Purmessur research collaboration focuses on neurovascular ingrowth studies

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Sarah Moore (PI), DVM, Veterinary Medicine, Devina Purmessur (Co-PI), PhD, Biomedical Engineering and Orthopedics, and Megan Ballinger (Co-I), PhD, Immunologist in Internal Medicine, have been awarded a one year pilot grant for $10,000 from the Consortium for Advancement of Neuromusculoskeletal Signature Program (CANSL). Their project is titled “Neurovascular/immune cell interactions in the pathogenesis of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions of the spine."

 

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Dr. Devina Purmessur

Essentially, the research looks at intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), which is a cause of neurologic dysfunction and pain in dogs, and the role that neurovascular ingrowth plays in in this disease process. Not much is known about neurovascular ingrowth, which is what the research addresses. It addresses this gap in knowledge by investigating the role innate immune cells play in the process of how neurovascular ingrowth manifests in the spontaneously degenerating canine disc. This work is clinically important because it has the ability to therapeutically alter the treatment of IVDD in the veterinary setting.

 

The CANSL grant is awarded for research related to neuromusculoskeletal regeneration, recovery, and rehabilitation. To be awarded the grant, the PI must be a member of the College of Veterinary Medicine and there must be a co-investigator outside of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Only one pilot award was given out this year.

 

Congratulations to the team, and best of luck on their research!