Our laboratory group has established a novel murine model for inflammatory bladder disease and we continue to investigate the effects of novel glycosaminoglycan therapeutics on the prevention of inflammation and pain. We have established a highly qualified research team at Boston Children’s Hospital with expertise in mast cell biology, medicinal chemistry and inflammation. A large focus of our current bladder studies are a continuum from a previous NIH R43 (DK093413-01) and NIH R01 grant (DK100868-01). I strongly feel our current research is innovative in that we further dissect the role of IL-33 activation of mast cells in bladder inflammation and pain. In addition, we further exploit our patented SAGE compounds which possess potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Our current work will extend the knowledge of the IL-33 – mast cell – bladder inflammation and pain axis and provide detailed knowledge about the inflammation and pain attenuation properties of our SAGE compounds.
In addition to our bladder inflammation and pain body of work, in 2018 in conjunction with my lab and collaborative team at the University of Utah, we were awarded a 5 year NIH R01 grant (R01CA227225-01A1) to further investigate innovative therapeutic approaches to treat radiation induced proctitis. The goal of this work is to better elucidate the role of mast cells in disease propagation in patients receiving lower abdominal pelvic radiotherapy. In addition, a large focus is to better understand the thermoresponsive properties of our silk-elastin like protein polymer system and to optimize SAGE drug delivery within the rectum. Overall, our research efforts continue to represent significant, innovative, and high-impact science that continues to move the field of urology forward.
Research Background
Over the past two decades, I’ve dedicated my life towards treating patients suffering from inflammatory diseases and elucidating the pathophysiology and testing therapeutics to treat these conditions. I am a pediatric urologist and have extensive experience in molecular biology, developmental biology, genitourinary embryology, inflammatory cell biology, and therapeutic biomaterial development.
An Oligomeric Sulfated Hyaluronan and Silk-Elastinlike Polymer Combination Protects against Murine Radiation Induced Proctitis. Pharmaceutics. 2022 Jan 12; 14(1). View Abstract
Silk-elastinlike copolymers enhance bioaccumulation of semisynthetic glycosaminoglycan ethers for prevention of radiation induced proctitis. J Control Release. 2021 04 10; 332:503-515. View Abstract
Temperature-responsive silk-elastinlike protein polymer enhancement of intravesical drug delivery of a therapeutic glycosaminoglycan for treatment of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Biomaterials. 2019 10; 217:119293. View Abstract
Sulfated glycosaminoglycans and low-density lipoprotein receptor contribute to Clostridium difficile toxin A entry into cells. Nat Microbiol. 2019 10; 4(10):1760-1769. View Abstract
Unilateral open extravesical ureteral reimplanation with contralateral dextronomer/hyaluronic acid injection performed as an outpatient therapy. J Pediatr Urol. 2018 12; 14(6):566.e1-566.e5. View Abstract
IL-33 mast cell axis is central in LL-37 induced bladder inflammation and pain in a murine interstitial cystitis model. Cytokine. 2018 10; 110:420-427. View Abstract
Amniotic therapeutic biomaterials in urology: current and future applications. Transl Androl Urol. 2017 Oct; 6(5):943-950. View Abstract
Bladder pain in an LL-37 interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome model. Am J Clin Exp Urol. 2017; 5(2):10-17. View Abstract
Combination of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy and Ureteroscopy for Large Staghorn Calculi in a Pediatric Patient: Case Report. J Endourol Case Rep. 2017; 3(1):64-66. View Abstract
Silk-elastinlike protein polymers enhance the efficacy of a therapeutic glycosaminoglycan for prophylactic treatment of radiation-induced proctitis. J Control Release. 2017 Oct 10; 263:46-56. View Abstract
Childhood Cancer Risk in the Siblings and Cousins of Men with Poor Semen Quality. J Urol. 2017 03; 197(3 Pt 2):898-905. View Abstract
Prevention of sinonasal inflammation by a synthetic glycosaminoglycan. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2017 02; 7(2):177-184. View Abstract
Topical cathelicidin (LL-37) an innate immune peptide induces acute olfactory epithelium inflammation in a mouse model. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2015 Dec; 5(12):1141-50. View Abstract
Urologic problems in spina bifida patients transitioning to adult care. Urology. 2014 Aug; 84(2):440-4. View Abstract
Prevention of anti-microbial peptide LL-37-induced apoptosis and ATP release in the urinary bladder by a modified glycosaminoglycan. PLoS One. 2013; 8(10):e77854. View Abstract
LL-37 induced cystitis and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) pathway. Adv Biosci Biotechnol. 2013 Aug 01; 4(8B):1-8. View Abstract
Padded self-adhesive strap immobilization following newborn bladder exstrophy closure: the Utah straps. J Urol. 2013 Dec; 190(6):2216-20. View Abstract
Physiological relevance of LL-37 induced bladder inflammation and mast cells. J Urol. 2013 Oct; 190(4 Suppl):1596-1602. View Abstract
Pediatric urinary stone composition in the United States. J Urol. 2012 Jun; 187(6):2182-7. View Abstract
A murine model of inflammatory bladder disease: cathelicidin peptide induced bladder inflammation and treatment with sulfated polysaccharides. J Urol. 2011 Oct; 186(4 Suppl):1684-92. View Abstract
Metastatic Crohn's disease of the penis in a pediatric patient. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2011 Apr; 17(4):1056. View Abstract