The Neurosurgery Center for Research, Training, and Education was founded in 1999 with a core mission of conducting translational bioengineering and biochemical research. The center received start-up funds of over $1,000,000, along with endoscopic surgical equipment valued at $150,000 from the United States Surgical Corporation (USSC). Since its inception, the center has been supported with funds from industry, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Veterans Administration, and private foundations.
The center plays a pivotal role in developing technology and moving it from the surgical and biochemical laboratory to the medical market place. The center has developed a number of products and has brought them to clinical and commercial application: an innovative non-penetrating, arcuate legged clip with applier. These clips replace sutures in procedures ranging from vascular access for hemodialysis, lens implantation and pericardial substitute for the dura. In addition, products which have been successfully developed include a hybridoma producing monoclonal antibody to iron regulatory protein 2, and an FDA approved topical chitosan-based hemostat.
Laboratory research includes biochemical studies involving iron and copper dysregulation in Alzheimer ’s disease, serum biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease, and biomarkers for schizophrenia. The center has collaborated with and supported co-investigators in the LLUMC Departments of Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroradiology and Radiobiology. Current collaborations include UCLA (Neuropathology), NIH (NHLBD), North Carolina University, Washington University School of Medicine (Barnes Hospital Transplant Service), and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
The center with the cooperation of the University has formed a small business. The center mentors and supports graduate students in Biochemistry, Physics and Anatomy. Throughout the years numerous medical students have participated in laboratory activities which have resulted in publications and scientific presentations.
The center has over 25 issued and pending patents; 5 which have been licensed, 41 publications in refereed journals and has received $8.7 million dollars in grants and foundation funding.
Center Staff:
Jackie Knecht, Administrative Assistant
jknecht@llu.edu
Jann Smallwood, Research Assistant
jsmallwood@llu.edu
Location:
Loma Linda University Medical Center
MC Room A537
Loma Linda, CA 92350
Phone: (909) 558-7070
Fax: (909) 558-0472