Accumulated evidence that a novel growth factor-binding peptide derived from fibronectin limits burn injury progression in both large and small animals.

2014 - current: Chair, Executive Committee, Biomedical Engineering.Translational Science: Elucidated growth factor-binding domains in fibronectin and isolated a small peptide with the majority of activity. This fibronectin-derived peptide limits burn injury progression apparently by vasodilation of the cutaneous microvascular system in the zone of ischemia. The peripheral microvascular dilation is dependent on beta2-adrenergic receptor activation but is not associated with central… Show more 2014 - current: Chair, Executive Committee, Biomedical Engineering.Translational Science: Elucidated growth factor-binding domains in fibronectin and isolated a small peptide with the majority of activity. This fibronectin-derived peptide limits burn injury progression apparently by vasodilation of the cutaneous microvascular system in the zone of ischemia. The peripheral microvascular dilation is dependent on beta2-adrenergic receptor activation but is not associated with central cardiovascular effects. In addition, the peptide promotes cell survival and growth through binding PDGF-BB and biasing PDGF receptor-beta signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, the peptide has the structure and function of an anti-microbial peptide and limits inflammation. Phase 1 clinical trials have been completed by NeoMatrix Therapeutics, Inc. and a Phase 2a clinical trial is now in the planning stages. Show less

Founding Chair of Dermatology Department. Stepped down in 2003 to become full-time Professor of Biomedical Engineering, however, still sees dermatology patients 1/2 day per week. Rehired by Department of Dermatology as Professor and Vice-Chair for Research in 2013 while continuing half-time as Professor of Biomedical Engineering.

Novel solutions for the limitation of dermal injury, the enhancement of wound healing, and the promotion of nonscar healing and tissue regeneration.Development of two fibronectin-derived peptides that limit burn injury progression apparently by vasodilation of the cutaneous microvascular system in the zone of ischemia. The peripheral microvascular dilation is dependent on beta2-adrenergic receptor activation but is not associated with central cardiovascular effects. In addition, the… Show more Novel solutions for the limitation of dermal injury, the enhancement of wound healing, and the promotion of nonscar healing and tissue regeneration.Development of two fibronectin-derived peptides that limit burn injury progression apparently by vasodilation of the cutaneous microvascular system in the zone of ischemia. The peripheral microvascular dilation is dependent on beta2-adrenergic receptor activation but is not associated with central cardiovascular effects. In addition, the peptide promotes cell survival and growth through binding PDGF-BB and biasing PDGF receptor-beta signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, the peptide has the structure and function of an anti-microbial peptide and limits inflammation. Phase 1 clinical trials have been completed and a Phase 2a clinical trial is now in the planning stages. Show less

Laboratory Research and patient care