Biography
My research involves taking a multi-disciplinary approach to develop therapies to promote nerve regeneration following injury and disease. My lab develops small molecule therapeutics for nerve regeneration and neuroprotection following damage from traumatic injuries, neurodegenerative diseases and neuropathies; and explores their mechanism of action.
To do this my lab develops novel models of nerve degeneration and regeneration including complex 3D co-cultures. Pre-clinical studies we have conducted have demonstrated that the local delivery of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg. ibuprofen) and glitazones (eg. pioglitazone) have a beneficial effect on regeneration and functional recovery following injury. Being able to repurpose a currently marketed drug such as ibuprofen will accelerate the translation of a therapy for nerve damage to the clinic.
Furthermore, we are exploring the effects of a panel of drugs on all neural cells’ behaviour and phenotype and whether there are synergistic properties. Another approach to improve regeneration and functional recovery is the exploration of synergism between drug and cell therapies in central and peripheral nerve injuries. Additional work we are conducting is developing drug embedded biomaterials for sustained local delivery. We have a patented product and are currently involved in the ongoing development of this for commercialisation and further investment.