The Translational Neurotrauma Research Laboratory at Emory is the next chapter in the illustrious history of innovative research in the Department of Emergency Medicine. Previously, preclinical and translational research was spearheaded by the Brain Research Lab of Emory University, directed by Dr. Donald Stein, Ph.D., Asa G Chandler Professor and Distinguished Professor in Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Stein's early findings on sex differences in recovery from brain injury led to decades of research on neurosteroids in central nervous system (CNS) injury. His laboratory was a thought leader in studying the actions of progesterone and its metabolites in pediatric, adult and aged models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke.
The research team utilized cell culture as well as molecular biological and immunocytochemical techniques to examine how different kinds of brain injuries can be repaired at the morphological and functional levels. Dr. Stein led collaborations with medical colleagues in emergency medicine, neurology, radiology, pediatrics and neuro-ophthalmology. Dr. Stein’s research has served as the basis for two independent Phase II clinical trials testing progesterone for moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, and an NIH-sponsored, nationwide Phase III clinical trial.
Dr. Stein is the author of hundreds of articles, book chapters, reviews and papers on the subject of recovery from brain injury.