Associate Professor, Department of Neurology
Dr. Meares received his bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Auburn University in 2001. He went on to earn a PhD in 2007 from the University Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) where he studied molecular mechanisms of neuronal cell death. This was followed by an NIH-supported postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. John Corbett examining metabolic and inflammatory pathways in the survival and function of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. In 2010, Dr. Meares joined the lab of Dr. Tika Benveniste at UAB to continue postdoctoral studies in neuroimmunology. Shortly after, he received a career transition award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). In 2015, Dr. Meares joined the faculty as an assistant professor at the West Virginia University School of Medicine. While at WVU, he led an active research program focused on neuroimmunology while teaching immunology to undergraduates, graduate, and medical students. Dr. Meares was recruited to The Ohio State University in the department of Neurology in 2023 as an Associate Professor where his research continues to focus on mechanisms of neuroinflammation and cell stress.
Research Interests
Uncovering glial dependent mechanisms in neuroinflammation
The Meares lab studies fundamental cellular mechanisms involved in inflammatory and injury responses within the nervous system. Astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes are critical for nervous system function. These glial cells have essential roles in supporting neurons, defending the CNS from injury and infection, and ensuring efficient neurotransmission. Glial cells are both influenced by and influential in most neurological diseases. Using a variety of biochemical and transcriptomic approaches, we examine how glial cell stress responses augment neuroinflammation in models of neurological conditions including stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegeneration. Our research also examines how glial cells shape the neuroimmune landscape through interactions with other CNS resident and infiltrating immune cells. The overall goal is to identify mechanisms driving glial-dependent inflammation, which may contribute to neuropathology and represent novel therapeutic targets.
Education and Training
- Postdoctoral training: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Cellular, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Birmingham, AL
- PhD: 2007 University of Alabama at Birmingham
- BS: 2001 Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Editorial Boards
- ASN Neuro
- Frontiers – Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology
Professional Activities
Grant Reviewer:
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) - Standing Member Biomedical Committee A
- NIH - Cellular and Molecular Biology of Glia (ad hoc)
- NIH - Neural Oxidative Metabolism, Mitochondria, and cell Death (ad hoc)
- Congressionally Directed Medical Research (ad hoc)
Honors and Awards
- NMSS career transition fellowship
- Blavatnik Award Nominee
Grants and Projects
- 2017 – 2027 R01 NS099304, PERK Dependent Mechanisms of Neuroinflammation