Dr. Balabanov is currently a Clinical Associate at The University of Chicago. In the next five years, he will perform basic scientific research in transgenic models of demyelinating disorders under the mentorship of Dr. Brian Popko. His experience in neuroimmunology and transgenic technology, the enviroment at The University of Chicago and the design of his appointment make him uniquely qualified to pursue this goal. Previously, Dr. Balabanov spent five years at Wayne State University performing research in neuroimmunology. His interest in autoimmune demyelinating diseases of the CNS further matured during his neurology residency and fellowship. In his proposed research, he will study the oligodendrocyte response to interferon (IFN)-gamma and will search for the molecular mechanisms of demyelination. The University of Chicago has established neuroimmunology, myelin and transgenic laboratories. In addition, a diverse and active neurology, immunology and molecular biology faculty provides a rich training environment and numerous opportunities for collaboration. Should he receive a K08 Research Career Award, Dr. Balabanov will utilize this supportive environment to continue his education, expand his technical capabilities, and complete a university curriculum in the responsible conduct of research. Under the mentorship of Dr. Brian Popko, Dr. Balabanov will carry out a five-year research plan to define how oligodendrocytes respond to IFN-gamma. He will study the molecular aspects of their response by employing novel transgenic animal models of oligodendrocyte-restricted expression of both IFN-gamma receptor and its signaling inhibitory molecules. His research is likely to reveal not only the direct effect of IFN-gamma on oligodendrocytes but also the patterns of intracellular signaling and gene expression associated with IFN-gamma-mediated demyelination. By studying the oligodendrocyte response to IFN-gamma with this novel approach, he hopes to address problems faced by many researchers in the field.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08NS050409-02
Application #
6998942
Study Section
NST-2 Subcommittee (NST)
Program Officer
Utz, Ursula
Project Start
2004-12-20
Project End
2006-06-30
Budget Start
2005-12-01
Budget End
2006-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$57,776
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Chicago
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
005421136
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60637
Ren, Zhihua; Wang, Yan; Duan, Tao et al. (2012) Cross-immunoreactivity between bacterial aquaporin-Z and human aquaporin-4: potential relevance to neuromyelitis optica. J Immunol 189:4602-11
Loda, Eileah; Balabanov, Roumen (2012) Interferon regulatory factor 1 regulation of oligodendrocyte injury and inflammatory demyelination. Rev Neurosci 23:145-52
Ren, Zhihua; Wang, Yan; Liebenson, David et al. (2011) IRF-1 signaling in central nervous system glial cells regulates inflammatory demyelination. J Neuroimmunol 233:147-59
Ren, Zhihua; Wang, Yan; Tao, Duan et al. (2011) Overexpression of the dominant-negative form of interferon regulatory factor 1 in oligodendrocytes protects against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neurosci 31:8329-41
Wang, Yan; Ren, Zhihua; Tao, Duan et al. (2010) STAT1/IRF-1 signaling pathway mediates the injurious effect of interferon-gamma on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Glia 58:195-208
Ren, Zhihua; Wang, Yan; Tao, Duan et al. (2010) Central nervous system expression of interferon regulatory factor 1 regulates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 5:260-5
Javed, A; Balabanov, R; Arnason, B G W et al. (2008) Minor salivary gland inflammation in Devic's disease and longitudinally extensive myelitis. Mult Scler 14:809-14
Balabanov, Roumen; Strand, Krystle; Goswami, Rajendra et al. (2007) Interferon-gamma-oligodendrocyte interactions in the regulation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neurosci 27:2013-24
Balabanov, Roumen; Strand, Krystal; Kemper, April et al. (2006) Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 expression protects oligodendrocytes from the deleterious effects of interferon-gamma. J Neurosci 26:5143-52