The overall goal of our research program is to develop pro-regenerative scaffolds and in vitro disease models using naturally derived biomaterials and innate cellular capabilities. These models can help us gain a better understanding of healthy and diseased states, and ultimately develop novel therapeutics to improve patient outcomes.
Research in our lab has been supported by the NIH, NSF, PhRMA Foundation, Arkansas Biosciences Institute, UAMS Arkansas Breast Cancer Research Program, U of A Chancellor’s Innovation Fund, and U of A Women’s Giving Circle.
Current research projects are descried below:
Tissue Engineering Approaches to Study Cancer Neuroscience
A key undervalued component of cancer progression is its crosstalk with adjacent nerves. This interaction prompts perineural invasion and tumor innervation, which accelerate tumor metastasis to secondary locations. Using tissue engineered in vitro modeling platforms, we probe metabolic and microenvironmental factors, such as tumor extracellular vesicles, stromal cells, and structural remodeling, responsible for facilitating tumor-nerve communication in hopes of identifying potential targets for cancer therapies.
Funding Source: National Institutes of Health (R37CA279722), Arkansas Biosciences Institute, UAMS, U of A
Novel ECM-based Combinatorial Biomaterials for Tissue Repair
We are currently developing novel adhesive biomaterials that can be used to promote tissue repair after trauma, exposure to occupational hazards, side effects from treatments, etc. Our base material is naturally-derived ECM-based scaffolds including decellularized tissue matrices, with different chemistries and additives included to improve adhesiveness, long-term storage, biocompatibility, etc. Outcomes of this research will help broaden use of ECM-based biomaterials in a variety of formulations.
Funding Source: National Science Foundation, PhRMA Foundation, Arkansas Biosciences Institute,
Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Extracellular Vesicles for Nerve Repair
Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) secrete small membrane-bound particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs can contain a range of cargo like small RNAs, proteins, and growth factors. Depending on the microenvironment that cells encounter, different signaling pathways are triggered altering the composition of EVs. Through a better understanding of EV biosynthetic pathways and cargos, they can be used in coordination with topological cues to enhance nerve regeneration after injury. Current projects focus on understanding EV cargos in different 3D microenvironments, EV biosynthetic pathways, ASC microenvironment remodeling, and in vitro modeling of nerve regeneration for peripheral nerve repair.
Funding Source: Arkansas Biosciences Institute