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Richard M. Costanzo, Ph.D.
Professor, Primary appointment in the
Department of Physiology
B.A., Biology State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook (1969)
Ph.D., Neurophysiology, SUNY Upstate Medical Center (1975)
Postdoctoral training at Rockefeller University and New York University
Medical School.
| Office Address: | | Department of Physiology | | | | Virginia
Commonwealth University Medical Campus | | | | Box 980551 | | | | Richmond, VA 23298-0551 | | Office Phone: | | (804)
828-4774 | | FAX: | | (804) 828-7382 |
| e-mail: | | rcostanzo@vcu.edu |
RESEARCH AND SCHOLARLY INTERESTS
In my lab, we are investigating methods to promote regeneration and replacement of neurons in the mammalian nervous system. Currently, the focus of attention is the unique capacity of the olfactory system for continued neurogenesis and replacement of degenerating neurons. Only recently has the possibility of replacement neurons in the adult nervous system been realized. An experimental preparation is used in which neural degeneration of olfactory receptor cells is induced; during recovery, the mechanism, capacity, and limits of subsequent neurogenesis are studied. Recent findings have shown that the newly replaced neurons are capable of reestablishing functional connections with normal target cells as well as cells in other parts of the brain. We are also investigating the survival characteristics of olfactory stem cells when transplanted into different regions of the brain. Our research lab uses anatomical, molecular, electrophysiological, and behavioral techniques.
REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS
Costanzo, R. M. and L. A. Perrino. Peak in matrix metalloproteinase-2 levels observed during recovery from
olfactory nerve injury. NeuroReport 19: 327-331, 2008.
Schwob, J. E. and R. M. Costanzo. Regeneration of the Olfactory Epithelium. In: Basbaum, A. I., Kaneko, A.,
Shepherd, G. M., and Westheimer, G, Editors, The Senses: A Comprehensive Reference, Vol 4, Olfaction and Taste,
Smith, D. V., S. Firestein, and G. K. Beauchamp, Editors, San Diego, Academic Press. 2008, p. 591-612
Costanzo, R. M. and T. Miwa. Posttraumatic olfactory loss. Adv.Otorhinolaryngol. 63: 99-107, 2006.
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