Pete Serbedzija

Composed SOPs, executed, analyzed, and presented experiments for all stages of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) production. Successfully advanced to Phase I clinical trial. Banked and characterized dozens of umbilical cords for selection of MSC lines. Validated multiplex assays for quantification of select cytokines produced by MSC lines. Implemented hollow fiber bioreactor for mass-production of MSC lines. Conducted academic research studying HLA binding to peptides identified as disease risk factors.

Established multiple protocols: RT-PCR from as few as 10,000 fixed cells sorted by flow cytometry targeting transcripts of interest (PrimeFlowRNA), ViewRNA, 20-plex Luminex assays, intratracheal injections in mice, Odyssey Western blotting from sorted cell populations, T-cell adoptive transfers, mouse colony genotyping. Successfully tested for inflammation-induced alveolar disruption in a murine model of acute respiratory distress using retro-orbital injection of FITC-Dextran and bronchoalveolar lavage.

Successfully established 1 rat model and 2 mouse models of multiple sclerosis. Established a murine model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and successfully tested for ameliorating effects of adenovirus-itrathecally-delivered IL-10 gene therapy.

Successfully performed cranial survival surgeries on rats to induce traumatic brain injury (model of disease). Developed a histological, fluorescence microscopy-based method for regional quantification of blood-brain barrier disruption. As member of a team assessed blood-brain barrier disruption and edema using magnetic resonance imaging, spatial learning and memory deficits, and their electrophysiological underpinnings. Established promising ameliorating effects of a drug on assessed parameters.

Successfully isolated oligodendrocyte progenitors from prenatal mouse and early postnatal rat brain. Assessed oligodendrocyte progenitor homogeneity and differentiation using fluorescence microscopy. Studied cell migration in culture following treatment with pharmacological agents and confirmed candidate signaling pathways using Odyssey Western blotting.

Biochemistry and molecular biology. Focus on interdisciplinary studies within the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neuroscience (MCIN).

Biochemistry and molecular biology.