Photo of Blanka Rogina, PhD

Blanka Rogina, PhD

Professor, Genetics and Genome Sciences
Academic Office Location:
Genetics and Genome Sciences
UConn Health
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030-6403
Phone: 860-679-8771
Fax: 860-679-8345
Email: rogina@uchc.edu
Website(s):

Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program

Skeletal Biology and Regeneration Graduate Program
Education
DegreeInstitutionMajor
BScZagreb UniversityPharmacy and Medical Biochemistry
MSZagreb UniversityMedical Biochemistry
PhDZagreb UniversityDevelopmental Biology

Post-Graduate Training
TrainingInstitutionSpecialty
ResidencyZagreb UniversityResidency in Medical Biochemistry
PostdoctoralDepartment of BioStructure and Function, University of Connecticut Health CenterPostdoctoral Fellow under Dr. William B. Upholt
PostdoctoralDepartment of BioStructure and Function, University of Connecticut Health CenterPostdoctoral Fellow under Dr. Stephen L. Helfand

Awards
Name of Award/HonorAwarding Organization
Promoted to the Rank of Professor with tenure.UConn
Elected Fellow of The Gerontological Society of AmericaThe Gerontological Society of America
The Glenn Award for Research in Biological Mechanisms of AgingThe Glenn Foundation for Aging Research
Senior Author on the Best PosterGordon Conference
RISE awardUniversity of Connecticut Health Center
American Federation for Aging Research AwardAmerican Federation
German & American Young Scholars’ Institute on “Social and Biological Determinants of LongevityMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research
Research Development Awards from Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center at the Travelers Center on Aging, UCHC Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center
American Federation for Aging Research Award American Federation for Aging Research
German & American Young Scholars’ Institute on “Social and Biological Determinants of Longevity”University of California
Research Development Core Award from NIH supported Claude Pepper Center at the Travelers Center on AgingUniversity of Connecticut Health Center
Gerontological Research award Sandoz Foundation
Head’s Award for the Best Student Zagreb University
Name & DescriptionCategoryRoleTypeScopeStart YearEnd Year
NIH, Ad Hoc reviewer, AGCD-1Study SectionMemberExternalNational20222022
Ad hoc Member NIA, CMAD Review CommitteeStudy SectionMemberExternalNational20212021
UConn Calhoun Cardiology Center ReviewOtherMemberUConn HealthUniversity20212021
Senior Appointments and Promotions Committee (SAPS)OtherSecondary MemberUConn HealthUniversity2021
Biological Section of the Gerontological Society of America & American Aging Association Joint SymposiumProfessional/Scientific OrganizationCo-ChairExternalInternational20212021
American Aging AssociationProfessional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalInternational2021
The Internal Advisory Board (ICAB)Advisory CommitteeMemberUConn-StorrsUniversity2020
Member Recruitment Committee Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics ChairOtherMemberUConn HealthUniversity20192020
Member Recruitment Committee Faculty in the Department of Genetics and Genome SciencesOtherMemberUConn HealthUniversity20192021
Eight UConn Fly SymposiumWorkshop/ConferenceOrganizerUConn-StorrsUniversity2019
The Fifth Northeastern Glenn Symposium Biology of AgingOtherChair & OrganizerExternalNational20192019
The Gerontological Society of America Award CommitteeProfessional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalNational2018
UConn & Canaan Fellowship ProgramOtherChairUConn HealthUniversity2018
NIA CMAD review committeeStudy SectionAd hoc member ExternalNational2012
Welcome India Alliance FellowshipOtherAd hoc ReviewerExternalInternational20112011
Frontiers in Genetics on AgingProfessional/Scientific JournalThe Founding and Specialty Chief EditorExternalInternational2011
Graduate Program CommitteeOtherMemberUConn HealthUniversity2011
Reviewer for American Federation for Aging Research OtherReviewerExternalNational2010
Ad hoc reviewer for The Canada Foundation for Innovation OtherReviewerExternalInternational2010
NIH Challenge grant reviewer Study SectionReviewerExternalNational2009
Ad hoc Member NIA, CMAD Review Committee Study SectionMemberExternalNational2009
Kavli Fellow, Member organizing committee, 1st US-France Frontiers in Science Roscoff, France Professional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalInternational2008
Ad hoc Member NIA, CMAD Review Committee Study SectionMemberUConn HealthNational2007
Current Gerontology and Geriatric ResearchEditorial BoardAssociate EditorExternalInternational2007
Reviewer for American Federation for Aging Research OtherReviewerExternalNational2006
Kavli Fellow, Member organizing Committee, 18th Kavli Frontiers in Science, NAS, Irvine, CA, November Professional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalNational2006
NIA: Member of Review Panel for Program Project Reverse Site Visit Study SectionMemberExternalNational20052006
Organizing Committee, 17th Frontiers in Science, NAS, Irvine, CA, October Professional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalNational2005
Dental SenateCommunity ServiceMember UConn HealthUniversity2005
NIA: Member of Review Panel for RFA: Proteomics in Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Study SectionReview Panel MemberExternalNational2004
Aging and Cellular Senescence, Chairwoman, 16th Frontiers in Science, NAS, Irvine, CA Professional/Scientific OrganizationChairmanExternalNational2004
Ad hoc Member NIA-B Review Committee Study SectionMemberExternalNational20022003
German & American Young Scholars’, Max Planck Institute, Rostock, Germany Professional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalUniversity1999
Genetics Society of AmericaProfessional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalNational1999
New York Academy of SciencesProfessional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalInternational1996
Summer Training Course in Experimental Aging Research, sponsored by NIA and the Biol. Sci. Section of the Gerontological Society of America Education CommitteeMemberExternalNational1996
The Gerontological Society of AmericaProfessional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalNational1995
The Brookdale, NIH and NIA; Summer Institute in Research on Aging Research CommitteeMemberUConn HealthNational1995
American Association for the Advancement of ScienceProfessional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalNational1995
Society for Developmental Biology Professional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalNational1991
The American Society for Cell Biology Professional/Scientific OrganizationMemberExternalNational1983

The primary interest of our research is the investigation of the basic biology of aging, including the molecular genetic determinants of aging and longevity. Over the past few years our work has concentrated on understanding some of the mechanisms that regulate gene expression during adult life in Drosophila melanogaster. Currently we are involved in screening for genes that are involved in life span determination. Another interest is to investigate the biological deterinants of female longevity. Female life spans dependents on reproductive status. It is our goal to study the contribution reproduction and fertility make toward female longevity.

Accepting Lab Rotation Students: Spring 1 and 2 Block 2025

Journal Articles

Book Chapters

  • Aging, Animal Model
    Kuchel, G.A., Zhu, Q., Rogina, B. and Clark, S.H. Encyclopedia of Endocrine Diseases 2004 Jan;126-130

Abstracts

  • Cloning of the Chicken Homologs of the Human Homeobox-containing Genes HOX4F and 1I and Analysis of their Expression During Chick Limb Development
    Rogina, B., Coelho, C.N.D., Kosher, R.A. and Upholt, W.B. Biol. Bull. 1991 Jan;181512-513a

Conference Papers

  • Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF).
    Rogina B 2012 Jan;
  • Effect of mlenap mutation on development and longevity of Drosophila melanogaster.
    Rogina B 2010 Jan;
  • Long-lived Indy extends life span by mimicking calorie restriction.
    Rogina B 2010 Jan;
  • Life span extension and neuronal cell protection by Drosophila nicotinamidase.
    Balan, Vitaly; Miller, Gregory S; Kaplun, Ludmila; Balan, Karina; Chong, Zhao-Zhong; Li, Faqi; Kaplun, Alexander; VanBerkum, Mark F A; Arking, Robert; Freeman, D Carl; Maiese, Kenneth; Tzivion, Guri The Journal of biological chemistry 2008 Oct;283(41):27810-9
  • Calorie restriction and Aging.
    Rogina B 2008 Jan;
  • Effect of mlenapts mutation on development and longevity of Drosophila melanogaster, In: Biology of Aging.
    Rogina B 2008 Jan;
  • Long-lived Indy induces reduced mitochondrial ROS production and oxidative damage. In: Biology of Aging.
    Rogina B 2008 Jan;
  • Radiation resistance in adult Drosophila melanogaster.
    Rogina B 2006 Jan;
  • A pathway controlling longevity that involves calorie restriction and the Sir2, Indy, and Rpd3 genes.
    Rogina B 2005 Jan;
  • Molecular genetic analysis of the role of MLE dsRNA helicase in normal splicing of para Na+ channel transcripts.
    Rogina B 2005 Jan;
  • Detrimental effects of high caloric diets on longevity are fully reversible by late-life caloric restriction in female Drosophila melanogaster.
    Rogina B 2004 Jan;
  • Life span extension in Indy mutant flies is associated with Sir2 and the calorie restriction pathway.
    Rogina B 2004 Jan;
  • Identification of the transport mechanism mediated by the life extending gene Indy.
    Rogina B 2003 Jan;
  • Molecular Biomarkers Expression in Long and Short Luckinbill Drosophila melanogaster Lines.
    Rogina B 2002 Jan;
  • Molecular Genetic Analysis of the Role of MLE dsRNA Helicase in Normal Splicing of para Na+ Channel Transcripts.
    Rogina B 2001 Jan;
  • The effect of mating on egg production and mortality of female Drosophila melanogaster.
    Rogina B 2000 Jan;
  • Biological Determinants of Female Longevity.
    Rogina B 1999 Jan;
  • Cloning Two Genes with Different Regulation of Expression During Aging.
    Rogina B 1999 Jan;
  • Expression of the chicken Msx2 gene in the apical ectodermal ridge of the developing limb is regulated through a homeodomain binding site to which Msx2 and Dlx5 can bind.
    Rogina B 1998 Jan;
  • Regulation of gene expression is preserved in aging Drosophila melanogaster.
    Rogina B 1998 Jan;
  • Age-dependent Gene Regulation.
    Rogina B 1996 Jan;
  • Control of Gene Expression During Aging.
    Rogina B 1996 Jan;
  • Effect of Increased O2 Levels on Drosophila melanogaster. Life Span and Gene Expression Patterns.
    Rogina B 1996 Jan;
  • Gene Expression is Regulated by Age-dependent Mechanisms.
    Rogina B 1996 Jan;
  • Age-dependent gene regulation in the adult fly.
    Rogina B 1995 Jan;
  • Gene Expression is Regulated by Age-dependent Mechanisms in the Aging Fly.
    Rogina B 1995 Jan;
  • Gene Expression is Regulated by Age-dependent Mechanisms.
    Rogina B 1995 Jan;
  • Maturation and Aging in Adult Drosophila melanogaster.
    Rogina B 1995 Jan;
  • Regulation of Gene Expression During Aging.
    Rogina B 1995 Jan;
  • Age-associated Changes in Adult D. melanogaster.
    Rogina B 1994 Jan;
  • Maturation and Aging in Adult D. melanogaster.
    Rogina B 1994 Jan;
  • Regulation of Gene Expression During Aging.
    Rogina B 1994 Jan;
  • Regulation of Gene Expression in Adult D. melanogaster.
    Rogina B 1994 Jan;
  • Regulation of Segment Polarity Genes During Aging in Drosophila melanogaster.
    Rogina B 1994 Jan;
  • Acute Phase Proteins in Febrile Episodes of Neutropenic Patients with Acute Leukemia.
    Rogina B 1993 Jan;
  • Age-associated Changes in Adult D. Melanogaster.
    Rogina B 1993 Jan;
  • Can Serum Amyloid A Protein Differentiate Bacterial and Fungal Infections From Fever of Non-infectious Origin in Neutropenic Patients with Acute Leukemia?
    Rogina B 1993 Jan;
  • Expression of Hoxa-11 in Stage-specific Micromass Cultures of Chick Limb Mesenchyme Suggests a Possible Role in the Specification of the Zeugopod.
    Rogina B 1993 Jan;
  • In situ Hybridization Analysis of Stage-specific Micromass Cultures of Chick Limb Mesenchyme Suggest that Hoxa-11 May Have a Role in the Specification of the Zeugopod.
    Rogina B 1993 Jan;
  • The Chicken Homeobox-containing Gene Hoxd-11 Encodes Two Alternative Spliced RNA Species.
    Rogina B 1993 Jan;
  • Cloning of the Chicken Homeobox-containing cDNA GHOX-4.8 and Analysis of its Expression During Chick Limb Development.
    Rogina B 1992 Jan;
  • Role of Homeobox Genes in Limb Pattern Formation.
    Rogina B 1992 Jan;
  • Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive Protein (CRP) for Detection of Infection in Neutropenic Patients with Acute Leukemia.
    Rogina B 1992 Jan;
  • Cloning of the Chicken Homologs of the Human Homeobox-containing Genes HOX4F and 1I and Analysis of Their Expression During Chick Limb Development.
    Rogina B 1991 Jan;
  • Hemoglobinopathies Among Albanians Living in Yugoslavia.
    Rogina B 1991 Jan;
  • The Relevance of Serum Amyloid A Protein Monitoring in Neutropenic Patients with Acute Leukemia.
    Rogina B 1991 Jan;
  • Bilten za Hematologiju I Transfuziologiju.
    Rogina B 1990 Jan;
  • Serum Amyloid A Protein in Patients with Acute Leukemia.
    Rogina B 1990 Jan;
  • Molecular Basis of Beta-thalassemia in Bulgaria.
    Rogina B 1989 Jan;
  • Laboratory Diagnosis of von Willebrand's disease.
    Rogina B 1988 Jan;
  • Case Report on Acquired von Willebrand's Disease.
    Rogina B 1987 Jan;
  • Bilten za hematologiju I transfuziologiju.
    Rogina B 1986 Jan;
  • Two-dimensional electro-immuprecipitation of VIIIR:Ag in the Diagnosis of von Willebrand's Disease.
    Rogina B 1986 Jan;
  • Immunoglobulin Interaction in Hydatidoses and Malignomas as Confirmed by Immunochemical Methods.
    Rogina B 1984 Jan;
  • Similarity of Immune Response to Antigens of Hydatid Fluid of the Echinococcus Granulosus to Antigens of Human Neoplastic Lung Tumors.
    Rogina B 1984 Jan;
  • A Study of Specificity of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Detection.
    Rogina B 1983 Jan;

Editorials

Letters

Reviews

Title or AbstractTypeSponsor/EventDate/YearLocation
Physiological vs. Molecular Clocks, Studies from Mice to HumansOtherGeronotological Society of America2021Virtual
Biological Heterogeneity.TalkGSA2020Philadelphia, PA, Virtual
I'm Not Dead Yet! Lesson fromIndy flies how to live a healthier and longer life.OtherGroup of Women in Medicine and Science2020UConn Health Center
Indy reduction impacts the gut microbiome of Drosophila melanogaster.TalkCold Spring Harbor Biology of Aging2020Virtual, Cold Spring Harbor
The Effects of INDY on Fly Metabolism.TalkGerontological Society of America2020Virtual, Philadelphia, PA
INDY Reduction Preserves Intestinal Stem Cell HomeostasiPPosterThe GSA Annual Scientific Meeting2019Austin, TX
Drosophila as a model for Alzheimer’s DiseaseTalk8th UConn Fly Symposium2019UConn Health Center
The role of INDY in metabolism, health and longevityTalk4th International Symposium: Interventions to expend healthspan and life2018Kazan, Russia
INDY Reduction Preserves Intestinal Stem Cell HomeostasisPosterCSH Meeting Biology of Aging2018Cold Spring Harbor, NY
INDY Reduction Preserves Fly Health and Homeostasis.PosterThe GSA Annual Scientific Meeting2018Boston, MA
Indy reduction maintains fly health and homeostasisTalkBiomedical Innovation for Healthy Longevity2016St. Petersburg, Russia
Indy reduction maintains fly health and homeostasis.TalkYale University2016New Haven, CT
Indy reduction maintains fly health and homeostasisTalkTrinity College2015Hartford, CT
Indy reduction maintains fly health and homeostasisTalkGordon Research Conference on Biology of Aging2015Sunday River Newry ME, USA
Indy mutations maintain fly health and homeostasisTalkUCONN-Jackson Laboratory Aging Symposium2014University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
Indy mutations maintain fly health and homeostasisTalkUCONN Center on Aging Grand Rounds2014UCONN
The role of Indy in fly health and longevityTalkMipTec, Conference2014Basel, Switzerland
Indy mutations maintain fly health and homeostasisTalk3rd International Conference Genetics of Aging and Longevity2014Sochi, Russia
INDY mutations maintain fly health and homeostasis.TalkThe Orentreich Foundation/1st International Mini-Symposium on Methionine 2013Tarrytown, NY
Mechanism of INDY life extenion in Drosophila MelanogasterTalkthe 20th IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics2013Seoul, Korea
INDY mutations maintain fly health and homeostasisTalk42nd Annula Meeting of the American Aging Association2013Baltimore, MD
INDY mutations maintain fly health and homeostasis.TalkThe 20th IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics2013Seoul, Korea
Mechanism of Indy life extension in Drosophila melanogaster.Talk2nd Longevity Conference2012Moscow, Russia
Metformin extends longevity of Drosophila melanogaster.TalkCold Spring Harbor BIology of Aging2012Cold Spring Harbor, LI
Drosophila melanogaster as a model system to study macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF).PosterResearch day on Aging, UCONN Health Center2011Farmington, CT
Mechanism of INDY life extension in Drosophila melanogasterTalkUCONN Center on Aging Grand Rounds2011UCONN
Drosophila – Female reproduction and aging.TalkAGE meeting2009Scottsdale, AZ
Calorie Restriction in Drosophila melanogaster.TalkHughes program in Life Sciences 2007Wesleyan University, CT
Biological Mechanism of Aging.TalkSummer Geriatrics Conference Series: “Update in Geriatric Medicine”2005UCONN Health Center, Farnington, CT
Molecular Genetics of Caloric Restriction in Aging Flies.TalkThe UCONN Center on Aging Research Retreat2004West Cornwall CT
Aging and Cellular Senescence, Frontiers in Science.TalkNAS2004Irvine, CA
Longevity Extension in Calorie Restricted Flies is Mediated by Sir2.TalkBiology of Aging Gordon Conference2004Aussois France
Mechanism of life extension in Indy mutant flies.TalkSouthern Methodist University2004Dallas, TX
Longevity regulation by Drosophila Rpd3 deacetylase and caloric restriction. PosterGordon Conference2003Ventura, CA
The Drosophila Life-extending Gene Indy is new Type of Krebs Cycle Intermediate Transporter, Molecular Genetics of Aging.TalkCold Spring Harbor Laboratory2002Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Cost of Reproduction in Female Drosophila melanogaster.TalkPepper Center Lunch, Univ. Conn. Health Center1999Farmington, CT
Center on Aging, Fellows in Geriatrics.TalkUniv. Conn. Health Center1999Farmington, CT
Cost of Reproduction of Female Drosophila melanogaster.TalkMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research1999Rostock, Germany
The Kiss of Death - Cost of Reproduction in Fruit Flies, German & American Young Scholars’ Institute on “Social and Biological Determinants of Longevity”TalkMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research1998Rostock, Germany
Regulation of Gene Expression During Aging in Drosophila melanogaster.TalkAnnual Peppers Centers Meeting1998Baltimore, MD
Regulation of Gene Expression During Aging.Talk38the Annual Drosophila Research Conference, Workshop on Aging1997Chicago, IL
Biomarkers of Aging.TalkAnnual Peppers Centers Meeting1997Santa Monica, CA
Regulation of Gene Expression During Aging.TalkDepartment of BioStructure & Function, Univ. Conn. Health Center.1997Farmington, CT