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Scripps Research Joint Appointments

Faculty, Kellogg School of Science and Technology

Other Joint Appointments

Associate Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tulane University Medical School

Research Focus

Mesenchymal stem cells resident in adult bone marrow are characterized by their capacity to generate connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, and adipose, as well as sustain hematopoiesis and other bone marrow functions via secretion of a large array of cytokines, adhesion molecules, and trophic factors. Research in our laboratory is focused on delineating the molecular and functional complexity inherent to MSC biology and using information gleaned from such studies to develop optimized cellular vectors for treating chronic inflammatory and neuro-degenerative diseases. Currently our focus in the lab is on deciphering the molecular signaling pathways that maintain MSCs in an undifferentiated state, regulate expression of anti-inflammatory proteins, and modulate engraftment and migration of MSCs within the central nervous system. Advances derived from basic scientific investigation are incorporated into design and optimization of cellular vectors to treat inflammatory lung disease and neurodegenerative disorders in both rodent and non-human primate models.

Education

Ph.D., Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, 1990
B.A., Chemistry, Mathematics, The University of Vermont, 1984

Awards & Professional Activities

Consultant, KM Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC (2008-2009)
Lead Reviewer Award, Stem Cells (2006)
Planning committee, International Society of Stem Cell Research (2002-2005)
Scientific Advisory Board, StemSource Inc., Los Angeles, CA (2002-2003)
UVM College of Arts and Sciences, Nominee for Outstanding Academic Sophomore (1982)
Atkinson Academy Scholarship Award (1980-1984)
St. Paul’s Academy, Advanced Study Program, Honors in Chemistry (1979)

Editorial Boards

World Journal of Stem Cells (2008-present)
Co-Editor, Stem Cells (2008-2009)
Associate Editor, Stem Cells (2007-2008)
Open Biotechnology (2007-present)
Stem Cells (2005-present)

Selected References

Russel KC, Phinney DG, Lacey MR, Barrilleaux BL, Meyertholen KE, O'Connor K. In vitro high-capacity assay to quantify the clonal heterogeniety in tri-lineage potential of mesenchymal stem cells reveals a complex hierarchy of lineage committment. Stem Cells 2010; 28:788-798

Iaskova IA, Dufour J, Lanclos C, Bruhn J, Phinney DG. Cell dose-dependent increases in circulating levels of immune effector cells in rhesus macaques following intra-cranial injection of allogeneic MSCs. Exp Hematol. 2010; 38:957-967

Barrilleaux BL, Phinney DG, Fischer-Valuck BW, Russell KC, Wang G, Prockop DJ, O'Connor KC. Small-molecule antagonist of macrophage migration inhibitory factor enhances migratory response of mesenchymal stem cells to bronchial epithelial cells. Tissue Eng Part A. 2009; 15:2335-46.

Phinney DG. Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from murine bone marrow by immunodepletion. Methods Mol. Biol. 2008; 449:171-86.

Ortiz LA, Dutreil M, Fattman C, Pandey AC, Torres G, Go K, Phinney DG. Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist mediates the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effect of mesenchymal stem cells during lung injury. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2007; 104:11002-7.

Isakova IA, Baker K, Dufour J, Gaupp D, Phinney DG. Dose and age-related effects on MSCs engraftment levels and anatomical distribution in the CNS of non-human primates: Identification of novel MSC subpopulations that respond to guidance cues in brain. Stem Cells 2007; 25:3261-70.