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

John W. Bigbee, Ph.D.

John W. Bigbee, Ph.D.

Professor

John W. Bigbee, Ph.D.

John W. Bigbee, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology

Phone: 804-828-0948

Email: john.bigbee@vcuhealth.org

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Jeffrey L. Dupree, Ph.D.

Jeffrey L. Dupree, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Jeffrey L. Dupree, Ph.D.

Jeffrey L. Dupree, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology

Phone: 804-828-9536

Email: jeffrey.dupree@vcuhealth.org

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Babette Fuss, Ph.D.

Babette Fuss, Ph.D.

Professor

Babette Fuss, Ph.D.

Babette Fuss, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology

Phone: 804-827-0826

Email: babette.fuss@vcuhealth.org

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Yun Kyung Hahn, Ph.D.

Yun Kyung Hahn, Ph.D.

Instructor

Yun Kyung Hahn, Ph.D.

Yun Kyung Hahn, Ph.D.

Instructor

Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology

Email: yun.hahn@vcuhealth.org

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Pamela E. Knapp, Ph.D.

Pamela E. Knapp, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair

Pamela E. Knapp, Ph.D.

Pamela E. Knapp, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair

Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology

Phone: 804-628-7570

Email: pamela.knapp@vcuhealth.org

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Audrey D. Lafrenaye, Ph.D.

Audrey D. Lafrenaye, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Audrey D. Lafrenaye, Ph.D.

Audrey D. Lafrenaye, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology

Phone: 804-828-0527

Email: audrey.lafrenaye@vcuhealth.org

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Gretchen N. Neigh (McCandless), Ph.D., MBA

Gretchen N. Neigh (McCandless), Ph.D., MBA

Professor

Gretchen N. Neigh (McCandless), Ph.D., MBA

Gretchen N. Neigh (McCandless), Ph.D., MBA

Professor

Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology

Phone: 804-628-5152

Email: gretchen.mccandless@vcuhealth.org

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A. Rory McQuiston, Ph.D.

A. Rory McQuiston, Ph.D.

Professor

A. Rory McQuiston, Ph.D.

A. Rory McQuiston, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology

Phone: 804-828-1573

Email: adam.mcquiston@vcuhealth.org

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Dong Sun, M.D., Ph.D.

Dong Sun, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor

Dong Sun, M.D., Ph.D.

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

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Ongoing Projects