Jessy J. Alexander PhD
Jessy J. Alexander
PhD
Research Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Autoimmunity; Immunology; Neurobiology
Professional Summary:
My research is aimed at understanding the roles of the innate and adaptive immune systems in health and disease. The organs of my interest are the two specialized filtration units, glomeruli and blood-brain barrier, of the kidney and brain respectively. Recently, our understanding of the immune system has undergone a substantial paradigm shift: researchers now recognize that the innate immune system, the body’s first line of defense, assesses the level of danger of a particular event and initiates an adaptive immune response that subsequently confers protection. My studies focus on the role of an important arm of the innate immune system, the complement cascade in inflammatory conditions such as glomerulonephritis and lupus. For both disease conditions, the perfect therapy remains an enigma. Using a gamut of techniques, we are attempting to define the molecular mechanisms involved and the resulting behavioral aberrations. Once molecular targets are identified, therapeutic strategies will be defined.
I teach in UB’s Discovery Seminar Program, which is geared for first- and second-year undergraduates. The seminars are taught in a small-class environment to students who share common goals and similar interests, in ways that enhance their academic, civic and personal growth. I teach “The Yin-Yang of Biology” and “Brain: Day and Night,” and I teach as well in UB’s Honors College. I also mentor students through the CLIMB-PRO program. One of my recent students conducted research that resulted in a publication in the journal Kidney International.
Education and Training:
- PhD, Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad (1990)
- MS, Science with Zoology, Osmania University (1982)
Employment:
- Graduate Faculty, Medicine, University at Buffalo (2017-present)
- Adjunct Faculty, Erie County Community College (2017-present)
- Adjunct Faculty, Trocaire College (2016-present)
- Member, Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo (2016-present)
- Research Professor, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (2015-present)
- Research Associate Professor, Medicine, University at Buffalo (2013–2014)
- Adjunct Faculty, East-West University (2013)
- Research Associate Professor, Medicine, The University of Chicago (2008–2013)
- Adjunct Faculty, Molecular Nutrition, University of Chicago (2011)
- Adjunct Faculty, Depaul University (2010–2011)
- Research Assistant Professor, Medicine, The University of Chicago (2000–2008)
- Research Associate, Medicine, The University of Chicago (1998–2000)
- Fellow, Nephrology, The University of Chicago (1995–1998)
- Research Associate, Pediatrics, The University of Chicago (1991–1994)
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Dept. of Physiology & Biophysiology, The University of Chicago (1988–1991)
Awards and Honors:
- Fulbright Scholar (2019)
- Manuscript published in Cellular and Molecular Immunology (2018)
- SUNY award ‘Conversations in the Disciplines’ (2017)
- Article chosen for cover page (2015)
- Article chosen for cover page (2014)
- Lupus Research Update (2006)
- MPGN Type II Focus Group: Towards a Cure, UK (2006)
- Paper in Inaugural Issue of Fast Track Manuscripts, JASN (2004)
- Abstract chosen by the American Society of Nephrology (2004)
- Certificate for Original Research, Neuroscience Program Committee, Chicago Medical School (1992)
- ICMR travel award (1990)
- American Society of Neurochemistry Travel Award (1989)
- Chosen as “highlights from literature”: Hyperammonemia causes many changes found after portacaval shunting, Biochem. J., 272:311-317, by Cerebrovascular and Brain Metabolism Reviews (1989)
- SS Parmer Foundation Award (1986)
- Senior Research Fellowship, CSIR, India (1984)
- Junior Research Fellowship, CSIR, India (1982)
- National Merit Scholarship (1975)
Research Expertise:
- Experimental renal inflammation
- Neuropsychiatric lupus
- Pathobiology of the complement system
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- July 2018–July 2021
NIH R01
National Institute of Health
Role: Principal Investigator
$717,750 - January 2018–December 2018
American Hearing Research Foundation
American Hearing Research Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
$20,000 - January 2018–April 2018
course infusion award
University at Buffalo
Role: Principal Investigator
$785 - October 2002–December 2011
Kidneed Foundation
Kidneed Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
$250,000 - January 1999–January 2001
Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
$90,000 - March 1992–March 1994
Omega oxidation and Reyes syndrome.
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$50,000
Journal Articles:
- Alexander JJ. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the complement landscape. Mol Immunol. 2018; 102.
- Mahajan SD, Aalinkeel R, Parikh NU, Jacob A, Cwiklinski K, Sandhu P, Le K, Loftus AW, Schwartz SA, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. Immunomodulatory Role of Complement Proteins in the Neuropathology Associated with Opiate Abuse and HIV-1 Co-Morbidity. Immunol Invest. 2017; 46(8).
- Alexander JJ, Chaves LD, Chang A, Dighe S, Jacob A, Quigg RJ. Abrogation of immune complex glomerulonephritis by native carboxypeptidase and pharmacological antagonism of the C5a receptor. Cell Mol Immunol. 2016; 13(5).
- Mahajan SD, Tutino VM, Redae Y, Meng H, Siddiqui A, Woodruff TM, Jarvis JN, Hennon TR, Schwartz S, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. C5a induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in brain vascular endothelial cells in experimental lupus. Immunology. 2016; 148(4).
- Martin M, Leffler J, Smolag KI, Mytych J, Björk A, Chaves LD, Alexander JJ, Quigg RJ, Blom AM. Factor H uptake regulates intracellular C3 activation during apoptosis and decreases the inflammatory potential of nucleosomes. Cell Death Differ. 2016.
- Alexander JJ, Chaves LD, Chang A, Dighe S, Jacob A, Quigg RJ. Abrogation of immune complex glomerulonephritis by native carboxypeptidase and pharmacological antagonism of the C5a receptor. Cell Mol Immunol. 2015.
- Alexander JJ, Jacob A, Quigg RJ. Effects of conventional immunosuppressive therapy on functional and pathological features of CNS lupus in NZB/W mice. F1000Research. 2015; 4.
- Alexander JJ, Chaves LD, Chang A, Jacob A, Ritchie M, Quigg RJ. CD11b is protective in complement-mediated immune complex glomerulonephritis. Kidney Int. 2015; 87(5).
- Eadon MT, Jacob A, Cunningham PN, Quigg RJ, Garcia JG, Alexander JJ. Transcriptional profiling reveals that C5a alters microRNA in brain endothelial cells. Immunology. 2014; 143(3).
- Eadon MT, Jacob A, Cunningham PN, Quigg RJ, Garcia JG, Alexander JJ. Transcriptional profiling reveals that C5a alters miRNA in brain endothelial cells. Immunology. 2014.
- Jacob A, Chaves L, Eadon MT, Chang A, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. Curcumin alleviates immune-complex-mediated glomerulonephritis in factor-H-deficient mice. Immunology. 2013; 139(3).
- Eadon MT, Hack BK, Alexander JJ, Xu C, Dolan ME, Cunningham PN. Cell cycle arrest in a model of colistin nephrotoxicity.. Physiol Genomics. 2013; Epub.
- Foxley S, Zamora M, Hack B, Alexander RR, Roman B, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. Curcumin aggravates CNS pathology in experimental systemic lupus erythematosus. Brain Res. 2013; 1504.
- Alexander JJ, Chaves L, Chang A, Quigg Jr. RJ. The C5a receptor has a key role in immune complex glomerulonephritis in complement factor H-deficient mice. Kidney Int. 2012; 82(9).
- Jacob A, Hack B, Chen P, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. C5a/CD88 signaling alters blood-brain barrier integrity in lupus through nuclear factor-?B. J Neurochem. 2011; 119(5).
- Jacob A, Hack B, Chen P, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. C5a/CD88 signaling alters blood-brain barrier integrity in lupus through nuclear factor-κB. J Neurochem. 2011; 119(5).
- Alexander JJ, Hack BK, Jacob A, Chang A, Haas M, Finberg RW, Quigg RJ. Abnormal immune complex processing and spontaneous glomerulonephritis in complement factor H-deficient mice with human complement receptor 1 on erythrocytes. J Immunol. 2010; 185(6).
- Jacob A, Hack B, Chiang E, Garcia JG, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. C5a alters blood-brain barrier integrity in experimental lupus. FASEB J. 2010; 24(6).
- Jacob A, Hack B, Bai T, Brorson JR, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. Inhibition of C5a receptor alleviates experimental CNS lupus. J Neuroimmunol. 2010; 221(1-2).
- Jacob A, Bao L, Brorson J, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. C3aR inhibition reduces neurodegeneration in experimental lupus. Lupus. 2010; 19(1).
- Alexander JJ, Jacob A, Cunningham P, Hensley L, Quigg RJ. TNF is a key mediator of septic encephalopathy acting through its receptor, TNF receptor-1. Neurochem Int. 2008; 52(3).
- Jacob A, Hensley LK, Safratowich BD, Quigg RJ, Alexander JJ. The role of the complement cascade in endotoxin-induced septic encephalopathy. Lab Invest. 2007; 87(12).
- Alexander JJ, Zwingmann C, Jacob A, Quigg R. Alteration in kidney glucose and amino acids are implicated in renal pathology in MRL/lpr mice. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2007; 1772(10).
- Alexander JJ, Jacob A, Vezina P, Sekine H, Gilkeson GS, Quigg RJ. Absence of functional alternative complement pathway alleviates lupus cerebritis. Eur J Immunol. 2007; 37(6).
- Alexander JJ, Wang Y, Chang A, Jacob A, Minto AW, Karmegam M, Haas M, Quigg RJ. Mouse podocyte complement factor H: the functional analog to human complement receptor 1. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007; 18(4).
- Alexander JJ. Rodent factor H functions as a counterpart of human CR1 in renal immune complex processing.. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007; 18.
- Wang Y, Zhou J, Minto AW, Hack BK, Alexander JJ, Haas M, Li YC, Heilig CW, Quigg RJ. Altered vitamin D metabolism in type II diabetic mouse glomeruli may provide protection from diabetic nephropathy. Kidney Int. 2006; 70(5).
- Alexander JJ, Aneziokoro OG, Chang A, Hack BK, Markaryan A, Jacob A, Luo R, Thirman M, Haas M, Quigg RJ. Distinct and separable roles of the complement system in factor H-deficient bone marrow chimeric mice with immune complex disease. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2006; 17(5).
- Alexander JJ, Jacob A, Bao L, Macdonald RL, Quigg RJ. Complement-dependent apoptosis and inflammatory gene changes in murine lupus cerebritis. J Immunol. 2005; 175(12).
- Alexander JJ, Zwingmann C, Quigg R. MRL/lpr mice have alterations in brain metabolism as shown with [1H-13C] NMR spectroscopy. Neurochem Int. 2005; 47(1-2).
- Alexander JJ. MRL/lpr mice have alterations in brain metabolism as shown with [(1)H-(13)C] NMR spectroscopy.. Neurochem Intl. 2005; 47.
- Alexander JJ. Administration of the soluble complement inhibitor, Crry-Ig, reduces inflammation and aquaporin 4 expression in lupus cerebritis.. Biochim Biophys Acta.. 2003; 1639.
- Alexander JJ. Rat glomerular epithelial cells produce and bear factor H on their surface that is up-regulated under complement attack.. Kidney Int. 2003; 64.
- Bao L, Haas M, Boackle SA, Kraus DM, Cunningham PN, Park P, Alexander JJ, Anderson RK, Culhane K, Holers VM, Quigg RJ. Transgenic expression of a soluble complement inhibitor protects against renal disease and promotes survival in MRL/lpr mice. J Immunol. 2002; 168(7).
- Alexander JJ. Injury in renal ischemia-reperfusion is independent from immunoglobulins and T lymphocytes. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2002; 282.
- Alexander JJ. Prominent renal expression of a murine leukemia retrovirus in experimental systemic lupus erythematosus.. J Am Soc Nephrol.. 2002; 13.
- Alexander JJ. Genetic Inhibition of the Complement Cascade Accelerates Alzheimer’s Pathology in Transgenic Mice.. PNAS. 2002; 99.
- Alexander JJ. A complement-dependent model of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura induced by antibodies reactive with endothelial cells.. Clinical Immunology. 2002; 103.
- Park P, Haas M, Cunningham PN, Alexander JJ, Bao L, Guthridge JM, Kraus DM, Holers VM, Quigg RJ. Inhibiting the complement system does not reduce injury in renal ischemia reperfusion. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2001; 12(7).
- Schiller B, Cunningham PN, Alexander JJ, Bao L, Holers VM, Quigg RJ. Expression of a soluble complement inhibitor protects transgenic mice from antibody-induced acute renal failure. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2001; 12(1).
- Alexander JJ. Factor H is present on rodent platelets and functions as the Immune Adherence Receptor.. JBC. 2001; 276.
- Alexander JJ. Production and functional analysis of rat CD59 and chimeric CD59-Crry as active soluble proteins in Pichia pastoris.. Immunology. 2000.
- Alexander JJ. Complement is activated in kidney by endotoxin but does not cause the ensuing acute renal failure.. Kidney Int.. 2000; 58.
- Alexander JJ. Renal, central nervous system and pancreatic overexpression of recombinant soluble Crry in transgenic mice. A novel means of protection from complement-mediated injury. Immunopharmacology. 1999; 42.
- Quigg RJ, He C, Lim A, Berthiaume D, Alexander JJ, Kraus D, Holers VM. Transgenic mice overexpressing the complement inhibitor crry as a soluble protein are protected from antibody-induced glomerular injury. J Exp Med. 1998; 188(7).
- Alexander JJ, Snyder A, Tonsgard JH. Omega-oxidation of monocarboxylic acids in rat brain. Neurochem Res. 1998; 23(2).
- Alexander JJ. Immune complex glomerulonephritis in C4- and C3-deficient mice. Kidney Int.. 1998; 53.
- Alexander JJ. Inhibition of complement regulation is key to the pathogenesis of active Heymann nephritis.. J Exp. Med.. 1998; 188.
- Alexander JJ. Characterization of C3 receptors on cultured rat glomerular endothelial cells.. Kidney International. 1997; 51.
- Alexander JJ. Production of the rat complement regulator, Crry, as an active soluble protein in Pichia pastoris.. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 1997; 341.
- Alexander JJ. Characterization of C3-binding proteins on mouse neutrophils and platelets.. J Immunol.. 1997; 159.
- Alexander JJ, Banerjee P, Dawson G, Tonsgard JH. Hyperammonemia increases serotonin 1A receptor expression in both rat hippocampus and a transfected hippocampal cell line, HN2-5. J Neurosci Res. 1995; 41(1).
- Alexander JJ. . Molecular characterization of rat Crry: widespread distribution of two alternative forms of Crry mRNA. Immunogenetics. 1995; 42.
- Hawkins RA, Jessy J, Mans AM, Chedid A, DeJoseph MR, Alexander JJ. Neomycin reduces the intestinal production of ammonia from glutamine. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1994; 368.
- Hawkins RA, Jessy J, Mans AM, De Joseph MR, Alexander JJ. Effect of reducing brain glutamine synthesis on metabolic symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. J Neurochem. 1993; 60(3).
- Alexander JJ. Alterations in mitochondrial branched-chain amino acid metabolism in brain in acute hyperammonemic states. Neuroscience Letters. 1993; 149.
- Hawkins RA, Jessy J, Alexander JJ. Hyperammonaemia does not impair brain function in the absence of net glutamine synthesis. Biochem J. 1991; 277 (.
- Jessy J, DeJoseph MR, Hawkins RA, Alexander JJ. Hyperammonaemia depresses glucose consumption throughout the brain. Biochem J. 1991; 277 (.
- Jessy J, Mans AM, DeJoseph MR, Hawkins RA, Alexander JJ. Hyperammonaemia causes many of the changes found after portacaval shunting. Biochem J. 1990; 272(2).
- Jessy J, Rao VL, Murthy CR, Alexander JJ. Effects of partial hepatectomy on the enzymes of cerebral glutamate and branched-chain amino acid metabolism. Biochem Int. 1990; 20(1).
- Jessy J, Murthy CR, Alexander JJ. Branched chain amino acid transaminases in brain in methionine sulphoximine (MSI) toxicity. Biochem Int. 1988; 16(2).
- Jessy J, Murthy CR, Alexander JJ. Elevation of transamination of branched chain amino acids in brain in acute ammonia toxicity. Neurochem Int. 1985; 7(6).
Books and Book Chapters:
- Chang A., P. Kadambi and J. J. Alexander. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.. 2006.
- Alexander JJ and Hawkins R. Neomycin reduces the metabolic ability of the small intestine to produce ammonia from glutamine.. 1994.
- Alexander JJ. Acute action of ammonia on leucine metabolism in isolated astrocytes, neurons and oligocells of rat brain. 1989.
- Alexander JJ. Cellular and subcellular branched-chain keto acid decarboxylase in rat brain and its response to hyperammonemia.. Annals of New York Academy of Sciences. 1989.
- Alexander JJ and Murthy RK. Cerebral cellular branched-chain amino acid transaminases in hyperammonemia.. 1987.
- Alexander JJ and Murthy RK. Acute effects of ammonia on the metabolism of isolated and cultured astrocytes.. 1987.
Professional Memberships:
- International Society of Neurochemistry (2014–present)
- American Association of Immunologists (2010–present)
- American Society of Clinical Investigation (2009–present)
- Complement Society (2005–present)
Presentations:
- "C5a/C5aR1 signaling alters blood-brain barrier integrity and brain function in systemic lupus erythematosus" European complement-based Drug development summit (2018)
- "Specific Targeting of Complement Pathways for Clinical Benefit" American Association of Immunology, American Association of Immunology, Complement (2016)
- "Unexpected Roles for Immune Signaling in the Healthy and Diseased Brain" American Society of Neurochemistry (2013)
- "Complement in Hepatic Encephalopathy" I.S.H.E.N. 14th symposium on Hepatic Encephalopathy & Nitrogen metabolism. (2010)
- "Distinct and separable role of FH in chimaeric mice" Dense Deposit Disease, Kidneeds/Wellcome Group (2008)
- "The Complement Cascade: Yin-Yang in Neuroinflammation: Neuro-protection and degeneration" American Society of Neurochemistry (2008)
- "Complement: Good and Bad" American Society of Neurochemistry (2004)
- "Complement in the brain: New and exciting insights in an old arena of Immunology" American Society of Neurochemistry (2003)
Service Activities:
- Faculty senate Bylaws committee; Member (2018–2020)
- Faculty senate elections committee; Chair (2018–2020)
- Ad hoc panel for promotions in Research track; Univ. at Buffalo; Chair (2017–2019)
- Faculty senate executive committee; Secretary (2017–2018)
- Ad hoc panel for promotions in Research track; Univ. at Buffalo; Member (2016–2017)
- Faculty senate executive committee; Member (2016–2017)
- CLIMB UP; Mentor; Student Mentor (2015–2016)
- CLIMB-PRO; Mentoring of undergraduates during summer; Student Mentor (2014)
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, University of Chicago; Member (2009–2013)