Donald G. Phinney, Ph.D. – Faculty Member Page

Faculty, Graduate Program

Associate Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tulane University Medical School

Mesenchymal stem cells resident in adult bone marrow are characterized by their capacity to generate connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, and adipose, as well as sustain hematopoiesis and other bone marrow functions via secretion of a large array of cytokines, adhesion molecules, and trophic factors. Research in our laboratory is focused on delineating the molecular and functional complexity inherent to MSC biology and using information gleaned from such studies to develop optimized cellular vectors for treating chronic inflammatory and neuro-degenerative diseases. Currently our focus in the lab is on deciphering the molecular signaling pathways that maintain MSCs in an undifferentiated state, regulate expression of anti-inflammatory proteins, and modulate engraftment and migration of MSCs within the central nervous system. Advances derived from basic scientific investigation are incorporated into design and optimization of cellular vectors to treat inflammatory lung disease and neurodegenerative disorders in both rodent and non-human primate models.

Ph.D., Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, 1990 B.A., Chemistry, Mathematics, The University of Vermont, 1984

Consultant, KM Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC (2008-2009) Lead Reviewer Award, Stem Cells (2006) Planning committee, International Society of Stem Cell Research (2002-2005) Scientific Advisory Board, StemSource Inc., Los Angeles, CA (2002-2003) UVM College of Arts and Sciences, Nominee for Outstanding Academic Sophomore (1982) Atkinson Academy Scholarship Award (1980-1984) St. Pauls Academy, Advanced Study Program, Honors in Chemistry (1979)

Editorial Boards

World Journal of Stem Cells (2008-present) Co-Editor, Stem Cells (2008-2009) Associate Editor, Stem Cells (2007-2008) Open Biotechnology (2007-present) Stem Cells (2005-present)

Russel KC, Phinney DG, Lacey MR, Barrilleaux BL, Meyertholen KE, O'Connor K. In vitro high-capacity assay to quantify the clonal heterogeniety in tri-lineage potential of mesenchymal stem cells reveals a complex hierarchy of lineage committment. Stem Cells 2010; 28:788-798

Iaskova IA, Dufour J, Lanclos C, Bruhn J, Phinney DG. Cell dose-dependent increases in circulating levels of immune effector cells in rhesus macaques following intra-cranial injection of allogeneic MSCs. Exp Hematol. 2010; 38:957-967

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Donald G. Phinney, Ph.D. - Faculty Member Page