Rieger Lab

The Rieger Lab studies wound healing mechanisms using zebrafish as a model. Wound healing is an intricate process that requires coordinated interactions between various cell types. The small reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide is a key signaling molecule that has been found to stimulate various wound repair processes, including immune and epidermal cell migration and the regeneration of sensory nerve endings. Our lab is particularly interested in the signaling functions of hydrogen peroxide leading to the crosstalk between sensory nerve endings and epidermal cells, as these interactions are required for wound healing. In addition, we are exploring nerve-dependent signals that promote wound repair and appendage regeneration. We are further interested in the development of therapeutic strategies that promote sensory nerve regeneration and wound healing. We have developed a model for studying one side effect of chemotherapy, paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. About 70 percent of patients treated with paclitaxel develop peripheral neuropathy, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain and temperature sensitivity. Some patients also show decreased wound healing following surgery. The underlying causes are unknown. We have discovered that paclitaxel promotes axon degeneration by damaging the epidermis, which is innervated by axons. We identified two compounds targeting the epidermis-specific matrix-metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), which when co-administered with paclitaxel prevents axon degeneration, and promotes axon regeneration and wound repair. We are currently investigating their effects in mammalian models.

and a short biography.

Dr. Rieger was born and raised in Germany. She obtained her Ph.D. in Developmental Genetics from the Helmholtz Center in Munich in affiliation with the Technical University Munich under the mentorship of Dr. Reinhard Koester. Her Ph.D. project was concerned with studying the role of cell-cell adhesion factors in granule precursor cell migration during zebrafish cerebellar development. She explored the role of N-cadherin in this process and was the first to live image N-cadherin dynamics in migrating granule precursor cells. She further discovered a role for polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) in guiding migrating cerebellar precursor cells from the ventricular zone (the rhombic lip) to deeper brain regions in early cerebellar development. Dr. Rieger completed her postdoctoral training with Dr. Alvaro Sagasti at the University of California, Los Angeles where she explored neuro-epithelial interactions during cutaneous wound repair and appendage regeneration. She utilized the zebrafish as a model system to study the dynamic processes underlying injury-induced sensory axon regeneration and wound repair. Her work demonstrated that the small reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide is a critical factor in axon regeneration. Following her postdoctoral training, Dr. Rieger became assistant professor at MDI Biological Laboratory, a non-profit research organization focusing on regenerative biology and medicine as well as aging research. Her lab continues to study the crosstalk between cutaneous sensory axons and epidermis, and the signaling functions of hydrogen peroxide mediating these interactions. Dr. Rieger is further interested in the development of therapies for neurodegenerative disorders affecting cutaneous sensory axons. Her lab identified two compounds with which to prevent sensory axon degeneration when co-administered with the chemotherapeutic agent, paclitaxel.