Grants Funded

Abstract
Project Summary: Muscle fibrosis can occur following trauma, muscle flap surgery, radiation or tourniquet use resulting in significant loss of function. Here we will validate novel treatment strategies to prevent muscle fibrosis and stimulate muscle regeneration. Using validated muscle fibrosis models, we will investigate the role macrophage derived TGF-beta1 plays in the development of this process. In addition to elucidating the key cells and pathways behind muscle fibrosis, we will evaluate high frequency spectral ultrasound imaging as a way to provide early detection and guide treatment initiation. Through a better understanding of muscle fibrosis and early detection, this study will benefit surgeons and clinicians by reducing the morbidity of muscle fibrosis through precise image guided interventions. Impact Statement: Muscle fibrosis can occur following trauma, muscle flap surgery, radiation or tourniquet use resulting in significant loss of function. Here we will validate novel treatment strategies to prevent muscle fibrosis and stimulate muscle regeneration. Using validated muscle fibrosis models, we will investigate the role macrophage derived TGF-beta1 plays in the development of this process. In addition to elucidating the key cells and pathways behind muscle fibrosis, we will evaluate high frequency spectral ultrasound imaging as a way to provide early detection and guide treatment initiation. Through a better understanding of muscle fibrosis and early detection, this study will benefit surgeons and clinicians by reducing the morbidity of muscle fibrosis through precise image guided interventions.

Biography
I am currently a third year resident in the Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Michigan. I graduated from the University of Richmond with a major in biology with honors and minor in medical humanities. Following graduation, I worked as an administrative assistant at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) where I was first exposed to the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This experience was the impetus for me to pursue a career in medicine. I conducted my medical training at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. During medical school, I conducted clinical research at MSKCC with Dr. Evan Matros in addition to a 2-year research fellowship also at MSKCC in the basic science lab of Dr. Babak Mehrara investigating the pathophysiology of lymphedema and the effects of obesity on the lymphatic system. More specifically I examined the effects inflammation has on lymphatic vessel function. During this time, I published 14 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 2 book chapters and had 7 presentations at national meetings. I graduated with distinction in research from Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical school and matched into the highly competitive Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Michigan. I have continued to pursue my interest in research with both ongoing clinical research projects in breast reconstruction and electing to pursue a one-year fellowship in the lab of Dr. Benjamin Levi investigating muscle fibrosis.