Jessy J. Alexander PhD

Jessy Alexander

Jessy J. Alexander
PhD

Research Professor

Department of Medicine

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Specialty/Research Focus

Autoimmunity; Immunology; Neurobiology

Contact Information
875 Ellicott Street
CTRC, 8030D
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: 716-888-4852
jessyale@buffalo.edu
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Overview Research Publications Activities Latest News

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:
  • Adjunct Faculty, Erie County Community College (2017-present)
  • Graduate Faculty, Medicine, University at Buffalo (2017-present)
  • Adjunct Faculty, Trocaire College (2016-present)
  • Member, Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo School of Health Related Professions (2016-present)
  • Research Professor, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (2015-present)
  • Research Associate Professor, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (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)
See all (5 more)

Awards and Honors:
  • 2021 Lab grant (2021)
  • 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:

See all (61 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Chang A., P. Kadambi and J. J. Alexander. (2006) Encyclopedic Reference of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease. In: Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis. Springer Verlag
  • Alexander JJ and Hawkins R. (1994) In Hepatic Encephalopathy, Hyperammonemia and Ammonia toxicity. In: Neomycin Reduces the Metabolic Ability of the Small Intestine to Produce Ammonia from Glutamine. Plenum Press
  • Alexander JJ. (1989) .Hepatic Encephalopathy. In: Acute Action of Ammonia on Leucine Metabolism in Isolated Astrocytes, Neurons and Oligocells of Rat Brain. Humana Press
  • Alexander JJ. (1989) In: Cellular and Subcellular Branched-chain Keto Acid Decarboxylase in Rat Brain and its Response to Hyperammonemia.
  • Alexander JJ and Murthy RK. (1987) Biochemical Pathology of Astrocytes. In: Cerebral Cellular Branched-chain Amino Acid Transaminases in Hyperammonemia. Alan R.Liss.
  • Alexander JJ and Murthy RK. (1987) In Biochemical Pathology of Astrocytes. In: Acute Effects of Ammonia on the Metabolism of Isolated and Cultured Astrocytes. Alan R. Liss

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:
  • BDCN-E (04): Neurobiology of Brain Degenerative Disorders, Autoimmune Disea;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2019)
  • American Association of University Women; 2019-20 Research Publication Grant;; Grant Reviewer (2019–present)
  • Faculty Senate; Chair (2019)
  • NIH; Hypersensitivity, Autoimmunity & Immunity Study Section III;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2019–present)
  • NIH; Innate Immunity Study Section III;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2019–present)
  • American Association of University Women, Research Publication Grant in Eng;; Panel Member (2019–present)
  • Faculty senate elections committee; Chair (2018–2020)
  • Faculty senate Bylaws committee; Member (2018–2020)
  • BDCN-E (04): Neurobiology of Brain Degenerative Disorders, Autoimmune Disea;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2018–present)
  • Faculty Senate Elections Committee; Chair (2018–2020)
  • Faculty Senate Bylaws Committee; Member (2018–2020)
  • American Association of University Women;; Grant Reviewer (2018–2019)
  • Search committee for Center for Diversity Innovation Director; Member (2018)
  • NIH; Special Emphasis Panel ZRG1 VH-N 80 A, Vascular and Hematology;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2018–present)
  • Wellcome Research Foundation; Wellcome Research Foundation, UK;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2018–present)
  • University of Sharjah, UAE;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2018–present)
  • German Research Foundation;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2018–present)
  • NIH; Anonymization Study by CSR;; Grant Reviewer (2018–present)
  • Steering Committee to Study Promotion and Professional Development of Faculty in Qualified Ranks; Member (2018–present)
  • Ad hoc panel for promotions in Research track; Univ. at Buffalo; Chair (2017–2019)
  • Faculty Senate; Secretary (2017–2020)
  • MRC; MRC England;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2017–present)
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Promotions to Research Ranks; Chair (2017–present)
  • Ad hoc panel for promotions in Research track; Univ. at Buffalo; Member (2016–2017)
  • Faculty senate executive committee; Member (2016–2017)
  • Israel Science Foundation;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2016–present)
  • Faculty Senate; Member (2016–present)
  • CLIMB UP Mentor; Student Mentor (2015–2016)
  • MRC; MRC England;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2015–present)
  • CLIMB-PRO Mentoring of undergraduates during summer; Student Mentor (2014)
  • NIH; Innate Immunity III;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2014–2016)
  • Ad Hoc Panel for Promotions in Research Track; Member (2014–2016)
  • Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Oak Ridge Associated Universities;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2013–present)
  • Israel Board of Education; Israel Board of Education;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2012–present)
  • American Association of University Women, American Fellowships, Grant selec;; Chair (2010–2012)
  • Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, University of Chicago; Member (2009–2013)
  • American Association of University Women, International Fellowships, Grant;; Chair (2004–2006)
  • American Association of University Women, Nat. Science Subpanel of the In;; Chair (2003–present)

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Contact Information

875 Ellicott Street
CTRC, 8030D
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: 716-888-4852
jessyale@buffalo.edu
View map

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