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Scientific research often tweaks existing theories in small ways. Occasionally, research reveals something entirely new and ignites a theoretical revolution in its field. Ning Quan, Ph.D, works at the forefront of just such a revolution; his world-renowned studies of inflammation are helping to change how scientists understand the relationship between the central nervous system and the immune system.   

“The greatest joy in the lab is digging a little deeper and finding the truth of something that was unexpected,” said Quan, who recently joined FAU as a professor of biomedical science in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and member of the FAU Brain Institute. “Looking at totally unexpected but beautifully orchestrated biology, you feel like you’re looking at the face of God. There’s no other way to describe that kind of joy.”

Until recently, the two systems were thought to function independently. A structure of tiny blood vessels surrounding the brain even earned the moniker “blood-brain barrier,” indicating its  supposed role in keeping pathogens away from the brain. Quan’s research has revealed that far from being a barrier, the blood vessels act as molecular conduits or channels for communication between the central nervous and immune systems. “These two systems intimately communicate with each other,” Quan said. “Understanding how they connect can be really important for healing and maintaining health.”

Quan became interested in this field about 20 years ago, when he came from China to earn his Ph.D. in physiology at the University of Tennessee. He did postdoctoral training in neuroimmunology at the National Institute of Mental Health, then became a tenured professor at Ohio State, where he set up a lab focused on neuro-immune communication and and other links between immune and brain health, such as how immunological activity contributes to mental disorders. However, FAU’s investment in cutting-edge neuroscience lured him to Florida.

Quan was introduced to the university’s Brain Institute when he collaborated with Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., executive director, on a project. “I had such a wonderful collaboration with Dr. Blakely that I went to FAU and talked to the chair of the biomedical sciences  department, the dean of the medical school and the vice president of research about the university’s investment in basic science,” said Quan, who brought his National Institutes of Health-funded lab to the Jupiter campus in May. “I found that the condition for doing good research, especially in my field, is very favorable.”