Do Reprogrammed Brain Cells Hold the Key to Healing Damaged Networks After Traumatic Brain Injury?

Executive Summary

We will determine if new neurons from reprogrammed human astrocytes (central nervous system cells) can withstand brain injuries, integrate into existing neural networks, and re-establish brain connectivity in traumatic brain injury patients. Our research will inform treatments to improve mental and physical health and potentially alleviate financial and long-term care burdens for injured military personnel and patients with acute brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s diseases.

Publications, Presentations, and Patents

Lam, D., C. Bogguri, J.Cadena, A. Ladd, A Sebastian, H.A Enright, and N.O Fischer. "Adapting The Brain-on-a-chip System To Evaluate Whether Reprogramming Astrocytes Hold The Key To Healing Damaged Neural Networks." In 2021 Neurotrauma, July 11-14, 2021.

Lam, D., N. O. Fischer, and H. A. Enright. 2021. "Probing function in 3D neuronal cultures: A survey of 3D multielectrode array advances." Curr Opin Pharmacol 60: 255-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coph.2021.08.003. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34481335.