Research Areas

This study explores the mystery of low back pain, a widespread problem that often stems from aging and deteriorating spinal discs. We were curious about why some worn-out discs cause pain while others don't. We suspected that certain environmental factors might affect specific cells in the discs, leading to pain. To investigate this, the we compared tissue samples from painful and pain-free discs, using an advanced technique called single-cell RNA sequencing. We focus on a particular type of cell called nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and exposed these cells to various stresses in the lab. The key finding was that a specific group of stressed NPCs was linked to discs causing back pain. When these stressed cells were injected into rat spines, the animals showed signs of increased pain sensitivity. 

This discovery is exciting because it reveals a potential trigger for low back pain at the cellular level. Understanding this mechanism could lead to more targeted treatments that focus on these specific pain-causing cells, rather than trying to repair entire discs. This approach could offer new hope for people suffering from chronic low back pain.

We have developed a pig model of lower back pain (LBP) in which we can measure pain development using non-invasive biobehavioral testing (BBT) and MR imaging. This model will serve as a tool to test new and emerging therapies for LBP and accelerate their development towards treatments that can be used in the clinic. 

We are also using this model to better understand how LBP develops by studying changes at the cellular and molecular levels. Our findings show that, as the IVD degenerate, the main cell type in the disc shifts from stem cell-like notochordal cells (NCs) to fully mature cells called nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). These mature cells seem to be involved in nerve growth, inflammation and other changes that may contribute to lower back pain. We are now studying how degenerative conditions affect NCs to uncover what causes them to change into NPCs.

Current treatments for low back pain, such as surgical intervention and pain management, focus on alleviating symptoms of the disease without addressing the disease itself. Our lab is looking to develop a stem cell therapy to regenerate the degenerated IVD by leveraging microgel technology to safely deliver induced notochordal cells into the disc. By encapsulating cells within microgel we can inject the cells directly into the IVD without the need for surgery. The microgel also has added benefits of protecting the cells from the harsh environment of the degenerated IVD, the possibility of pre-conditioning the cells in vitro, and shielding the cells from sheer force exerted by pushing them through a syringe and needle. Research will be done in several pre-clinical models to determine the efficacy and safety of the microgel treatment. This study is funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and the NIH HEAL Initiative.

This study explores a new potential treatment for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), a painful joint condition caused by injury. Researchers used special stem cells to create anti-inflammatory cells called M2 macrophages. These lab-made M2 macrophages were tested in dishes with inflamed joint cells from osteoarthritis patients and showed promising results in reducing inflammation. The team then injected these cells into rats with simulated PTOA. Early results were encouraging: the treatment didn't cause immune reactions or increase pain. Using advanced imaging techniques, they found that the M2 macrophages might help slow down joint damage. This approach could lead to new ways to prevent and treat osteoarthritis by restoring balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cells in the joints.