Case Western Reserve University’s Institute for Glial Sciences’ collaborative internal and affiliate laboratories focus on the three nervous systems—central, peripheral and enteric. By specializing in research on distinct types of glial cells, we advance our understanding of glial cell interactions and their impact on human health. This focused approach allows us to explore how these cells function across different systems and how their dysfunction can influence various neurological conditions.
Our internal research labs are committed to pioneering research on glial cells, developing innovative glial-targeted medicines and more. Our affiliate research lab is dedicated to revolutionizing brain tumor treatment through innovative immunotherapies.
Internal Research Labs
Case Western Reserve University’s Institute for Glial Sciences’ collaborative internal laboratories focus on the three nervous systems—central, peripheral and enteric.
Tesar Lab
The Tesar Lab is committed to pioneering research on glial cells with a focus on oligodendrocytes and their role in neurological disease. Rooted in advancing regenerative medicine, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms of glial biology and foster the growth of future research scientists and clinicians.
Clayton Lab
The Clayton Lab is dedicated to developing innovative glial-targeted medicines and mentoring future scientists and clinicians. The vision of the lab is to identify therapeutic approaches that reduce the harmful functions, and/or enhance the beneficial functions, of glia cells like astrocytes. Ultimately, the Clayton Lab seeks to advance our scientific understanding of glial biology in disease in order to treat neurological diseases.
Learn more about the Clayton Lab.
Scavuzzo Lab
The Scavuzzo Lab focuses on understanding the role of glial cells in the enteric nervous system. The gut is an intensely fluctuating environment, where cells must cope with a bombardment of stimuli and interact with not only other cell types from different germ layers but even different species. Enteric glia weave through every layer from the outside in from beginning to end. Their goal is to understand the genetic mechanisms by which enteric glial cells integrate information and decide to either shift functional states or maintain their original state.
Affiliate Research Labs
Case Western Reserve University’s Institute for Glial Sciences collaborates with affiliate laboratories to achieve its mission of deepening collective understanding of glial cells.
Miller Lab
The Ty Miller Lab is dedicated to revolutionizing brain tumor treatment through innovative immunotherapies. Miller’s investigations focus on dissecting the complex roles of myeloid cells within brain tumors (gliomas). These cells, which normally protect and repair tissue, can be co-opted by tumors to support their growth and evade the immune system. By mapping the origins, states, and regulatory mechanisms of immunosuppressive myeloid cells in patient tumors, Miller aims to unveil new therapeutic targets.