Lucas Budd
Program: Biomedical Engineering
Current advisor: Simon Tang, PhD
Undergraduate university: University of Florida
Research summary
Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) in juveniles decreases quality of life and can decrease life expectancy if left untreated. Premature stiffening of the spine during growth rod treatment, termed autofusion, where the spine can no longer be lengthened despite compatible hardware, has been observed in numerous cases of early-onset scoliosis. There is a critical knowledge gap in the understanding of physiological mechanisms that give rise to autofusion during growth rod treatment. To further evaluate the mechanism of autofusion, we developed a murine model that recapitulates the external distraction forces during growth rod treatment. Future planned experiments include microCT, histology, bulk RNA sequencing, and proteomics to further investigate mechanisms of fibrosis and/or osteogenesis in the intervertebral disc. These results will be interpreted in tandem with human data to validate the animal model.
Graduate publications