Dr. Mohammad Javan

Associate Member

B.Sc. (Mashad University), M.Sc. (Shaheed Beheshti University), Ph.D (Shaheed Beheshti University), Postdoctoral Fellowship (Kyorin University School of Medicine)
Professor Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Research Interests

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Dr. Javan is interested in myelin protection, myelin repair, and neurodegeneration following nerve diseases and traumatic neural injuries. Gliosis, or heightened activity of the cells that form myelin, called glia, is a frequent result of spinal cord injury and traumatic head injury, and it impedes neural repair. Dr. Javan’s research involves converting astrocytes and other glial cells located in the injured brain and spinal cord into neurons and OPCs, cells that can become oligodendrocytes. These, in turn, provide insulation to axons, which conduct electrical impulses from nerves. Dr. Javan uses transcription factors and microRNAs to generate neurons and OPCs in order to help repair damaged neural tissue.

Recent collaborations

Dr. Javan is collaborating with Dr. Wolfram Tetzlaff on a research project examining the mechanisms of demyelination-induced axon damage and the possible benefits of antioxidants in this context.

Techniques employed in the lab:

  • Cell fate conversion studies
  • In vivo gene delivery
  • Chemical demyelination models

Affiliation with organizations and societies:

  • International Brain Research Organization (IBRO)
  • International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR)
  • Council Member, Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Iranian Cell Death Society
  • Iranian Neuroscience Society
  • Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology

Current Opportunities in the Lab

Please contact Dr. Javan with inquiries.

Recent publications

  • Anvari, S, Javan, M, Mirnajafi-Zadeh, J, Fathollahi, Y. 2024. Repeated Morphine Exposure Alters Temporoamonic-CA1 Synaptic Plasticity in Male Rat Hippocampus.. Neuroscience. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.03.015.
  • Mohammadi, M, Tavassoli, Z, Anvari, S, Javan, M, Fathollahi, Y. 2024. Avoidance and escape conditioning adjust adult neurogenesis to conserve a fit hippocampus in adult male rodents.. J Neurosci Res. doi: 10.1002/jnr.25291.
  • Zare, L, Rezaei, S, Esmaeili, E, Khajeh, K, Javan, M. 2023. Targeted drug delivery into glial scar using CAQK peptide in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.. Brain Commun. doi: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad325.
  • Foolad, F et al.. 2023. Sirtuins and Metabolism Biomarkers in Relapsing-Remitting and Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: a Correlation Study with Clinical Outcomes and Cognitive Impairments.. Mol Neurobiol. doi: 10.1007/s12035-023-03778-x.
  • Rabieipoor, S, Zare, M, Ettcheto, M, Camins, A, Javan, M. 2023. Metformin restores cognitive dysfunction and histopathological deficits in an animal model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease.. Heliyon. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17873.
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