Basic Research

Basic Research

The work proposed in this application is a pilot study. The data acquired will be used to build the rationale for a larger application (RO1) to the NIH-NEI. Overall, this study explores the use of a large non-human primate, specifically Baboon pluripotent stem cells to a derive RPC system for translational stem cell therapy investigations. The results obtained will allow for experimental treatment development for naturally occurring non-human primate (Baboon) retina degeneration identified in the local Baboon population. This work will be directly translational to humans.

Our findings will help clarify the signaling pathways associated with the developmental changes and activation of aging processes occurring during muscle over an extended time in vitro. Given this, we will be able to determine the optimal time window when these precursors have the highest potential to efficiently engraft a host muscle. Txbiomed Project: 4673

Applied Research

The proposed research direction is the manufacture and characterization of implantable, biodegradable polymer structures with engineered release profiles of drug payloads. These structures can be 3D printed in-house with complex geometries and composite structures, which we hypothesize will dissolve such that selective timing or staged release of one or more compounds is possible. While typically such payloads would be therapeutic in action, this platform technology is drug agnostic and can be used for image enhancement or theranostic applications as well.

Basic Research

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) is the most common form of adult acquired epilepsy. Unfortunately, it is frequently resistant to current anti-epileptic drugs and often times surgical therapy is the best available option for these individuals. While genetic mutations and developmental malformations can cause mTLE, it is usually caused by a brain injury such as head trauma, infection, ischemia, prolonged febrile seizures and status epilepticus.

Basic Research

This proposal seeks support for the 9th International Conference on Tularemia, which will be held from October 16 - 19, 2018, in Montreal, Canada.  Tularemia is a rapidly progressive and potentially fatal zoonosis of humans caused by the intracellular bacterial pathogen, Francisella tularensis.  Because of its low infectious dose and lethality when inhaled, F. tularensis was developed as a bioweapon by three countries, and remains a potential bioterroist agent.