Faculty

My laboratory studies the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in cancer prevention and progression. Our specific focus is on breast and pancreatic cancer. We use a broad array of basic and translational research approaches to address fundamental aspects of clinical significance by elucidating the vital pathways and mechanisms responsible for cancer growth and development. These approaches include biochemistry, cell biology, genomics, imaging, proteomics, molecular biology, and preclinical animal studies.  We currently are investigating the mechanisms by which early pregnancy reduces lifetime risk of breast cancer. Further, we have developed a short-term hormone treatment, which mimics the protective effect of early pregnancy, and are using this approach to dissect the pathways by which short-term hormone treatment confers protection against breast cancer. We are also developing new treatment strategies against different cancers. We have successfully identified active compounds, which exhibit potent anticancer activities against both breast and pancreatic cancers, and are in the process of translating these experimental results into potential pre-clinical studies.

Education and academic positions

• University of Madras, B.Sc., M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. (1999)
• Assistant, Associate, and Professor / Director of the Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, TTUHSC El Paso, El Paso, TX (2004-present)

Honors (fellowships, career development awards, endowments, etc.)

• Dean's Young Investigator Award (2008)
• Dean's Distinguished Service Award (2009)
• Dean's Excellence in Research Award (2009)
• Editorial Board Member Current Cancer Drug Targets (2013–present)
• Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award (2014)
• Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award (2015)
• University Distinguished Professor Award (2015)

Link to PubMed publications

View Dr. Rajkumar Lakshmanaswamy's publications.

My lab studies molecular mechanisms of cellular signaling in angiogenesis. Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are micro-vascular malformations with gaps between vascular endothelial cells (ECs) resulting in vascular leakage, which suggests a perturbation of both endothelial cell-extracellular matrix interactions and cell-cell interactions. Therefore, CCM is a disease of abnormal angiogenesis at its most fundamental level. Three genes have been identified as causes of CCMs; KRIT1 (CCM1), MGC4607 (CCM2), and PDCD10 (CCM3). All three CCM proteins interact with each other to form a CCM signaling complex (CSC) that, in turn, interacts with other cellular proteins. By utilizing both in vitro and animal models, our previous work has established the importance of the CCM protein complex in endothelial cell signaling pathways downstream of β1 integrin. Our goal is to define the role of CSC proteins during angiogenesis, and to establish cellular and molecular etiology of perturbed angiogenesis. This studies have potential application for cancer biology, stroke, and cardiovascular-related diseases, in which altered angiogenesis plays a key etiological role.

Education and academic positions

• University of Florida, Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  
  
• Associate Professor, Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, TTUHSC El Paso, El Paso, TX (2013-present)
• Assistant Professor, Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, TTUHSC El Paso, El Paso, TX (2009-2013)

Honors (fellowships, career development awards, endowments, etc.)

 

Link to PubMed publications

View Dr. Jun Zhang's publications.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting BCR‐ABL1 have turned chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) from a fatal to a chronic disease. Despite improved survival, resistance is a clinical problem, and TKIs do not target the quiescent CML leukemic stem cell, meaning that patients must be treated for life at a high economic burden and often despite significant side effects. While the best characterized mechanism of TKI resistance involves point mutations in the BCR-ABL1 kinase domain, they explain only 50 percent of clinical TKI failure. The remaining 50 percent of patients have BCR‐ABL1‐independent resistance, defined as disease persistence despite BCR‐ABL1 kinase inhibition. My work has shown that activation of alternative pathways (e.g. STAT3, beta-catenin) can allow for survival despite TKI‐mediated BCR‐ABL1 inhibition, not only in progenitor cells from patients with overt TKI resistance, but also in the stem cell population from patients responding well to therapy. A central goal of my research efforts is to understand the molecular mechanisms allowing for TKI resistance in the absence of BCR‐ABL1 mutations, and to identify ways of targeting those pathways to treat TKI-resistant patients and eradicate the disease. While my graduate and postgraduate studies have focused on disease progression and drug resistance in CML, current efforts are expanding the reach of my expertise to include acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a disease with a worse prognosis and a greater need for alternative treatment strategies. Ultimately, the goal is to determine how altered cell signaling events contribute to disease progression and drug resistance in myeloid leukemia, in order to identify novel targets for improved cancer therapy. 

Education and academic positions

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine.

• 2010-2018, Postdoctoral Fellow, Huntsman Cancer Institute, The University of Utah, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Advisor: Michael Deininger, MD, PhD

• 2009-2010, Postdoctoral Researcher, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, Division of Human Cancer Genetics, Advisor: Guido Marcucci, MD and Danilo Perrotti, MD, PhD

• 2005-2009, Graduate Research Associate, The Ohio State University Integrated Biomedical Science Graduate Program, Dissertation Research, Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, Advisor: Danilo Perrotti, MD, PhD

• 2004-2005, Research Associate I, The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Laboratory of Ginny L. Bumgardner, MD, PhD

• 2002-2004, Research Assistant II, The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Laboratory of Ginny L. Bumgardner, MD, PhD

• 2001-2002, Undergraduate Student Laboratory Assistant, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Laboratory of Gary D. Stoner, PhD.

Honors (fellowships, career development awards, endowments, etc.)

• (2021 – 2022) The Elsa U Pardee Foundation Targeting NonATPase Proteasome Subunits in Acute Myeloid Leukemia AML.
• (2018-2022) DHHS – National Cancer Institute G0S2 in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Disease.

• (2018) EHA-ASH Translational Research Training in Hematology (TRTH) Program

• (2017) NCI Transition Career Development Award (K22), National Institutes of Health. 1 K22 CA216008-01. “G0S2 in chronic myeloid leukemia disease progression and imatinib resistance.” ($599,400).

• (2015) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Susan Cooper Jones Endowed Fellowship in Cancer Research. Salt Lake City, UT. March 11, 2015 ($1,000).

• (2014) Fellow Scholar Award, American Society of Hematology (ASH). “Mechanisms of TKI resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia.” July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2016 ($100,000).

• (2014) Loan Repayment Program Award, National Institutes of Health (Continuing Renewal). L30 CA171211-02. “Targeting STAT3 in TKI-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia.” July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 ($5,023.59).

• (2012) Loan Repayment Program Award, National Institutes of Health. L30 CA171211-01. “Intrinsic and extrinsic survival signals converge on STAT3 as a critical mediator of BCR-ABL-independent tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance.” July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2014 ($10,049.86).

• (2011) Postdoctoral Fellowship, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Career Development Program. “Novel mechanisms of CML progression and imatinib resistance.” July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2014 ($165,000).

• (2010) Postdoctoral Fellowship, NIH Training Grant T32 CA093247. Multidisciplinary Cancer Research Training Program (MCRTP), “Novel mechanisms of tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia.” October 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 ($29,817)

• (2008) Alumni Grants for Graduate Research and Scholarship, The Ohio State University Graduate School. “A role for microRNAs in BCR/ABL leukemogenesis. April 30, 2008 – March 31, 2009 ($1,989).

• (2008) Student Research Grant, The Ohio State Chapter of Sigma Xi, Grants in Aid of Research Columbus, OH, February 6, 2008. “MicroRNAs act as decoy molecules to restore granulocytic maturation of differentiation-arrested BCR/ABL+ myeloid precursors in blast crisis chronic myelogenous leukemia.” ($500).

• American Society of Hematology Minority Medical Student Award Program MMSAP 2021 (2021 – 2022)

View Anna Eiring's publications.

(COE Cancer) pre-print

Our laboratory is intrigued by the fact that greater than 70 percent of the genome is transcribed. We believe that the entire mammalian genome encodes information necessary for the efficient, proper and faithful regulation of biological processes in a timely manner. The aberrant changes in this encoded information can cause diseases such as cancer, diabetes, inflammation, metabolic disorders, etc.

Our long-standing research interest lies in understanding the genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors responsible for these diseases, especially cancer. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have opened Pandora's box of novel genes that are transcribed, but do not code for proteins - commonly referred to as the non-coding RNAs.

Several of these genes have been shown to be associated with cancers and other diseases that impact human life. We employ state-of-the-art molecular, genetic, biochemical, and genomic approaches to investigate the role of these genes, uncover their mechanisms of action, and discover their potential for therapeutic intervention. 

Education and academic positions

• Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, India, Ph.D - 2010
• University of Agricultural Sciences, India, M.Sc. (Genetics and Plant Breeding) - 2003
• University of Agricultural Sciences, India, B.Sc. (Agriculture) - 2001
• Assistant Professor, TTUHSC El Paso (2018 - present)
• Adjunct Assistant Professor, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas (2018 - present)
• Adjunct Faculty, INDICASAT, Panama (2017 - present)
• Assistant Instructor, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas (2016 - 2018)

Honors (fellowships, career development awards, endowments, etc.)

• Coldwell Foundation: The Functional Analysis of Cancer (2021 -2022)
• Oral Presentation; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Regulatory and Noncoding RNAs; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, New York; August 23-27, 2016
• Jon Shevell Young Scientist Travel Scholarship from Komen Foundation; Keystone Symposia: Nuclear Receptors, Full Throttle in Snowbird, Utah; January 10-14, 2016
• Keystone Symposia Oral presentation; Long Noncoding RNAs: From Evolution to Function; Keystone, Colorado; March 15-20, 2015
• ENDO presidential poster competition winner; Endocrine Society Annual Meeting; San Diego, California; March 5-8, 2015
• ENDO featured poster; Endocrine Society Annual Meeting; San Diego, California; March 5-8, 2015
• ENDO outstanding abstract award; Endocrine Society Annual Meeting; San Diego, California; March 5-8, 2015
• Susan G. Komen postdoctoral fellowship; 2013-2016
• Keystone Symposia Scholarship; Nuclear Receptor Matrix: Reloaded; Vancouver, Canada; April 15-20, 2012
• Teaching Assistant, Summer Short Course on Eukaryotic Gene Expression; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, New York; July 26 - August 15, 2011
• IUBMB Travel award; 33rd FEBS Congress and 11th IUBMB Conference, Biochemistry of Cell Regulation; Athens, Greece; June 28 – July 3, 2008
• FAOBMB Travel award: 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and 11th FAOBMB Congress, 79th Ann Meeting of Japanese Biochemical Society, 29th Ann Meeting of Mol Biol Society of Japan, Kyoto, Japan
• Junior and Senior Research Fellowship; Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India, 2003
• Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, Young Faculty Recruitment Award, RR170020 (2017 – 2022)

View Dr. Shrikanth S. Gadad's publications.

I am a health disparities researcher with a focus on the influence of social context on the etiology of chronic disease in the Mexican-origin population living in the United States and Mexico. I conduct research in both countries on social risk factors for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Over the past eight years my work has focused on the U.S.-Mexico border region by comparing border-residing Mexican Americans to those living in other parts of the United States, and in the Mexican interior. Currently, I am involved and three main projects: a promotora-led physical activity clinical trial, an El Paso-based obesity prevention program, and a breast cancer prevention and epidemiological study. Early findings from these efforts suggest that the unique social and economic environment of the Paso del Norte region serves as a barrier as well as a facilitating factor in the proliferation of specific diseases in the Mexican-origin population living in the region. Cultural issues may be beneficial influencing behaviors that promote good health and prevent the onset of certain diseases. However, economic inequities, coupled with limited access to health-promoting resources, are risk factors that are not easily offset by the salubrious effects of traditional Mexican culture.

Education and academic positions

• The University of Texas at Austin, Ph.D., Sociology-Demography (2006)
• University of Pennsylvania, M.S.W., Social Work (1995)
• University of Massachusetts at Amherst, B.A., Psychology (1993)

Honors (fellowships, career development awards, endowments, etc.)

• CPRIT Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer Obesity Related Cancer (2018-2022) 

Link to PubMed publications

View Dr. Jennifer Salinas' publications.

My research interests focus on cancer biology in the areas of drug discovery, prevention and treatment, with an emphasis on pancreatic and breast cancers. I am investigating the effects of various active phytochemicals, hormones and growth factors on cancer growth and progression, particularly with regard to the biochemical and signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress.

I am performing these investigations using in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, ranging from tissue culture, analysis of human tissue samples, mouse models and patient-derived xenografts. I hope to identify key regulatory genes that trigger and promote carcinogenesis, and stimulate cancer growth and metastasis.

Further areas of interest include cancer biomarkers and novel small molecule therapeutics. These findings can potentially be used to design novel preventive and treatment strategies against cancers. 

Education and academic positions

• Ph.D., Biotechnology (2006 -2010), Anna University, Chennai, India
• M.Sc., Biochemistry (2001- 2003), University of Madras, Chennai, India
• B.Sc., Biochemistry (1999- 2001), University of Madras, Chennai, India
• Research Assistant Professor (September 2018–Present), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas
• Senior Research Associate (January 2017–August 2018), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas
• Post-Doctoral Research Associate (May 2012–December 2016), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas

Honors (fellowships, career development awards, endowments, etc.)

• Coldwell Foundation: Gedunin Pancan 2 (2021 -2022)
• Oral presentation: The role of transcription factor HNF1α in pancreatic cancer cells. 11thAnnual Research Colloquium, April 19, 2017, TTUHSC El Paso PLFSOM, El Paso, Texas.
• ENDO presidential poster competition winner: Hyperglycemia-induced leptin signaling enhances expression of oncogenic microRNAs and microRNAs governing stem cell self-renewal in normal and malignant breast epithelial cells. Endocrine Society's 96th Annual Meeting and Expo, Neoplasia of Endocrine Tissues 2014/6: Abstract # MON-0314; June 21–24, 2014, Chicago, Illinois.
• 1st place for best poster presentation: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growth and metastasis is inhibited by silencing Growth hormone receptor. 8thAnnual Research colloquium. May 5-8, 2014, TTUHSC El Paso PLFSOM, El Paso, Texas.
• “Nimbolide inhibits pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis through ROS-mediated apoptosis and inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Scientific Reports, 2016 Jan 25; 6: 19819. PMID: 26804739”. This manuscript was cited by several websites, newsletters, and social media (February 2016)
• Senior Research Fellowship (January 2007-December 2010), Indian council of medical research (ICMR), Delhi, India.
• Senior Research Fellowship (January 2005-December 2005), Anna University – Centre for Biotechnology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• Junior Research Fellowship (January 2004-December 2004), Anna University – Centre for Biotechnology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• ENDO presidential poster competition winner: Hyperglycemia-induced leptin signaling enhances expression of oncogenic microRNAs and microRNAs governing stem cell self-renewal in normal and malignant breast epithelial cells. Endocrine Society's 96th Annual Meeting and Expo, Neoplasia of Endocrine Tissues 2014/6: Abstract # MON-0314; June 21–24, 2014, Chicago, Illinois.

Link to research publications

View Dr. Ramadevi Subramani Reddy's publications.

Over the past 13 years, I have been involved in formative work, development of interventions, and implementation of cluster randomized trials related to prostate, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer prevention. Ongoing projects in which I am currently involved address cancer disparities among Hispanics in our region, a large percentage of which are living below poverty and are uninsured.

I have developed training manuals and conducted trainings for community health workers to implement screening programs and interventions among our Hispanic community. I have been intimately involved in the planning and implementation of community-based participatory research.

Through my role as Research Instructor, I have taken the lead in implementing dissemination and implementation strategies into several of our programs, namely the colorectal cancer screening program, which I have been involved with since its inception. I am interested in determining how to increase the completion rate of mailed out screening tests to Hispanic patients from a federally qualified health center.

In the future as an independent researcher, I plan to conduct dissemination and implementation research along with independent community-based participatory research. I will also utilize my experience with community health workers to address health disparities within our community and region. My career goal is to become an accomplished researcher that contributes greatly to health disparities research related to cancer among a growing Hispanic population in the Paso del Norte region.  

Education and academic positions

• Stanford University, B.A., Human Biology and Psychology (2001)
• The University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, M.P.H. (2004)
• The University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Dr.P.H. (2016)

Honors (fellowships, career development awards, endowments, etc.)

• Master Certified Health Education Specialist (2005 - present)
• Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health, Alpha Iota Chapter (2005 - present)

View Dr. Jessica Calderon-Mora's publications.