Dr. Venkatesh Kolluru

 Led a team of researchers to identify pathways involved in prostate and breast cancer, resulting in RO1 grant ($2.5 million/year upto 5 years)  Developed and valiated miR-301a as a prognostic marker for prostate cancer, which is the leading cause of deaths among men in USA  Collaborated and coordinated multiple projects among research and hospital faculty and staff  Supervised undergraduate students and research technicians

Developed alternative therapeutic approaches for Leukemia (c-MYC driven tumors) by targeting DNA-methyl transferase (DNMTs)  Identified the role of DNMT3B and its isoforms in human T-ALL cell lines  Investigated the role of TGF-ß signaling in DNA methylation in human T-ALL cell lines  Managed and trained graduate students in molecular biology techniques

 Identified the dual role (as Oncogene and Tumor suppressor) of FUBP1 in Glioblastoma.  Collaborated and coordinated multiple projects among research and hospital faculty and staff  Published 2 research papers in top journals

Worked on two projects listed below: 1. Role of Notch signaling in keloid pathogenesis (Selected for young investigation award 2011 in wound repair and regeneration society at Texas, USA) 2. Effect of mTOR inhibitors (from AstraZeneca) drugs on Keloid 3. Effect of Xiaflex (Collagenase) drug on Dupuytren Disease

Abstract: • Collection of deep sea marine organisms with fluorescent characteristics. • Extracting the RNA & DNA from collected organisms, preparing cDNA libraries and looking for fluorescent proteins or small molecules. • Analysis of identified small molecules/fluorescent proteins for their size (Kbp), weight (Daltons) and mass spec. analysis.