Soundarapandian Vijayakumar, Ph.D.
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Contact
University of Rochester
School of Medicine and Dentistry
601 Elmwood Ave, Box 777
Rochester, New York 14642
My research focuses on the role of a multifunctional, multidomain extracellular matrix protein called hensin in epithelial differentiation. Hensin and its orthologs such as DMBT1 and Gp-340 have been implicated in tumor suppression and innate immune defense. I have established the role of hensin in epithelial differentiation using kidney intercalated cell line. In collaboration with Dr. Schwartz, I have investigated the role of hensin and galectin-3 in metabolic acidosis of the kidney. Recently, I have identified the role of integrin signaling in hensin mediated epithelial differentiation. My current studies on hensin indicate a possible role for PI3 Kinase/ S6 Kinase, Forkhead transcription factor signaling in hensin mediated epithelial differentiation. Future research areas of the lab will include:
(1) Investigation of structural determinants of hensin function.
(2) Role of PI3 Kinase and Forkhead transcription factors in kidney development.
Additionally, my lab will investigate the role of galectin-3 and extracellular matrix proteins such as laminins in the cystogenesis of Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney disease. We are currently utilizing PCK rat and orpk mouse model systems in this investigation.
Current Appointments
- Research Assistant Professor - Department of Pediatrics (SMD)
| Education | ||
|---|---|---|
| PhD Biology | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | 1993 |
| MS Biology | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | 1992 |
| MSc Physics | Vivekananda College, University of Madras | 1985 |
| BSc Physics | Vivekananda College, University of Madras | 1983 |
| Post-Doctoral Training & Residency | |
|---|---|
| College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, Associate Research Scientist. | 1996 - 2007 |
| UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX. Postdoctoral Research Scientist | 1993 - 1995 |
| Fellowship Awards | |
|---|---|
| College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, Postdoctoral Fellow. | 1995 - 1996 |
| Junior Research Fellowships from the Department of Science and Technology, India & University Grants Commission India. | 1986 - 1989 |
| Recent Journal Articles |
|---|
| Showing the 5 most recent journal articles. (23 available) |
| Peng H, Vijayakumar S, Schiene-Fischer C, Li H, J.M. Purkerson JM, M. Malesevic, J. Liebscher, Q. Al-Awqati and G.J. Schwartz. "Secreted Cyclophilin A, A peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase mediates matrix assembly of hensin, a protein implicated in epithelial differentiation." J Biol Chem. 10 (2009): 6465-6475. |
| S. Vijayakumar, H. Erdjument-Bromage, P. Tempst, Q. Al-Awqati. "Role of Integrins in Hensin Assembly and Function in Cultured Intercalated Cells". J. Am. Soc. Neph 19 (2008): 1079–1091. |
| Q. Al-Awqati, S. Vijayakumar, J. Takito. "Terminal differentiation of epithelia". Biol Chem 384 (2006): 1255-1258. |
| Schwaderer AL; Vijayakumar S; Al-Awqati Q; Schwartz GJ. ""Galectin-3 expression is induced in renal beta-intercalated cells during metabolic acidosis."". American journal of physiology. Renal physiology. 290 (1) (2006): F148-58. |
| Vijayakumar S; Takito J; Gao X; Schwartz GJ; Al-Awqati Q. "Differentiation of columnar epithelia: the hensin pathway." Journal of cell science. 2006; 119(Pt 23):4797-801. |
