Expertise
Neuroprotection and Improved Recovery of Function following CNS Trauma.
Research in Dr. Dietrich’s laboratory is focused on clarifying the pathophysiology of brain and spinal cord injury with the ultimate goal of developing new therapies to protect and enhance recovery of function. Over the last 35 years, Dr. Dietrich and colleagues have studied the cellular and molecular injury mechanism underlying various neurological disorders including stroke, cardiac arrest, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury.
Most recently, Dr. Dietrich and colleagues have investigated the importance of abnormal inflammasome activation in the brain and spinal cord after injury. These studies have uncovered a new therapeutic target for modifying the immediate immune response to injury. In addition to these studies, Dr. Dietrich and colleagues are using novel cellular and drug treatments to promote repairative process and functional recovery after brain and SCI.
Research Interests
- Pathophysiology of Brain and Spinal Cord Injury
- Neuroprotection including Therapeutic Hypothermia
- Reparative strategies including Cell therapies
- Inflammatory mechanisms of secondary injury
- Clinical Trials targeting Spinal Cord and Brain Injury
I investigate the pathobiology and treatment of CNS injury and repair in both the acute and chronic setting. Animal models of cerebral ischemia, and brain and spinal cord trauma are utilized to investigate the mechanisms of tissue injury and to test novel therapeutic interventions including temperature modification, pharmacological treatment and cell therapies. The ultimate goal is to develop clinically relevant therapies that can be translated to people living with brain and spinal cord injury.