Suzie Pun, Ph.D. Professor of Bioengineering Research Affiliate, Center on Human Development and Disability spun@uw.edu 206-685-3488 University of Washington Box 355061 Seattle, WA 98195-5061

Dr. Pun develops both gene and protein transfer techniques to promote neurogenesis following trauma, injury, or disease that result in loss of neurons. Her laboratory integrates techniques from engineering, chemistry, and cell biology to achieve this goal. The overarching goal of Pun’s work is to develop bio-inspired materials for medical applications. One current project focuses on traumatic brain injury (TBI) using ultrasound to enhance non-viral gene transfer to neural progenitor cells in the brain mediated by a targeted polymer delivery vector, thus enabling the delivery of genes encoding fibroblast growth factor-2 and neurogenin2, proteins shown to enhance neurogenesis and direct neuron differentiation, respectively. An animal model of TBI will be used to evaluate whether induced migration and increased neuronal integration can lead to functional improvement through a combination of histology, cognitive evaluations, and motor assessments.

Dr. Pun’s lab website

University of Washington • Center on Human Development and Disability • Box 357920 • Seattle WA 98195-7920 USA • 206-543-7701 • chdd@uw.edu

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