Wendy Marie Campana appointed chair of Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy
By Lisa Howard
Distinguished neuroscientist has made groundbreaking discoveries about nerve injury and the biological mechanisms of chronic pain
(SACRAMENTO)
The UC Davis School of Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy Marie Campana as chair of the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy. A distinguished neuroscientist and educator, Campana brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, groundbreaking research and a deep commitment to mentorship.
“Dr. Campana is a dynamic and collaborative leader with an impressive research portfolio," said Susan Murin, dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine. "We are excited to see how the department will grow and thrive under her leadership."
Wendy Marie Campana, a leading expert on how nerve and support cells drive chronic pain, has been appointed chair of the UC Davis Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy.
“Dr. Campana is an exceptional addition to the UC Davis School of Medicine’s basic science leadership,” said Luis Fernando Santana, vice dean for basic sciences. “We anticipate that her expertise and collaborative approach will help foster further innovation and groundbreaking advances in research and patient care."
Campana said she is honored to join an institution recognized for its collaborative and innovative research culture.
“UC Davis brings together physicians and researchers who are not only dedicated to treating pain but are actively pursuing groundbreaking solutions in the cell biology field for complicated conditions such as painful peripheral neuropathy and complex regional pain syndrome," Campana said. "I look forward to leading the department and contributing to this dynamic environment and advancing research that can improve patient care.”
Campana’s research has transformed the understanding of how nerve cells and supporting cells respond to injury and contribute to the development of chronic pain. She has authored over 75 peer-reviewed publications in peripheral nerve biology, spinal cord injury, Schwann cell physiology and neuropathic pain.
Campana holds two patents for innovative therapies targeting nerve regeneration and pain management: one related to repair “scaffolds” for nerve cells, the other a method for regenerating nerve cells.
Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, industry and UC Office of the President.
Campana has done extensive research on LRP1 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1), a protein receptor in cell membranes. She discovered critical roles for LRP1 in controlling inflammation and promoting nerve regeneration.
She specifically studies Schwann cells, which play a crucial role in nerve health and repair. By exploring new strategies such as LRP1-based signaling and Schwann cell-derived extracellular vesicles, Campana’s research points toward promising therapies for preventing or reversing neuropathic pain.
Campana earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UC Berkeley and completed a Ph.D. in biochemistry and endocrinology at Pennsylvania State University. She continued her training as an NIH Fellow in Neurosciences at UC San Diego, followed by a postdoctoral appointment. Campana went on to hold faculty roles at UC San Diego. She holds an adjunct professorship in the Department of Experimental Medicine at La Sapienza University in Rome.
Murin expressed gratitude to Professor Colleen Clancy for guiding the department during the search for a new chair. “We are thankful to Dr. Colleen Clancy for her steady leadership as interim chair. Her contributions have advanced the department’s mission and prepared it for this exciting new chapter,” Murin said.
