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 Richard LeBaron, Ph.D.Professor Department of Biology
Educational Background:
Areas of Research Interest: My research focuses on the biology of cell surface adhesion receptors and their ligands expressed on other cells, and found as components of the extracellular matrix and interstitial spaces. The physiological functions of adhesion receptors and ligands are crucial for normal tissue development and homeostasis, and are fundamental components in multidimensional tissue design and function. Extracellular molecules have various effects on cells as ligands for cell surface integrins and proteoglycans. Binding actions evoke reorganization of the cells cytoskeleton and activation of signaling molecules regulating transcription. Understanding mechanisms underlying cell adhesion and its extended actions, including cell attachment, cytoskeletal responses, activation of signaling and crosstalk pathways will help us design novel and improved complex tissues for basic and applied applications. In order to study cell adhesion, my laboratory uses molecular genetic, biochemical, electrical, and biological methodologies in combination with peptide mimetics. We conduct our experiments in vitro on single cells, multicellular composites, and on acute and organotypic tissues, and tissues constructed ex vivo. Our current projects investigate integrin actions in synaptic signaling, the regulation of apoptosis by extracellular molecules, and molecules that foster joint movement and repair. The extended goals in each of the projects are to design engineered devices that translate electrochemical signals in order to control external mechanisms, treat cancers and vision impairments, and repair defective joints. Selected Publications: Lemire J.M., Chan C.K., Bressler S., Miller J., LeBaron R.G., Wight T.N. Interleukin-1beta selectively decreases the synthesis of versican by arterial smooth muscle cells. J. Cell Biochem. 101:753-766, 2007. LeBaron, R. G., Hernandez, R. V., Navarro, M. M. Curry, L. and Martinez, J. L. J. A focal adhesion-like process underlies induction of long-term potentiation in the collateral-ca1 region of the hippocampus. Neuron Glial Biology 1: 385-393, 2005. Richards, J.S., I. Hernandez-Gonzalez, I. Gonzalez-Robayna, E. Teuling, Y. Lo, D. Boerboom, A.E. Falender, K.H. Doyle, R.G. LeBaron, V. Thompson, and J.D. Sandy. Regulated expression of ADAMTS family members in follicles and cumulus oocyte complexes: evidence for specific and redundant patterns during ovulation. Biol Reprod 72:1241-1255, 2005. Hernandez, R.V., M.M. Navarro, W.A. Rodriguez, J.L. Martinez, Jr., and R.G. LeBaron, Differences in the magnitude of long-term potentiation produced by theta burst and high frequency stimulation protocols matched in stimulus number. Brain Res Brain Res Protoc, 15: 6-13, 2005. LeBaron, R.G., R.V. Hernandez, M.M. Navarro, L.R. Curry, J.E. Orfila, and J.L.J. Martinez, A focal adhesion-like process underlies induction of long-term potentiation in the Schaffer collateral-CA1 region of the hippocampus. Neuron Glia Biology 1: 1-9, 2005. Temenoff, J.S., H. Park, E. Jabbari, T.L. Sheffield, R.G. LeBaron, C.G. Ambrose, and A.G. Mikos. In vitro osteogenic differentiation of marrow stromal cells encapsulated in biodegradable hydrogels. J Biomed Mater Res. 70A:235-44, 2004. Suwiwat, S., C. Ricciardelli, R. Tammi, M. Tammi, P. Auvinen, V.M. Kosma, R.G. LeBaron, W.A. Raymond, W.D. Tilley, and D.J. Horsfall. "Expression of extracellular matrix components versican, chondroitin sulfate, tenascin, and hyaluronan, and their association with disease outcome in node-negative breast cancer." Clin Cancer Res 10(7): 2491-8, 2004. Ferguson, J.W., M.F. Mikesh, E.F. Wheeler, and R.G. LeBaron, Developmental expression patterns of Beta-ig (betaIG-H3) and its function as a cell adhesion protein. Mechanisms of Development 120(8): p. 851-64, 2003. Ferguson, J.W., B.S. Thoma, M.F. Mikesh, R.H. Kramer, K.L. Bennett, A. Purchio, B.J. Bellard, and R.G. LeBaron, The Extracellular Matrix Protein BIG-H3 is Expressed at Myotendinous Junctions and Supports Muscle Cell Adhesion. Cell and Tissue Research 313(1): p. 93-105, 2003. Huang, W., B. Anvari, J.H. Torres, R.G. LeBaron, and K.A. Athanasiou, Temporal effects of cell adhesion on mechanical characteristics of the single chondrocyte. J Orthopaedic Research 21: p. 88-95, 2003. Temenoff, J.S., K.A. Athanasiou, R.G. LeBaron, and A.G. Mikos, Effect of poly(ethylene glycol) molecular weight on tensile and swelling properties of oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate) hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering. J Biomedical and Materials Research 59(3): p. 429-37, 2002. Contact Information: Department of Biology University of Texas at San Antonio Phone: 210-458-5841 Fax: 210-458-5658 Richard.Lebaron@utsa.edu |
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