Within the Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy, a core group of researchers focuses on the diverse role of glial cells in nervous system development, disease and repair.
The mammalian nervous system is comprised of a complex array of multiple cell types required for neural function. Glial cells constitute a large fraction of cells in the vertebrate central and peripheral nervous systems. They provide critical support for the development, survival and function of neurons and neuronal circuits, and have diverse roles in modulating the extracellular environment in both health and disease.
Ongoing research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the behaviors and functions of glial cells in:
- Development
- Traumatic CNS injury
- Multiple sclerosis
- Human immunodeficiency virus
- Epilepsy
- Drug abuse
- Aging
- Neuropsychiatric disease
Faculty
John W. Bigbee, Ph.D.
Professor
John W. Bigbee, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-828-0948
Email: john.bigbee@vcuhealth.org
Jeffrey L. Dupree, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Jeffrey L. Dupree, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-828-9536
Email: jeffrey.dupree@vcuhealth.org
Babette Fuss, Ph.D.
Professor
Babette Fuss, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-827-0826
Email: babette.fuss@vcuhealth.org
Yun Kyung Hahn, Ph.D.
Instructor
Yun Kyung Hahn, Ph.D.
Instructor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Email: yun.hahn@vcuhealth.org
Pamela E. Knapp, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Pamela E. Knapp, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-628-7570
Email: pamela.knapp@vcuhealth.org
Audrey D. Lafrenaye, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Audrey D. Lafrenaye, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-828-0527
Gretchen N. Neigh (McCandless), PhD, MBA
Professor & Vice Chair
Gretchen N. Neigh (McCandless), PhD, MBA
Professor & Vice Chair
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-628-5152
A. Rory McQuiston, Ph.D.
Professor
A. Rory McQuiston, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-828-1573
Email: adam.mcquiston@vcuhealth.org
Dong Sun, MD, PhD
Professor
Dong Sun, MD, PhD
Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
Phone: 804-828-1318
Fax: 804-828-3276
Email: dong.sun@vcuhealth.org
Ongoing Projects
MPIs: Imad Damaj, PhD
Faculty: Peter Hamilton, PhD
Sponsor: National Cancer Institute/NIH
Cost: $1,838,987
Duration: April 21, 2023 - March 31, 2028
Project Description:
Faculty: Wenhui Hu, PhD
Sponsor: Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Cost: $787,808
Duration: April 5, 2022 - February 28, 2027
Project Description:
Faculty: Wenhui Hu, PhD
Sponsor: Temple University
Cost: $521,118
Duration: August 1, 2023 - April 30, 2026
Project Description:
Faculty: Wenhui Hu, PhD
Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse/NIH/DHHS
Cost: $1,999,450
Duration: January 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027
Project Description:
Faculty: Wenhui Hu, PhD
Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/NIH
Cost: $823,730
Duration: April 8, 2019 - March 31, 2026
Project Description:
Faculty: Wenhui Hu, PhD
Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/NIH
Cost: $2,511,034
Duration: December 1, 2023 - November 30, 2027
Project Description:
Faculty: Wenhui Hu, PhD
Sponsor: Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Cost: $294,975
Duration: August 15, 2025 - May 31, 2030
Project Description:
Faculty: Adam "Rory" McQuiston, PhD
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/NIH
Cost: $1,823,066
Duration: September 27, 2022 - August 31, 2027
Project Description:
Faculty: Audrey Lafrenaye, PhD
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/NIH
Cost: $1,627,616
Duration: August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2027
Project Description: