Image of Tom, Veronica

Veronica Tom, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

  • Department: Neurobiology and Anatomy
  • Education: Ph.D. - Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH; B.S. - Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY
Research

Dr. Veronica Tom's research focuses on modulation of extrinsic and intrinsic factors to promote axonal regeneration and plasticity.

There are multiple obstacles to successful axonal regeneration, including a diminished intrinsic growth response from adult axons and the formation of a glial scar around the injury site that is rich with inhibitory matrix molecules. Dr. Tom's goal is to devise strategies that will tackle these different impediments to result in robust axonal regeneration.

Some of the ongoing projects in her lab are:

  • Combining transplantation with modification of the inhibitory matrix associated with the glial scar to promote recovery of autonomic function
  • Targeting microtubules to enhance the intrinsic axonal regenerative response
  • Understanding the role of the transcription factor Sox9 in astrogliosis
Publications

"Combining an autologous peripheral nervous system "bridge" and matrix modification by chondroitinase allows robust, functional regeneration beyond a hemisection lesion of the adult rat spinal cord"
Houle JD, Tom VJ, Mayes D, Wagoner G, Phillips N, Silver J
J. Neurosci. 26: 7405-7415 (2006).

"Chronic enhancement of the intrinsic growth capacity of sensory neurons combined with the degradation of inhibitory proteoglycans allows functional regeneration of sensory axons through the dorsal root entry zone in the mammalian spinal cord"
Steinmetz MP, Horn KP, Tom VJ, Miller JH, Busch SA, Nair D, Silver DJ, Silver J
J. Neurosci. 25: 8066-8076 (2005). 

"Studies on the development and behavior of the dystrophic growth cone, the hallmark of regeneration failure, in an in vitro model of the glial scar and after spinal cord injury"
Tom VJ, Steinmetz MP, Miller JH, Doller CM, Silver J 
J. Neurosci. 24: 6531-6539 (2004).

"Astrocyte-associated fibronectin is critical for axonal regeneration in adult white matter"
Tom VJ, Doller CM, Malouf AT, Silver J
J. Neurosci. 24: 9282-9290 (2004).

Teaching

Dr. Tom is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy.

 

Academic Location

Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy
2900 Queen Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19129
Phone: 215-991-8401
Fax: 215-843-9082

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