Jagadeesh Ramasamy, PhD
Director, Bioscience Research, Hematology/Oncology
Assistant Professor (Research), Division of Developmental Biology & Basic Research
Department of Pediatrics
Contact
Building & Room:
CSB-1215, M/C 856
Address:
840, S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois-60612
Office Phone:
Email:
Related Sites:
Research Interests Heading link
Dr. Jagadeesh’s lab discovered the presence of abnormally retained mitochondria in erythrocytes and their link to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hemolysis in SCD patients( Exp Hematol. 2017 Jun; 50: 46-52. 24. doi: 10.1016/j.exphem.2017.02.003. Epub 2017 Feb 24 PMID: 28238805). The lab focuses on developing nonopioid pain targets for sickle cell disease(SCD) and other conditions such as Endometriosis by in vitro and ex vivo culture models, mouse models, and patient recruitment by identifying upstream targets of acute and chronic pain signaling. The lab’s current study aims to identify biomarkers to predict which individuals are at risk for increased pain. This study will aid clinical trials to assess pharmacological interventions to manage both acute and chronic pain, reducing the need for opioid drugs to prevent pain and, in parallel, improve vascular and DRG neuronal health in SCD patients,
Clinical Interests Heading link
Frequent episodes of acute pain due to Vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) is a unique feature of SCD. Deoxygenated hemoglobin-S (HbS) polymerization is an initial triggering factor for sickling. However, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in SCD RBCs can activate oxidative reactions, including altering membrane lipids. Opioids are the current treatment of choice for pain management in SCD; however, continued use renders several adverse effects, including tolerance. Although hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and gene therapies are curative for SCD patients, many of them may continue to experience chronic pain. A positive outcome of our research will lead to the development of more specific inhibitors in the subsequent phases of the clinical research. Dr. Jagadeesh’s lab focuses on developing nonopioid pain targets for SCD and other pain conditions using in vitro and ex vivo culture models, SCD mouse models, and SCD patient recruitment to identify molecular targets.
Lab Personnel: Dr. Prasanth Kumar Punathil Kannan, PhD