Research Overview
The two broad areas of research in the laboratory are the application and development of robotic interactive training devices to abet motor recovery after neurological injury, and the characterization of the molecular and cellular basis for central nervous system dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus.
We have demonstrated a clinically significant effect of interactive robotic training on the motor function of the affected upper extremity in patients with stroke. The key ingredients require variable and challenging practice that the interactive device executes with each individual patient. We want to generate mathematical models about motor learning under a variety of training circumstances in order to affect the design of clinical trials of devices or drugs that affect motor recovery. We want to extend the understanding of motor recovery by combining neuro-imaging techniques with robot training studies, and to continue developing robotic devices for the lower limbs to treat gait abnormalities. In addition to the research effort, we have general clinical goals and we want to develop modern restorative programs.
We have developed a multi-disciplinary group to analyze the phenotype of animals exposed to anti-DNA, anti-NMDA receptor antibodies that occur in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. We have demonstrated the loss of CA1 hippocampal or lateral anterior amygdala neurons and the subsequent cognitive and behavioral phenotype. We are now exploring the toxicity of related anti-microbial and anti-brain antibodies that are generated during infection. We will explore the hypothesis that autoimmune susceptibility in mothers is associated with the production of brain reactive autoantibodies, and that during pregnancy, these pathogenic autoantibodies can be transferred to the fetus, altering brain development and predisposing to the development of Autism Spectral Disorders (ASD) in the offspring.
