Alexander Deneka, Md, Phd Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Los Angeles, California, United States

Developing pipelines for precision medicine oncology solutions. R&D lead, scientific liaison.Feasibility and risk assessments.

• Analyzing Big Data from clinical, transcriptome, and genomic datasets to discover new approaches to treat Fanconi Anemia-related diseases and characterize signaling aberrations between pancreatic cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). • Discovered the role of PKD1 alterations in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer and proposed a new model in which this gene plays a central role in controlling colon inflammation, cancer risk, and progression. Used rodent models (generated novel transgenic mice colony, performed surgeries and imaging) and utilized molecular biology methods: flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry (IHC), confocal microscopy, mammalian and 3D organoids cell culture, DNA cloning, gene editing (siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR), lentiviral gene transfer techniques, PCR, qPCR.• Applying research expertise to manage the completion of research projects, demonstrating effective remote collaboration and communication skills to maintain productivity and facilitate project advancement.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

• Identified the novel role of NEDD9 scaffolding protein in the regulation of glycolysis in non-small cell lung cancer. Conducted immunohistochemical, proteomic, and molecular analyses (multiplex assays (Luminex), IP-MS, transfections, qRT-PCR, SDS-PAGE, etc.) using primary samples from Adeno-Cre transgenic mice.• Identified Musashi-2 protein as a potential biomarker and targeted therapy enhancer for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, and biomarker of response in colon cancer. Utilized extensive proteomics research, in vivo xenograft experiments, and computational approaches. • Developed project strategy and presented the data at scientific meetings. • Demonstrated high productivity with >10 publications (5 first-author papers) in high-impact journals over 3 years.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

• Evaluated targeted cancer therapies for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease to offer the opportunity to repurpose drugs initially developed for cancer into the setting of PKD; a disease lacking effective therapies.• Defined novel role of NEDD9 scaffolding protein in the regulation of autophagy and Inflammation. Generated and extensively characterized a novel transgenic lung cancer murine model. Utilized small imaging techniques (MRI and PET-CT) to investigate tumor growth. Employed flow cytometry to analyze the tumor microenvironment. Conducted treatment experiments and explored protein-protein interactions to uncover underlying biological mechanisms. • Identified off-target effects of targeted drugs in polycystic kidney diseases and kidney cancer via regulation of ciliation. Utilized in vivo xenograft models of kidney cancer, immunofluorescence microscopy (IF), proteomics, and high-throughput cell-based assays, to investigate off-target effects.• Mentored junior trainees, PhD students, and rotating lab students. Demonstrated high productivity in research: published 7 papers in 3 years in high-impact journals

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Drove successful completion and close-out of 3 trials in 6 months by increasing the studies’ accrual number; achieved this by establishing effective communication with healthcare providers and providing them with constant peer-to-peer feedback• Oversaw a portfolio of 7 Phase I Oncology trials acting as a critical facilitator for a multidisciplinary team.• Collaborated with patients and principal investigators, meticulously completing/verifying eligibility checklists to ensure trial suitability, participated in study review processes.• Conducted thorough reviews of case report forms (CRFs) and generated data reports to guarantee completeness and accuracy of clinical data collection and presentation.• Ensured full compliance with federal, institutional, and state regulations throughout study execution and close-out phases.• Additionally, managed data and regulatory oversight, ensuring seamless coordination.

New Haven, Connecticut, United States

• Conducted preclinical testing of novel treatments targeting cell cycle checkpoints in HPV-negative head and neck cancers. Demonstrated preclinical efficacy of cell cycle checkpoint-targeting compounds adavosertib and prexasertib. Utilized in vivo xenograft models and cell line cancer models, high throughput assays, multiplex assays (Luminex), and proteomics to characterize biomarkers of response, assess pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of experimental compounds.• Characterized patterns of mutations in major oncosuppressors (TP53 and CDKN2A) in HPV-negative head and neck cancers to identify potential biomarkers of disease. Analyzed big data from clinical, transcriptome, and genomic datasets to develop new and effective treatment modalities for TP53-mutated cancers.

Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia

• Secured funding (three grants were funded) and led research investigating novel prediction markers and treatment approaches for lung cancer. Conducted study design and execution, strategy development, budgeting, staff management, data analysis, and presentation.Key Research Achievements:• Crresponding author on 3 published articles, highlighting the role of NEDD9 protein as biomarker of disease progression and critical regulator of DNA damage response in non-small cell lung cancer.• Under my mentorship, two thesis projects (PhD and Masters in Biochemistry) were successfully defended.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

• Thesis work focused on studying cell signaling and the evaluation of novel therapies for lung cancer. Gained extensive experience in studying claudins, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and tumor invasion, utilizing murine xenograft models, gene editing, kinome analysis, and proteomics.• Investigated the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways in the context of polycystic kidney disease and their failure to generate tumors. Supported primary research study with a comprehensive literature review and evaluation of signaling networks in polycystic kidney disease, followed by a subsequent study.• Secured a highly competitive Fellowship Award to continue translational research in cancer biology at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Lexington, Massachusetts, United States

• Tested a new HSP90 drug conjugate for small cell lung cancer treatment. Established pre-clinical efficacy, PK/PD, and MOA, supporting drug transition to clinical trials. Compound is currently in Phase 1/2 trial (NCT03221400).• Xenograft studies, injections, tissue collection and processing. Cell-based assays development – flow cytometry, proliferation & cytotoxicity assays, ELISA.

Moscow, Russia

Led department at Astellas Pharma Europe BV to improve the regional distribution of the company’s portfolio of anti-bacterial agents: amoxicillin (flemoxin solutab), amoxiclav (flemoclav solutab), josamycin (wilprafen). • Exceeded annual territory goals in one year by establishing professional relationships with KOLs and providing them with the necessary scientific background to ensure more efficient provision of quality patient care using the company’s products.• Served as the main point of contact for presentations (local conferences and advisory boards), regulatory compliance (assisting in clinical guidelines design), and maintenance of relationships with KOLs: HCPs (10+ sites), pharmacists.• Participated in territory plan development, reviewed and adapted scientific trainings to provide mentoring for peers in commercial department, collaborated with cross-functional partners in R&D.

Moscow, Russia

• Provided coverage for the OR and ER during 10-hour shifts, working under the supervision of attending physicians.• Utilized clinical skills in surgical care for both planned and emergency surgical cases.• Demonstrated proficiency in post-operative management and ICU coverage. Delivered intensive care for critically ill patients.• Exhibited strong interpersonal communication skills and teamwork in a fast-paced medical environment.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences

Adjunct program with Kazan Federal University

Doctor Of Medicine (M.D.), Medicine

Activities and Societies: Chair, Moscow State University Faculty of Basic Medicine Student Scientific Society, 10/2009 – 05/2010Graduated.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences