PI Michael Steketee
Title Applying Extracellular Matrix Technology to Neuroprotect and to Repair Injured Retina and Optic Nerve Extension
Description: Our long-term goal is to understand the mechanisms by which ECM exerts its effects on cellular function so we can develop highly targeted therapies to preserve or restore visual function. The goal for this VRP TRA application is to develop temperature sensitive ECM hydrogels and ECM biohybrid nerve wraps for treating retina and optic nerve trauma. We hypothesize ECM technology will preserve or restore visual function by altering the default healing response to retinal or optic nerve injury in four key areas: 1) Increase RGC survival and axon regeneration. 2) Increase endogenous stem cell recruitment to the wound. 3) Increase M2 polarization in macrophages and microglia at the wound site. 4) Decrease glial scarring.
Source: Department of Defense
Term 01 February 2015 – 31 January 2018
Amount $1,000,000