Laboratory Listing

Name: Arin K. Greene, MD, MMSc

Laboratory: Plastic Surgery Research Laboratory

Lab Location: Children’s Hospital Boston

Lab Facilities:
1000 square feet of lab space for biochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biology; real-time PCR, large and small animal surgical facilities, tissue culture

Animal Facilities: Yes
Type: Large and small animal

Type of Research: Angiogenesis and Pediatric Plastic Surgery
Funding: Foundations, corporate, departmental

Research Fellowship Available: Yes
Investigator's Name: Arin K. Greene, MD, MMSc
Brief Description: Research is focused on three main areas:

Vascular Anomalies – This is a group of tumors and malformations that affect the vasculature. We currently are investigating the pathophysiology of these lesions by studying resected clinical tissue in the laboratory to determine their angiogenic basis. Specifically, we are studying their endothelium in an effort to develop better pharmacological treatment of these lesions.

Cranioplasty / Bone Healing - Cranioplasty in young children is difficult because of limited autologous donor sites and the reluctance to use alloplastic materials in the growing skeleton. We have shown that particulate cranial bone graft harvested from the infant effectively prevents, as well as treats, calvarial defects. We are studying the healing of particulate graft in animals and comparing it to other cranioplasty materials.

Vacuum Assisted Wound Closure – We are investigating the mechanism of action of the vacuum assisted wound closure (VAC) device, which accelerates wound healing. We have shown that one mechanism by which the VAC system facilitates wound closure is by increasing angiogenesis and decreasing matrix metalloproteinase activity. We are continuing our studies into the angiogenic basis of the VAC device with the ultimate goal of producing more efficacious systems.

Funding available from supervisor
Funding available.

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