|
Frank Reilly, Ph.D. |
Professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy
Graduate Training: University of Cincinnati |
|
4010C HSN
PO Box 9128
Morgantown, WV 26506 |
Email: freilly@hsc.wvu.edu
Phone: 304-293-0607
Fax: 304-293-8159 |
Summary of Research Program:
My collaborators and I are studying the dynamic structure and function of the microvascular system in living (whole) animal models and in cultured dermal endothelial cells. The effects of mechanical methods of closure and rapid stretching on vascular growth (angiogenesis) and healing are being investigated in the skin of healthy and diabetic mice. The specific aim of the studies is to provide new information about, and an improved understanding of, the microcirculatory factors provoking low flow and progressive cellular injury and death in diabetes. We are targeting tissue insulin (insulin-1) gene, because it is thought to be down-regulated in diabetic skin. Disregulation is hypothesized to inhibit signaling via chemicals on the cell surface (called an insulin/insulin growth factor receptor or 1-R/IGF-R) that accept insulin. Tissue insulin-mediated activation of 1-R/IGF-R is postulated to increase local blood flow (vasodilation) via NO biosynthesis and release and to promote angiogenesis via a growth factor called VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and its receptors (VEGF-R2). We are using non-invasive blood flow monitoring and contemporary cellular and molecular methods (DDRT-PCR, Northern and Western blotting, in situ hybridization, and immuno-histochemical staining methods) to demonstrate endogenous up-regulation of NO and/or VEGF in diabetic animal models and isolated dermal endothelial cell cultures. This research is anticipated to prove beneficial in the treatment of diabetes where we hypothesize there to be a defect in the number or shape of receptors, or in a variety of defects that can occur inside blood vessels inhibiting normal insulin function via NO and/or VEGF signaling. It is anticipated that new knowledge will result in the development of surgical and therapeutic approaches reversing the unfavorable conditions that trigger insufficient (nutrient) circulation and, thereby, compromise normal function and survival in diabetes.
Selected Publications:
- Hochberg, J., M. Raman, E. Cilento, K. Kemp, M. Barnett, R. Thomas, and F.D. Reilly. Development and evaluation of an in vivo mouse model for studying myocutaneous flap microcirculation and viability before and after suturing and stapling. Int. J. Microcirc.: Clin. Exp. 14: 67-72, 1994.
- Zhu, Y., J. Luo, J. Barker, J. Hochberg, E. Cilento, and F. Reilly. Identification of genes induced by rapid intraoperative tissue expansion in mouse skin. Arch. Dermatol. Res. 293(11): 561-569, 2002.
- Zhu, X., D. Hall, G. Ridenour, S. Boo, T. Jennings, J. Hochberg, E. Cilento, and F. Reilly. A mouse model for studying rapid intraoperative methods of skin closure and wound healing. Med. Sci. Monitor 9(3): 109-115, 2003.
- Shrader, C., H. Ressetar, J. Luo, E. Cilento, and F. Reilly. Acute stretch promotes endothelial cell proliferation in wounded healing mouse skin. Arch. Dermatol. Res., 300(9): 495-504, 2008. http://www.springerlink.com/content/f088733670g16537/
- Allen, E., R. Walls, and F. Reilly. Effects of Web-based interactive instructional techniques in a peripheral nervous system component for human anatomy. Medical Teacher 30(1): 40-47, 2008. http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content?content=10.1080/01421590701753518
- Shrader, C.D., K.M. Bailey, G.W. Konat, E.V. Cilento, and F.D. Reilly. Insulin-Induced proliferation and enhanced viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Arch. Dermatol. Res., 301(2): 159-166, 2009. http://www.springerlink.com/content/w521416773502356
|
