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Medical School
Ph. D., University of Mysore, 1976
University Appointment
Associate Professor
Research and Clinical Interests
Current research interests include a) development of liposome-mediated drug delivery system to target macrophages in vivo in animal model systems, b) construction of antisense oligonucleotides and siRNAs against inflammatory cytokines of macrophagic origin and c) to explore the therapeutic potential of curcumin, an herbal product, in the treatment of cancer and alcoholic liver disease.
Development and identification of delivery systems for the in vivo delivery of siRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides to macrophages. The goal of this project is to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha, which play a role in sepsis and many other inflammatory diseases including alcoholic liver disease. A liposome-based delivery system for the in vivo delivery of Dicer-substrate siRNA is in the final stages of completion.
To test the efficacy and the therapeutic potential of curcumin, a plant-based non-toxic polyphenol, against transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of urinary bladder. An orthotopically implanted bladder cancer model has already been established in our laboratory for the rat model. Future studies also include development of water-soluble preparations of curcumin for in vivo delivery.
Other Expertise
Familiar with various laboratory techniques including isolation hepatic cells, liposome preparation, fluorescence microscopy, gel electrophoresis, spectroscopy, Gas-Liquid-Chromatography, animal model systems and other routine laboratory techniques. Other areas include, grant writing and journal editing.
Industrial Relevance
Since the liposomal formulations of antisense oligonucleotides and siRNAs of interest have therapeutic potential, our studies are of relevance to the pharmaceutical industry.
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Biddanda C. Ponnappa, Ph.D.