Theo Hagg, M.D., Ph.D.
Endowed Chair Professor
Research Description
LIFT investigates how neurotrophic factors/receptors and endogenous stem cells might be used to develop repair strategies for spinal cord injury. Neurotrophic factors are special proteins in the nervous system and have been recognized as regulators of cell behavior, including their ability to promote the survival of brain cells (neurons). The therapeutic potential of these factors has been shown in tissue culture and animal studies of a large number of investigators, including our group. After an injury to the brain or spinal cord, many neurons die (degenerate) and most cannot regrow their fibers to reconnect (regenerate) to their original target cells. Neurotrophic factors, when infused into the brain, can prevent and reverse this degeneration, and can promote the regrowth of the fibers. We are also investigating the regulators of endogenous neural precursors in adult mice to identify selective drug targets for enhancing neurogenesis. The long term goal of these studies is to provide information that would lead to better treatment strategies for a variety of human neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury. Techniques used routinely include various refined microsurgical procedures in the brain and spinal cord of rats and mice, chronic implantation of Alzet pumps and infusion-cannulas, immunocytochemistry on nervous system tissue sections, quantification of neuronal numbers and size. We are members of the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, and collaborate with many other laboratories and biotechnology companies in Canada, U.S.A. and Europe.