Building on its historical strengths and recognizing the progression of collaborative studies in new directions, the WNPRC has four Scientific Working Groups that address issues central to major research themes. Working Group investigators strategize research directions and priorities; share ideas, expertise, services and equipment; and host frequent seminars to stimulate collaborations and progress with scientists on campus and beyond. The Scientific Working Groups include:
Energy Metabolism and Chronic Disease (EMCD):
Chronic disease and aging research, with an emphasis on the genetic, cellular, and whole animal effects of calorie restriction (CR), as well as excess calorie intake resulting in obesity and metabolic syndrome; diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and new studies on post-menopausal hormone changes and metabolic disease risks.
Global Infectious Disease (GID):
Transmission and pathogenesis of HIV/SIV, viral escape, vaccine development, MHC-defined animals, influenza, dengue, tuberculosis, pegivirus, Ebola, Zika, and identification of new viruses with zoonotic and/or pandemic potential.
Neuroscience:
Preclinical Parkinson’s disease research, translational studies of glaucoma, studies on stress, anxiety and depression, research on central nervous system mechanisms controlling fertility, puberty, menopause and body weight, and neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive and social behaviors.
Regenerative and Reproductive Medicine (RRM):
Embryonic/pluripotent stem cell biology including cellular therapies for hematologic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases as well as organ transplant tolerance and stem cell-based therapies for AIDS; assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for nonhuman primate transgenesis, maternal-fetal health including pregnancy loss, intrauterine environment in metabolic and reproductive programming, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).