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Gregory A. Helm

Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Biomedical Engineering

B.S., Virginia Tech, 1984
M.D., University of Virginia, 1988
Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Alaska, 1996

gah9r@virginia.edu

Research Interests

Our research laboratory, located in the Department of Neurosurgery, is involved with the development of gene therapy techniques for the treatment of neurosurgical disorders. One major project involves the use of bone morphogenetic protein gene therapy for the induction of bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament formation. We are currently utilizing several different viral transduction systems to maximize gene expression while limiting the host immune response.

In a separate study, genetically modified fibroblasts are being constructed containing inducible promoters to control expression of various growth factors. These cells will be utilized to induce healing of intracranial aneurysms and decubitus ulcers. The inducible promoter system will control cellular proliferation to prevent cellular hypertrophy at the treatment sites.

Selected Publications

D. F. Kallmes, M. K. Borland, H. J. Cloft, T. A. Altes, J. E. Dion, M. E. Jensen, G. R. Hankins, and G. A. Helm. In vitro proliferation and adhesion of basic fibroblast growth factor-producing fibroblasts on platinum coils. Radiology, 206:237-243, 1998.

T. D. Alden, D. D. Pittman, E. J. Beres, G. R. Hankins, D. F. Kallmes, B. M. Wisotsky, K. Kerns, and G. A. Helm. Percutaneous spinal fusion utilizing bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene therapy. Journal of Neurosurgery, 90:109-114, 1999.

T. D. Alden, G. R. Hankins, S. B. Hudson, D. F. Kallmes, E. J. Beres, and G. A. Helm. In vivo endochondral bone formation using a bone morphogenetic protein-2 adenoviral vector. Human Gene Therapy, 10:2245-2253, 1999.

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