Our Goal

Our long-term goals are to develop neuroprotective and regenerative translational protocols for human clinical treatments. It is hoped that patients will have improved motor, sensory, and autonomic functions, as well as experiencing fewer secondary complications such as bowel, bladder, or sexual dysfunction, autonomic dysreflexia, pain and spasticity; Ultimately, we hope to restore function and independence for patients affected by spinal cord injury.

Projects

hiPSC-derived Cortical Neurons

Efficacy of iPSC-derived cortical neuron transplantation to improve functional outcomes in cervical SCI

Graft Characterization

Establishing host responses to our transplantation to obtain comprehensive understanding of the microenvironment (e.g., immune response, functional connectivity, axonal regeneration, and angiogenesis)

Glia

Assessment of adult and embryonic olfactory glia capacity to promote axonal regeneration and myelination in the injured and demyelinated central nervous system (CNS)

Biomaterials

Use of engineered biomaterials to promote transplant viability, synaptic integration, and deliver pro-regenerative compounds

Techniques + Approaches

Mouse and rat models:
We utilize both mouse and rat models to study spinal cord injury (SCI), taking advantage of species-specific differences in pathophysiology and genetically engineered lines. These models allow us to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in a controlled and reproducible manner.

Cervical SCI:
We use both hemisection and hemicontusion models of cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) to replicate clinically relevant injuries and assess the therapeutic potential of various interventions in promoting neural repair and functional recovery.

Culture of stem cells + glia:
We culture induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and glial cells in vitro, differentiating iPSCs into deep cortical neurons to study their potential for integration and regeneration within damaged neural circuits.

IHC/ICC:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunocytochemistry (ICC) are employed to visualize and quantify the expression of specific proteins in tissue sections and cultured cells, helping us assess cellular responses to injury and treatment at a molecular level.

Motor/sensory behavioral assessments:
We conduct motor and sensory behavioral assessments in animal models to evaluate functional recovery following SCI, including tasks that measure locomotion, grip strength, and proprioception.

Viral vector tract tracing:
We use adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentiviral vectors for tract tracing, enabling us to map neural circuits and assess axonal regeneration and connectivity after SCI.