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Valentina Cigliola, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology


Research Description

Our research is focused on developing methods to regenerate the injured spinal cord, with the ultimate goal of reversing paralysis.

In adult mammals, spinal cord injury leads to permanent loss of mobility and sensation. In contrast, zebrafish regenerate and recover function after spinal cord injury. Key for this regenerative capacity are neurogenesis and the formation of a tissue bridge, composed of glial cells and nerve fibers (axons), that connects the severed spinal cord stumps. Neonatal mice also regenerate axons after spinal cord injury, and recent studies suggest regenerative mechanisms similar to those in zebrafish.

We deploy frontline genetics, transcriptomics, in vivo cellular, molecular, and behavioral approaches in zebrafish and mice to answer the following questions:

1. What factors enable innate spinal cord regeneration, and how are they regulated?

2. Are the pro-regenerative mechanisms in zebrafish and neonatal mice conserved?

3. Can we stimulate regeneration in adult mammals by reactivating innate pro-regenerative mechanisms?

We believe that by uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive innate spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish and neonatal mice, we can identify potential therapeutic strategies for treating spinal cord injuries in adult mammals, and ultimately in humans.

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Vanderbilt Brain Institute