Focus Area: Research

More than 25,000 kidney transplants are performed annually in the United States. However, 92,000 individuals remain on the kidney transplant waitlist. Repeat transplants often have worse health outcomes, so preventing graft failure after the first transplant is crucial. Acute rejection (AR) is a major cause of failure, but there is still a lack of understanding of its causes and reliable, noninvasive ways to detect it. This study aims to better understand the pathophysiology of AR and identify noninvasive biomarkers. Modification of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) presents a promising target for early diagnosis and supports the development of more effective therapies.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause various health issues including certain cancers. Even with an established HPV vaccine, vaccination rates remain below the national average, putting people at risk for infections and related cancers. Particularly in the Midwest, disparities in race, ethnicity, rural or urban location and Medicaid status contribute to high rates of vulvar cancer nationally. This research aims to identify biomarkers of prognosis and treatment response for vulvar cancer, including the role of immune cells and their interactions with HPV in tumor tissues. The outcomes of this research will clarify and provide better treatment options for patients with vulvar and other HPV-related cancers.

The gut microbiome plays a key role in our health, but poor diets and disease can disrupt its balance, leading to dysbiosis. In Wisconsin, where obesity rates are high, dysbiosis worsens conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease and increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. This study investigates how tuft cells, which are specialized gut cells, help maintain intestinal health and immune responses. Findings will enhance understanding of microbiome-gut interactions and guide the analysis of tissue samples from patients with dysbiosis and inflammatory diseases.

Latinos represent the fastest-growing population group in Wisconsin but are severely underrepresented in health research studies for dementia, despite having a higher risk and burden of the disease. This study aims to increase the engagement of Latinos in dementia research, which could improve the relevance of the research findings, and the development of interventions and programs better suited to serve Latino communities in Wisconsin.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that is difficult to diagnose quickly in critically ill patients. Current tests, such as microbial cultures, are slow and often lack sensitivity, delaying treatment and increasing risks. This project will develop computational methods to analyze cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentation patterns in blood as a rapid, low-cost tool to detect sepsis and identify infection sites. By studying DNA released from damaged tissues, the research aims to distinguish sepsis from non-infectious inflammation and monitor patient response to treatment.

There are more than 300,000 cancer survivors in Wisconsin, a number expected to rise significantly in the coming decade. Yet, cancer survivorship care remains fragmented—primary care providers (PCPs) often face challenges coordinating with oncology teams, resulting in unmet needs, poor communication and worse outcomes for underserved patients. This project, POISE Wisconsin, will conduct surveys and focus groups with PCPs across the state to identify multi-level barriers and facilitators to care coordination. Guided by Implementation Science frameworks and a health equity lens, the study will highlight the strategies and resources needed to integrate primary and oncology care in Wisconsin.

Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare devastating neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the GFAP gene, leading to toxic protein buildup in astrocytes, severe inflammation and progressive neurological decline. There are no current treatments. This project investigates the role of fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7), which is abnormally elevated in AxD and may drive harmful astrocyte-mediated inflammation. Using an innovative viral approach to silence FABP7 in a mouse model of AxD, the study will test whether reducing FABP7 expression can lower inflammation, decrease disese pathology and improve outcomes.

Latine/Hispanic people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) face faster disease progression, less access to clinical care and fewer opportunities to participate in community-based exercise programs, despite strong evidence that physical active improves symptoms and quality of life. This project will use focus groups and interviews with Latine/Hispanic PwP, their care partners, community partners and clinical partners across the U.S. to identify barriers and facilitators to adopting and sustaining physical activity programs. Guided by the PRISM framework, findings will generate critical insights into institutional, cultural and individual needs that shape program access and success.

Obesity before pregnancy increases the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and adverse outcomes for both parent and child. In Wisconsin, nearly 30% of people giving birth have obesity, underscoring the urgent need for effective preconception interventions. This project will compare four weight loss strategies to assess their effects on gestational glycemia, milk lipid composition and offspring pancreatic health. Findings will provide critical evidence to guide safe, effective weight loss recommendations before pregnancy, helping reduce intergenerational risk of diabetes and improve maternal-child health outcomes.

Aging brains follow different paths, with some individuals maintaining cognitive health, while others progress to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias. This project will combine advanced diffusion-weighted MRI with fluid biomarkers to examine how living in disadvantaged neighborhoods relates to microstructural brain changes across the AD continuum. Preliminary findings show lower neurite density in people from highly disadvantaged neighborhoods, particularly in regions vulnerable to AD.