Within the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, 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 Anatomy & Neurobiology
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 Anatomy & Neurobiology
Phone: 804-828-9536
Email: jeffrey.dupree@vcuhealth.org
Babette Fuss, Ph.D.
Professor
Babette Fuss, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology
Phone: 804-827-0826
Email: babette.fuss@vcuhealth.org
Yun Kyung Hahn, Ph.D.
Instructor
Pamela E. Knapp, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Pamela E. Knapp, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology
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 Anatomy & Neurobiology
Phone: 804-828-0527
Gretchen N. Neigh (McCandless), Ph.D., MBA
Professor
Gretchen N. Neigh (McCandless), Ph.D., MBA
Professor
Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology
Phone: 804-628-5152
A. Rory McQuiston, Ph.D.
Professor
A. Rory McQuiston, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology
Phone: 804-828-1573
Email: adam.mcquiston@vcuhealth.org
Dong Sun, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor
Dong Sun, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology
Phone: 804-828-1318
Fax: 804-828-3276
Email: dong.sun@vcuhealth.org
Ongoing Projects
Faculty: Jeffrey Dupree, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Cost: $426,594
Duration: June 1, 2018 – May 31, 2021
Project Description: This study aims to determine the role that a novel form of neurofascin, expressed by microglia, plays in the regulation of AIS structure and function.
Faculty: Jeffrey Dupree, Ph.D.
Sponsor: Veterans' Affairs Merit Award
Cost: $1,073,382
Duration: April 1, 2015 – March 3, 2024
Project Description: The main goal of this project is to use a combination of morphological and electrophysiological approaches to characterize the loss of axon initial segments in cortical layer V both EAE and MS in the absence of demyelination.
Faculty: Babette Fuss, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Cost: $4,457,539
Duration: August 15, 2019 – June 30, 2021
Project Description: The major goal of this project is to characterize the role of the ATX-LPA axis in regulating the differentiation of CNS myelinating cells, oligodendrocytes, during development and myelin repair. In the long-term, this project is anticipated to lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating CNS myelination and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for stimulating myelin repair under pathological conditions.
Faculty: Babette Fuss, Ph.D.
Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University, Value and Efficiency Teaching and Research
Cost: $50,000
Duration: June 1, 2019 – November 30, 2020
Project Description: This project aims to characterize the signaling cascades triggered by activation of sodium-dependent glutamate transporters in CNS myelinating cells, oligodendrocytes, and their roles in CNS myelination and remyelination. In the long-term, this project is anticipated to lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating CNS myelination and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for stimulating myelin repair under pathological conditions.
Faculty: Pamela Knapp, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Cost: $3,863,590
Duration: May 15, 2014 – April 30, 2021
Project Description: This project tests the hypothesis that neural progenitor dysfunction in HIV models is driven by aberrant interactions with activated microglia, and that chronic opiate-HIV exposure permanently alters cell populations in maturing/adult brains.
Faculty: Pamela Knapp, Ph.D., Adam “Rory” McQuiston, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Cost: $3,506,269
Duration: April 15, 2013 – March 31, 2024
Project Description: These studies determine mechanisms by which non-neuronal cells in CNS contribute to HIV or HIV and opiate-mediated neuron death and synaptodendritic dysfunction in the hippocampus. Focus is on novel interactions between the mu-opiate receptor and chemokine receptor CCR5.
Faculty: Pamela Knapp, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Cost: $1,639,264
Duration: September 1, 2017 – June 30, 2022
Project Description: These studies determine whether HIV-1 Tat exposure causes structural (MRI/tractography) and biochemical changes in CNS white matter, whether opiate exposure or withdrawal exacerbate, and role of blood-brain-barrier changes. In vitro studies examine HIV-opiate effects on human OLs.
Faculty: Pamela Knapp, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Cost: $807,952
Duration: September 15, 2019 – July 31, 2024
Project Description: This project investigates the role of glial-to-neuronal signaling in the control of HIV latency using iPSC models of infection and neurodegeneration.
Faculty: Pamela Knapp, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Cost: $2,956,903
Duration: September 1, 2016 – June 30, 2021
Project Description: These studies investigate whether methamphetamine-induced reversal of latent HIV in microglia is driven by neuronal injury. In vitro human and rodent models are used.
Faculty: Dong Sun, Ph.D.
Sponsor: National Institute on Aging
Cost: $1,829,488
Duration: March 15, 2019 – December 31, 2020
Project Description: This goal of this project is to develop and optimize a novel inhibitor targeting NLRP3 inflammasome for treating Alzheimer’s disease.