Cuong Nguyen,

I. Sjögren’s Disease (SjD). Sjögren’s disease (SjD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that progressively destroys the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to exocrine dysfunction. Characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and acinar epithelial cell atrophy, SjD affects an estimated 0.1-3% of the general population, approximately 4 million individuals in the US, predominantly postmenopausal women. Notably, recent studies have revealed a surprising increase in SjD cases among pediatric patients. Despite extensive research, the underlying causes of SjD remain unclear. To better understand the disease, we are utilizing single-cell analysis to investigate the transcriptomic profiles of individual immune cells in affected glands. Additionally, we are employing advanced techniques, including recombinant monoclonal antibodies and high-resolution mass spectrometry, to identify novel biomarkers, such as post-translational modifications of autoantigens. Through rational in-silico drug design, we aim to discover therapeutic targets that can be treated with small molecules, offering potential new treatments for human patients. Furthermore, we are initiating a new project to explore the relationship between Long COVID and SjD, which may uncover new insights into the disease mechanisms and treatment options.

II. Develop small molecule drugs and anti-venom to treat snake envenomation . Snake bites and envenomation pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of domestic animals, such as horses, sheep, and cattle, which are crucial to agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. When these animals are bitten by venomous snakes, they often exhibit symptoms including muscle tremors, respiratory distress, dilated pupils, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Localized swelling at the bite site is a common effect, with the extent of swelling varying depending on the affected tissue and venom quantity. However, the danger extends beyond localized swelling, as snake venom can have profound systemic effects, particularly on the nervous system, leading to convulsions, behavioral changes, and decreased productivity. The severity of these neurological symptoms depends on the snake species, venom volume, and the victim’s size and health. In Florida, six out of 45 native snake species are venomous, including the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Copperhead, Cottonmouth, and Eastern Coral Snake, each posing a unique threat to livestock and wildlife. To address this issue, we are collaborating with the Emergency & Critical Care Services at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital to develop novel assays that can rapidly identify the species of snake responsible for a bite, enabling the administration of proper anti-venoms. Additionally, we are leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop advanced antivenoms. Our research also aims to identify repurposed FDA-approved small-molecule drugs using a rational in-silico drug discovery approach, which could provide new treatment options for snake bite victims.

III. Oral squamous cell carcinoma in dolphins. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant cancer that originates from squamous cells in the oral cavity, posing a significant clinical challenge in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Traditional treatments, such as surgery, have shown limited success in managing OSCC in dolphins, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Our research project focuses on targeting TAM receptors, specifically Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK, which are part of the receptor tyrosine kinase family and are often overexpressed in various cancers, contributing to tumor progression. The primary objective of this project is to investigate the potential of Axl, a key TAM receptor, as a therapeutic target for OSCC in dolphins, with the goal of developing more effective treatment options for this devastating disease.