Mariajose Metcalfe

Biography

UofL Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology 

At the Metcalfe Lab, we study how injured neural circuits can be repaired after spinal cord injury (SCI). Our work focuses on developing and refining regeneration-based therapies, with an emphasis on axonal growth, circuit remodeling, and functional recovery. We use genetic and viral approaches, including PTEN modulation and next-generation adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, to precisely control when and where growth programs are activated in injured neurons.

A central theme of the lab is that regeneration is not always beneficial by default. We investigate how the timing, location, and magnitude of axonal growth shape outcomes, including both recovery of function and maladaptive consequences such as aberrant circuit remodeling. Our research also addresses fundamental biological variables, to uncover mechanisms that can be leveraged for more effective and safer therapies. By combining molecular tools, viral engineering, in vivo imaging, and quantitative behavioral analyses, we aim to define how to promote meaningful, durable repair of neural circuits after SCI.

In addition to her scientific work, Dr. Metcalfe is committed to building strong training pipelines in neuroscience through hands-on mentorship and educational outreach. She works closely with students and trainees at all career stages and is actively engaged in efforts to broaden participation in biomedical research through training, community engagement, and career development initiatives. She is also involved in national advocacy efforts to strengthen federal investment in spinal cord injury research, working with scientific and patient communities to highlight the urgent need for sustained support for SCI discovery and translation.

Research Interests

The Metcalfe Lab studies how injured neural circuits can be repaired after spinal cord injury. Our work focuses on regeneration-based therapies that use genetic and viral tools to stimulate axonal growth and promote functional recovery. A central idea in the lab is that regeneration must be carefully controlled. Successful repair depends not only on encouraging growth, but also on when, where, and how that growth occurs.

We investigate how these factors shape both recovery and unwanted side effects, and we study important biological variables, including sex differences, that influence outcomes after injury. By combining molecular approaches, viral vector engineering, in vivo imaging, and quantitative behavioral analysis, our goal is to develop safer and more effective strategies to restore function after spinal cord injury.

Degrees and Certifications

Publications

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