Disease areas

Our community seeks to translate genetic, mechanistic, and cellular discoveries into deep biological knowledge of the roots of common and rare human diseases, and to use those insights to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients.

Ovarian cancer cells overexpress high levels of the phosphate importer protein SLC34A2 (red) which pumps phosphate into a cell and leaves it vulnerable to inhibiting phosphate export. Cell nuclei are shown in blue.

Ó³»­´«Ã½ scientists probe the mechanisms of cancer and apply this knowledge to enable precision cancer medicine.

The human heart has a diversity of cell types, including cardiomyocytes (green) and fibroblasts (yellow). DNA is stained blue.

Using machine learning, genetics, single cell biology, and more, researchers here aim to improve cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment.

An intact pancreatic islet treated with interferon alpha and gamma, and stained for HLA-1 (yellow), proinsulin (magenta), nuclei (cyan).

Ó³»­´«Ã½ researchers study the cellular roles and physiological impacts of genes associated with type 2 diabetes, with an eye towards better patient care.

Visual representation of chronic diseases connections to research and medicine

By uncovering the biology underlying heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more, we’re helping to develop effective new treatments that target the root causes of these chronic diseases. 

Scanning electron micrograph of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which cause TB.

By studying how microbes and hosts interact, researchers across the institute are working to prevent and treat a wide range of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Misfolded MUC1-fs protein (green) builds up in the kidneys of a mouse model of MUC1 kidney disease.

Our scientists are cataloging the molecular causes of kidney diseases in order to develop mechanism-based treatments. 

Obesity -  a microscopic view of tissue, showing different cell types and structures within adipose tissue

Ó³»­´«Ã½ researchers explore how genetics influences body weight in order to identify promising targets for future obesity therapies.

This image shows human neurons (in blue), with the C4 protein (in green) deposited on synapses.

We are committed to uncovering psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders' molecular roots and turning those findings into new treatments.

Microscopic image of cross-sectional calf muscle from a person with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, showing extensive replacement of muscle fibers by fat cells

Our scientists search for the risk factors underlying rare genetic diseases to help reveal their biological underpinnings and improve patients' lives.