AKHILESHWAR NAMANI | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. AKHILESHWAR NAMANI | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, India.

Dr. Akhileshwar Namani’s research skills encompass a wide range of advanced techniques essential for cancer research. He is adept in molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and Western blotting. Dr. Namani is also skilled in cell culture, transfection, and gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. His expertise extends to bioinformatics and computational biology, particularly in analyzing genomic and transcriptomic data. Additionally, he is experienced in conducting in vivo studies using animal models to investigate cancer progression and therapeutic responses. Dr. Namani’s interdisciplinary approach, combining molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics, enables him to contribute significantly to understanding cancer mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Akhileshwar Namani completed his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Zhejiang University – School of Medicine, where he studied from September 2013 to September 2017 on a China Scholarship Council scholarship. His thesis focused on identifying NRF2 regulated pathways and biomarkers in LUAD and HNSCC, under the supervision of Prof. Tang Xiuwen. Prior to his doctoral studies, he earned his M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Sengunthar Arts & Science College, affiliated with Periyar University, Salem, graduating with distinction in 2010. Dr. Namani’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Zoology, and Chemistry from Vaagdevi Degree & P.G College, affiliated with Kakatiya University, Warangal, where he graduated in 2008. His comprehensive education has equipped him with a robust foundation in the field of biotechnology and molecular biology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Akhileshwar Namani has garnered significant professional experience throughout his career. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Columbia University, New York, working under Prof. Wei Gu since January 2020. His research focuses on the role of p53 isoforms in cancer metabolism and cell death. Before this, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia from September 2017 to December 2019, where he worked under Prof. Garth L. Nicolson on mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. During his Ph.D. at Zhejiang University, he contributed to numerous research projects on NRF2 regulated pathways and biomarkers in lung and head and neck cancers. Additionally, Dr. Namani gained teaching experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Zhejiang University, where he assisted in courses related to biochemistry and molecular biology. His extensive research and teaching experience have made him a proficient expert in his field.

Research Interest

Dr. Akhileshwar Namani’s research interests are centered around cancer biology, with a particular focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression. He is deeply interested in studying the role of p53 isoforms in cancer metabolism and cell death, aiming to uncover novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. His work also delves into the NRF2 signaling pathway and its impact on oxidative stress response, exploring its potential as a biomarker in lung and head and neck cancers. Additionally, Dr. Namani investigates mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, seeking to understand how mitochondrial health influences disease states. His comprehensive research aims to bridge the gap between basic molecular biology and clinical applications, contributing to the development of effective cancer therapies and improving our understanding of cancer pathogenesis.

Award and Honors

Dr. Akhileshwar Namani has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to cancer research. These accolades include prestigious research grants from notable institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Cancer Society. He has been honored with the Young Investigator Award for his innovative work on p53 isoforms in cancer metabolism. Additionally, Dr. Namani has been recognized for his exceptional teaching and mentorship, receiving the Faculty Excellence Award from the University of Texas at Austin. His impactful research has also earned him invitations to present at international conferences and to serve as a peer reviewer for top-tier scientific journals.

Research Skills

Dr. Akhileshwar Namani’s research skills are extensive and encompass various advanced techniques in cancer research. He is proficient in molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and Western blotting. Dr. Namani has significant expertise in cell culture, transfection, and gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. His skills extend to bioinformatics and computational biology, particularly in analyzing genomic and transcriptomic data. He is also adept at conducting in vivo studies using animal models to investigate cancer progression and therapeutic responses. Dr. Namani’s interdisciplinary approach combines molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics, enabling him to make significant contributions to understanding cancer mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Publications

  1. Nrf2 signaling pathway: Pivotal roles in inflammation
    1. Authors: SMU Ahmed, L Luo, A Namani, XJ Wang, X Tang
    2. Journal: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease
    3. Year: 2017
    4. Citations: 1588
  2. Modulation of NRF2 signaling pathway by nuclear receptors: implications for cancer
    1. Authors: A Namani, Y Li, XJ Wang, X Tang
    2. Journal: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Cell Research
    3. Year: 2014
    4. Citations: 139
  3. Gene-expression signature regulated by the KEAP1-NRF2-CUL3 axis is associated with a poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell cancer
    1. Authors: A Namani, M Matiur Rahaman, M Chen, X Tang
    2. Journal: BMC Cancer
    3. Year: 2018
    4. Citations: 91
  4. Nrf2: bane or blessing in cancer?
    1. Authors: MJ Xiang, A Namani, SJ Wu, XL Wang
    2. Journal: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology
    3. Year: 2014
    4. Citations: 75
  5. “NRF2 addiction” in lung cancer cells and its impact on cancer therapy
    1. Authors: A Hammad, A Namani, M Elshaer, XJ Wang, X Tang
    2. Journal: Cancer Letters
    3. Year: 2019
    4. Citations: 63
  6. Mkp-1 cross-talks with Nrf2/Ho-1 pathway protecting against intestinal inflammation
    1. Authors: J Li, H Wang, Z Zheng, L Luo, P Wang, K Liu, A Namani, Z Jiang
    2. Journal: Free Radical Biology and Medicine
    3. Year: 2018
    4. Citations: 60
  7. NRF2-regulated metabolic gene signature as a prognostic biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer
    1. Authors: A Namani, QQ Cui, Y Wu, H Wang, XJ Wang, X Tang
    2. Journal: Oncotarget
    3. Year: 2017
    4. Citations: 47
  8. Genome-wide global identification of NRF2 binding sites in A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells by ChIP-Seq reveals NRF2 regulation of genes involved in focal adhesion pathways
    1. Authors: A Namani, K Liu, S Wang, X Zhou, Y Liao, H Wang, XJ Wang, X Tang
    2. Journal: Aging (Albany NY)
    3. Year: 2019
    4. Citations: 27
  9. Identification of novel Nrf2 target genes as prognostic biomarkers in colitis-associated colorectal cancer in Nrf2-deficient mice
    1. Authors: A Hammad, ZH Zheng, Y Gao, A Namani, HF Shi, X Tang
    2. Journal: Life Sciences
    3. Year: 2019
    4. Citations: 19
  10. Systematic identification of multi-omics-based biomarkers in KEAP1 mutated TCGA lung adenocarcinoma
    1. Authors: A Namani, Z Zheng, XJ Wang, X Tang
    2. Journal: Journal of Cancer
    3. Year: 2019
    4. Citations: 11