Email: brianba@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6862
Publications and Selected Works
Dr. Balin is a professor in the department of Biomedical Sciences, teaching in both
the DO and Biomedical masters 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 (see live discussion section, www.alzforum.org).
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.
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
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. Dr. Balin has received numerous National Institutes of Health and private foundation grant awards for his research.
Medical College of Pennsylvania Nominee for Presidential Faculty Fellowship Program
(1992)
Amer Soc for Cell Biology-Glenn Foundation Award for Outstanding Research in Aging
(1996)
Professor of the Year 2008 – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Awarded
by DO class of 2010
Alzheimer’s Association “Making the Difference” – in recognition of co-editorship
of JAOA Supplement – “Managing Alzheimer’s disease through early detection and treatment
- 2010
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).
