John Kolega Ph.D.

John Kolega

John Kolega
Ph.D.

Associate Professor / Graduate Program Director

Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences


Specialty/Research Focus

Cardiovascular Disease; Cytoskeleton and cell motility; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Molecular Basis of Disease

Contact Information
Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences
Jacobs School Room 4258
955 Main St
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 829-3527
Fax: (716) 829-2725
kolega@buffalo.edu



Professional Summary:

My primary research interest is the behavior of endothelial cells, which form the inner lining of blood vessels and are key players in the remodeling events that occur during wound healing, aneurysm formation, tumor growth, and a wide variety of disease conditions. There are two questions about endothelial behavior that drive most of the research in my laboratory:
(1) How do endothelial cells sense and respond to their mechanical environment?
Blood vessels remodel to accommodate long-term changes in blood flow. Certain flow environments can cause destructive remodeling that leads to cerebral aneurysms (local “ballooning” of vessels). Working with researchers at the Canon Stroke & Vascular Research Center, we use cell culture and whole animal systems to examine how endothelial cells respond to specific hemodynamic micro-environments in order to understand the mechanism and regulation of flow-induced remodeling, especially as it relates to cerebral aneurysms.
(2) How does an endothelial cell migrate during wound healing and blood-vessel remodeling? I am particularly interested in the motor protein, myosin II, and how it exerts force within the cytoskeleton to push or pull the cell as it moves. In order to study the organization and movements of cytoskeletal proteins - and not just there biochemical properties - we use a variety of light microscopic methods to examine the dynamics and biochemistry of cytoskeletal proteins in living migrating endothelial cells. We also use conventional biochemical, genetic, and pharmacological manipulations to investigate the regulatory events that control myosin II behavior in situ.

Education and Training:

  • Fellowship, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Dermatology New York University Medical School (1989)
  • Fellowship, Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratory for Developmental Biology & Anomalies National Institutes of Health (1985)
  • PhD, Cell Biology, Yale University (1984)
  • MS, Biology, Yale University (1981)
  • BA, Life Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1978)
  • BS, Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1978)

Employment:

  • Associate Professor, Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Univeristy of Buffalo, State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2001-present)
  • Assistant Professor, Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Buffalo, State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2000–2001)
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Buffalo, State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1998–2000)
  • Assistant Professor, Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Buffalo, State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1993–1998)
  • Special Research Faculty, Center for Light Microscope Imaging and Biotechnology, Carnegie Mellon University - (1992–1993)
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Light Microscope Imaging & Biotechnology, Carnegie Mellon University (1989–1992)
  • Technical Collaborator, Brookhaven National Laboratories (1978)
  • Technical Collaborator, Brookhaven National Laboratories (1977)

Awards and Honors:

  • Didaskalos Award (2011)

Research Expertise:

  • Cell Biology: Cytoskeletal regulation and mechanism in cell migration. Endothelial cell biology.
  • Gross Anatomy: back and extremeties
  • Vascular Biology: endothelial signaling, vessel wall remodeling

Research Centers:

  • Toshiba Stroke Research Center

UB 2020 Strategic Strengths:

  • Molecular Recognition in Biological Systems and Bioinformatics

Grants and Sponsored Research:

  • September 2023–August 2026
    SBIR: Development of a Molecular Diagnostic to Identify Dangerous Intracranial Aneurysms
    National Institutes of Health (Federal Flow Through via Neurovascular Diagnostics Incorporated )
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $393,885
  • September 2022–August 2024
    Hemodynamically induced molecules regulating the initiation of intracranial aneurysms
    National Institutes of Health - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
    $438,835
  • July 2023–June 2024
    CAT2324G: Validation of a Blood-Based Diagnostic Assay for Assessment of Intracranial Aneurysms
    NYS Department of Economic Development
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $47,000
  • July 2023–June 2024
    UB CAT: Validation of a Blood-Based Diagnostic Assay for Rupture Risk Assessment of Intracranial Aneurysms
    Neurovascular Diagnostics Incorporated
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $70,500
  • June 2021–July 2022
    UB Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data and Health Sciences (supplement to "Validation of a Whole Blood Diagnostic Assay for Unruptured Brain Aneurysm")
    NYS Department of Economic Development
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • July 2021–June 2022
    UB CAT: Validation of a Whole Blood Diagnostic Assay for Unruptured Brain Aneurysm
    NYS Department of Economic Development
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $49,716
  • August 2019–July 2021
    SBIR Phase II “A Blood-Based Test to Identify Patients with Intracranial Aneurysm”
    Neurovascular Diagnostics, Inc.
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $24,891
  • July 2020–June 2021
    University at Buffalo’s Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data and Health Sciences Total (UBCAT) “Molecular Markers for Dangerous Intracranial Aneurysms”
    Neurovascular Diagnostics, Inc.
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $17,387
  • July 2018–December 2018
    Additional work related to SBIR 1746694: A Blood-Based Test to Identify Patients with Intracranial Aneurysm
    UB-SBIA
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $12,983
  • January 2018–June 2018
    A Blood-Based Test to Identify Patients with Intracranial Aneurysm
    Neurovascular Diagnostics, Inc.
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $67,761
  • February 2009–February 2014
    Hemodynamic Induction of Pathologic Remodeling Leading to Intracranial Aneurysms
    National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $1,733,595
  • June 2006–May 2010
    Spatial dynamics of phosphorylation on the regulatory light chains of myosin II in migrating cells
    NSF
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $427,532
  • October 2006–July 2007
    Summer Research Institute in Biomedical Materials Science
    National Institutes of Health
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $641,554
  • January 2000–December 2002
    Controlling the Direction of Endothelial Migration during Angiogenesis: Cytoskeletal Mechanism and Regulation
    American Heart Association
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $164,923
  • February 1995–January 1998
    Assembly and Regulation of Myosin II in Endothelial Locomotion
    National Science Foundation
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $237,000
  • June 1995–May 1996
    Physical Interventions for Controlling Edema
    State University of New York at Buffalo Provost's Multidisciplinary Research Pilot Project Program
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $20,000
  • June 1995–December 1995
    Multidisciplinary Pilot Project Program:Physical Interventions for Controlling Edema
    Multidisciplinary Pilot Project Program
    Role: Co-Investigator
    $20,000
See all (7 more)

Journal Articles:

See all (53 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • K. Hahn, John Kolega, J. Montibeller, R. DeBiasio, P. Post, J. Myers, D. L. Taylor. (1999) In: Fluorescent analogs: optical biosensors of the chemical and molecular dynamics of macromolecules in living cells. , 554-566.
  • John Kolega, Taylor, D. L. (1991) In: Regulation of actin and myosin II dymamics in living cells. , 187-206.

Professional Memberships:

  • American Heart Association Council (2000–2022)
  • American Heart Association (2000–present)
  • The American Association for the Advancement of Science (1991–present)
  • American Society for Cell Biology (1991–present)

Presentations:

  • "Rubbed the Wrong Way: How Hemodynamic Forces Contribute to the Development of Brain Aneurysms" Department of Oral Biology seminar series; UB School of Dental Medicine (2018)

Service Activities:

  • Steering Committee, PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences; member (2024)
  • ; Admissions Committee, PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (2023–present)
  • organizer, Quantitative Biology Research Forum; organizer of bi-weekly research forum for presentation and discussion of research and research issues related to computational approaches to biomedical questions (2022–present)
  • Five-year evaluation of Pathology Master's program at University of Vermont School of Medicine; External Reviewer (2021)
  • review of promotion dossier for Research Associate Professor candidate for the Dept. of Physiology & Biophysics; ad hoc promotion review (2021)
  • Director of Graduate Studies, Master's Programs in Computational Cell Biology, Anatomy & Pathology; Director (2021–present)
  • Director of Graduate Studies, Master's program in Medical Anatomy & Experimental Pathology; Director (2021–present)
  • review of biomedical research grants ofr the Florida Department of Health; review panel member (2019–2020)
  • Appointments & Promotions Committee; member (2018–present)
  • Director of Graduate Studies for PhD program in Computational Cell Biology, Anatomy & Pathology; Director of Graduate Studies (2017–present)
  • Swiss National Science Foundation; Swiss National Science Foundation: Mobility fellowships;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2014)
  • Academic Calendar Committee, School of Dental Medicine Academic Calendar Committee, School of Dental Medicine; Committee Member (2011–2017)
  • Curriculum Committee, School of Dental Medicine Curriculum Committee, School of Dental Medicine; Committee Member (2010–2017)
  • First Year Committee, School of Dental Medicine First Year Committee, School of Dental Medicine; Committee Member (2009–2017)
  • Phase I Committee, School of Medicine; Committee Member (2009–present)
  • National Cancer Institute; Network of Translational Research: Optical Imaging; National Cancer Institute ad hoc study section CA-03-002: Network of Translational Research: Optical Imaging, 2003;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2003)
  • City University of New York; PSC-CUNY Research Award Program; PSC-CUNY Research Award Program (City University of New York;; External Reviewer (2002–2003)
  • Divisional Committee on Promotions, Health Sciences (2002–present)
  • Executive Committee, Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences Executive Committee, Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences; Committee Member (2002–present)
  • Wellcome Trust; Wellcome Trust grant reviews; Wellcome Trust ad hoc grant reviews;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2002–2009)
  • United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation; United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation; United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2002)
  • Director of Graduate Studies Director for the Pathology and Anatomical Sciences Master's and PhD programs; Director (2001–2021)
  • U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation; NRC COBASE; U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2001)
  • National Science Foundation; NSF Cellular Organization program; National Science Foundation (Cellular Organization program) ad hoc grant reviews;; Ad Hoc Reviewer (1999–2008)
  • ad hoc review for Nature; Nature Medicine; Scientific Reports; Journal of Cell Biology; Molecular Biology of the Cell; PLoS ONE; FASEB Journal; Biophysical Journal; American Journal of Physiology; Journal of Vascular Research; Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology; Cardiovascular Research; Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton; Experimental Cell Research; Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics; Cell & Molecular Bioengineering; Journal of Neurobiology; Journal of the Royal Society Interface; Cell and Molecular Life Sciences; Wound Repair and Regeneration; Neurosurgery; Acta Biomaterialia, BMC Research Notes, Journal of Neurology and Neurosurgery; Heliyon; Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine; Bioengineered; Microcirculation; Journal of Comparative Neurology; sceintific review

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Contact Information

Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences
Jacobs School Room 4258
955 Main St
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 829-3527
Fax: (716) 829-2725
kolega@buffalo.edu