Dr. Neill Li, MD, is a distinguished orthopaedic clinician-scientist focused on understanding the developmental processes behind peripheral nerve disorders. His research combines genetically modified mice with clinically relevant injury models to investigate cellular regeneration, providing deeper insights into nerve damage and recovery mechanisms. This dual approach also allows for the ongoing refinement of experimental models to enhance their accuracy and relevance.

Dr. Li’s team is advancing the use of biomaterials in peripheral nerve regeneration, exploring how these materials can accelerate nerve repair and regeneration. They also investigate the cellular heterogeneity within peripheral nerves, linking this diversity to developmental biology to uncover new regenerative potentials. Identifying key cellular subpopulations has opened up innovative avenues for treating nerve damage.

In addition, Dr. Li conducts systematic reviews to consolidate existing knowledge on nerve disorders, supporting basic and translational research. His basic science research includes studies on nerve architecture, diabetic neuropathy, pain mechanisms, neurite outgrowth, spasticity, and parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve histology. These efforts are essential for a comprehensive understanding of nerve function and pathology.

His translational research spans immune responses to materials used in nerve surgery, developing scaffolds and bioactive materials, and computational modeling of peripheral nerve behavior—clinical studies, including therapeutic electrical stimulation, further support his work.

Dr. Li also leads a dynamic clinical research program, including both retrospective and prospective studies on adult and pediatric brachial plexus injuries, clinical trials on nerve transfers for cervical spine and brachial plexus injuries, and the use of ultrasound to evaluate the prognosis of peripheral nerve injuries and reconstructions. These initiatives are critical for translating laboratory discoveries into tangible medical advancements in treating peripheral nerve injuries.

Key Research Areas in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration:

• Age-Dependent Variables in Peripheral Nerve Recovery
  Research examines how aging affects nerve regeneration by comparing younger and older subjects. The key focus is neuroimmune responses, particularly how age alters interactions between Schwann and immune cells. The goal is to develop age-specific therapies by reprogramming Schwann cells to enhance regeneration in older individuals.

• Cellular Nerve Regeneration
  The lab is improving colocalization and chemotactic methods to track Schwann and immune cells' migration during nerve repair, providing insights into cellular interactions that can inform regenerative therapies.

• Biomaterial Impact After Peripheral Nerve Injury
  The lab investigates how various biomaterials can optimize the microenvironment around injured nerves to enhance regeneration. Research includes exploring scaffolds and bioactive materials that promote nerve repair and reduce inflammation.

  • Chitosan: Enhances Schwann cell migration and alignment, mimicking the extracellular matrix.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Creates a hydrated environment that promotes nerve repair by reducing scarring.
  • Fibrin Glue: Provides immediate structural support and promotes nerve regeneration when enriched with growth factors.
  • Amniotic Tissue: Reduces inflammation and promotes cell proliferation to support nerve growth.
  • Small Intestine Submucosa (SIS): Contains growth factors and collagen, aiding in nerve regeneration.

• Pharmacological Studies of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Drugs
  These studies focus on testing drugs that promote nerve repair by modulating Schwann cell proliferation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing myelin formation.

• Tri-culture Microfluidics
  This research uses ex vivo models to simulate interactions between dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), Schwann cells, and macrophages, providing insights into their role in nerve regeneration and repair.

• Transgenic Rodents
  Genetically engineered mice with reporter markers for Schwann cells and macrophages enable detailed studies of these cells during nerve regeneration, facilitating more precise experiments and evaluation of therapeutic approaches.

• Bioinformatic Analysis
  The lab uses proteomics, transcriptomics, and genomics to understand nerve regeneration at the molecular level, applying bulk RNA sequencing, single-nucleus sequencing, and mass spectrometry to track gene expression and protein modifications during injury and repair.

• Innervation of Muscle After Peripheral Nerve Injury
  Research explores the molecular and cellular interactions between nerves and muscles during reinnervation, aiming to prevent or reverse muscle atrophy after nerve damage.

• Spasticity
  Studies focus on how CNS injuries impact PNS function, specifically how spasticity results from disrupted communication between the CNS and PNS. The goal is to develop therapies that address central and peripheral nerve dysfunctions.

• Diabetic Nerve Dysfunction
  The lab investigates how elevated A1C levels affect nerve repair in diabetic patients and aims to establish guidelines for safe and effective peripheral nerve surgery in this population.

• Nerve Architecture
  Research into nerve architecture aims to improve graft designs by mimicking the fascicular structure of peripheral nerves. This includes 3D printing grafts that replicate natural nerves' anatomical and functional properties.

• Peripheral Pain
  The lab explores how sensory nerves distribute nociceptors and modulate pain signaling. The goal is to identify specific mechanisms of nociceptor activation to develop targeted therapies for chronic pain conditions.

• Ultrasound Prognosis of Peripheral Nerve Injury and Reconstruction
  Ultrasound imaging is used to assess nerve damage and healing, allowing for real-time monitoring and personalized treatment plans to improve outcomes in nerve reconstruction.

• Update to Management of Acute Scaphoid Fractures. Journal Article J Am Acad Orthop Surg · August 1, 2023. The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone. With high clinical suspicion and negative radiographs, expedient evaluation by CT or MRI has been recommended. When treating nondisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid waist and distal pole fractures ...Full text
   
• Risk of Dislocation and Revision Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Prior Lumbar Fusion With Spinopelvic Fixation. Journal Article J Arthroplasty · April 2023
  BACKGROUND: The effect of spinopelvic fixation in addition to lumbar spinal fusion (LSF) on dislocation/instability and revision in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been reported previously. Full text
   
• Complications and Reoperation Following Surgery for Concurrent Carpal Tunnel and Cervical Spine Compression. Journal Article Hand (NY) · March 22, 2023
  BACKGROUND: Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may also have cervical radiculopathy (CR) or vice versa, potentially requiring carpal tunnel release (CTR) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Full text.
   
• Upper Extremity Neuropathies Following Severe COVID-19 Infection: A Multicenter Case Series. Journal Article World Neurosurg · March 2023
  OBJECTIVE: The study aims to examine presentation, injury patterns, and clinical course for COVID-19-related peripheral nerve injury following mechanical ventilation. Full text
   
• Understanding Health Economics in Hand Surgery. Journal Article J Hand Surg Am · March 2023
  Rising healthcare costs in the United States, besides evolving payment models that emphasize value instead of volume, have led to an increasing number of studies evaluating hand surgery from an economic perspective. Full text.
   
• Effect of Hospital Characteristics on Performance of Pediatric Digit Replantation in the United States. Journal Article J Hand Microsurg · February 2023
  Introduction Utilize a national pediatric database to assess whether hospital characteristics such as location, teaching status, ownership, or size impact the performance of pediatric digit replantation following traumatic digit amputation in the United States. Full text.
   
• Matrilin-2 within a three-dimensional lysine-modified chitosan porous scaffold enhances Schwann cell migration and axonal outgrowth for peripheral nerve regeneration. Journal Article Front Bioeng Biotechnol · 2023Background: Matrilin-2 is a key extracellular matrix protein involved in peripheral nerve regeneration. We sought to develop a biomimetic scaffold to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration by incorporating matriline-2 within a chitosan-derived porous scaffold...Full text
   
• Restoration of hamstring function following sciatic nerve resection at the greater sciatic foramen with reconstruction involving acellular nerve allograft and vascularized sural nerve autograft: A case report. Journal Article Microsurgery · November 2022 Segmental loss of the sciatic nerve secondary to oncologic resection or trauma is detrimental to hamstring and leg function. Full text.
   
• Four-Corner Arthrodesis versus Proximal Row Carpectomy: Risk Factors and Complications Associated with Prolonged Postoperative Opioid Use Journal Article Journal of Hand and Microsurgery · April 1, 2022Introduction This article compares opioid use patterns following four-corner arthrodesis (FCA) and proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and identifies risk factors and complications associated with prolonged opioid consumption. Full text
   
• A Nationwide Epidemiological Analysis of Finger Infections Presenting to Emergency Departments in the United States From 2012 to 2016. Journal Article Hand (N Y) · March 2022Background: There is a paucity of literature exploring the epidemiology of finger infections presented to emergency departments (EDs) nationally. Full text.
   
• Variability in Hand Surgery Training Among Plastic and Orthopaedic Surgery Residents.Journal Article J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev · January 4, 2022
  BACKGROUND: A career in hand surgery in the United States requires a 1-year fellowship after residency training. Different residency specialty programs may vary in case volume. The purpose of this study was to characterize variation in hand surgery training. Full text
   
• Understanding Health Economics in Joint Replacement Surgery. Journal Article Orthopedics · 2022The number of arthroplasty procedures has been rising significantly, contributing to a notable portion of the nation's healthcare spending. Full text.
   
• Tumor: Stroma Interaction and Cancer. Journal Article Exp Suppl · 2022The understanding of how normal cells transform into tumor cells and progress to invasive cancer and metastases continues to evolve. The tumor mass comprises a heterogeneous population of cells, including recruited host immune cells and stromal cells. Full text.
   
• Temporal and Geographic Trends in Medicare Reimbursement of Primary and Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty: 2000 to 2020. Journal Article J Am Acad Orthop Surg · December 15, 2021
  INTRODUCTION: A comprehensive understanding of the trends for financial reimbursement of shoulder arthroplasty is critical as progress is made toward achieving sustainable payment models in orthopaedics. Full text.
   
• Influence of Preseason Versus In-Season Play on Achilles Tendon Injuries in the National Football League. Journal Article Orthop J Sports Med · December 2021BACKGROUND: A ruptured Achilles tendon (AT) can sideline a player for 6 to 12 months and reduce their power rankings by over 50 percent. Previous research has compared AT rupture rates in different game conditions. Full text
   
• Pediatric Digit Replantation Following Traumatic Amputation: Nationwide Analysis of Patient Selection, Outcomes, and Cost. Journal Article Hand (N Y) · September 2021Background: Indications for replantation following traumatic digit amputations are more liberal in the pediatric population than in adults. However, the delineation of patient selection within pediatrics and their outcomes has yet to be elucidated. Full text.
   
• Epidemiology of Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Sports, Exercise, and Recreation in the United States, 2009 - 2018. Journal Article Phys Sportsmed · September 2021
  OBJECTIVE: To assess rates of peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) in sports, exercise, and recreational activities. Full text
   
• Understanding Health Economics in Spine Surgery. Journal Article Jbjs Rev · March 5, 2021»: The United States has faced substantial increases in healthcare expenditure, specifically significant increases in spine surgery costs. Full text.
   
• Gorham Disease Limited to the Left Upper Extremity Without Hand Involvement. Journal Article J Hand Surg Am · February 2021
  This case report presents a young female patient with a history of Gorham disease who sustained pathologic fractures of the left radius and ulna after a low-impact fall. Massive osteolysis of the left forearm and wrist was noted on plain radiographs. Full text.
   
• Risk of Postoperative Complications and Revision Surgery Following Robot-assisted Posterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion. Journal Article Spine (Phila Pa 1976) · December 15, 2020
  STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Study. OBJECTIVE: This investigation examined matched cohorts of lumbar spinal fusion (LSF) patients undergoing robot-assisted and conventional LSF to compare the risk of revision, 30-day readmission, and 30-day complications.Full text

The Peripheral Neuroregenerative Biotherapeutics Li Lab at Duke University offers diverse research opportunities for students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars. Our collaborative, dynamic environment is ideal for those looking to contribute to cutting-edge research in peripheral nerve regeneration. Here’s a look at the available opportunities:

1. Graduate and Undergraduate Research Positions

• Engage in hands-on research projects with expert mentors.
• Study cellular composition and migration patterns in nerve regeneration.
• Gain experience in electrophysiology to assess neural connectivity and functional recovery.
• Contribute to the development and testing of biomaterials for nerve repair.

2. Postdoctoral Fellowships

• Lead independent research on nerve regeneration mechanisms.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in molecular biology, imaging, and bioengineering.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and help foster their development.

3. Visiting Scholar Program

• Participate in short-term research stays and share knowledge and techniques.
• Collaborate on ongoing projects and introduce new perspectives.
• Present your research and engage in lab meetings and seminars.

4. Summer Research Internships

• Gain hands-on research experience during the summer.
• Work closely with the lab on nerve regeneration-related projects.
• Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and educational activities.

5. Collaborative Research Projects

• Collaborate on multidisciplinary research initiatives.
• Share expertise and resources to drive progress in peripheral nerve regeneration.
• Participate in joint grant applications and publications.

Application Process

To apply for any of these opportunities, please submit your CV, a cover letter detailing your research interests and experience, and contact information for two references to amit.mohite@duke.edu. We review applications regularly and encourage candidates to ask questions about our programs.