Cancer Science & Therapy

Rajendra Sharma

Rajendra Sharma, PhD
Associate Professor, Molecular Biology and Immunology
University of North Texas, USA

Biography

Rajendra Sharma was a Research fellow, Rajasthan University, Jaipur, India (1975-1979). Synthesized 3,4:6,7-dibenzomorphans, the compounds related to 6,7- benzomorphans (potent analgesics). Evaluated pharmacological efficacy of substituted 3,4:6,7-dibenzomorphans Research Associate, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (1980-1981) Investigated the energetics of radiation induced DNA damage and its repair mechanisms in normal and cancer cells. Identified relationship between DNA repair and the rate of cellular energy supply. Post-doctoral fellow (1989-1991) Purified and characterized a novel membrane transport protein DNP-SG ATPase from human erythrocytes. Established involvement of DNP-SG ATPase in the transport of glutathione conjugates of electrophilic compounds in humantissues. Showed the expression of DNP-SG ATPase in different human tissues. Purified and characterized glutathione S-transferases from mammalian tissues. Suptdg. Chemist at KDMIPE, Dehradun, India ( April 1991- March 2000)Analyzed pollutants from the surrounding areas of oilfields of Indian sedimentary basins.Investigated the toxic impact of petroleum hydrocarbons on human tissues.Visiting Scientist at UTMB, Galveston, TX (April 2000-Sept. 2003) Stably transfected cultured cells (HLE B-3) with human glutathione S-transferase A4 gene and demonstrated role of 4-hydroxynonenal in cell cycle and apoptotic signaling.Purified and characterized recombinant human RLIP76 a non-ABC transport protein and demonstrated a major role of RLIP76 in the ATP-dependent transport of glutathione-conjugates and chemotherapeutic agents in human erythrocytes and cultured cells.Suptdg, Chemist at KDMIPE, Dehradun, India (Oct 2003- Aug.2005): Team leader- Project entitled “DNA finger printing technique in oil exploration”.

Research Interest

1. To investigate the detoxification mechanisms of xeno- and endo-biotics by glutathione linked phase II enzymes particularly GSTs as well as their role in protection against oxidative stress.2. Role of 4-HNE in cellular signaling related to apoptosis, cell proliferation and transformation and modulation of its intracellular concentration by coordinated action of GSTs and RLIP76.3. Chemoprevention of Cancer by natural products: These studies are focused on the role of lipid peroxidation in the mechanisms of cancer prevention and cell killing by sulforaphane, curcumin and Withaferin A.