Brian J. Balin, PhD | PCOM Biomedical Sciences Faculty
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FACULTY DIRECTORY

BRIAN J. BALIN, PHD
Director of the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging - Basic Science
Professor of Neuroscience and Neuropathology

Brian J. Balin, PhD
Department of Bio-Medical Sciences - PCOM
brianba@pcom.edu
215-871-6862
PCOM
Publications and Selected Works

Brian J. Balin, PhD is a professor in the Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, teaching in both the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Master's in Biomedical Sciences programs. He lectures and participates in case presentations and laboratory sessions on a variety of subjects including: neuroscience, neuroanatomy, neurodegeneration, neuropathology, general pathology, molecular basis of cancer and infectious disease.

Dr. Balin is an internationally-recognized expert in the field of Alzheimer's Disease research. He is highly published in peer-reviewed journals, and has written a number of chapters and reviews on the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, including reviews on the "Pathogen Hypothesis" of this disease. In addition, he has presented and continues to present his work at major national and international scientific meetings including a number of international and world congresses on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Education

  • Post-doctoral Fellowship – University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
  • PhD, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
  • BS, University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Research

Dr. Balin has received numerous National Institutes of Health and private foundation grant awards for his research. His research interests include:

  • Infection with chlamydia pneumoniae as a trigger in the neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease;
  • Effects of infection and inflammation on the blood brain barrier in cerebrovascular disease;
  • Modification of neuronal cytoskeletal proteins through phosphorylation and the action of transglutaminase; and
  • Pathogenesis of chronic disease associated with the aging process.

Awards

  • Alzheimer’s Association “Making the Difference” (2010)
    In recognition of co-editorship of JAOA Supplement – “Managing Alzheimer’s Disease through early detection and treatment“
  • Professor of the Year (2008)
    Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Awarded by the DO class of 2010
  • Amer Soc for Cell Biology-Glenn Foundation Award for Outstanding Research in Aging (1996)
  • Medical College of Pennsylvania Nominee for Presidential Faculty Fellowship Program (1992)

Grants

NIH/NIA - R29-AG10160 ; - PI; "The neuronal cytoskeleton in aging and Alzheimer's Disease".(4/1/92-3/31/97).

AHERF Neurosciences Grant (G9410-020-Y01) - Co-PI; "Differential expression and sorting of the neuron-specific class III b-tubulin isotype in human neuronal and neuroendocrine tumor cell lines maintained in an organ culture system". (2/1/95-1/31/96).

NIH/NIAID - R01- AI44055-01A1 - coPI; “Chlamydia pneumoniae: a pathogen in Alzheimer’s Disease?” (06/01/99 - 05/31/04).

NIH/ R15-co investigator- "Immunosenescence and Chlamydia Pneumoniae " (05/01/00-6/30/02)

Adolf and Rose Levis Foundation - PI -“The role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease”. (1/01/2003- present)

IIRG – Alzheimer’s Association – PI: “Chlamydia pneumoniae infection of mice triggers Alzheimer-like pathology” (09/1/04 – 08/31/07).

Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Endowment – PI (Director, CCDA ) – “Endowment for the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging”. (12/8/06 - present).

The IHVR (Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research) through a DCED (Department of Community and Economic Development) Innovation Grant from the State of Pennsylvania called “Talent Scout for Technology” – PI: “The case for an infectious etiology of late onset Alzheimer’s disease “ (01/01/11 – 12/31/11).

 

Other

Volunteer and Leadership Activities
  • Faculty Representative to Executive Faculty – PCOM (2009 – 2010)
  • Chair, Faculty Senate – PCOM (2008 – 2009)
  • Academic Planning and Budget Committee for PCOM (2004 – 2008)
  • Director, Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging at PCOM (2005 – present)
  • Admissions Committee for PCOM (1999 – 2011)
  • Chairman, IACUC for PCOM (1999 – 2003)
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