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Dissociated sensory neurons from the dorsal root ganglion showing neuritic projections. Glial cells can be see as bluish hue in the background. Image credit: Ahina Job
Imagine billions of tiny cells, called neurons, buzzing around and chatting with each other! That's what's happening inside our nervous system, a super complex network that controls everything we do, from feeling a tickle to remembering our mother's birthday. This intricate system not only controls movement and perception but also plays a critical role in tissue regeneration and disease pathology.
In our lab, we're curious about how inputs from these neurons effect tissue healing and regeneration. We are also interested in knowing how blood supply to neurons play a role their function, and how we can leverage these mechanisms for diagnostic and targeted drug delivery applications! In the lab, students ask questions such as:
How does neural blood supply effect neural function in high altitude conditions? Can we do something to help people working in such areas?
Can we use nanoparticles to deliver drugs directly to axons and improve treatment for neural disorders?
Can we develop diagnostic tools by studying neural interactions using model systems like C. elegans?
And lately, we are also asking questions related to microgravity and its effect on neural function!
We are actively investigating these questions through a combination of cell-based models, worm models, biomaterials, and in vivo studies. Below are some of the exciting projects we are currently working on:
Axonal Drug Delivery: Harnessing Nature’s Transport System
Deep within our nervous system, axons serve as highways, transporting essential molecules across vast neural networks. Our lab is exploring ways to leverage this natural transport system for precise drug delivery to the brain and peripheral nerves. Inspired by the rabies virus, which efficiently travels along nerve fibers, we are developing engineered nanoparticles—both metallic and polymeric—with surfaces designed to mimic this viral transport mechanism. These nanoparticles have the potential to deliver targeted therapies for conditions such as chronic pain, neurodegeneration, and nerve injuries.
To study how these nanoparticles navigate axonal pathways, we use microfluidic devices combined with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, allowing us to track their movement in real-time. Each experiment brings us closer to optimizing this delivery system, paving the way for innovative treatments that can reach deep within the nervous system with unprecedented precision.
Scanning electron microscope image of shape-altered PLGA nanoparticles used as drug delivery systems. Credit: Ahina Job
Image showing sensory neurons dissociated from the trigeminal ganglion with extensive neurites in a day-5 culture (left), and the image on the right showing migrating corneal epithelial cells at 0 hour (top-right) and 24 hours (bottom-right) after a scratch. Credit: Merlin Pious
Nerve Signals in Healing: Unlocking Regeneration
Beyond controlling movement and sensation, nerves play a vital role in guiding tissue repair. Our lab is investigating how neural inputs influence the regeneration of corneal limbal stem cells (LSCs)—a critical factor in restoring damaged corneal surface epithelial cells. These cells are essential for maintaining a clear, functional cornea, and injuries or diseases affecting them can lead to vision impairment.
By studying the interaction between nerve signals and stem cell behavior, we aim to understand how neural cues enhance LSC stability, proliferation, and differentiation. Our work could open new avenues for therapeutic strategies in corneal repair, potentially improving treatments for patients with ocular surface injuries.
Worms at Work: C. elegans in Toxicology, Diagnostics, and Microgravity Research
Worms at Work: C. elegans in Toxicology, Diagnostics, and Microgravity Research
How do environmental factors, toxins, and even microgravity affect biological systems? Our lab is using C. elegans as a versatile model organism to study toxicology, diagnostics, and cellular adaptation. These microscopic worms share key genetic and physiological traits with humans, making them an excellent system for assessing drug safety, neurotoxicity, and biomarker-based disease detection.
How do environmental factors, toxins, and even microgravity affect biological systems? Our lab is using C. elegans as a versatile model organism to study toxicology, diagnostics, and cellular adaptation. These microscopic worms share key genetic and physiological traits with humans, making them an excellent system for assessing drug safety, neurotoxicity, and biomarker-based disease detection.
By analyzing behavioral, molecular, and physiological responses in C. elegans, we develop high-throughput screening methods for detecting toxic compounds and evaluating potential therapies. Additionally, our research explores how microgravity impacts cellular and neural function, providing insights that extend from earth-based toxicology studies to space biology applications.
By analyzing behavioral, molecular, and physiological responses in C. elegans, we develop high-throughput screening methods for detecting toxic compounds and evaluating potential therapies. Additionally, our research explores how microgravity impacts cellular and neural function, providing insights that extend from earth-based toxicology studies to space biology applications.
Image of a C. elegans worm with virtual body segmented points for behavioural analysis and AI/ML predictive models. Image credit: Priyanka Tanvashi
Nerve Circulation at Extremes: High-Altitude Neurovascular Research
Nerve Circulation at Extremes: High-Altitude Neurovascular Research
Oxygen supply is critical for nerve function, but how does reduced nerve blood flow at high altitudes impact neural health? Our lab is investigating the effects of hypoxia-induced changes in nerve microcirculation, exploring how these alterations influence nerve function, pain sensitivity, and regeneration. By understanding these adaptations, we aim to develop strategies to mitigate altitude-related neural impairments, benefiting both high-altitude populations and individuals in extreme environments.
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