Our Research
The Center for Neuroregeneration strives to discover groundbreaking therapies to improve the quality of life for people who suffer from disorders to the Central Nervous System. The Center is comprised of aboratories with expertise in neural stem cell biology, neural activity and stimulation, robotics, cell growth, myelin and the genetic regulation of plasticity.
Neuroplasticity & Repair
The Neuroplasticity & Repair lab specializes in neural stem cell biology, neural activity and stimulation, robotics, cell growth, myelin and the genetic regulation of plasticity. Signature projects include a focus on restoration of locomotor and sensory function through neural stimulation and promotion of innate regenerative capacity through cell and gene therapy. Researchers have also harnessed the tools of cell engineering to create human neural circuits within experimental microenvironments to better model disease and produce neural replacement parts for repair of the brain and spinal cord.
Astrocellular Therapeutics
The Astrocellular Therapeutics lab is specifically focused on understanding the functional relationship of human neurons and astrocytes in normal and injured states. We employ novel three-dimensional human pluripotent stem cell-based culture techniques, electrophysiology, transplantations and molecular/biochemical approaches to regenerate neural cell types.
Neuromodulation & Recovery
The Neuromodulation & Recovery lab is focused on the development of neuromodulatory strategies to promote functional recovery and mobility after neuromuscular disorders and injuries, including stroke and spinal cord injury. We employ a wide variety of approaches and techniques in our research, which include epidural and transcutaneous spinal stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, as well as electromyography, kinematic analysis, posturography, and neuroimaging.
Brain Periphery Research
The Brain Periphery lab is focus on the pursuit of novel neurorestorative treatments for debilitating brain injuries to open the door to alternative therapies that repair and recovery in the damaged brain through the periphery. Our research interests are mainly focused on the elucidating of mechanisms of cell death, gliosis, inflammation, and neurogenesis via models of brain damage (ischemia and trauma), and how inflammatory mediators connect the brain with the periphery.
Neuroepigenetics
The Neuroepigenetics lab is interested in understanding how the regenerative capacity is governed in the nervous system. We use combinatorial approaches including next-generation sequencing, molecular biology and fluorescence imaging to study the epitranscriptomic mechanisms in neural repair and human pathologies at different stages of development.
Genome Damage Repair
The Genome Damage Repair lab is focused on delineating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. The primary emphasis of his research is genome damage, repair, inhibitions/deficiencies in neurons and exploring DNA Damage Response (DDR) targeted approaches in preventing neuronal dysfunction.
Cerebrovascular Research
The Cerebrovascular Research lab studies brain microcirculation in normal and pathological conditions. we employ various in vitro and in vivo techniques to better understand the intimate relations between the initial causes, the changes in microcirculation and the role of the latter in brain damage.
Glioblastoma Research
The Glioblastoma Research lab is involved in diverse projects that address basic and translational biology of brain cancers, with a primary focus on glioblastoma (GBM). Our basic science interests revolve around the role of the Twist1 transcription factor as a regulator of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GBM.