Helm, Gregory A.
Primary Appointment
Professor, Neurological Surgery
Contact Information
PO Box 800212
Email: gah9r@virginia.edu
Website: http://bme.virginia.edu/people/faculty/helm/
Research Interests
Gene Therapy Techniques for the Treatment of Neurosurgical Disorders
Research Description
Our research laboratory, located in the Department of Neurosurgery, is involved with the development of gene therapy techniques for the treatment of neurosurgical disorders. One major project involves the use of bone morphogenetic protein gene therapy for the induction of bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament formation. We are currently utilizing several different viral transduction systems to maximize gene expression while limiting the host immune response.
In a separate study, genetically modified fibroblasts are being constructed containing inducible promoters to control expression of various growth factors. These cells will be utilized to induce healing of intracranial aneurysms and decubitus ulcers. The inducible promoter system will control cellular proliferation to prevent cellular hypertrophy at the treatment sites.
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