Grant News: Vladimir Beljanski
Vladimir Beljanski PhD, is an Associate Professor at the College of Allopathic Medicine (NSU MD) and a member of the Cell Therapy Institute at Nova Southeastern University.
Tell me briefly about your recent grant-funded project.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex condition that significantly impacts daily life due to severe and long-lasting fatigue. Our study focuses on using exosomes, tiny particles released by the majority of cells, to better understand ME/CFS. Exosomes are known to help cells communicate by delivering proteins and genetic material, and those isolated from bone marrow mesenchymal cells can regulate both the immune system and energy production, making them a valuable tool for studying ME/CFS. We aim to explore how exosomes affect immune cells and energy production in cells from ME/CFS patients. Specifically, we’ll study how exosomes influence key immune cells (T cells, B cells, and NK cells) by observing their activity, growth, and survival. Additionally, we’ll investigate how exosomes impact the genes linked to immune response and metabolism, as well as their effects on cellular energy production. This innovative approach could uncover new insights into the disease’s causes and potentially identify targets for future therapies.
Who is working with you on this project?
Dr. Lubov Nathanson from the Institute for Neuroimmune Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, is a co-investigator on this project. This marks our fourth grant collaboration, and since 2018, Dr. Nathanson and I have co-authored six publications together. Additionally, we plan to hire a research specialist to support the execution and success of this project.
What opportunities and/or benefits does this grant bring to the NSU community?
This grant offers numerous opportunities and benefits to the NSU community. For students, it provides hands-on learning experiences, such as participating in cutting-edge research, gaining valuable skills, and contributing to meaningful projects that enhance their academic and professional development. Additionally, the grant strengthens NSU’s reputation as a leader in innovation and research, fostering partnerships with key stakeholders and supporting community engagement. By addressing critical issues and advancing knowledge in the field, the grant also creates pathways for new collaborations and long-term growth across the university.
How does this project connect with your other work at NSU?
This project closely aligns with my ongoing work at NSU, as it builds upon my expertise in the preclinical development of therapies targeting dysfunctional immune systems and my commitment to advancing knowledge through innovative therapeutic approaches involving stromal cells and their cellular products. It also complements my more recent research initiatives focused on RNA-mediated regulation of gene activity. Additionally, this project strengthens my role as an educator by providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, enhancing their learning experience, and fostering the development of future scientists. By bridging my research and teaching, this project supports NSU’s mission to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and drive meaningful discoveries.
How has NSU helped you pursue and/or achieve personal and professional goals you have set for yourself? NSU resources used?
NSU has played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my personal and professional goals. Its supportive academic environment and robust resources have been instrumental in my development. The institution provided me with access to cutting-edge facilities, such as state-of-the-art laboratories and bioinformatics tools, which have greatly enhanced my research productivity. Additionally, NSU’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration allowed me to connect with colleagues across different departments. This facilitated joint research projects and broadened my expertise, particularly in areas such as cell therapy. The university’s library resources, including access to a vast array of scientific journals and databases, have also been invaluable for staying current in my field and writing high-impact research proposals. Moreover, the opportunities to mentor students and engage in professional development workshops offered through NSU MD have strengthened my teaching and leadership skills.
What advice do you have for other grant seekers at NSU?
I would offer the same advice I often share with my students: never give up, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and grow from them. As Paulo Coelho beautifully wrote in The Alchemist, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
What is the next grant proposal or project on your agenda?
The next grant proposal will support my collaboration with Dr. Dmitry Minond from the College of Pharmacy, focusing on characterizing exosomes isolated from melanoma cells treated with an experimental anticancer drug. Our primary aim is to investigate the properties of these exosomes, particularly their ability to modulate immune responses and restore cellular homeostasis. This project builds on the findings of our ongoing research supported by Dr. Minond’s Florida Department of Health award, allowing us to further explore the mechanisms of targeted therapies. Dr. Minond and I also plan to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as single cell sequencing and advanced imaging to expand the scope and impact of our research.