Ravi K. K. Sajja

Research Scientist at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

With a strong background in pharmacology and toxicology, my research experience covers a breadth of non-clinical discovery and clinical studies to identify/validate functional biomarkers and molecular/epigenetic targets using cutting edge molecular/biochemical techniques and validated cellular and animal models in therapeutic areas of metabolic and vascular disorders. In addition, I have also investigated the molecular mechanisms of drug-induced mitochondrial toxicity and bioenergetics dysfuction using a range of approaches including toxicogenomics and systems toxicology. My recent studies also explored and investigated the role of drug transporters in pharmacology and toxicological responses. A major goal of my research is to identify and understand target biology in drug responses (efficacy and toxicity) and discover/characterize potential disease and safety biomarkers in preclinial and clinical studies. Additionally, I have gained experience in development/characterization of microfluidic cellular models of NVU )organ-on-chips) and utilize such physiologically relevant platforms to understand disease pathophysiology and conduct mechanistic pharmacology/investigative toxicology studies. Being trained in behavioral neuroscience during my graduate research, I have also significant expertise in development of various animal models towards understanding the neurobiology of disease. Areas of expertise: In vitro models; Microfluidic (Lab-on-Chip) platforms; Blood-Brain Barrier; Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience; Molecular/Mechanistic toxicology; In vitro DMPK; Behavioral pharmacology; Preclincial Drug Discovery/Development; Biomarkers; Bioanalytical methods; Target biology; Signaling Mechanisms, Transcriptomics; Oxidative/Inflammatory Stress; Neuroimmunology; Inflammation; In vivo imaging;