Pediatric Labs & Facilities
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The work of a number of pediatric labs is represented in this center, including:
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The Biomolecular Core Lab
This lab, directed by Katia Sol-Church, PhD, supports research activities for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ investigators in Wilmington, Del., and Florida. The lab seeks to enhance the scope and quality of translational biomedical research by providing students, staff researchers and clinicians with easy access to technologies that support high-quality functional genomics and molecular genetics research. It also endeavors to stimulate intra- and inter-institutional collaborations, and provide all core customers with training and educational opportunities. We also provide one-on-one mentoring for researchers engaging for the first time in molecular genetics and genomics projects.
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Molecular Diagnostics Lab
The Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL), directed by Vicky Funanage, PhD, specializes in diagnosis for pediatric disorders, and is widely accessed by physicians in clinical settings. The lab is continually developing new assays based on the most recent information regarding the genetic basis of diseases. This lab regularly collaborates with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ clinical specialists on a wide range of conditions.
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Motor Neuron Diseases Research Lab
The overall goals of our research program are to understand the mechanisms of degeneration of motor neurons and to develop therapeutic candidates for motor neuron diseases. We use a combination of biochemical, genetic, cell biological, anatomic, pharmacological and behavioral methods to study neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. Our primary focus is on early onset motor neuron diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and distal hereditary motor neuronopathies (HMNs).
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Molecular Regeneration & Neuroimaging Lab
The goal of this lab is to discover strategies to help stimulate regrowth within the central nervous system (CNS). The long-term goal of our lab is to uncover the molecular mechanisms that regulate de novo protein synthesis needed to regenerate axons (nerve fibers) within the CNS.
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Musculoskeletal Inherited Disease Lab
The Musculoskeletal Inherited Disease Research Lab (MID) focuses primarily on the molecular genetic analyses of pediatric neuromuscular, cardiac and skeletal dysplasia diseases. Our work encompasses rare genetic diseases seen by the clinicians at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, and we work collaboratively to further understand and develop genetic testing for these disorders.
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Pediatric Urology Research Lab
Under the direction of Julia Barthold, MD, the main focus of the Pediatric Urology Research Lab is to improve our understanding of the causes of cryptorchidism, or undescended testis, which is a common problem presenting at birth or later in childhood and affecting 3-4 percent of males
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Rasopathies Research Program
This group looks at the genetic predisposition for Costello syndrome (a genetic disorder that can have profound effects on many parts of a child’s body, including a predisposition for malignant tumors) and the resulting symptoms displayed. We’re also assessing the outcome of screening and treatment strategies.
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Translational Rheumatology Lab
The work of this lab centers around juvenile idiopathic arthritis (or JIA, for short), an autoimmune disease (a disorder of the immune system). To help assess the probable course and outcome of the disease in individual children, we’re searching for new, unique biomarkers (molecules found in body tissues or fluids that are signs of a normal or abnormal condition).
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