BS, MS, Case Western Reserve University PhD, University of Michigan CAREER Award, National Science Foundation Tissue engineering; cellular engineering; drug delivery; gene therapy

Research Group Web Site

Interview with Professor Lonnie Shea

Tissue engineering is an emerging field that aims to provide functional tissue replacements for those with tissue loss or organ failure. The strategy combines cells, synthetic polymer scaffolds, and various bioactive factors to mimic the natural conditions that lead to tissue formation. By coupling mathematical modeling with experimental investigations, my research group seeks to design microenvironments that can control cellular responses and subsequent tissue formation. The design and fabrication of these environments may ultimately lead to novel therapeutic strategies within tissue engineering and beyond.

To determine the requirements of the microenvironment, we develop systems that present specific signals, or combinations of signals, and examine mammalian cell responses. The signals are presented in various forms, such as the delivery of genes and growth factors within the scaffold or attachment of molecules to the polymer surface. Of particular interest is the delivery of gene therapy vectors, which encode for proteins that induce tissue formation. Creation of these biomimetic environments utilizes a variety of polymer processing techniques, organic chemistry, and molecular biology. Signals are incorporated into the polymers by covalent modification of polymer or by incorporation during processing. Cellular responses are quantified using a variety of tools, such as microscopy, histology, biochemical testing, and luminescence imaging. Additionally, mathematical models are developed to identify the critical design parameters and make testable predictions regarding drug/gene delivery and cellular responses.

Strategies to enhance tissue formation are developed based on a fundamental understanding of cellular responses to specific signals. Polymer scaffolds may enhance natural tissue regeneration by delivering the appropriate signals or by serving as cell transplantion vehicles. The designer scaffolds are being applied to three models of tissue formation: in vitro maturation of ovarian follicles to preserve female fertility, islet transplantation in diabetes, and nerve regeneration to treat paralysis. This approach of relating tissue development to molecular design of the scaffold may ultimately lead to the formation of engineered tissues that could provide alternatives to whole organ or tissue transplantation.

Recent Publications

De Laporte L, AL Yan L.D. Shea "Local gene delivery from ECM-coated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) multiple channel bridges after spinal cord injury." Biomaterials. 2009 

DeLaporte, L., Y. Yang, M. Zelivyanskaya, B. Cummings A. Anderson, and L.D. Shea "Gene delivery from spinal cord bridges", Mol Ther. 2009.

Rea, J., R. Gibly, A. Barron, and L.D. Shea, "Self-Assembling Peptide-Lipoplexes for Substrate-Mediated Gene Delivery" Acta Biomaterialia 2009.

Rives, C., A. des Rieux, M. Zelivyanskaya, S. Stock, W.L. Lowe, and L.D. Shea, "Layered PLG Scaffolds for In Vivo Plasmid Delivery", Jan;30(3):394-401. 2009.

Xu, M., A. Banc, T.K. Woodruff, and, LD Shea, "Secondary follicle growth and oocyte maturation by culture in alginate hydrogel following cryopreservation of the ovary or individual follicles" Biotech and Bioeng 2009.

West, E., M. Xu, TK Woodruff, L.D. Shea, “The follicle microenvironment regulates antrum formation and steroid production: alterations in gene expression profiles“ Biol Reprod 2009.

Xu, M., P.K. Kreeger, L.D. Shea, and T.K. Woodruff, "Tissue Engineered Follicles Produce Live, Fertile Offspring", Tissue Eng 12(10): 2739-2746, 2006. (Note: Nat Med ranked this manuscript as the top cited manuscript between 2004 and 2008. Nat Med 14(11): 1178, 2008). 

Salvay, D.M., C.B. Rives, X. Zhang, F. Chen, D.B. Kaufman, W.L. Lowe, and L.D. Shea "Extracellular Matrix Proteins Adsorbed To PLG Microporous Scaffolds Promote The Reversal Of Diabetes Following Extrahepatic Islet Transplantation", Transplantation 85(10):1456-64 2008.

Houchin, T.L., K.J. Whittlesey, and L.D. Shea, "Spatially Patterned Gene Delivery for Directed Neurite Outgrowth", Mol. Ther. 15(4) 705-712, 2007.

Pannier, A.K., E. Ariazi, A.D. Bellis, Z. Bengali, V.C. Jordan, and L.D. Shea "Bioluminescence Imaging for Assessment and Normalization in Transfected Cell Arrays", Biotech and Bioeng. 98(2) 486-97 2007.

Prof. Lonnie Shea
Department of Chemical Engineering
Northwestern University
2145 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208-3120

tel: 847/491-7043
fax: 847/491-3728
E-mail Professor Shea