George S. Hussey, PhD

Dr. George Hussey is an Assistant Professor in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Pathology. Prior to joining the Department of Pathology, he was a Research Assistant Professor, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Surgery.  He was also a McGowan Institute Postdoctoral Associate in the laboratory of Stephen Badylak, DVM, PhD, MD, and a Postdoctoral Fellow in the laboratory of Philip Howe, PhD, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. In addition to his academic duties, Dr. Hussey has served since 2018 as the Vice President of Research & Development at ECM Therapeutics, Inc., a startup regenerative medicine company. In 2019, Dr. Hussey was honored with the Innovation Award (University of Pittsburgh) and he became a member of the American Society for Matrix Biology. Dr. Hussey received his BSc in Biology at the University of Akron, Akron, OH.  He obtained his PhD in Regulatory Biology from Cleveland State University, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Department of Cancer Biology, Cleveland, OH. Dr. Hussey’s research interests are focused upon the discovery, development, and clinical translation of extracellular matrix (ECM)-based materials for functional tissue reconstruction. These interests also extend into an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ECM-induced constructive remodeling, specifically in examining the remodeling response and the effect of matrix components on immune modulation toward a constructive, anti-inflammatory phenotype, with the broad goal of identifying molecular targets to bias these responses. Cell:Matrix interactions, including the role of matrix bound nanovesicles (MBV), constitutive phospholipids and incorporated (extracellular) RNA on matrix biology and the host tissue response, are prime targets of our investigations. With a more thorough understanding of matrix composition, as well as the interplay between fibrillar and soluble components within matrix, we will be able to apply a more rational approach toward the design of transformative new regenerative medicine technologies. View a list of Dr. Hussey’s publications here.