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Robby Bowles
Associate Professor
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics
E-mail: robert.bowles@utah.edu
Website: http://bpet.bioen.utah.edu
Phone: 801-581-2915
Office: SMBB 5201
Current Research
Our lab is focused on engineering cell function to better control tissue development in engineered tissues. We use recent advances in CRISPR genome engineering and epigenetic control of gene expression to precisely control cell activity in engineered tissues. We are specifically interested in applying these techniques for use in tissue engineering, gene therapy, and immunoengineering to modulate tissue development and intervertebral disc degeneration for the treatment of back pain. Back pain is a leading cause of disability, which has a huge economic burden and causes great suffering to the patient. Our key focus is modulating the interactions between the biomechanics of the intervertebral disc, the inflammatory environment in the intervertebral disc, and the peripheral nervous system in these patients.
Current Projects:
1. CRISPR Cell Engineering - Engineer cells to promote functional tissue development in pathological environments.
2. Intervertebral Disc Tissue Engineering - Engineer intervertebral disc tissue that thrives in an inflammatory environment and produces a mechanically functional and restorative tissue
3. Mechanisms of Back Pain - Study the interactions between the mechanics of the intervertebral disc, the peripheral nervous system, and inflammation to better understand the underlying molecular events that lead to back pain.
Book Chapters:
Bowles, RD; Bonassar, LJ. Intervertebral Disc. Comprehensive Biomaterials, Ed. Ducheyne, Healy, Hutmacher, Grainger, Kirkpatrick, Elsevier Press, 2011.
Bowles, RD; Masuda, K; Bonassar, LJ; Setton, LA. Tissue Engineering for Regeneration and Replacement of the Intervertebral Disc. Principles of Tissue Engineering, Ed. Lanza, Langer, Vacanti, Elsevier Press, 2013.
Current Projects:
1. CRISPR Cell Engineering - Engineer cells to promote functional tissue development in pathological environments.
2. Intervertebral Disc Tissue Engineering - Engineer intervertebral disc tissue that thrives in an inflammatory environment and produces a mechanically functional and restorative tissue
3. Mechanisms of Back Pain - Study the interactions between the mechanics of the intervertebral disc, the peripheral nervous system, and inflammation to better understand the underlying molecular events that lead to back pain.
Book Chapters:
Bowles, RD; Bonassar, LJ. Intervertebral Disc. Comprehensive Biomaterials, Ed. Ducheyne, Healy, Hutmacher, Grainger, Kirkpatrick, Elsevier Press, 2011.
Bowles, RD; Masuda, K; Bonassar, LJ; Setton, LA. Tissue Engineering for Regeneration and Replacement of the Intervertebral Disc. Principles of Tissue Engineering, Ed. Lanza, Langer, Vacanti, Elsevier Press, 2013.