Fremont, California, United States
20+ years of experience in the field of neuroscience with focus on drug and biomarker discovery and development in pharma and biotech companies. 10+ years of experience in the field of muscle biology developing translational biomarkers of muscle protein synthesis 5+ years of experience in metabolic labeling studies for liver and adipose metabolism Specialties: Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Psychiatry, CNS Disorders, Neurodegeneration, Biomarkers, Neurogenesis, Stem Cells, Neuroinflammation, Myelination, CNS cholesterol metabolism, Proteomics, Lipids, Regenerative Medicine, Muscle anabolism, Muscle Repair, Muscle Mass, Liver and Adipose Metabolism, Fibrogenesis
Managing several clinical and preclinical studies with academic, government and industry collaborators, including study design and execution, as well as data analysis and interpretation. Research areas include CNS, Muscle, Liver fibrosis, Metabolism
Assessed changes in muscle mass in patients with cancer, as well as in several large cohort studies (MrOs, SOMMA, Framingham Heart Study, Women’s Health Initiative). Examined muscle mass in several pediatric populations (pre-term infants, children, boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy) and its relationship to function. Evaluated effects of apelin receptor agonist on muscle protein synthesis and muscle mass in older subjects on bed-rest. Investigated liver fibrosis as well as liver and adipose metabolism in people with obesity and weight loss.
Evaluated effects of remyelination therapies on dynamics of myelin lipids and proteins in animal model of remyelination, and developed non-invasive biomarker of brain cholesterol synthesis. Assessed total body muscle mass and identifying novel biomarkers based on muscle protein fractional synthesis rate in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Investigated complex effects of diet-induced weight loss on muscle, liver and adipose biology, as part of a large multi-center clinical collaboration study. Led project funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to measure muscle mass using deuterated creatine isotope dilution method to validate a novel, non-invasive, and accurate measurement of skeletal muscle mass in infants and children. Collaborated with a biotech company on deciphering the effects of the integrated stress response and its inhibition on proteome dynamics in vivo.
Initiated and successfully developed biomarkers to measure synthesis and turnover of brain lipids and proteins in human serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), of multiple sclerosis patients in a clinical trial for a potential remyelinating agent. Leading collaboration studies to test efficacy and mechanism of action of novel therapeutics for muscle-wasting conditions, as well as, to examine response to operational stressors and other interventions, by applying a ‘dynamic proteomics’ platform involving stable isotope labeling and tandem mass spectrometric biomarkers of muscle protein synthesis and muscle mass. Principal investigator for IRB-approved clinical protocol to measure muscle mass in children using deuterated creatine isotope dilution method as part of a grant funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Performed due-diligence for in-licensing late-stage clinical candidates, and designed clinical studies for developing novel therapies for muscle and neurological disorders.
Led clinical and pre-clinical translational biomarker research and development projects in multiple areas of muscle biology and neurobiology using stable isotope labeling combined with proteomics and lipidomics. Team leader for multiple pharma collaborations, focus areas included neuro-degenerative diseases, regenerative medicine, muscle anabolism and repair, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Principal investigator for IRB-approved clinical studies validating deuterated creatine dilution method for measuring muscle mass in adults.
Led research and development projects in Neurobiology focusing on adult neurogenesis and neuro-inflammation by using sensitive in vivo biomarkers for the discovery of novel drugs for psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Led discovery and development projects in Translational Medicine for discovery and development of protein biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid. Initiated and led project collaborations with multiple pharma and biotech companies. Principal Investigator in Small Business Innovative Research grant from NIH - 'An in Vivo Neurogenesis Assay to Discover Antidepressants and Cognitive Enhancers'.
Post Doctoral Research in collabolation with the Neurobiology and Inflammation business units Investigated the role of the inflammatory response system in mood disorders such as Major Depression. Setup and developed a chronic model (Rat Olfactory Bulbectomy) for depression and studied the behavioral, neuro-inflammatory, morphological and molecular changes, including the signal transduction pathway involving MAP kinases.
Post-doctoral Research Studied the effects of prepubescent exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor-dependent neuroendocrine responses. Characterized the stereochemical and developmental differences in responses, as well as, signaling of 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor systems.