Dr. Shubert studies ways to enhance the effectiveness of stem cell therapies, particularly in the eye, by using innovative techniques like gold nanorods, which are tiny gold particles that help visualize stem cells. Additionally, she investigates serious complications that can occur after stem cell transplants, specifically a condition called transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA), which can negatively affect kidney function. Her work aims to better diagnose and treat these conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Key findings
In her 2022 study, Dr. Shubert improved the uptake of gold nanorods in stem cells, achieving over 92% cell viability while allowing cells to absorb around 3,000 particles each.
In 2020, she found that patients with TA-TMA had average Ba protein levels of 1,097 ng/mL, compared to 726 ng/mL in patients without TA-TMA, indicating a potential marker for diagnosis.
Her 2019 study revealed that out of 15 children with TA-TMA treated with therapeutic plasma exchange, 14 developed chronic kidney disease, demonstrating the need for better treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Shubert study eye conditions?
Yes, she focuses on improving stem cell therapies for eye conditions.
What complications after stem cell transplants does Dr. Shubert research?
She studies transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA), which can harm kidney function.
What treatments has Dr. Shubert researched?
She has researched the effectiveness of therapeutic plasma exchange in treating children with TA-TMA.
Is Dr. Shubert's work relevant to patients who have had a stem cell transplant?
Yes, her findings directly help those who have undergone stem cell transplants, especially regarding kidney health.
Publications in plain English
Increasing the Efficacy of Gold Nanorod Uptake in Stem Cell-Derived Therapeutic Cells: Implications for Stem Cell Labeling and Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging.
2022
ACS applied nano materials
Marquart GW, Stoddard J, Kinnison K, Zhou F, Hugo R +4 more
Plain English This study looked at improving tiny gold particles called gold nanorods, which scientists can use to track and visualize stem cells in the eye. The researchers found that their new version, designed with hybrid lipid coatings, allows cells to take up around 3,000 of these particles without hurting cell health, achieving over 92% cell viability. In contrast, a different type of gold nanorod was too clumpy and didn’t work as well, only allowing about 5,400 particles per cell.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors who work with stem cell therapies for eye conditions.
The alternative complement pathway activation product Ba as a marker for transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy.
2020
Pediatric blood & cancer
Sartain S, Shubert S, Wu MF, Wang T, Martinez C
Plain English This study looked at a condition called transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA), which can harm the kidneys of patients who have undergone blood stem cell transplants. The researchers found that patients with TA-TMA had much higher levels of a protein called Ba (about 1,097 ng/mL) compared to those without the condition (about 726 ng/mL), indicating that Ba could help identify who is suffering from TA-TMA. This matters because finding a reliable way to indicate TA-TMA could lead to better diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing harm to patients.
Who this helps: Patients who have had stem cell transplants.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange does not Improve Renal Function in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy: An Institutional Experience.
2019
Biology of blood and marrow transplantation : journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Plain English This study looked at the effects of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on kidney function in children with a serious complication called transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) after a stem cell transplant. The researchers found that out of 15 patients treated with TPE, 14 developed chronic kidney disease (CKD), with 5 of them experiencing severe CKD. This is important because it shows that TPE did not effectively prevent kidney damage in these patients, highlighting the need for better treatments.
Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating children with TA-TMA and those developing new therapies.