Grants Funded
ASPS/PSF leadership is committed to continuing to provide high levels of investigator-initiated research support to ensure that plastic surgeons have the needed research resources to be pioneers and innovators in advancing the practice of medicine.
Research Abstracts
Search The PSF database to have easy access to full-text grant abstracts from past PSF-funded research projects 2003 to present. All abstracts are the work of the Principal Investigators and were retrieved from their PSF grant applications. Several different filters may be applied to locate abstracts specific to a particular focus area or PSF funding mechanism.
A Novel Model for Restoration of Sensation in Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy
Principal Investigator
Stephen Kemp PhD
Stephen Kemp PhD
Year
2025
2025
Institution
The Regents of the University of Michigan
The Regents of the University of Michigan
Funding Mechanism
ASPN/PSF Research Grant
ASPN/PSF Research Grant
Focus Area
Peripheral Nerve, Other
Peripheral Nerve, Other
Abstract
Project Summary
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a debilitating condition affecting 50% of individuals with diabetes. It is estimated that by 2050, over 1.6 billion individuals will have DPN worldwide. DPN results in loss of sensation most commonly in the feet, often leading to severe complications such as pressure sores, infections, and amputations. Current therapeutic strategies are limited in their ability to prevent these complications and to restore sensation. Researchers have developed wearable devices that sense pressure changes on the soles of the feet and transmit signals directly into electrodes implanted in nerves. However, implanting electrodes into nerves poses significant risks including the acceleration of neuropathy progression. This pilot study aims to develop the novel Dermal Cuff Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (DC-RPNI), to address these challenges. This builds upon the Dermal Sensory Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (DS-RPNI), which involves grafting dermal tissue onto transected nerves to provide sensory feedback in persons with amputations. We have previously shown that mechanoreceptors are reinnervated and functional in DSRPNIs. Providing pressure to a DS-RPNI activates the respective mechanoreceptors and leads to modality matched compound sensory nerve action potentials. The DC-RPNI extends this concept by grafting dermis onto intact peripheral nerves, offering an improved and safer interface between wearable pressure sensors and nerves. This approach avoids direct nerve implantation, reducing the risks associated with traditional electrode placement. By implanting electrodes directly into the dermal graft, the DCRPNI aims to deliver pressure feedback that mimics natural sensation by leveraging the reinnervated mechanoreceptors, potentially enhancing patients' ability to perceive and respond to changes in pressure that are at most risk of developing ulcers. The primary objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the DC-RPNI in rats. The study will include testing the interface's capability to detect and transmit pressure signals. We hypothesize that the mechanoreceptors in the dermal graft of the
DC-RPNI will be reinnervated and functional, which will allow for transmission of pressure sensation. This would be the first step towards providing a more effective alternative to direct nerve implantation, thereby enhancing sensory restoration and reducing the incidence of amputation in DPN.
Impact Statement
We will establish a preclinical rat model to evaluate the Dermal Cuff Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (DC-RPNI), a novel construct designed to restore naturalistic sensation by promoting reinnervation of mechanoreceptors within a dermal graft. We will investigate the capacity of reinnervated mechanoreceptors to transmit sensory feedback when integrated with intact peripheral nerves. Success in this study will provide insights into the potential of regenerative nerve interfaces to restore functional sensation, in particular individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN often leads to foot ulcers, infections, and amputations due to loss of sensation. This innovation could transform diabetic care in plastic surgery, reduce amputations, and improve patient outcomes.
Project Summary
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a debilitating condition affecting 50% of individuals with diabetes. It is estimated that by 2050, over 1.6 billion individuals will have DPN worldwide. DPN results in loss of sensation most commonly in the feet, often leading to severe complications such as pressure sores, infections, and amputations. Current therapeutic strategies are limited in their ability to prevent these complications and to restore sensation. Researchers have developed wearable devices that sense pressure changes on the soles of the feet and transmit signals directly into electrodes implanted in nerves. However, implanting electrodes into nerves poses significant risks including the acceleration of neuropathy progression. This pilot study aims to develop the novel Dermal Cuff Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (DC-RPNI), to address these challenges. This builds upon the Dermal Sensory Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (DS-RPNI), which involves grafting dermal tissue onto transected nerves to provide sensory feedback in persons with amputations. We have previously shown that mechanoreceptors are reinnervated and functional in DSRPNIs. Providing pressure to a DS-RPNI activates the respective mechanoreceptors and leads to modality matched compound sensory nerve action potentials. The DC-RPNI extends this concept by grafting dermis onto intact peripheral nerves, offering an improved and safer interface between wearable pressure sensors and nerves. This approach avoids direct nerve implantation, reducing the risks associated with traditional electrode placement. By implanting electrodes directly into the dermal graft, the DCRPNI aims to deliver pressure feedback that mimics natural sensation by leveraging the reinnervated mechanoreceptors, potentially enhancing patients' ability to perceive and respond to changes in pressure that are at most risk of developing ulcers. The primary objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the DC-RPNI in rats. The study will include testing the interface's capability to detect and transmit pressure signals. We hypothesize that the mechanoreceptors in the dermal graft of the
DC-RPNI will be reinnervated and functional, which will allow for transmission of pressure sensation. This would be the first step towards providing a more effective alternative to direct nerve implantation, thereby enhancing sensory restoration and reducing the incidence of amputation in DPN.
Impact Statement
We will establish a preclinical rat model to evaluate the Dermal Cuff Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (DC-RPNI), a novel construct designed to restore naturalistic sensation by promoting reinnervation of mechanoreceptors within a dermal graft. We will investigate the capacity of reinnervated mechanoreceptors to transmit sensory feedback when integrated with intact peripheral nerves. Success in this study will provide insights into the potential of regenerative nerve interfaces to restore functional sensation, in particular individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN often leads to foot ulcers, infections, and amputations due to loss of sensation. This innovation could transform diabetic care in plastic surgery, reduce amputations, and improve patient outcomes.
Biography
Stephen Kemp, PhD completed his Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto, where he conducted his undergraduate thesis under the supervision of Dr. Gerald Cupchik. During this time, Dr. Kemp’s research focused on the psychology of creativity, and the development of a "matching and modulation" psychological model of aesthetic response. Dr. Kemp’s undergraduate thesis led to the publication of two peer-reviewed publications, and one book chapter. Following graduation, Dr. Kemp completed his Master’s degree at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, under the supervision of Linda Parker, PhD. His research focused on the effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on lithium induced sickness behaviours in both rats and house musk shrews. Stephen completed his PhD at the University of Calgary, under the mentorship of Rajiv Midha, MD, focusing on the anatomical, sensorimotor, and functional evaluation of peripheral nerve regeneration through bio-engineered conduits in rodents. During this tenure, Dr. Kemp became a member of numerous scientific societies, including the Society for Neuroscience, the Canadian Society for Neuroscience, and the American Society for Peripheral Nerve. Dr. Kemp also published nine peer-reviewed publications. One of his papers was highlighted in Experimental Neurology as an outstanding paper. Following his tenure in Calgary, Dr. Kemp accepted a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children with Gregory Borschel, MD and Tessa Gordon, PhD. Dr. Kemp continues to investigate treatment of nerve injuries, and has expanded his research to focus on treatment of neonatal nerve injuries. Dr. Kemp has won numerous awards during his scientific career, including prestigious postdoctoral awards. Overall, Dr. Kemp has 14 published peer reviewed publications, two book chapters, two News and Views commentaries, 18 abstracts, and 21 international conference presentations.
Stephen Kemp, PhD completed his Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto, where he conducted his undergraduate thesis under the supervision of Dr. Gerald Cupchik. During this time, Dr. Kemp’s research focused on the psychology of creativity, and the development of a "matching and modulation" psychological model of aesthetic response. Dr. Kemp’s undergraduate thesis led to the publication of two peer-reviewed publications, and one book chapter. Following graduation, Dr. Kemp completed his Master’s degree at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, under the supervision of Linda Parker, PhD. His research focused on the effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on lithium induced sickness behaviours in both rats and house musk shrews. Stephen completed his PhD at the University of Calgary, under the mentorship of Rajiv Midha, MD, focusing on the anatomical, sensorimotor, and functional evaluation of peripheral nerve regeneration through bio-engineered conduits in rodents. During this tenure, Dr. Kemp became a member of numerous scientific societies, including the Society for Neuroscience, the Canadian Society for Neuroscience, and the American Society for Peripheral Nerve. Dr. Kemp also published nine peer-reviewed publications. One of his papers was highlighted in Experimental Neurology as an outstanding paper. Following his tenure in Calgary, Dr. Kemp accepted a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children with Gregory Borschel, MD and Tessa Gordon, PhD. Dr. Kemp continues to investigate treatment of nerve injuries, and has expanded his research to focus on treatment of neonatal nerve injuries. Dr. Kemp has won numerous awards during his scientific career, including prestigious postdoctoral awards. Overall, Dr. Kemp has 14 published peer reviewed publications, two book chapters, two News and Views commentaries, 18 abstracts, and 21 international conference presentations.