Giles Plant
Professor, Department of Neuroscience
692 Biomedical Research Tower
460 W 12th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
Education
- BSc: University of Greenwich, Hons, 1986-1990
- PhD: University of Western Australia, 1992-1995
Research Focus
Spinal Cord Injury, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Regeneration, Gene Therapy
Efficacy of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines to improve functional outcomes in cervical SCI.
We are investigating the efficacy of human iPSC lines differentiated into neuronal transplants to form relay/bridging grafts after acute SCI in the cervical spinal cord. Within these studies we are exploring the ability of these neurons, in conjunction with biomaterials, intensive rehabilitation, to induce long tract growth, synapse formation to the host spinal cord, and overall improve functional recovery. The long-term goals are to develop neuroprotective and regenerative translational protocols for human clinical treatments. It is hoped that patients will have improved motor, sensory and autonomic functions, as well as experiencing fewer secondary complications such as bladder and bowel dysfunction, autonomic dysreflexia, pain and spasticity; the goal is in improving the quality of life for patients with SCI.