College faculty provide leadership in large-scale multidisciplinary research programs as well as pursue independent research investigations.
NATIONALLY FUNDED RESEARCH CENTERS

Evaluating phytoestrogens such as soy isoflavones for their potential for preventing and causing diseases
- Project Leaders: William Helferich, Benita Katzenellenbogen, and Susan Schantz
- Funding: National Institutes of Health

Researching the impact of bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and other endocrine disruptors on child development
- Directors: Susan Schantz and Jodi Flaws
- Funding: National Institutes of Health and Environmental Protection Agency

Developing solutions to the problem of vector-borne disease in Illinois as part of a larger center
- Leaders: Nohra Mateus-Pinilla and Rebecca Smith
- Funding: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A SAMPLING OF RESEARCH LABORATORY WEBSITES

A collaborative research, diagnostic, and training lab for new or ongoing studies in free-ranging and captive amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
![[imprinting pathways]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bonthuis-image.jpg)
Seeking to understand how genes, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and hormone signaling in the brain interact to regulate social behaviors.

Seeking to understand the structure-function of membrane-bound enzymes involved in lipid metabolism in their native-like lipid bilayer environment of nanodiscs.

Working to determine the genetic and environmental factors that affect the female reproductive system.

Motivated to reveal the contributions of attention in sensory processing, learning and memory, and neuropsychiatric illness and disease.

Studying the interaction between immune and nervous systems in autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Investigating the replication and pathogenesis of herpesviruses using the natural virus-host model oInvestigating the replication and pathogenesis of herpesviruses using the natural virus-host model of Marek’s disease virus in chickens.f Marek’s disease virus in chickens.

Working to elucidate the molecular mechanism of ovulation, i.e., the process of egg release from the ovary, by focusing on endothelin system in ovulation and luteal function, steroids and prostaglandins in leukocyte trafficking, steroid receptors in PCOS pathogenesis and reproductive aging.

Studying lung-bacterial pathogen interactions, specifically the modulation of airway mucus hypersecretion in chronic lung diseases, alveolar epithelium during lung infection, and regulation of genetic transfer and virulence by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The research in our lab brings together two major fields of biology: reproductive endocrinology and chronobiology. These research aims are of broad significance as they investigate questions important for basic science as well as human health.

Seeking to understand how reciprocal interactions between the host and gut microbiota impact host health.

Exploring ways to improve immune function related to fungal, bacterial, and other infections of the lungs

A large, internationally recognized group of faculty, located in various departments on the Illinois campus, whose work focuses on various aspects of reproductive biology, early embryonic development and endocrine physiology.

A group that seeks to understand how post-translational modifications, such as SUMOylation (Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier) and ubiquitination, regulate a range of checkpoint pathways in mammalian cells.

Seeking to understand the mechanisms regulating mammalian spermatogenesis at the molecular level, with the aim to development of novel therapies for the infertile male.

Developing and studying genetic mouse models relevant for pathophysiology and treatment of psychiatric disorders using molecular biological, biochemical, morphological, optogenetic, chemogenetic and behavioral methods.

Focusing on improving health by finding better ways to intervene in disease processes, from tuberculosis in cattle to breast cancer in women.

Investigating molecular mechanisms of cancer therapeutics and mechanism of chemoresistance.

Improving the health of people, animals, and the environment through scientific inquiry that identifies the causes of health disparities across time and locations.

Using a combination of genetics, genomics and cell biology approaches to understand parasite biology and develop novel therapeutics for cryptosporidiosis.

Studying the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism and human diseases, in particular the roles of membrane phospholipids and cholesterol in both normal physiology and disease states.

Studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing vertebrate early embryonic development.

Our research goal is to better women’s reproductive health by determining the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals found in daily-use products on female reproductive system and characterize the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are involved.