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Dr. Janko Nikolich-Zugich is an internationally noted expert on the immune system and age-related disorders.

By Katie Maass, AHSC Office of Public Affairs
June 17, 2008

Dr. Janko Nikolich-Zugich, an internationally noted expert on the immune system and age-related disorders, has joined The University of Arizona College of Medicine as the head of the department of immunobiology and co-director of the Arizona Center on Aging.

Nikolich will lead the center's Biology of Aging Research Program, which will collaborate with scientists from other UA departments and centers to address obesity, inflammation, osteoporosis, infectious diseases, diabetes, cancer, dementias, sarcopenia (muscle loss associated with aging) and other diseases and conditions.

"These are complex, variable conditions that are very difficult to solve when individuals work in isolation," Nikolich said. "Our next step is to bring together the experts at the UA to work on these problems, and to integrate basic multidisciplinary studies into the translational, clinical and health services research and outreach missions of the Arizona Center on Aging."

Before joining the UA, Nikolich was professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the School of Medicine at the Oregon Health Sciences University, in Portland, and senior scientist of that university's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute. He currently receives NIH funding for research studies on age-related susceptibility to West Nile virus, immune defense against viruses, and immune senescence.

Originally from Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), Nikolich received his medical, master's and doctoral degrees from Belgrade University Medical School.

"Dr. Nikolich is exactly the caliber of research scientist we are working hard to recruit to the UA College of Medicine to address the leading health issues facing not only our state, but the world," said Keith Joiner, UA vice provost for medical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine. "He embodies our philosophy of integrating research across a wide range of departments, centers and colleges to tackle problems that are quintessentially interdisciplinary. Research in aging is the prototype for applying this approach, and is a wonderful complement to the superb educational programs that are already in place. With the growth of the aging population, especially in Arizona, his strong research background and collaborative nature is a solid investment in our future."

Given the evolving understanding of the critical association between aging and chronic inflammation, "Nikolich's focus in immunology is much needed here," said Dr. Mindy Fain, co-director of the Center on Aging. "His international expertise in biology of aging research is crucial to our mission of promoting long, healthy, functional lives for older adults."