About Dr. Bittner

  • George Bittner graduated from Duke University in 1962 where he received his AB in Chemistry, Magna Cum Laude. He entered Stanford University as an MD/Ph.D. student in 1962. He withdrew in good standing (6th in Class) from Stanford Medical School in 1966 to devote full time to research under the tutelage of Dr. Donald Kennedy (Chairman of Biological Sciences). He received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 1967 from Stanford University. He began his postdoctoral work in the Department of Anatomy and the Brain Research Institute at UCLA with Dr. Jose Segundo and joined the faculty at the University of Texas in 1969. Dr. Bittner has had extensive collaborations with scientists in the US. He has been a Visiting Professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and a visiting scholar at the University of Western Australia (Nedlands,Perth). He has served on many NIH and NSF panels and was Chairperson of the Neuroscience Panel for Howard Hughes and NSF Predoctoral Fellowships in 1996. his research is widely known both nationally and internationally, as recognized in part by a Research Career Development Award from the National Institutes of Health, his election as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 1992. Dr. Bittner was one of four founding members of the Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Texas and served for over a decade on its Executive Committee. He is a Professor of Neurobiology and Pharmacology at the University of Texas at Austin and an adjunct Professor at the Department of Physiology/Biophysics at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston, TX.

    We are always excited to attract outstanding undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. 

    If you are interested in joining the research group, please contact Dr. Bittner directly.

    Download Dr. Bittner's CV here. 

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    Many current and previous undergraduates in my laboratory (Aesher, Baskind, Cummings, Farnam, Garcia, Hsu, Lichstein, Loftin, Lusco, Nguyen, Storm, Thomas, Truchard, and Weiner) have been awarded NIH or Howard Hughes Fellowships for the summer, four (Bobb, Eddleman, Sterkenburg, and Todora) have been awarded fellowships at Woods Hole, and five (Bobb, Brown, Loftin, Sunio, and Wade) have been awarded ATP Minority Fellowships. Almost all students who had worked in my laboratory have been admitted to excellent medical or graduate schools (Cummings - Cell and Molecular Biology, UCSF; Cobb - Biology, UC Berkeley; Storm - Cell and Molecular Biology, Stanford; Truchard - Biology, UC Berkeley; Todora - Neurobiology, Harvard; Weiner - Cell and Molecular Biology, UCSF; Hristov – Johns Hopkins Medical School; Marzullo – Neuroscience, Univ. of Michigan: Truong –University of Texas Medical School at Houston; Rossano, Driscoll: UT Medical School San Antonio; Covington/Figard – Rice University; Boydston, Ha-Southwestern Medical School, Hastings: Neuroscience, Texas A&M, Riley: Georgetown Medical School. Mazal-Southwestern Medical School: Pyarali-Baylor Medical School;   Many have won Research Grants or other honors at UT (Cummins, Hsu, Truchard, Todora, Weiner, Rossano, Robinson, Jang, Covington, Boydston, Ha, Pyarali, Mazal)

     

    Publications since 1996 of undergraduates (asterisked*) are as follows:

     

    Liwen Zhou, Monzer Alatrach*, Ted Zhao*, Paul Oliphint, George D. Bittner. 2023 Differential survival of segments of rat sciatic nerves preserved in different storage solutions assessed by novel electrophysiological and morphological criteria. 2023. Neural Regeneration Research. 18:2082-2088. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.367848

    Marshal Mencel* and George D. Bittner. 2023. Repair of traumatic lesions to the plasmalemma of neurons and other cells: commonalities, conflicts, and controversies. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. In Press.

     

    Mikesh M, Ghergherehchi CL*, Hastings RL*, Ali A, Rahesh S*, Jagannath K*, Sengelaub DR, Trevino RC, Jackson DM, Bittner GD. 2019. Polyethylene glycol solutions rapidly restore and maintain axonal continuity, neuromuscular structures and behaviors lost after sciatic nerve transections in female rats. J. Neurosci. Res. 96: 1223-1242.

    Mikesh M, Ghergherehchi CL*, Rahesh *, Jagannath K*, Ali A*, Sengelaub DR, Trevino RC, Jackson DM, Tucker HO, Bittner GD. 2019. Polyethylene glycol treated allografts not tissue matched nor immunosuppressed rapidly repair sciatic nerve gaps, maintain neuromuscular functions, and restore voluntary behaviors in female rats. J. Neurosci. Res. 96:1243- 1264.

    Ghergherehchi CL*, Mikesh M, Sengelaub DR, Jackson DM, Smith T, Shores JT, Bittner GD. (2019) Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and other bioactive solutions with neurorrhaphy for rapid and dramatic repair of peripheral nerve lesions by PEG-fusion. J Neurosci Methods. 314:1-12.

     

    Vargas SA* and Bittner GD. 2019. Natural mechanisms and artificial PEG-induced mechanism that repair traumatic damage to the plasmalemma in eukaryotes. Current Topics in Membranes: Plasma Membrane Repair. 84: 129-167.

    GD Bittner, DL Sengelaub, CL Ghergherehchi*. 2018. Conundrums and confusions regarding how PEG-fusion produces excellent behavioral recovery after peripheral nerve injuries. Neural Regeneration Research. 13: 53-57..

    Andrew D. Poon*, Sarah H. McGill*, Solomon Raju Bhupanapadu Sunkesula, Zachary S. Burgess*, Patrick J. Dunne*, Edward E. Kang* and George D Bittner. 2018. CaMKII and DMSO affect the sealing frequencies of transected hippocampal neurons. J. Neurosci. Res. 96:1208-1222.

    C. L. Ghergherehchi*, G. D. Bittner, R. L. Hastings*, M. Mikesh, D. C. Riley*, R. C. Trevino, T. Schallert, W. P. Thayer , S. Raju Bhupanapadu Sunkesula,, T-A. N. Ha*\, N. Muno*, M. Pyarali*, A. Bansal*, A. D. Poon*, A. T. Mazal*, T. A. Smith, N. S. Wong*, P. J. Dunne*. 2015. Effects of extracellular calcium and surgical techniques on restoration of axonal continuity by PEG-fusion following complete cut- or crush-severance of rat sciatic nerves. J Neurosci Res. 94:231-235. Doi. 10.1002/jnr23704 . Epub Jan 5, 2016

    G.D. Bittner, M. Mikesh, C. L. Ghergherehchi*. 2016. PEG-fusion retards Wallerian degeneration and rapidly restores behaviors lost after nerve severance. Neural Regen. Res. 11:217-219. Doi 10.4103/1673-5374.177716

    C.H. McGill*, S. R. Bhupanapadu Sunkesula, A.D. Poon*, M. Mikesh, G. D. Bittner. 2016. Sealing Frequency of B104 Cells Declines Exponentially with Decreasing Transection Distance from the Axon Hillock. Exp. Neurol. 279:149-158. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.02.001

    G.D Bittner, D.R. Sengelaub, R.C. Trevino, C.L. Ghergherehchi*, M. Mikesh. 2016. Robinson and Madison have published no data on whether polyethylene glycol fusion repair prevents reinnervation accuracy in rat peripheral nerve. J Neurosci Res. 863-866. doi: 10.1002/jnr.23849. Epub 2016 Aug 12.

    George D. Bittner, Christopher S. Spaeth, Andrew D. Poon*, Zachary S. Burgess*, Christopher H. McGill*. 2016. Repair of traumatic plasmalemmal damage to neurons and other eukaryotic cells. Neu. Regen. Res. Exp. Neurol. 279:149-158. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.02.001

    G.D. Bittner, M. Mikesh, C. L. Ghergherehchi. 2016. PEG-fusion retards Wallerian degeneration and rapidly restores behaviors lost after nerve severance. Neural Regen. Res. 11:217-219. Doi 10.4103/1673-5374.177716

    GD Bittner, DL Sengelaub, CL Ghergherehchi*. 2018. Conundrums and confusions regarding how PEG-fusion produces excellent behavioral recovery after peripheral nerve injuries. Neural Regeneration Research. 13: 53-57..

    C.H. McGill*, S. R. Bhupanapadu Sunkesula, A.D. Poon*, M. Mikesh, G. D. Bittner. 2016. Sealing Frequency of B104 Cells Declines Exponentially with Decreasing Transection Distance from the Axon Hillock. Exp. Neurol. 279:149-158. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.02.001

    G.D. Bittner, M. Mikesh, C. L. Ghergherehchi*. 2016. PEG-fusion retards Wallerian degeneration and rapidly restores behaviors lost after nerve severance.  Neural Regen. Res. 11:217-219. Doi 10.4103/1673-5374.177716

    C. L. Ghergherehchi*, G. D. Bittner, R. L. Hastings*, M. Mikesh, D. C. Riley*, R. C. Trevino, T. Schallert, W. P. Thayer , S. Raju Bhupanapadu Sunkesula,, T-A. N. Ha*\, N. Muno*, M. Pyarali*, A. Bansal*, A. D. Poon*, A. T. Mazal*, T. A. Smith, N. S. Wong*, P. J. Dunne*. 2015. Effects of extracellular calcium and surgical techniques on restoration of axonal continuity by PEG-fusion following complete cut- or crush-severance of rat sciatic nerves. J Neurosci Res. 94:231-235. Doi. 10.1002/jnr23704 . Epub Jan 5, 2016

    G.D. Bittner, D.R. Sengelaub, R.C. Trevino, J.D. Peduzzi, M. Mikesh, C.L. Ghergherehchi*, T.Schallert, W.P. Thayer. 2015. The curious ability of PEG-fusion technologies to restore lost behaviors after nerve severance. J Neurosci Res. J Neurosci Res. 94: 207-230. online 3 Nov.2015. doi. 1002/jnr 23685

    D.C. Riley*, G.D. Bittner, M.A. Mikesh, N.L. Cardwell,  A.C. Pollins, C.L. Ghergherehchi*, S.R. Bhupanapadu Sunkesula, T.N. Ha,* B.T.D. Hall*, A.D. Poon*, M. Pyarali*, R.B. Boyer, A.T. Mazal*, N. Munoz*, R.C. Trevino, T.Schallert,  W.P. Thayer. (2014)  PEG-fused allografts produce rapid behavioral recovery after ablating sciatic nerve segments.  J. Neurosci. Res. Apr;93(4):572-83. doi: 10.1002/jnr.23514. PubMed PMID: 25425242; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC4329031.

    Rodriguez-Feo CL,  K.W. Sexton, R. B. Boyer,  A. C. Pollins, N. L. Cardwell, L. B. Nanney,R. B. Shack, M. A. Mikesh, C. H. McGill*, C. W. Driscoll*, G. D. Bittner, W. P. Thayer. 2013.  Blocking the P2X7 Receptor Improves Outcomes After Axonal Fusion. J. Surgical Research. .  184(1):705-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.04.082.

    Zuzek A*, Fan JD*, Spaeth CS, Bittner GD. 2013. Sealing of transected neurites of rat B104 cells requires a diacylglycerol PKC-dependent pathway and a PKA-dependent pathway. Cell Molec Neurosci. 33: 31-46.

    Spaeth CS, Boydston EA*, Wilcott RW*, Fan JD*, Robison T*, Bittner,GD  (2012) Pathways for plasmalemmal repair mediated by PKA, Epac and cytosolic oxidation in rat B104 cells in vitro and rat sciatic axons ex vivo.  Devel Neurol., 72: 1399-1414.

    Bittner, GD C.P. Keating, J. R. Kane , J.M. Britt*, C. S. Spaeth, J. D. Fan*, A. Zuzek,*  R. W. Wilcott*, W. P. Thayer, J.M. Winograd, F.  Gonzalez-Lima and T. Schallert .  (2012) Rapid, effective and long-lasting behavioral recovery produced by microsutures, methylene blue and polyethylene glycol after complete cut of rat sciatic nerves. J Neurosci Res. 90:967-980.

    Spaeth CS, Robison TR, Fan, JD, Bittner GD (2012) Cellular mechanisms of plasmalemmal sealing and axonal repair by polyethylene glycol and methylene blue. J. Neurosci. Res.  90:955-966.

    Spaeth CS, Fan, GD*, Spaeth EB, Robison T*,  Wilcott RW*,  Bittner GD (2012) Neurite transection produces cytosolic oxidation which enhances plasmalemmal repair. J Neurosci Res.90:945-954

    C. S. Spaeth, E.A. Boydston*, L.A. Figard*, A. Zuzek*  and G.D. Bittner (2010). A model for sealing plasmalemmal damage in neurons and other eukaryotic cells. J. Neurosci. 30: 15790-15800.

    J. M. Britt*, J.R. Kane, C.S. Spaeth, A. Zuzek*, G.L.Robinson*, M.Y. Gbanaglo, C.J. Estler*, E.A. Boydston*, T. Schallert, T and G.D. Bittner. (2010). Polyethylene glycol rapidly restores axonal integrity and improves the rate of motor behavior recovery after sciatic nerve crush injury. J Neurophysiol., 104: 695-703.

    M. G. Nguyen*,G.D.  Bittner, and H.M. Fishman, H.M. 2007.  Critical interval of sodium calcium transient after neurite transaction determines B104 cell survival.  J. Neurosci. Res., 805-816.

    R.C. Stavisky,  J.M. Britt*,  A. Zuzek*, E. Truong* and G.D. Bittner. 2005. Melatonin enhances the in vitro and in vivo repair of severed rat sciatic axons. Neurosci. Letters, 98-101.

    R. C. Stavisky, J. M. Britt,* T. Pham*,  T. C. Marzullo* and G. D. Bittner. 2003. Wallerian Degeneration of mammalian PNS and CNS axons is accelerated by incubation with protein synthesis inhibitors.  Neuroscience Res. 47: 445 – 449.

    S. Yoo, M. P. Nguyen*, M. Fukuda, G. D. Bittner, and H. M. Fishman. 2003. Plasmalemmal sealing of transected mammalian neurites is a gradual process mediated by Ca-regulated proteins.  J. Neurosci. Res. 74:541-551.

    C.S. Eddleman*, G.D. Bittner, and H.M. Fishman. 2003. SEM comparison of severed ends of giant axons isolated from squid (Loligo pealei) and crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).  Biol Bull. 203: 219 – 220.

    T.  C. Marzullo*, J.S. Britt*, R. Stavisky and G.D. Bittner.  2002. Cooling enhances in vitro survival and fusion-repair of severed axons taken from the peripheral and central nervous system of rats. Neuroscience Letters. 327:9–12.  

    E. Detrait, S. Yoo, T. Nguyen,* C.S. Eddleman, M. Fukuda, G.D. Bittner, and H.M. Fishman. 2000. Repair of severed neurites of PC 12 cells requires divalent cations and a concerved region of synaptotagmin. J. Neuroscience Research. 62:566-573.

    E. Detrait, C.S. Eddleman, S. Yoo, M. Fukuda, G.D. Bittner and H.M. Fishman. 2000. Axolemmal repair requires proteins that mediate synaptic vesicle fusion. 2000 J. Neurobiol. 44:382-391.

    C.S. Eddleman,* G.D. Bittner and H.M. Fishman. 2000. Barrier permeability at cut axonal ends progressively decreased until an axonal seal is formed. Biophys. J., 79:1883-1890.

    J.W. Lichstein,* M.L. Ballinger, A.R. Blanchette, H.M. Fishman, and G.D. Bittner. 1999. Structural changes at the cut ends of earthworm giant axons in the interval between dye barrier formation and Neuritic outgrowth. J. Comp. Neurol. 416:143-157.

    A.B. Lore,* J.A. Hubbell, D.S. Bobb Jr., M.L. Ballinger, K.L. Loftin,* J.W. Smith,* M.E. Smyers, H.D. Garcia,* and G.D. Bittner. 1999. Rapid induction of functional and morphological continuity between severed ends of mammalian or earthworm myelinated axons. J. Neurosci. 19:2442-2454.

    C.S. Eddleman,* M.E. Smyers, A. Lore,* H.M. Fishman, and G.D. Bittner. 1998. Anomalies associated with dye exclusion as a measure of axolemmal repair. Neurosci. Lett. 256:13-126.

    C.S. Eddleman,* M.L. Ballinger, M.E. Smyers, H.M. Fishman, and G.D. Bittner. 1998. Endocytotic Formations of vesicles and other membranous structures induced by Ca2+ and axoplasmic injury. J. Neurosci. 18:4029-4041.

    M.L. Ballinger, A.R. Blanchette, T.L. Krause,* M.E. Smyers, H.M. Fishman, and G.D. Bittner. 1997. Delaminating myelin membranes help seal the cut ends of severed earthworm giant axons. J. Neurobiol. 33:945-960.

    C.M. Godell,* M.L. Ballinger, C.S. Eddleman,* M.E. Smyers, H.M. Fishman, and G.D. Bittner. 1997. Calpain promotes the sealing of severed giant axons. PNAS 94:4751-4756.

    C.S. Eddleman,* M.L. Ballinger, M.E. Smyers, C.M.  Godell,*H.M. Fishman, and G.D. Bittner. 1997. Repair of plasmalemmal lesions by vesicles. PNAS 94:4745-4750.

    Sunio* and G.D. Bittner. 1997. Cyclosporin retards the Wallerian degeneration of peripheral mammalian axons. Exp. Neurol. 146:46-56.

    O. Weiner,* A.M. Zorn, P.A. Krieg, and G.D. Bittner. 1996. Medium weight neurofilament mRNA in goldfish Mauthner axoplasm. Neurosci. Lett. 213:83-86.

    T.D. Raabe, T. Nguyen,* C. Archer,* G.D. Bittner. 1996. Mechanisms for the maintenance and eventual degradation of neurofilament proteins in the distal segments of sered goldfish Mauthner axons. J. Neurosci. 16:1605-1613.

    T.D. Raabe, T. Nguyen,* and G.D. Bittner. 1996. Calcium activated proteolysis of neurofilament proteins  in goldfish Mauthner axons. J. Neurobiol. 6:253-261.