Expertise
Research Interests: Development of Combination Strategies to Repair the Injured Spinal Cord
Pursuing an overall goal of promoting nervous system repair, Dr. Bunge was a pioneer in elucidating the structure and function of cells that form myelin and, more recently, in developing a new spinal cord injury model and novel combination strategies to improve repair of the injured spinal cord. Her laboratory currently conducts preclinical studies aimed at developing neuroprotective and neuroregenerative therapies for spinal cord injuries.
We are studying gene differences between neurons that are able to regrow onto a Schwann cell bridge placed in the area of injury and those that do not grow onto the bridge. Currently we are testing ways in which to modify the spinal cord-Schwann cell implant interfaces for improved permissivity for axons to enter and exit the implant and clinically relevant biomaterials and conduits in which to transplant Schwann cells for improved survival and alignment.
Research Summary:
To foster regeneration of axons across and beyond the area of injury.