Nithya Nagaraj Email & Phone Number

Hello, I'm Nithya Nagaraj, My journey in life science comprises of 4 years of cell cultures, RNA extraction, Western blotting, PCR, mice handling, biochemical assays.My project mainly focused on the therapeutic potential of the non-selective beta-blocker, propranolol (PRO)against HNSCC. PRO is FDA approved for treating patients with various conditions like hypertension and cardiac failure. PRO targets the adrenergic-angiogenic axis of HNSCC. Previously, I worked on developing a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer. The development and progression of ER+ breast cancer is often associated with the amplification of cyclin D1 and dysregulation of the CDK4/6 kinase activity, which enhance the cell-cycle progression. Hence, I investigate the therapeutic efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors in multiple ER+ breast cancer derived cell lines by monitoring the molecular events that are modulated in response to the inhibition of CDK4/6 activity. My project also focused on understanding the development of adaptive resistance mechanisms through which the cancer cells escape the cell-cycle arrest induced by CDK4/6 inhibition. This allowed me to employ potential combinatorial strategies, which involve the use of drugs that target the mitogenic signaling pathways to overcome the resistance mechanisms. Apart from research work, I was also responsible for performing in vivo experiments for other projects in the laboratory. I have been well trained to implant tumor xenografts subcutaneously and orthotopically, intraperitoneal and oral route of drug administration and to evaluate the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of different drugs. My previous research experience where I studied the cellular mechanisms through which PIM inhibitor affect the function and the localization of Nrf2 allowed me to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in oncogenesis.

Listed skills include Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Microsoft Excel, and 10 others.