Gary Balian, Ph.D.

Professor of Orthopaedics and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Director of Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, and Director of T32 Musculoskeletal Research Training Program. Dr. Balian is an internationally recognized cell biologist. He is responsible for coordinating the overall schedule for the basic science lecture series and oversees the residents involved in laboratory research. He is also responsible for instruction in biochemical aspects of orthopaedics. His research interests involve prostate cancer cell-bone marrow adhesion mediators. The contribution of this research to our understanding of cancer cell homing to bone may be forthcoming from the identification of molecular targets in bone. Bone repair is clearly a very important area of consideration in the field of musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. Inclusion of bone targeting factors in synthetic or natural polymers potentiate repair through mechanisms that are well characterized biologically at the cellular and molecular levels. Two unique bone targeting peptides potentiate the differentiation of mesenchymal cells in vitro, moreover, the peptides promote bone repair in critical sized unicortical defects. The potential anabolic effects of these novel peptides on bone density and gene expression is under investigation. 

Appointments:

Mary Muilenburg Stamp Professor of Orthopaedic Research 
Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

Specialty:

Orthopedic Research

Subspecialty:

Musculoskeletal tissue repair and regeneration

Special Expertise:

Harnessing mesenchymal (adult stem) cells for skeletal tissue repair, targeting bone with peptides that prevent cancer

Awards:

1965 - 1969 Dorothy Jordan Lloyd Research Fellowship
  
1972 - 1975 Leather Research Association Wellcome Trust Research Fellowship 
                                            
1977 - 1982 The Wellcome Trust Established Investigator   American Heart Association

1985 to Present Mary Muilenburg Stamp Professor of Orthopaedic Research University of Virginia

Education:

1965 Bachelor of Science, University of London (Biochemistry)

1969 Ph.D., University of London (Biochemistry)

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