Basic and Translational Research

Research in the Department of Neurosurgery encompasses a wide spectrum of projects.

Stem cell projects include the development of adult stem cells, human embryonic stem cells, and umbilical cord stem cells for the treatment of neurological disorders such as ischemic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease.  

Gene therapy projects include the development of vector systems for treating spinocerebellar ataxia and lysosomal storage disorders of the brain; and the development of novel anionic liposomal systems for the delivery of therapeutic genes to the brain.  

Neuro-oncology projects include the development of cancer vaccines for the treatment of brain tumors and the development of immunotoxins that target neoplasms in the brain.

Projects on neuroprotective compounds include the study of bile acids such as TUDCA to prevent neuronal loss in conditions such as stroke, Huntington’s disease, and spinal cord injury.