Investigators and Program Directors
William Shain
Research Scientist, Wadsworth Center, Neural Injury & Repair
Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Environmental Health Sciences
Ph.D., Temple University, (1972)
Postdoctoral training, National Institutes of Health
E-mail: shain@wadsworth.org
Research Interests
The role of astrocytes and microglia during normal brain function and in response to disease and injury are being investigated. Cellular interactions and signaling molecules, e.g. cytokines, growth hormones, etc., are being studied and used to describe immediate and prolonged responses to insults and to develop functional neuroprosthetic devices. These nanofabricated devices have the capacity to provide long-term therapy; however, acute and chronic cellular responses shorten their functional life. We are exploring means to interrupt the cascade of cellular events responsible for this lack of biocompatibility. We are also using our expertise of cell surface components and nanofabrication to direct neuronal growth and synapse formation on micro-contact printed surfaces.
Contact Information
Phone: (518)473-3630
Fax: (518)474-7466
E-mail: shain@wadsworth.org.