SUMMARY
The research interests of Cheryl E. Myers, Ph.D., focus on translational regenerative medicine and the application of safe and effective cellular therapies and bioengineered products that can restore tissue and function. Dr. Myers uses immunological, functional and histological approaches, as well as genomics and proteomics, to characterize the body's response to these regenerative therapies. Dr. Myers leads the Arizona Discovery Translation Application Incubator, which assists clinical investigators in addressing unmet clinical needs.
Focus areas
- Foreign body reaction to implanted biomaterials. Long-term implants run the risk of creating an acute inflammatory response that over time transitions to fibrotic scarring. Dr. Myers' goal is to work with clinicians and bioengineers to use different biomaterials to minimize the foreign body reaction and rejection of the implant. Dr. Myers works with a multidisciplinary team within the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, including regulatory specialists, to ensure that Food and Drug Administration objectives and guidance documents are used for each specific product and therapy.
- Immunomodulatory actions of mesenchymal stem cells in patients with cancer who need transplants. Currently it is difficult to treat patients with a history of cancer concurrent with a need for an organ transplant. The necessity for immunosuppressive therapies to prevent organ rejection can lead to immune response dysfunction that affects the detection and elimination of cancer cells. Dr. Myers is investigating the immune system's response to mesenchymal stem cells and their soluble factors with the aim of reducing immunosuppressive therapies.
- Amniotic membrane uses in regenerative medicine. Amniotic and chorion membranes are naturally derived biomaterials that act as a barrier scaffold and source of growth factors for wound healing. Dr. Myers' interest in these biomaterials will provide a platform for medical devices in the future.
Significance to patient care
Regenerative medicine is an innovative field that focuses on the repair, replacement and regeneration of tissues and organs. This is an important approach for individuals with pretransplant malignancy in need of a donor transplant. Currently, the risk of cancer recurrence following the transplant of donor tissue must be weighed against the benefit of the transplant. Regenerative medicine therapies that can prevent the need for donor tissue will both benefit those individuals who are on transplant waitlists and aid patients with cancer in receiving transplants that would otherwise not be feasible.
Regenerative medicine therapies offer hope to patients who previously had ineffective or no treatment options. Individualized patient care and treatments will lead to better health outcomes and quality of life.