West LA Times

UCLA has received a $2 million grant from The Marcus Foundation to support research in regenerative medicine aimed at restoring sensation in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The grant will advance the work of Dr. Samantha Butler, a professor of neurobiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine and a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA.

Butler's research focuses on understanding how neuron networks in the spinal cord are established and regenerated. Her goal is to develop cell replacement therapies that can repair damaged neural circuits and restore sensory function in people with spinal cord injuries.

“This funding will allow us to conduct our research in a rigorous, meticulous way, generating invaluable data about these neuronal networks,” Butler said. “I’m deeply touched by The Marcus Foundation’s faith in my scientific program and vision for regenerating diseased or damaged spinal sensory circuits in paralyzed patients.”

The Marcus Foundation, founded by philanthropist and Home Depot co-founder Bernard “Bernie” Marcus, supports various causes including medical research with an emphasis on autism, cellular therapy, oncology, cardiovascular disease, and traumatic brain injuries.

“Cutting-edge bioengineering and stem cell research in Dr. Butler’s lab has the potential to restore function and feeling for individuals with spinal cord injuries,” said Marcus. “Our investment in UCLA’s regenerative medicine program aligns with our commitment to supporting groundbreaking medical research that can dramatically improve lives.”

Butler's team has made significant progress by developing a method for producing dorsal interneurons from mouse stem cells. These neurons are crucial as they encode sensations such as touch, pain, itch, and proprioception — the body's ability to sense its position in space. This area is traditionally understudied compared to motor neurons which control movement.

The grant will enable further development of protocols for creating similar neurons from human cells. It will also support extensive bioinformatics efforts to ensure that lab-created human neurons closely resemble their natural counterparts. This could lead to insights into human neuron development and potentially enable patient-specific cellular therapies.

“Dr. Butler has been at the forefront of understanding the extraordinarily diverse functions of the nervous system for over two decades,” said Dr. Thomas Rando, director of the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center. “This grant is not only a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional research program but also a testament to the potential translational impacts of basic science.”

The ultimate aim is to develop transplantation options and multisite clinical trials for recovering sensory function after spinal cord injury. This work could benefit not only those with spinal cord injuries but also individuals affected by sensory neuron damage due to physical trauma, chemotherapy, autism, aging or other diseases.

“This generous grant from The Marcus Foundation reflects our shared vision to advance medical science and improve patient outcomes,” said Dr. Steven Dubinett, dean of the Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA associate vice chancellor for research. “Dr. Butler is one of the few researchers leading innovative research in sensory regeneration, exemplifying UCLA’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of stem cell research."