Mitra Lavasani

Mitra Lavasani, PhD

Research Scientist II
Director, Translational Cell Therapy Lab
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University
Phone
1-844-355-ABLE
Email
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About Me

Dr. Mitra Lavasani has been a Research Scientist at Shirley Ryan Abilitylab and an Assistant Professor at Northwestern University in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation since Spring of 2015. For over a decade, she has investigated the impact of adult stem cells on tissue regeneration after neuromuscular injuries and in age-related diseases. Her research currently focuses on developing novel therapeutic methods to improve healthspan and ameliorate neurodegeneration associated with human disease, injury, and aging. Her laboratory is an interdisciplinary environment dedicated to scientific innovation and clinical translation.
 

Location

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

355 East Erie

Chicago, IL 60611

Education & Training

    Education
    1991 - 1998
    Bachelor of Science/Molecular Biology and Systems Physiology, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
    2003 - 2005
    Master of Science/Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
    2005 - 2008
    PhD./Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
    Fellowship
    2008 - 2010
    Stem Cell Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine/Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Recent Publications

Sex-specific preservation of neuromuscular function and metabolism following systemic transplantation of multipotent adult stem cells in a murine model of progeria.
Thompson SD, Barrett KL, Rugel CL, Redmond R, Rudofski A, Kurian J, Curtin JL, Dayanidhi S, Lavasani M
GeroScience
doi: 10.1007/s11357-023-00892-5
Systemic Transplantation of Adult Multipotent Stem Cells Functionally Rejuvenates Aged Articular Cartilage.
Thompson SD, Pichika R, Lieber RL, Budinger GRS, Lavasani M
Aging and disease
doi: 10.14336/AD.2020.1118
Systemic transplantation of adult multipotent stem cells prevents articular cartilage degeneration in a mouse model of accelerated ageing.
Thompson SD, Pichika R, Lieber RL, Lavasani M
Immunity & ageing : I & A
doi: 10.1186/s12979-021-00239-8
mTOR signaling plays a critical role in the defects observed in muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells isolated from a murine model of accelerated aging.
Takayama K, Kawakami Y, Lavasani M, Mu X, Cummins JH, Yurube T, Kuroda R, Kurosaka M, Fu FH, Robbins PD, Niedernhofer LJ, Huard J
Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
doi: 10.1002/jor.23409

Honors & Awards

  • The Sarah Baskin Outstanding Research Award
    Junior Physicians and Scientists category for best manuscript, 2020
  • New Investigator Recognition Award Candidate
    Orthopaedic Research Society, 2005
  • New Investigator Recognition Award Recipient
    Orthopaedic Research Society, 2007

Selected Patents

  • Compositions and Methods for Restoring or Rejuvenating Stem/Progenitor Cell Function.
    US Patent App. 13/912,947
    University of Pittsburgh, 2013

Professional Affiliations

  • Member
    Orthopaedic Research Society, 2011
  • Member
    American Aging Association (AGE), 2021, 2021

Research Interests

  • Peripheral Nerve Injury
  • Therapeutic Adult Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Natural Aging and Progeria
  • Reversing or Preventing Aging-Related Diseases
  • Neuropathy

Grants

  • NIA/NIH
    R01AG073223-01, 2022 - 2027
  • Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation
    2022 - 2024
  • Julius N. Frankel Foundation
    2021 - 2023
  • Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation
    2021 - 2023
  • NIH/NIA
    P01AG043376, 2013 - 2018
  • Christopher L. Moseley Foundation
    2015 - 2017
  • NIH
    R21NS081724-01, 2012 - 2015
  • Pittsburgh Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center
    2013
  • Department of Defense
    W81XWH-08-2-0032, 2008 - 2013
  • NIH
    R21AG033907-02A1, 2009 - 2011
  • Corbin Estate Foundation
    2007 - 2010

Translational Cell Therapy Lab

Studying the relationship between adult stem/progenitor cell dysfunction and age-related degeneration.

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Professional Colleagues

J.D. Peiffer
PhD Student
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Yelyzaveta Merenzon
Research Assistant
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