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Basic Scientist PIs in the Division of Surgical Research

The division's researchers include:

Dr. Andrew Pepper (top row, left) whose lab
examines the underlying mechanisms that govern pancreatic beta cell function post-transplant. Our studies range from in vitro models to clinical transplants, including 1) Developing cell transplant technologies without immunosuppression, 2) Understanding and Improving the function of pancreatic beta cell grafts, and 3) Translating alternative beta cell sources into an unlimited supply of insulin-producing cells.
Recent papers:

Dr. Adetola Adesida (top row center) whose lab is focused on cartilage bioengineering and mechanobiology. Our overarching goal is to generate functional cartilage grafts for translation in orthopaedic and maxillofacial reconstructive surgeries and to understand molecular mechanisms of cartilage degeneration using in vitro models. Our studies include cartilage biofabrication using cellular self-assembly and additive manufacturing technologies and simulated spaceflight microgravity as an in vitro platform to interrogate molecular mechanisms of cartilage degeneration.
Recent papers:

Dr. Fred Berry (bottom row, left) whose lab studies the genetic causes of bone malformations. We are interested in how the cells that build the bone arise from progenitor cell populations, as well as how these progenitor populations are maintained throughout our lifetimes. We also study how the specific shapes of bones are sculpted that allow for specialized movements.
Recent paper:

Dr. Babita Agrawal (top row, right) whose lab focuses on identifying the mechanisms by which pathogens trigger, modify, or evade protective immune responses and how this can be fine-tuned to our benefit. Immunity is a complicated phenomenon, encompassing a multitude of ways organisms can resist or clear infection, and/or attack self-tissue.
We also seek to employ novel immunoregulatory
molecules, the unique interrelationship of immunity with microbiota, and cross-reactive immunity, in their quest to develop innovative vaccines/immunotherapeutic strategies.
Recent papers:

Dr. Gregory Korbutt (bottom row, right) whose lab examines strategies to advance clinical islet transplantation using small and pre-clinical large animal models. Including 1) developing protocols for the isolation and transplantation of neonatal porcine islets and 2) developing cell transplant technologies without immunosuppression.
Recent papers:

Dr. Bin Zheng (middle row, center) whose Surgical Simulation Research Laboratory is a pioneering research and education in surgical simulation, dedicated to training healthcare professionals using state-of-the-art simulation technologies, including virtual and augmented reality.
Recent papers:

Dr. Colin Anderson (middle row, right) whose lab studies how the immune system learns to discriminate self from non-self. Our discoveries are in the area of immunologic tolerance in the settings of tissue transplantation and autoimmune diseases. Part of our current research aims to understand the many varied ‘brakes’ (co-inhibitory receptors) of the immune system in the establishment of self-tolerance. Recent papers:

Dr. Gina Rayat (bottom row, center) whose lab’s research areas include 1) elucidation of the mechanism of islet transplant rejection, particularly neonatal porcine islets and developing strategies to mitigate islet transplant rejection using in vitro and in vivo mouse models for treating Type 1 diabetes; 2: identification of novel biomarkers for gastric cancer and development of anti-gastric cancer therapy using patient-derived gastric cancer organoids for personalized medicine; and 3) development of protocols for the transformation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to parathyroid hormone-producing cells for treating hypoparathyroidism.
Recent papers:

Dr. Christine Webber (middle row, left ) whose lab focuses on nerve regeneration and repair (1) and pain (2).
1. We have shown that conditioning electrical stimulation (CES) prior to a nerve promotes nerve regeneration 3-5 fold compared to control nerves. These CES regenerating axons reinnervate their target muscles and skin faster than unstimulated nerves promote functional recovery. CES promotes nerve regeneration and functional recovery in acute and chronic nerve injuries, through nerve grafts, and prior to distal nerve transfer surgeries.
2. We have shown through surgical approaches that neuroma pain can be mitigated by encouraging the regenerating nerves to reinnervate a host muscle through RPNI (regenerative peripheral nerve interface) or TMR (targeted muscle reinnervation).
Recent papers: