Roitbak received her bachelors of science in human and animal physiology from Tbilisi State University in the Georgian Republic. She later completed her doctorate in neuroscience from Charles University in Prague. She has held many prestigious research fellowships and faculty appointments, had numerous publications and been granted a U.S. patent. She continues to work on a number of grants and research projects for UNM.
Research Interests
The cellular and molecular mechanisms of the regeneration following brain injury.
- In vivo inhibition of specific vascular microRNAs as a strategy for stroke treatment. Our investigation introduces a new and unexplored approach to cerebral regeneration: regulation of post-stroke angiogenesis and recovery through direct modulation of specific miRNA activity.
- The role of neural stem cells and microRNAs in the TBI/PTSD comorbidity. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are among the major deployment-related health conditions for US military service members, as well as significant causes of long-term disability among civilian populations. Our long-term goal is to develop a reliable method to manipulate and improve recovery following TBI/PTSD.
- Molecular mechanisms of the development of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). CSDH is one of the most common neurosurgical disorders, frequently occurring after head trauma. Our goal is to develop a therapeutic approach focused on the regulation of SDH neovascularization, in order to prevent CSDH progression.
