Witwer Laboratory

Our team investigates non-coding RNAs and small cell-derived "bubbles" known as extracellular vesicles (EVs) in HIV and neurodegenerative diseases. EVs are intercellular signaling platforms that also deliver regulatory RNAs, including microRNAs to recipient cells. Since EVs also carry telltale "return addresses" of their cell of origin, they are especially interesting as biomarkers of disease.

 

Currently funded projects in the lab include studies of HIV latency, contributions of cigarette smoking to inflammation in HIV disease, technologies for separation of EVs and other extracellular RNA carriers, mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, and biomarkers of Parkinson's disease.