Tissue Level Deformations of the Loaded Spine in Humans with Low Back Pain
NIH/NIAMS K01 AR69116
08/05/2016-07/31/2020
Role: PI
The project will develop new methodologies to define the relationship between mechanical strains and low back pain development, with the potential to better inform and guide clinical management strategies. The project will also provide training in translational and clinical research for the principal investigator while providing critical data for future R01 submissions.
Effects of Ages and Rage on IVD Degeneration and Inflammation
NIH/NIAMS R21 AR069804-01A1
02/01/2017-01/31/2020
Role: PI
We aim to define the degenerative pathways leading to disc degeneration. The research work proposed here examines the role of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), and the signaling of its receptor (RAGE) as a novel disease mechanism for the degeneration and inflammation of the intervertebral disc. Future work will examine therapeutics targeted at AGEs in translational models.
The Role of Physiologic and Pathologic AGEs on RAGE Signaling in IVD Degeneration
NIH/NIAMS R01 AR074441-01A1
7/1/2019–6/30/2024
Role: Tang PI
In this R01 proposal, we will determine the AGEs- and RAGE-mediated events as disease mechanisms for IVD degeneration. Specifically, we will identify the role of AGEs in altering IVD structure and function and define the necessity of RAGE-signaling in AGEs-mediated degeneration. If our hypotheses are supported, this will provide the putative targets to alleviate the degenerative cascade. The combination of in vivo and ex vivo- in vitro approaches will enable us to carefully dissect the systemic effects of high AGE-loads from tissue- specific effects of AGEs. We also will further develop the in vivo contrast- enhanced microCT of the intervertebral disc as a key technological innovation.
Core Center for Musculoskeletal Biology and Medicine
NIH/NIAMS P30 AR057235 (Silva)
04/11/2019-3/31/2024
Role: Assoc. Director of Core B $98,553 Annual Direct Costs
Dr. Tang co-directs Core B, which supports evaluation of musculoskeletal structure and strength in animal models.
Effect of Controlled Dynamic Spine Distraction on Intervertebral Disc, Growth Plates, Bone Quality and Spine Stiffness; An in Vivo Study on Rat Tail Model
Sciolosis Research Society
2/1/2018-12/31/2019 NCE
Role: TANG/Co-I $25,000 Annual Direct Costs
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of controlled dynamic spine distraction on intervertebral structure and homeostasis and vertebrae bone adaptation. We hypothesize that distraction will cause significant change in disc height, growth plate, bone quality and stiffness when compare to control group.
