Animesh A. Sinha MD, PhD

Animesh Sinha

Animesh A. Sinha
MD, PhD

Professor of Dermatology

Department of Dermatology

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Specialty/Research Focus

Autoimmune Conditions; Autoimmunity; Clinical Research; Dermatological Immunology; Dermatological Immunology – Clinical and Laboratory; Dermatology; Gene Expression; Genomics and proteomics; Health Services Research; Immunology; Inflammation; Molecular Basis of Disease; Molecular genetics; Nanotechnology; Omics & Big Data; Patient Centered Outcomes; Preclinical Research; Real-world approaches; RNA; Transcription and Translation; Transcriptomics; Translational Research; Whole Genome Sequencing

Contact Information
6078 Clinical and Translational Research Center
875 Ellicott, Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: 716-204-8730
Fax: 716-276-9249
aasinha@buffalo.edu
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This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

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Overview Research Publications Activities Latest News

Professional Summary:

My long-term research interests lie in the fields of immunological tolerance and autoimmunity. My laboratory concentrates on the inductive and regulatory events of the autoimmune pathway.

We are pursuing 4 major lines of investigation:

1. The investigation of i) HLA and ii) non-HLA genes that contribute to the autoimmune diathesis. We are employing standard and next-generational technologies to pinpoint diseases susceptibility loci in complex diseases with a multifactorial etiology. Our goal is to define the functional role of risk genes in disease development using in vitro and in vivo model systems.

2. The investigation of autoimmune induction and progression in the skin by the detailed study of the fine molecular interactions between MHC II-antigen-T cell receptor. Specifically, we are characterizing MHC- peptide complexes capable of triggering autoimmune T cells in pemphigus vulgaris. Our goal is to i) determine the process of self-epitope selection, ii) determine the frequency, phenotype and receptor repertoire of self-epitope reactive effector and regulatory T cells, and iii) determine the functional interplay between T and B lymphocytes that controls the production of pathogenic auto-antibodies.

3. The investigation of biological pathways and networks that contribute to the development of autoimmunity in the skin disease via integrated systems biology based strategies and high throughput technologies. Specifically, we are employing microarray platforms to identify disease susceptibility genes and to define transcriptional profiles and proteomic biomarkers in the skin and blood of patients. Our goal is to illuminate genomic and proteomic programs relevant for i) disease induction, ii) disease progression, and iii) response to therapy.

4. The investigation of autoimmune pathology at the nanoscale. Specifically, we are developing and applying cutting-edge nanorobotic technologies to link nanostructural changes at the cell surface to functional events associated with autoimmune events in the skin. Our goal is to develop advanced technology to i) provide a new level of detail regarding cellular and molecular mechanisms of autoimmunity, ii) predict cellular behavior and investigate mechanisms relevant to the development and progression of autoimmune responses, and iii) screen for novel therapeutic agents operational at the tissue level.


The common goal of the studies outlined above is to develop improved tools that support rational clinical decision making for disease diagnosis and prognosis, and further to uncover novel targets for immune intervention and potentially gene therapy in autoimmune disease to provide personalized and precision medicine.

Education and Training:
  • PhD, Medical Sciences (Immunology), University of Alberta (1986)
  • MD, University of Alberta (1982)

Employment:
  • Associate Professor, Dermatology, Cornell University (2005-present)
  • Professor and Chair, Dermatology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2011–2017)
  • Associate Professor, Dermatology, Michigan State University (2005–2011)
  • Director, Dermatology, Michigan State University (2005–2011)
  • Assistant Professor, Dermatology, Cornell University (1998–2005)
  • Associate Scientist, Dermatology, Yale University (1995–1998)
  • Associate Scientist, Medicine, University at Alberta (1992–1995)
  • Research Fellow, Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University (1986–1992)
  • Research Fellow, University of Alberta (1982–1986)

Awards and Honors:
  • Fellow, Clinical and Translational Research Center, University at Buffalo (2012)
  • Doctor of the Year/Excellence in Research Award, (2009)
  • Women's Dermatology Society Mentorship Award (1997)
  • Medical Research Council of Canada Centennial Fellowship Award (1989)
  • AHFMR Independent Research Allowance Fellowship Award (1986)
  • AHFMR Part-time Studentship Award (1982)
  • Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Summer Studentship Award (1982)
  • Searle Research Scholarship in Pharmacology (1979)
  • Province of Alberta Scholarship (1976 - 1978)
  • Arthritis Foundation Fellowship Award (1989 - 1990)
  • Arthritis Foundation Investigator Award (1990 - 1994)
  • Dermatology Foundation Career Development Award (2000 - 2003)
  • AHFMR Research Fellowship Award (1982 - 1986)

Research Expertise:
  • Immunological Tolerance and Autoimmunity.: To pinpoint targets for immune intervention and potentially gene therapy in autoimmune disease

UB 2020 Strategic Strengths:
  • Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan
  • Integrated Nanostructured Systems
  • Molecular Recognition in Biological Systems and Bioinformatics

Grants and Sponsored Research:
  • January 2010–December 2011
    Monitoring Autoimmune Activity in Pemphigus
    Crescent Healthcare, Inc.
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $3,000
  • February 2007–January 2009
    Functional Analysis of IFN-Y Regulated OAS1 Over-Expression in Cutaneous LE
    Alliance for Lupus Research
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $75,000
  • February 2007–January 2009
    Mechanisms of Autoimmunity in the Skin
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $75,000
  • July 2004–June 2006
    Gene Expression Analysis in Vitiligo
    American Vitiligo Research Foundation
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $30,000
  • May 2002–December 2005
    Human Gene Expression Profiling in Vitiligo by Microarray
    National Vitiligo Foundation
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $30,000
  • January 2002–January 2005
    Identifying And Characterizing Human Skin Genes Using DNA Chip Technology
    Colgate-Palmolive, Co
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $75,000
  • July 2000–July 2004
    Genome Wide Expression Analysis in Lupus Erythematosus
    Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $143,850
  • July 2001–June 2004
    Genetic Basis of Cutaneous Lupus Erthematosus
    Colleck Research Fund
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $400,000
  • February 2002–January 2004
    Genome Wide Expression Analysis in Psoriasis
    National Psoriasis Foundation
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $150,000
  • September 1998–September 2001
    Mapping of Genes for Alopecia Areata in the General Population
    NIH/NIAMS
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $150,000
  • July 1998–June 2001
    Genetic Basis of Autoimmunity
    Colleck Research Fund
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $390,000
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Journal Articles:

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Books and Book Chapters:

  • Paget, S, Gibofsky, A, A., Sulco, Beary, J, Sinha AA. (2006) Rash and Arthritis. In: Rash and Arthritis. Lippincot, Williams, and Wilkins, Inc., 109-122.
  • Sinha A.A, Shylankevich, M., Offers, M., Moesta, A., Lin, M, Diaz, L., Tigelaar, R., Janeway, C. (1999) A polymerase chain reaction-based approach in search of potential T-cell epitopes in Pemphigus Vulgaris. In: A polymerase chain reaction-based approach in search of potential T-cell epitopes in Pemphigus Vulgaris. Monduzzi Editore, 1635-1669.
  • Sinha, A.A, Mietzner, T, Lock, C.B., McDevitt, H.O. (1993) Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of peptide-major histocompatibility complex. In: Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of peptide-major histocompatibility complex. Academic Press,, 187-192.
  • Sinha AA. (1990) Molecular Biology of HLA Class ll Antigens. In: Functional Importance of MHC class ll Polymorphism in normal immune responses and autoimmune disease. CRC Press, Inc, 147-168.
  • McDevitt, H.O., Sinha AA. (1990) Allelic Polymorphism of HLA class ll antigens: clues to the moleular basis of autoimmunity. In: Allelic Polymorphism of HLA class ll antigens: clues to the moleular basis of autoimmunity. Academic Press,, 39-52.
  • Diener, E., Fotedar, R., Sinha, A.A. (1990) Regulation of the B cell response: activation and differentiation. In: Regulation of the B cell response: activation and differentiation. Oxford University Press
  • Sinha AA, Brautbar C, Szafer F, Friedmann A, Tzfoni E, Steinman, L, McDevitt, H.O. (1989) HLA-DR and HLA-DQ ALLELES ASSOCIATED WITH PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS. In: HLA-DR and HLA-DQ ALLELES ASSOCIATED WITH PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS. , 465-468.
  • Diener, U., Diener, E., Sinha, A.A, Xie, S., Vergidis, R. (1986) Selective suppression of murine lymphocyte function by daunomycin conjugated via an acid sensitive spacer to target specific carriers. In: Selective suppression of murine lymphocyte function by daunomycin conjugated via an acid sensitive spacer to target specific carriers. Elsevier Science Publications, 177-181.

Abstracts:

  • Sinha AA. (2010) Microfixture enabled in-situ imaging manipulation of cell membrane protein. E-Published/ Proceedings of the 5th IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Enginereed and Molecular Systems, (Jan)
  • Sinha AA. (2010) Investigations on Biomarkers for Human Lymphoblastoid Cells using atomic force microscopy. E- Published / Proceedings of the th International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems, (Jan)
  • Sinha AA. (2009) Analysis of Keratinocytes stiffness aafter desmosome disruption using Atomic Force Microscopy. E- Published / Proceedings of the 9th IEEE Conference on Nanotechnology,, (Jan)
  • Sinha AA. (2009) Development of cell fixture for in-situ imaging and manipulation of membran protein structure. E- Published / Proceeding of the 9th IEEE Conference on Nanotechnology, (Jan) 397-400
  • Sinha AA. (2007) Response Criteria for Cutaneous SLE in clinical trials. Clin. Exp. Rheuumatol, (Jan) 666-671

Professional Memberships:
  • Nanomedicine Society (2015–present)
  • NIH ZRG1 Moss G02 (2010–present)
  • Alliance for Lupus Research (2008–2012)
  • Arthritis Foundation - Cellular Immunology Study Section (2006–2012)
  • Chicago Dermatological Society (2006–2011)
  • Michigan Dermatology Society (2006–2011)
  • Michigan State Medical Society (2006–2011)
  • Association of Professors of Dermatology (2006–present)
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science (2006–present)
  • International Society of Dermatology (2006–present)
  • Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology (2005–present)
  • Society for Investigative Dermatology (1998–present)
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Presentations:
  • "Autoimmunity in the skin: systems medicine approach to disease." All India Institute of Medical Sciences (2013)
  • "Cutaneous lupus: clinical features and pathogenesis." Hampton University Skin of Color Research Symposium.; Hampton University; Huscri (2013)
  • "Understanding autoimmunity in the skin: a systems approach to complex dermatologic disease." Clinical and Translational Research Colloquium; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "The Genetics of Pemphigus" International Symposium in Autoimmune Bullous Disorders; International Investigative DermatologyI; IID (2013)
  • "Diagnosis and genetics of autoimmune bullous disease." International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation 16th Annual Patient -Doctor Meeting.; International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation (2013)
  • "Novel multiplex auto antigen arrays for biomarker discovery in skin autoimmunityf" Clinical and Translational Research Colloquium; University at Buffalo; University at Buffalo (2013)
  • "Pemphigus: clinical features and pathogenesis of disease." International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation 16th Annual Patient -Doctor Meeting.; International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation; International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation (2013)
  • "Probing autoantibody diversity in Pemphigus vulgaris: proteomic strategies" Grand Rounds, Dept of Dermatology, Loma Linda University Medical Center,; Loma Linda University Medical Center; Grand Rounds, Dept of Dermatology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, (2013)
  • "Systems medicine for Dermatology: the new interface between biology, medicine, and technology." Grand Rounds Dept. of Dermatology, University of Southern California; University of Southern California; Dept. of Dermatology, University of Southern California (2013)
  • "Pemphigus and pemhigoid: clinical features and approach to management." Webinar; Nufactor; Nufactor (2013)
  • "Emerging strategies for understanding autoimmunity in the skin: lessons from pemphigus." Grand Rounds, Dept. Surgery, University at Buffalo; University at Buffalo; Dept. of Surgery (2013)
  • "How a better understandig of disease etiology is paving the way to new therapies in Pemphigus" Meeting of the Canadian Pemphigus and Pemphigus Foundation; Sunnybrook Health Sciences; Sunnybrook Health Sciences (2012)
  • "New tools to understand the scope and action of autoantibodies in Pemphigus vulgaris (PV)" Basic Science Seminar Series; Yale University; Dept of Dermatology (2012)
  • "Shifting paradigms in complex cutaneous disease: how systems medicine is creating the new interface between biology, medicine, and technology to imp at clinical decision making" Grand Rounds; Yale University; Dermatology Dept. Yale University (2012)
  • "Investigation of autoimmune blistering disease: from genetics to immune-mediated pathology" Immunology Seminar Series; University of California, Irvine; Immunology (2012)
  • "Autoimmunity and the skin: intergration of biological and clinical profiles to understand disease processes in Pemphigus vulgarism" Immunology Grand Rounds, University at Buffalo; University at Buffalo; Dept. of Immunology (2012)
  • "Genetics of Pemphigus" International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation 15th Annual Patient - Doctor Meeting; IPPF; International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation (2012)
  • "Strategies for understanding autoimmunity in the skin." Dept. of Cancer Pathology and Prevention; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Dept. of Cancer Pathology and Prevention (2012)
  • "Dermatology - Career Paths" Medical Student Forum; University at Buffalo; University at Buffalo, Medical Student Forum (2012)
  • "Skin, aging, and autoimmunity." Women's Health Symposium on Aging and Wellness across the Lifespan; University at Buffalo (2012)
  • "Cutaneous lupus: clinical and etiologic considerations" Hampton University Skin of Color Symposium; Hampton, University (2011)
  • "Autoimmunity of the skin: investigating immune disturbances in Pemhigus vulgaris" Veterans Administration Western NY Healthcare System; Veterans Administration Western NY Healthcare System; Veterans Administration Western NY Healthcare System (2011)
  • "Constructing immunoprofiles to deconstruct disease complexity in pemphigus" Buffalo-Rochester Dermatology Meeting; Buffalo- Rochester Dermatology Society; Buffalo- Rochester Dermatology Society (2011)
  • "Management of Pemphigus and Pemphigoid" Buffalo-Rochester Dermatology Meeting; Buffalo- Rochester Dermatology Society; Buffalo- Rochester Dermatology Society (2011)
  • "Developing disease registry for pemphigus" 14th Annual Meeting of the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation.; IPPF; International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation (2011)
  • "Genetic basis of pemphigus" 14th Annual Meeting of the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation; IPPF; IPPF (2011)
  • "Shifting Paradigms in complex cutaneous disease: harnessing biological and clinical information to impact disease management" ; ; University at Buffalo (2011)
  • "Current Concepts in The Treatment of Blistering Disorders" Grand Rounds; Eastern Virginia Medical School; Department of Dermatology (2011)
  • "Systems Medicine and Dermatology: merging clinical and biological data to develop new tools for disease management" Hampton University Skin of Color Symposium; Hampton University Skin of Color Institute; Hampton University Skin of Color Institute (2011)
  • "Biomarkers and Immunoprofiling in Pemphigus" ; Biogen/IDEC (2010)
  • "Immunoprofiling to unravel disease complexity in pemphigus" Pemphigus and Pemhigoid: From the Bench to the Bedside Meeting; National Institutes of Health (2010)
  • "Systems approach to investigate immune dysregulation in pemphigus vulgaris." Grand Rounds; Wayne State University; Department of Dermatology (2010)
  • "Dermatology: Career Perspectives and Academic Horizons" Internal Medicine Club and Dermatology Interest Group Meeting; Michigan State University (2010)
  • "Systems strategies to study skin autoimmunity" Grand Rounds; University of Florida; Department of Dermatology (2010)
  • "New Concepts and Experimental Stategies to Understand Pemphigus" Symposio Internationale de Dermatologica (2010)
  • "Why Do Patients Flare? How new technologies are helping us to understand disease mechanisms." 12th Annual Meeting of the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation (2010)
  • "Genetic Basis of Pemphigus" Symposium on Autoimmune Bullous Disease, 68th Annnual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology; American Academy of Dermatology (2010)
  • "Systems Medicine and Dermatology: integrating high throughput genetic, genomic, and proteomic strategies to tackle biological complexity and disease hetergeneity" Grand Rounds; State University of New York at Buffalo; Department of Dermatology (2010)
  • "How New Genetic Technologies Are Changing Clinical Medicine" ; Rotary Club (2003)
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Service Activities:
  • Hampton University Skin of Color Research Instititute; Advisory Board (2010–present)
  • Foundation for Global Skin Health Strategies; Advisory Board (2009–present)
  • Guest, Today Show, Segment on Genetic Testing; Invited Participant (2008–present)
  • MD-PHD Committee; Board Member (2007–present)
  • Search Committee for Faculty position in Genetics; Committee Member (2007–present)
  • Guest, "Please Explain - Hair" National Public Radio (WNYC); Invited Participant (2005–present)
  • Guest column, "Serious Skin Disorders Often Go Undetected" Bottom Line/Health, Standford CT; Invited Participant (2003)
  • Webcast on Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus; Invited Participant (2002)
  • Guest expert of hair loss webcast. Healthology, Inc; Invited Participant (2001)
  • Guest on ‘The Bald Truth" radio show (WOR), Spencer Kobren, host, NY, NY; Invited Participant (2000–present)
  • Guest expert on the genetics of hair loss.; Invited Participant (2000–present)
  • PhD Thesis Advisory Committee; Advisor
  • MSc Thesis Advisory Committee; Advisor

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Contact Information

6078 Clinical and Translational Research Center
875 Ellicott, Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: 716-204-8730
Fax: 716-276-9249
aasinha@buffalo.edu
View map

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD
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