Dr. Sugapriya. D

Mobile No: 00966-532094216

E-mail: sughaphd@gmail.com

1.Designation:Assistant Professor

2.Address:Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences

(Haematology/Microbiology),

College of Applied Medical Sciences,

Salmon Bin Abdulaziz University,

Wadi Ad Dawasir, Riyadh,

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

3.Phone Number’s:00966-532094216

4.E-mail :

5. Date of Birth:03.09.1977

5.Education (Highest Degree):

Degree: Ph. D. (2008)

University: University of Madras, India

Specialization: Cancer Biology

Thesis Title : Biochemical, cellular and molecular studies on the pharmacological effects of Semecarpus anacardium Linn on Bcr-Abl+ experimental leukemic model with special reference to apoptosis.

Education Qualification:

Apr 2004 - Aug 2008Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Microbiology with Pathology from University of Madras, TN, India.

Jun 2001- Aug 2002 Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Microbiology from PRC affiliated to Bharathidasan University, TN, India, Percentage of marks 75.9 and year of passing 2002.

Jun 1998- Apr 2000 Master of Microbiology (M.Sc) from V.H.N.S.N College affiliated to Madurai Kamarajar University, TN, India, Percentage of marks 68.9 and year of passing 2000.

Jun 1995- Apr 1998 Bachelor of Microbiology (B.Sc) from Muthayammal College affiliated to University of Madras, TN, India, Percentage of marks 68.9 and year of passing 1998.

Career Summary:

  • Presently working as anAssistant Professor in Salmon Bin Abdulaziz University, Department of Medical Lab Sciences (Haematology), College of Applied Medical Sciences, Wadi Ad Dawasir, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Employed as a Women Scientist by Department of Science and Technology, India at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai.
  • Recentlyworked on stem cell differentiation as a Women Scientist (Postdoc) in Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai from Feb 2010. This work is awarded for travel grant of USD$ 1250 and registration fee in 10th Annual meeting of International Stem cell Society for Research (ISSCR) at Yokohama, Japan.
  • Employed as a Research Scholar (worked on anti-leukemic effect experimental animal)in Dr. A.L.M. Post-Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences,University of Madras, Chennai.
  • Worked as a Lecturer in P-G department of Biotechnology, KRMMC, Chennai.
  • Worked as a Lecturerin the P-G Dept. of Microbiology,Valliammal college, Chennai
  • Worked as a Lecturer in U-G department of Microbiology, Bharathi College, Kallakurichi.

Awards/Honors

  • ISSCR Travel Grand Awarded by ISSCR Committee (USD $1250 and $600 for Registration Fee).
  • Conference Travel grant awarded by Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, India).
  • Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Travel grant awarded by INSA Academy Govt. of India, India.
  • CICS Award by CICS Oraganisation by Govt. of India, India.
  • Paper Presentation has been selected and wins the Third prize in ICSCC-2010 conference.
  • Selected in Women scientist (WOS-A) (Post doctorate) DST scheme from Feb-2010 to Feb-2013.
  • Selected as University Research Fellow from April 2006-April 2008.
  • Selected as Project Associate from April 2004 to March 2006.
  • D.Sugapriya, P.Sachdanandam and P.Shanthi. Effect of Poly (Leucine – Glutamic acid) on oxidative stress related toxicity in human lymphocytes. Abstract book , P.123, International Conference on antioxidants and free radicals in Health- Nutrition & radio-protectors” and V International Conference of the society for free radical Research in India(SFRR), 16th-18th January, 2006. (Selected for Participate in Young Scientist Award).
  • Gold Medal in my M.SC., degree with Rs. 3000/- Cash award in 2000.

Journal Editorship/ Editorial Members

  • Editorial Team Member ofInternational Journal of Immunotherapy and Cancer Research.

Research Projects:

S.No / Title / Sponsoring Agency / Value / Status
1. / Targeting Therapeutic Nanoparticles coated Recombinant Vasostatin as a Propective Strategy to combat cancer by Modulating Vasculature. / Kingdom of Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology (KACST) – Saudi Arabia. March 2015 / 5.05L SAR / Commences in September 2015
2. / Induction of functional hepatocytes-like cells from mouse mesenchymal stem cells by FOXA-2 for liver development. / Department of Biotechnology (DBT) – India. / 23 L INR / Completed

ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND TEACHING APPOINTMENTS:

Institute/College
/
Designation
/
Role
/
Duration
Department of Medical Lab Sciences (Haematology), College of Applied Medical Sciences, Salmon Bin Abdulaziz University, Wadi Ad Dawasir, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. / Assistant Professor / Course coordinator: Clinical Haematology I, Clinical Haematology II, Clinical Microbiological Practice and Immunology / Sep 2014 – Till Date
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai / Women Scientist * / Research in Stem Cell Biology / Feb 2010 – Feb 2013
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai / Post Doctoral Fellow / Research in Cancer Cell Biology / Aug 2008 – Jan 2009
University of Madras / Research Scholar / Research in Leukemia (Cancer Biology – in in vitro and in vivo model) / Aug 2008 – Jan 2009
KRMMC (Affiliated with University of Madras) / Lecturer in P-G Dept of Biotechnology / Course coordinator: Molecular Biology, Animal biotechnology, General microbiology, practical for molecular biology and practical for animal biotechnology. / Jun 2003 – April 2004
Valliammal College (Affiliated with University of Madras) / Lecturer in P-G Dept of Biotechnology / Course coordinator: Medical microbiology, Bacteriology and practical for Bacteriology / Sep 2002 – Mar 2003
Bharathi College (Affiliated with University of Madras) / Lecturer in U-G Dept of Biotechnology / Course coordination: Medical microbiology, Molecular biology, Immunology and practical for molecular biology and immunology. / Aug 2000 – Mar 2001

* This work is awarded for travel grant of USD$ 1250 and registration fee (USD$ 600) in 10th International Stem cell Society for Research (ISSCR) at Yokohama, Japan.

INTERNATIONAL REFEREED JOURNALS (STARTING FROM RECENT)

1.Sugapriya Dhanasekaran, Devilakshmi Sithambaram, Kavitha Govarthananan, Bijesh Biswal and Rama Verma.An Efficient Protocol for Deriving Liver Stem Cells from Neonatal Mice: Validating Its Differentiation Potential. Analytical and Cellular Pathology (In Press).

2.Shanthi Palanivelu, Sugapriya Dhanasekaran, Haseena Banu Hedayathullah Khan, Sachdanandam Panchanadham. Antileukemic effect of Kalpaamruthaa, a modified Siddha preparation, in BCR–ABL+ cell line induced chronic myeloid leukemic mouse model. Comparative Clinical Pathology 23: 653-664, 2014.

  1. Sugapriya D, Bijesh K.Biswal, Venil.N.Sumantran and Rama S Verma. Augmented Sensitivity to Methotrexate by Curcumin induced overexpression of Folate Receptor in KG-1 Cells. Biochimie 95: 1567-1573, 2013.

4.Sugapriya Dhanasekaran, Ravindran Jaganathan, Sachdanandam Panchanadham and Shanthi Palanivelu. Induction of Mitochondrial Mediated Apoptosis by Semecarpus anacardium in the BCR-ABL+ 12B1 Leukemia cell line – a possible mechanism of therapeutic action in vivo. Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine ; 4(1):30-38 2012.

5.D.Sugapriya, S.Preethi, P.Shanthi, N.Chandra, G.Jeyaraman, P.Sachdanandam, S.Thilagavathy, S.Venkatadesilalu. BCR-ABL translocation in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Southern India. Indian Journal of Hematology and Blood Transfusion. Volume 28: 1,37-41 2012.

6.M. Himabindu, D. Sugapriya Muthamilselvan, Dillip Kumar Bishi and Rama S. Verma Molecular Analysis of Coagulase Gene Polymorphism in Clinical Isolates of Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Based Genotyping. American Journal of Infectious Diseases 5 (2): 170-176, 2009.

7.Sugapriya Dhanasekaran, Shanthi Palanivelu and Sachdanandam Panchanadham. Restorative effect of energy metabolism in leukemic mice treated by a Siddha drug - Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract. Chemico Biological Interaction 173: 1,9, 43-58, 2008.

8.Balamurugan.S, Sugapriya.D, Shanthi.P, Thilaka, Venkatadesikalu.S, Pushpa.V, and Madhavan.M. Multidrug resistance 1 (mdr1) gene expression and Agnors in childhood acute leukemias. Indian Journal of Hematology and Blood Transfusion. 23: 3-4, 73-78, 2007.

Book Published

1.Rama S Verma, Abhilash, Sugapriya M.D and Chithra R. Animal Biotechnology: Applications and Potential Risks. In: Biotechnology in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals. First editon. Ed Debasis Bagchi, Francis C. Lau, Dilip K. Ghosh. CRC Press, Taylor &. Francis Group, (Boca Raton London NewYork) pp 219-250.

Paper Communicated

1.Sugapriya D, Devilakhsmi S and Rama S Verma. Induction of functional hepatocytes-like cells from mouse mesenchymal stem cells by FOXA-2 for liver development. (Journal of Hepatology)

Poster / Oral Presentation(S) In Conference

1.Sugapriya D, P.Shanthi and P. Sachdanandam.Emerging insights into antioxidant-directed therapy by Semecarpus anacardium nut extract (SA) in BCR-ABL+cell line induced chronic myeloid leukemic mouse model. 34th Annual Conference of Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists will be held at Dr. ALM. PGIBMS, University of Madras, Tharamani Campus, Chennai - 600 113. Oral presentation wins the First prize.

2.Sugapriya D and Rama S Verma. Induction of functional hepatocytes-like cells from mouse mesenchymal stem cells by FOXA-2 for liver development. International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), 10th Annual Meeting on June 13-16, 2012 held at Pacifico Yokohama, Japan. Presentation wins Travel Grand Award USD $1250 and Registration Fee (USD $600). (Dept. of Science and Technology selected for travel grant).

3.Sugapriya D, Prassana V, Rajalakshmi S, Rama S Verma. Increased levels of folate receptor in KG-1 cells by curcumin augmented sensitivity to methotrexate. 3rd International Conference on Molecular Medicine on February 20-23, 2012 held at VIT, Vellore.

4.Sugapriya DM, Sreejit P and Rama S Verma. Development of a simplified protocol for isolating liver derived hepatocyte stem cell from neonatal mice at International conference on Stem Cells and Cancer (ICSCC-2010): Proliferation, Differentiation and Apoptosis on December 11-14, 2010 held at International Institute of Information Technology, Pune. Poster presentation wins the Third prize

5.Sugapriya D Muthamilselvan, P.Shanthi and P. Sachdanandam Mechanism of induction of apoptosis in 12B1 leukemic cells by Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract at International Conference on Molecular Medicine on 18th – 20th January 2009, held at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai.

6.P.Shanthi, Sugapriya D Muthamilselvan and P. Sachdanandam Recuperative efficacy of Kalpaamruthaa (KA), a Siddha preparation on altered antioxidant status in experimental leukemia at International Conference on Molecular Medicine on 18th – 20th January 2009, held at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai.

7.M. Himabindu, D. Sugapriya Muthamilselvan, Dillip Kumar Bishi and Rama S. Verma Molecular Analysis of Coagulase Gene Polymorphism in Clinical Isolates of Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Based Genotyping at International Conference on Molecular Medicine on 18th – 20th January 2009, held at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai.

8.Rama S Verma, Bijesh K. Biswal. Abhilasha, Chithra R and Sugapriya D. M. (2009) Innovation and Challenges in Biotechnology (ICICB-08) ISBN: 978-93-80043-16-6

9.P.Shanthi, D.Sugapriya, S.Preethi, N.Chandra, G.Jeyaraman, P.Sachdanandam S.Thilagavathy, S.Venkatadesilalu BCR-ABL translocation in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. “APCON-2007” Annual IAPM Conference PGIMER, Chandigarh, November 26th-29th, 2007. Indian J Pathol Microbiol Vol 50, Suppl. 2007 p 44.

10.D.Sugapriya, P.Sachdanandam and P.Shanthi. Therapeutic Efficacy of semecarpus anacardium Linn. Nut Milk Extract on Carbohydrate Metabolizing Enzymes in Chronic Myeloid Leukemic mice. Abstract book , P.12, ASPUM International Symposium on Science in New Millennium, 12th – 13th June, 2006.

11.D.Sugapriya, P.Sachdanandam and P.Shanthi. Emerging role of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut extract on inhibitory effect of oxidative damage induced by Fe2+, Cu2+ and H2O2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. P.13, International Conference on Ethnopharmacology and Alternative Medicine V annual Conference of the National society of Ethnopharmacology 20th-22nd January, 2006.

12.D.Sugapriya, P.Sachdanandam and P.Shanthi. Effect of Poly (Leucine – Glutamic acid) on oxidative stress related toxicity in human lymphocytes. Abstract book , P.123, International Conference on antioxidants and free radicals in Health- Nutrition & radio-protectors” and V International Conference of the society for free radical Research in India(SFRR), 16th-18th January, 2006. (Participate in Young Scientist Award)

13.D.Sugapriya, P.Sachdanandam and P.Shanthi. Effect of Gallium Nitrate on Tamoxifen treated breast cancer related hypercalcemia with reference to calcium and magnesium in rats. Abstract book , P.129, International Conference on antioxidants and free radicals in Health- Nutrition & radio-protectors” and IV annual Conference of the society for free radical Research in India(SFRR), 10th-12th January, 2005.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Project # 1

IIT Madras, Chennai, India Feb 2010 – Feb 2013

Project: Induction of Functional Hepatocyte-Like Cells from Mouse Mesenchymal Stem Cells by FOXA-2 for Liver Development

Short Abstract: Induced hepatocyte-like cells have multiple hepatocyte-specific features and aids in reconstituting damaged hepatic tissues after transplantation. To differentiate mouse mesenchymal stem cells into functional hepatic cells using FOXA-2 a master regulator of liver-specific gene expression for liver development. In this study, we examined the role of FOXA-2 in hepatic differentiation from mouse MSCs, which were efficiently generated by transfection and then the expression of hepatic markers of the hepatocyte-like cells were assessed. Outcome: We have developed a robust and efficient method to differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into hepatic like cells, which exhibits characteristics of mouse hepatocytes. Our approach would facilitate the development of hepatocytes for liver engineering and regenerative medicine.

Responsibilities:

-Isolation, Culture, Expansion and Characterization of MSCs from mouse bone marrow.

-Cloning, Transfection, G418 Selection, in vitro Hepatogenic Differentiation.

-Hepatic Markers expression confirmed by Cytological, Molecular and Biochemical analysis.

Experimental platform:

Stem Cell, Cloning of gene interest, Immunocytochemistry, Multilineage differentiation, RNA isolation, Real-Time PCR, Western Blot, PAS (Glycogen storage), Biochemical analysis.

Project # 2

IIT Madras, Chennai, India Feb 2010 – Feb 2013

Project : Development of a Simplified Protocol for Isolation and Characterization of Liver-Derived Stem Cell (LDSCs) from Neonatal Mice

Short Abstract: The ability to isolate and expand liver-derived stem cells (LdSCs) is an important step in the development of tissue engineering approaches for liver repair or regeneration for the treatment of liver damage, as well as for their application in plastic or reconstructive surgery. Here, we describe step-by-step procedures on the basis of frequent medium change in primary culture and diminishing the trypsinization time. In this protocol, we have shortened the enzyme digestion period and LdSCs enrichment step. Outcome: The present study describes an improved method for rapid isolation of LDSCs from neonatal mice, as well as the maintenance and propagation of such cultures for the long term. After isolation and culture, these cells behave similarly to those in vivo, including their ability to proliferate, providing an ideal system for the study of hepatic stem cell proliferation and multilineage differentiation. The successful isolation and cultivation of LdSCs will allow to study their unique biological properties which have almost unlimited proliferation capabilities while retaining the potential to differentiate in vitro into various progenitor used for therapeutic approaches.

Responsibilities:

-Isolation, Culture and Expansionof LDSCs from neonatal mouse.

-Characterization of LDSCs by immunophenotyping and Immunocytochemistry

-Further Characterized by Multilineage Differentiation and Molecular analysis.

Experimental platform:

Liver derived stem cell, Immunophenotyping, Immunocytochemistry, Multilineag differentiation, RNA isolation, RT- PCR.

Project # 3

IIT Madras, Chennai, India Aug 2008 – Jan 2009

Project: Augmented Sensitivity to Methotrexate by Curcumin induced overexpression of Folate Receptor in KG-1 Cells

Short Abstract: Folate receptors are targets of various strategies aimed at efficient delivery of anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, it is important to identify agents which increase expression of folate receptors in cancer cells. The present study aimed to investigate the role of curcumin in augmenting expression of folate receptors in leukemic tumor cells. Outcome: Our results strongly suggest that curcumin’s ability to enhance the cytotoxicity of methotreate in KG-1 leukemic cells, occurs via up-regulation of expression of folate receptor β protein and enhancement of methotreate transport. We hypothesize that administering optimal concentration of curcumin in combination with low-dose of methotreate, could be a promising strategy for treatment of leukemia. This strategy would potentially reduce the genotoxic effects associated with methotreate treatment

Responsibilities:

-Revival and Maintenance of KG-1 cells.

-Standardization of curcumin treatment along with and without methotreate.

-Analysis of folate receptor expression

Experimental platform:

Cancer cell line,Immunocytochemistry, Real-Time PCR, Western blot, Transport mechanism by liquid santillation Counter.

Project # 4

University of Madras, Chennai, India April 2004 – April 2008

Ph.D. Thesis

Topic: Biochemical, cellular and molecular studies on the pharmacological effects of Semecarpus anacardium Linn on Bcr-Abl+ experimental leukemic model with special reference to apoptosis.

Summary of the Thesis:

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a malignant clonal disorder of haematopoietic stem cells leading to massive expansion of myeloid lineage cells at all stages of maturation and development. CML is associated with a specific chromosomal translocation known as the “Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome” t (9; 22) (q34; q11), which is a BCR-ABL translocation; this translocation encodes for the BCR-ABL fusion protein, which is a constitutively active tyrosine kinase. A Tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Imatinib (Gleevac) which specifically inhibits BCR-ABL is being used in the chronic phase and in blast crisis. However, imatinib also has side effects. Moreover, the innumerable reports in literature of patients developing resistance to imatinib are of great concern. Thus the search for newer, more effective antileukemic drugs with fewer side effects continues.

Semecarpus anacardium Linn.nut milk extract (SA) has already been shown to have anticancer activity in experimental breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Using the 12B1 BCR-ABL+ murine cell line (in vitro) and a murine model (in vivo) of BCR-ABL+ leukemia, we have evaluated SA for its antileukemic potential, its possible mode of action via the apoptotic pathway and restorative efficacy on the biochemical and apoptotic changes observed in the disease condition.

The study included assessment of altered marker and lysosomal enzymes, antioxidant and non antioxidant levels at serum, liver and spleen level, altered in energy metabolism, apoptotic bodies (TEM) study, macromolecular damages like single strand DNA breaks and DNA-protein cross links (in vivo). Drug induced apoptosis was studied in vitro by using 12B1 leukemic cell line. Propidium iodide, DNA fragmentation, and protein and mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Cytochrome c, p53, caspase-3 and 9 by western blot and RT- PCR and the mRNA expression of BCR-ABL was studied by RT-PCR to confirm that the SA induced apoptosis through mitochondrial mediated pathway and also inhibit the BCR-ABL mRNA. Our study concludes the chemotherapeutic action of SA and suggested it as a major therapeutic value against leukemia.

Responsibilities:

-Antioxidant and antimutagenic property of Semecarpus anacardium in cell free system.

-Effects of Semecarpus anacardium on the biochemical and cellular functions (Serum/Plasma, Spleen and Liver) in leukemic experimental animals.

-Mitochondrial alteration and energy metabolism of Semecarpus anacardium in leukemic experimental animals.

-Analysis of in vitro apoptosis (12B1 cell line) by Semecarpus anacardium

Experimental platform:

Induction of leukemia in experimental animal, Biochemical enzymatic analysis, TEM analysis, Histopathology, RT-PCR, apoptosis analysis, Western blot.

Project # 5

PR College, Bharathidasan University

CLRI, Chennai Jan 2002 – Aug 2002

M.Phil Project: Perturbation and Dysfunction of Intracellular Ca2+ Homeostasis in Mitochondria by Novel Amyloid Forming Model Peptide Poly (Leucine-Glutamic Acid)