Gullbrand Laboratory

Welcome to Gullbrand Laboratory

The Gullbrand Lab studies how aberrant structure-function relationships across the spine contribute to the initiation and progression of degenerative disc disease. Our work spans multiple length scales across model systems of disease and human tissue. We probe spinal tissues by employing a suite of biomechanical and bioimaging tools, elucidating connections between tissue structure and degeneration of intervertebral discs, vertebral bones, cartilage endplates, and facet joints. Our group also focuses on utilizing this knowledge to inform the development of tissue-engineering-based approaches for disc regeneration. Central to this work, in collaboration with Harvey Smith, MD and Robert Mauck, PhD, is the translation of a whole tissue engineered intervertebral disc replacement towards clinical application in human patients. 

The Gullbrand lab is uniquely situated in the Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center at the Philadelphia Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center.

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Bowles Lab Learns to Make eDAPS
September 23, 2024
Last week we hosted PhD students Hunter Levis and Molly Czachor from Dr. Robby Bowles Lab at the University of Utah. During their visit, Research Engineer Matthew Fainor taught Hunter and Molly how to make our lab's total tissue-engineered intervertebral disc replacements, otherwise known as eDAPS, as part of Dr. Bowles's and Dr. Gullbrand's collaborative R01 to make more translationally-relevant eDAPS using the Bowles Lab's CRISPR gene-editing platform.

Matthew Receives Katz Award
June 14, 2024
Research Engineer Matthew Fainor received the Katz Award at this year's Orthopaedic Research Day. Every year, the Katz Award recognizing empathy and a focus on diversity and cultural awareness is given to an individual who fosters a positive culture here at Penn. Matthew was nominated by his colleagues, emphasizing his significant contributions to McKay's DEI Committee and its initiatives.

Dr. Mohammad Abdullah Speaks at Penn Medicine Orthopaedic Research Day
June 14, 2024
Orthopaedic Surgery resident Dr. Mohammad Abdullah completed his research year in the Gullbrand Lab with a presentation of his work at Penn Medicine's Ortho Research Day. His presentation highlighted his valuable contributions to our lab's ongoing tension-activated repair patch project for repairing intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus injuries and painful disc herniations.

Congratulations to Ameerah Lawal on Graduating with a Master's in Bioengineering
May 17, 2024
Congratulations to Ameerah Lawal on her graduation! Ameerah received a Masters of Science in Bioengineering with a concentration in Cell/Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials. Her master's thesis is entitled "Engineered Cell and Drug Delivery Approaches for Improving Cell Viability and Matrix Distribution in Tissue-Engineered Intervertebral Discs." We can't wait to see what you do next!

Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Gullbrand and Coauthors on European Cells and Materials Publication
April 23, 2024
Congratulations to Dr. Gullbrand and coauthors on their publication in European Cells and Materials. The study, entitled "Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Instigates Vertebral Endplate Remodeling and Facet Joint Pathology in a Large Animal Model," characterizes the degenerative changes that occur across all substructures of the spine following induction of intervertebral disc degeneration in an initially healthy spine using chondroitinase ABC.

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