Robert B. Vernon, PhD
Title:
Research Associate Member
Email Address:
Phone Number:
206-341-1349
Background
Dr. Vernon received his bachelor’s degree in Biology/Zoology from the University of Washington and received his PhD in Cell Biology from the University of Washington in 1985. He was a post-doctoral fellow and, later, a faculty member in the Department of Biological Structure at the University of Washington School of Medicine from 1985-1999. Subsequently, he joined the Hope Heart Institute in Seattle and, in 2004, became a Research Associate Member at the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason.
Areas of Research
Extracellular matrix is the complex substance outside of cells that provides structural support to living tissues. Dr. Vernon’s laboratory focuses on understanding how extracellular matrix regulates cell behavior – in particular, the behavior of cells that participate in tumor growth (e.g., endothelial cells of blood vessels) and in wound repair (e.g., fibroblasts of connective tissue). Additionally, his laboratory is developing functional replacements for diseased, injured, or lost tissues. These engineered tissues are comprised of cells that are grown in contact with supportive scaffolds made from natural extracellular matrix molecules (e.g., collagen). The scaffolds are specially configured to promote the survival, organization, and function of the resident cells and to limit rejection and scar formation by the patient. Engineered tissues under development include replacements for blood vessels, ligaments, skin, and – for treatment of diabetes – the endocrine pancreas.
Selected Publications
1. Vernon RB, Gooden MD, Lara SL, Wight TN (2005). Native fibrillar collagen membranes of micron-scale and submicron thicknesses for cell support and perfusion. Biomaterials 26:1109–1117.
2. Vernon RB, Gooden MD, Lara SL, Wight TN (2005). Microgrooved fibrillar collagen membranes as scaffolds for cell support and alignment. Biomaterials 26:3131–3140.
3. Reed MJ, Karres N, Eyman D, Vernon RB (2007). Culture of murine explants in 3-dimensional extracellular matrix: a novel, miniaturized assay of angiogenesis in vitro. Microvasc. Res. 73: 248-252.