Dr. Lawrence Eng

Biography

Lawrence Eng is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Pathology at Stanford University. His research focuses on the roles of astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS), emphasizing their responses to various neurological insults. Eng's work has characterized the induction of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene across different species, showcasing the evolutionary conservation of astroglial reactions in response to diseases. His research aims to identify vital molecular mechanisms that activate metabolic responses in astrocytes to further understand the phenomenon of astrogliosis. Experimental models employed in his studies include primary dissociated rodent brain astrocyte cultures and growth factor transfected astrocytes transplanted into contused rat spinal cords. Eng utilizes techniques such as quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and various molecular assays to analyze cytoskeletal proteins and cytokines involved in early response to mechanical injury. His research is significant for developing therapeutic protocols aimed at treating spinal cord injuries by identifying factors that promote or inhibit regeneration.

Research Interests