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

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)