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Linda L. Phillips, Ph.D.
Professor
B.S., Biology and Mathematics, University of Richmond (1975)
Ph.D., Anatomy, Wake Forest University (1980)
Postdoctoral training at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Virginia, Assistant Professor, Division of Neurosurgery (1989-1998)
| Office Address: | | Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology |
| | | Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Campus |
| | | Box 980709 |
| | | Richmond, VA 23298-0709 |
| Office Phone: | | (804) 828-9657 |
| FAX: | | (804) 828-9477 |
| e-mail: | | llphilli@vcu.edu |
RESEARCH AND SCHOLARLY INTERESTS
Research in my laboratory currently focuses on the interaction between excessive neuroexcitation and neuronal deafferentation following traumatic brain injury (TBI), looking at how this interaction affects both the ensuing pathology and recovery mechanisms involving synaptic plasticity. Rationale for this approach includes its direct relevance to human TBI where excitotoxic insult is often compounded by diffuse deafferentation and poor outcome. We find profound enhancement of neuropathology with this combined insult: persistent cognitive deficits and maladaptive synaptic recovery of brain circuitry. Major contributors to this morbidity and abnormal plasticity include changes in gene expression of cytoskeletal proteins, growth factors, extracellular matrix molecules and oxidative enzymes, as well as abnormal synaptic excitability (e.g., long-term potentiation). We also know that pharmacological manipulation of NMDA and
dopaminergic receptors can ameliorate injury-induced deficits in this model. Using a combination of behavioral, structural, molecular and physiological endpoints, we are exploring three cellular mechanisms which might affect/regulate synaptic recovery after TBI: growth guidance by extracellular matrix molecules, sensitivity of mitochondrial enzymes and dopamine receptor modulation of excitability.
REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS
Kim HJ, Fillmore HL, Reeves TM, Phillips LL. Elevation of hippocampal MMP-3 expression and activity during trauma-induced synaptogenesis. Exp Neurol. 2005 Mar;192(1):60-72.
Reeves TM, Prins ML, Zhu J, Povlishock JT, Phillips LL. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition alters functional and structural correlates of deafferentation-induced sprouting in the dentate gyrus. J Neurosci. 2003 Nov 12;23(32):10182-9.
Prins, M.L., Povlishock, J.T. and Phillips, L.L.:The effects of combined fluid
percussion traumatic brain injury and unilateral entorhinal deafferentation on
the juvenile rat brain. Developmental Brain Research,140, 93-104, 2003.
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