Research Interests
Our research program is primarily focused on uncovering novel cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for maintaining the functions and homeostasis of various airway cells. Our overarching objective is to identify and characterize these mechanisms, particularly those that undergo alterations in disease states, with the ultimate goal of developing them into potential therapies in the future. In essence, we are dedicated to uncovering new insights into the pathogenesis of asthma and other obstructive lung diseases
by utilizing both in vitro and animal disease models. Our approach integrates translational research, aiming to address real-world unmet clinical needs in the field.
There are two major themes in our laboratory:
- E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Asthma: Asthma, being a chronic lung disease, has witnessed a significant increase in prevalence in recent decades. Our studies strongly suggest that the E3 ligase pathway plays a pivotal role in the dysfunction of airway smooth muscle (ASM), which is highly relevant to asthma. Therefore, our current research endeavors are focused on elucidating the role of novel E3 ligases in ASM functions that are pertinent to asthma.
- E-cigarette Vaping & Lung Health: The use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, has seen a rapid surge over the past decade, culminating in the vaping epidemic of 2019. While the adverse effects of vaping are becoming increasingly apparent, there is limited knowledge about the newly introduced heated tobacco product (IQOS) and its simultaneous use with conventional cigarettes and/or e-cigarettes. Our research aims to investigate the impact of dual or poly-product usage on human lung health, with the goal of identifying productspecific biosignatures to discern potential toxicity associated with these emerging products.
Education, Training & Credentials
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
- University of Manitoba, Canada - Ph.D., Airway Biology
- Birla Institute of Technology, India - Master of Pharmacy, Pharmacology
- Birla Institute of Technology, India - Bachelor of Pharmacy (4 years with Distinction)
Memberships
- American Thoracic Society
- European Respiratory Society