Mentor: Rebecca Dodd, PhD

Research:

My work centers on Neurofibromatosis Type-1 (NF1)-associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs), a highly aggressive and metastatic form of sarcoma.

My research aims to develop immunocompetent preclinical models to better understand the tumor immune microenvironment and the mechanisms of metastasis in MPNSTs. By dissecting these complex interactions, I hope to contribute to the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies that can improve outcomes for patients facing these challenging tumors.

Former Positions:

Research Associate, Foundation for Neglected Disease Research (FNDR), Bangalore, India. July 2022 – May 2024 (1 year, 11 months)

Publications 

1. Bojja, S.L., Kolathur, K.K., Chaudhari, B.B., Hari, G., Byregowda, B.H., Meka, S.T.., & Austin, A. and Rao, C.M., 2024. Poweromin X Ten, a polyherbal formulation improves male sexual function: In vivo and network pharmacology study. F1000Research, 13, p.260. DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.145889.2
2. Meka, S. T., Bojja, S. L., Kumar, G., Birangal, S. R., & Rao, C. M. (2023). Novel HDAC inhibitors provide neuroprotection in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease model of rats. European Journal of Pharmacology, 176067. DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176067  
3. Varsa S, R. B., Pandey, N., Ghosh, A., Srivastava, A., Puram, P. K., Meka, S. T., ... & Sanphui, P. (2023). Mechanosynthesis of Stable Salt Hydrates of Allopurinol with Enhanced Dissolution, Diffusion, and Pharmacokinetics. ACS omega. DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05263
4. Begum, F., Manandhar, S., Kumar, G., Keni, R., Sankhe, R., Gurram, P. C., Beegum, F., Teja, M. S., Nandakumar, K., & Shenoy, R. R. (2023). Dehydrozingerone promotes healing of diabetic foot ulcers: a molecular insight. Journal of cell communication and signaling, 17(3), 673–688. DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00703-0