Faculty
Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences
Professor
Research interests
The focus of my research program is to understand the molecular basis pathogenesis of motor neuron disorders (MNDs). We currently study the molecular basis of motor neuron degeneration in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Protein complexes play a critical role in the fundamental biological processes, including transcription, DNA replication, translation, which are essential for normal growth and development. Disruption of protein-protein complexes by mutations is a major cause of diverse human genetic diseases ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative disorders. Our current focus is to examine the function of zinc finger protein (ZPR1) complexes in neurodegeneration. We have shown that ZPR1 interacts with survival of motor protein (SMN). This interaction is disrupted in SMA patients who have SMN1 mutation. ZPR1 also interacts with translation elongation factor (eEF1A) and the disruption of this latter protein complex causes defects in cell growth. Our studies to examine the role of ZPR1-SMN and ZPR1-eEF1A complexes in neurodegeneration utilize genetically modified mouse models that we have created, including a Zpr1 gene knockout, a Zpr1 conditional knockout and Zpr1 mutant mice to selectively disrupt ZPR1-eEF1A complexes in vivo in motor neurons. We are particularly interested in identifying the downstream targets and signaling mechanisms activated by disruption of these protein complexes. Identification of molecular targets would provide insight into developing therapeutic strategies to prevent neuro-degeneration and to reduce the burden of illness in MNDs, including SMA.
Education and academic positions
- University of Delhi, B.S. (Hons) (1983)
- University of Delhi, M.Sc. (1985)
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, M.Tec. (1987)
- University of Delhi South Campus, Ph.D. (1993)
- Lecturer, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi (1994-95)
- Post-Doctoral Research Associate, University of Massachusetts Medical School (1995-2002)
- Assistant Professor, Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA (2002-2007)
- Associate Professor, Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine, Augusta, GA (2007-2010)
- Associate Professor, Center of Emphasis in Neurosciences, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, TTUHSC El Paso, TX (2010-present)
Honors (fellowships, career development awards, endowments, etc.)
- Scientific Advisor, International Center for Stem Cells, Cancer and Biotechnology (ICSCCB) (2010- present)
- Co-Organizer, International Conference on Stem Cells and Cancer (ICSCC) (2012-2016)
- Co-Organizer, 2nd Annual Neuroscience Conference, TTUHSC (2015)
- Member, International Committee, International Conference on Biotechnology, Food Science, and Pharmaceutical Research (ICBFP 2016) (2015-2016)
- Co-Organizer, International Conference on Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (ICBB-2016) (2015-2016)
- Ad-hoc Member of the following grant reviewing agencies:
French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM) (2015-present) - Action Medical Research (UK) (2016-present)
- National Institutes of Health:
- NIH/NICHD, CHHDA Study Section (2016)
- NIH/NINDS, Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience, ZRG BDCN N9, Special Emphasis Panel (2016)
- NIH/NINDS, Clinical Neuroplasticity and Neurotransmitters (CNNT) Study Section (2017)
- NIH/NINDS, Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience, ZRG1 BDCN-Q (02) Special Emphasis Panel (2017)
- Editorial Board Member, J. Exp. Neuroscience (2015-present)
- Editorial Board Member, Gene and Translational Bioinformatics (2015-present)
- Editorial Board Member, Journal of Congenital and Inherited Disorders (2016-present)
- Editorial Board Member, MAYFEB Journal of Biology (2016-present)
- Editorial Board Member, Scientific Reports (2017-present)
- DHHS, The Functions of The Zinc Finger Protein ZPR1 in R Loop Metabolism and Neurodegeneration (2021 – 2026)
- DHHS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders: The functions of the zinc finger protein ZPR1 in R-loop metabolism and neurodegeneration – Supplement (2021 – 2022)