Research
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH IN NEUROSURGERY
Because we deal with some of the most complicated and difficult neurosurgical diseases, we constantly face problems for which there are not definite answers. Our basic, translational and clinical research programs are focused on better understanding these problems, which can lead to effective treatments in the future.
Research in the Department of Neurosurgery encompasses a wide spectrum of projects including:
- Stem cell use in the treatment of neurological disorders such as ischemic brain injury, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury
- Gene therapies, including development of vector systems for treating lysosomal storage disorders of the brain such as MPS I (Hurler Syndrome) and MSP II (Hunter's Syndrome)
- Neuro-oncology projects, including a collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics and College of Veterinary Medicine to create vaccines to fight brain tumors in humans and their canine companions as well as multicenter trials for treatments of brain tumors using blood-brain barrier disruption
- Projects on neuro-protective compounds include the study of anti-apoptotic agents such as tauro-ursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) to prevent neuronal loss in conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease and spinal cord injury
- Projects on neuro-transport include the study of water movement for hydrocephalus and debris/blood from trauma out of the intracranial cavity.
Research Labs
- Restorative Neurotrauma Lab - HCMC
- Herman-Darrow Lab
- Neuroanatomy Lab
- Parr Lab
- Venteicher Lab
- Low Lab
- Stroke, Brain Injury, and Stem Cell Lab
The Restorative Neurotrauma Lab (RNL) at Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute (HHRI) aims to investigate and bolster promising treatments/therapies through a multifaceted approach by integrating clinical and academic expertise.
Link to Restorative Neurotrauma Lab Website
The Herman Darrow human neuroscience lab studies the neural circuit mechanisms of decision making with advanced electrophysiology and neuromodulation. By optimizing neuromodulation and targeting these circuits, our mission is to improve treatments transdiagnostically across chronic pain, movement disorders, addiction, epilepsy, and depression.
The Neuroanatomy Lab is a division of the School of Medicines Department of Neurosurgery under the guidance of Andrew Grande, MD; and Michael Park, MD, PhD. The lab functions as both a resource for residents in clinical training programs and for outside medical industry personnel interested in expanding their understanding of the brain’s anatomical structures.
The Parr lab centers around transplanting neural stem cells grown from a patient's own skin to the injured spinal cord. The lab is an active translational research laboratory at the Stem Cell Institute.
The Venteicher laboratory focuses on using new molecular techniques to understand how and why brain tumors develop and resist chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
The Low lab's research is focused on the translational development of therapies for treating neurological disorders.
The Stroke, Brain Injury, and Stem Cell lab's focus is on treating ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury with neuro-regenerative therapies.
Interested in Research in the Department of Neurosurgery?
If you are student or volunteer and interested in research in the Department of Neurosurgery complete the form below -
If you are interested in a job in research in the Department of Neurosurgery please refer to the UMN job page -
Research ethics at the University of Minnesota
We are committed to protecting research participants, upholding ethical standards, and improving our practice at every step of our work.
For more information
For questions or more information regarding research in the department, please reach out to [email protected].