Request for Funding

Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2000

Mentor: James J. Chao, M.D., Ph.D.

Department: Plastic Surgery

Room number: E7.208

Mail Code: 9132

Phone number: 214-648-2297

E-mail: jchao@mednet.swmed.edu

Project title: Advanced wound healing and tissue regeneration

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 0899 376

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 0869-99-01-1

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)

The Department of Plastic Surgery has research projects in all of the above classifications that are suited for medical student involvement.

Brief Description of Project:

Plastic surgery specializes in the repair of deformities and the correction of functional deficits throughout the entire human body. The repair and correction is performed by replacing deficient or defective tissue with new tissue. This tissue must come from another site on the patient creating another problem at that site. Without the ability to regenerate tissue or to grow new tissue, plastic surgery is relegated to minimizing the consequences of corrective surgery. Our laboratory has as its mission the study of tissue regeneration and wound healing which will make plastic surgery a much more effective and less invasive procedure.

Three areas of basic science research are paramount for the field of plastic surgery in this new millennium. First are the recent advances in stem cell biology. Stem cells can replicate indefinitely and can also give rise to more specialized tissue cells when exposed to appropriate chemical cues. In our laboratory, scientists have discovered a potential human version stem cell. Research is now needed to determine which chemical cues or growth factors, in what amounts, and in which combinations will lead to the desired neo-tissue (i.e. Bone, Cartilage, Muscle, Nerve, Skin).

This leads to the next important area: The human genome project and growth factors. In order to know what growth factors are important to make neo-tissues, it is necessary to understand the human genetic "blueprint." This "blueprint" is the human genome. By the end of 2000, the entire human genome will be decoded, providing the template to systematically test which genes are needed to create the desired neo-tissues. One of the first tissues to be created will be skin because 1) it is the largest organ of the body, 2) it is relatively simple in its native design and its easy accessibility, 3) it has to a certain degree an inherent natural ability to regenerate, and 4) it functions as a vital protective barrier that interacts with other biological systems that researchers hope to create such as the immune, vascular, and nervous systems.

Lastly, understanding and controlling the immunologic system will be important for the future of plastic surgery. The genetically engineered neo-tissue must be compatible with the patient's own immune system otherwise it will be rejected.

Medical students interested in plastic surgery research will be directly supervised by one of five full time faculty members. Students will play an integral part of all research projects. They will be taught fundamental molecular and cellular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, Southern and Northern gel electrophoresis. They will also be instructed on proper animal surgery and microsurgery procedures. During their rotation, they will be allowed to go to the operating room to view surgeries as it pertains to their research projects as a way to emphasize clinical relevance.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students: (Last 2 years only)

Rohrich RJ. Adams WP Jr. Beran SJ. Rathakrishnan R. Griffin J. Robinson JB Jr. Kenkel JM. An analysis of silicone gel-filled breast implants: diagnosis and failure rates. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 102(7):2304-8; discussion 2309, 1998 Dec

Rohrich RJ. Rathakrishnan R. Robinson JB Jr. Griffin JR. Factors predictive of quality of life after silicone-implant explanation. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 104(5):1334-7, 1999 Oct.

Mickel TJ. Barton FE Jr. Rohrich RJ. Daniel LB. Conner WC. Management and prevention of lumbar herniation following a latissimus dorsi flap. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 103(5):1473-5, 1999 Apr.

Conner WC 3rd. Rohrich RJ. Pollock RA. Traumatic aneurysms of the face and temple: a patient report and literature review, 1644 to 1998. [Review] [84 refs] Annals of Plastic Surgery. 41(3):321-6, 1998 Sep.

Adams WP Jr. Griffin JR. Friedman RM. Rohrich RJ. Robinson JB Jr. The myoadipose flap: a new composite. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 102(3):735-40, 1998 Sep.

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