Seth A. Herr
Traumatic Injury in the Central Nervous System
Contact Info:Training Group(s):
Integrative Neuroscience
Current Research Interests:
In the Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, we use rat models to reliably replicate spinal cord contusion injury (SCI) and mild blast traumatic brain injury (mbTBI). We aim to understand the molecular pathways, role of secondary injury, and etiology of common comorbidities such as partial paralysis and neuropathic pain in SCI and post-traumatic stress disorder and risk for development of Parkinson’s disease after mbTBI. By understanding these pathways, time courses, and comorbidities in our models we can develop novel therapeutic interventions to facilitate recovery in humans. Thus far, our lab has identified reactive aldehydes, primarily generated from lipid peroxidation after injury, as key factors in the onset, maintenance, and progression of post injury pathogeneses. We are working to reduce concentrations of acrolein, the most reactive and neurotoxic aldehyde formed, through novel clearance capabilities either enhancing endogenous removal mechanisms or administering exogenous acrolein scavengers.- Student Profile
