologies and instruments.

The Xu Glaucoma develops novel clinical tools to identify patients at high risk of glaucoma using artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. The lab also studies the impact of health disparities on patient populations and healthcare systems worldwide using epidemiological and electronic healthcare data.

Research focuses on engineering human immune cells to enhance their anti-tumor effect and establishing an ESC-based platform for producing chimeric and germline avian and mammalian species.

The Yuan Lab focuses on harnessing NKT cells, a unique subset of T cells, for anti-cancer and anti-viral therapies. The lab studies the interaction between viruses, cancers, and the CD1d/NKT cell antigen presentation pathway. The lab aims to enhance immunotherapies for cancer and viral infections.

The Zada Lab focuses on brain tumor genomics and epigenetics, working to develop innovative treatments. They have a seamless pipeline for tissue collection and extensive clinical and molecular data for various brain tumors. Their NIH-funded research emphasizes DNA methylation and gene expression in pituitary tumors, meningiomas, gliomas, and brain metastasis, enabling the development and testing of new treatments.

Studies how gut microbiota influences immune check point inhibitors (ICIs) therapy in cancer. The lab uses multiple molecular approaches in longitudinal studies of cancer patients to identify bacteria and their products influencing cancer therapy. Zandi Lab is also developing blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease for early detection of Alzheimer's development.

The Zhao Lab research team strives to understand the complex etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, as well as explore the crosstalk between the components of the neurovascular unit in health and during pathogenesis, and the interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease.

The Zhong Lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer and cardiac hypertrophy. The lab studies the deregulation of Brf1, non-coding RNAs, and RNA polymerase III dependent genes. Current projects include investigating the effects of alcohol-induced deregulation and histone modifications on cell growth and tumor formation. Their research aims to provide potential therapeutic approaches.

Combines stem cell techniques, genome editing tools and bioengineering approaches to develop novel strategies for kidney regeneration and to establish platforms for kidney disease modeling and drug discovery.